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Westpac Banking

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FY2014 Annual Report · Westpac Banking
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2014
A
year
of
delivery.

Annual Report

And
we’re 
just
getting 
 started.

This 
is  
what 
we’ve
 delivered.

Annual Review & 
Sustainability Report
2014

2014
A
year 
of 
delivery.

Annual Report

The Westpac Group Annual Report and the Westpac Group Annual Review 
and Sustainability Report  represent Westpac’s extended reporting framework. 

This report to shareholders, which will be lodged with the Australian Securities Exchange 
and the Australian Securities and Investments Commission, is also available on our website 
www.westpac.com.au/investorcentre

For more information about Westpac refer to Section 1 and the inside back cover, or visit 
www.westpac.com.au/investorcentre

Westpac Banking Corporation ABN 33 007 457 141

Photo by Weeli Goh

Table of contents 

Annual Report 
Performance highlights 
Section 1 
Chairman’s report 
Chief Executive Officer’s report 
Information on Westpac 

Business strategy 

  Westpac’s approach to sustainability 
Five year non-financial summary 
Outlook 
Significant developments 

Corporate governance 
Directors’ report 
Remuneration report 
Section 2 
Five year summary 
Reading this report 
Review of Group operations 

Income statement review 
Balance sheet review 
Capital resources 
Divisional performance 

Australian Financial Services  
  Westpac Retail & Business Banking 

St.George Banking Group 
BT Financial Group (Australia) 

  Westpac Institutional Bank 
  Westpac New Zealand 

Other divisions 

Risk and risk management 

Risk factors 
Risk management 
Credit risk 
Liquidity risk 
Market risk 
Operational and compliance risk 
Other risks 

Other Westpac business information 
Section 3 
Financial statements 
Notes to the financial statements 
Statutory statements 
Section 4 
Shareholding information 
Additional information 
Information for shareholders 
Glossary of abbreviations and defined terms 
Contact us 

In this Annual Report a reference to ‘Westpac’, ‘Group’, 
‘Westpac Group’, ‘we’, ‘us’ and ‘our’ is to Westpac Banking 
Corporation ABN 33 007 457 141 and its subsidiaries unless it 
clearly means just Westpac Banking Corporation. 

For certain information about the basis of preparing the financial 
information in this Annual Report see ‘Reading this report’ in 
Section 2. In addition, this Annual Report contains statements that 
constitute ‘forward-looking statements’ within the meaning of 
section 21E of the US Securities Exchange Act of 1934. For an 
explanation of forward-looking statements and the risks, 
uncertainties and assumptions to which they are subject, see 
‘Reading this report’ in Section 2. 

Information contained in or accessible through the websites 
mentioned in this Annual Report does not form part of this report 
unless we specifically state that it is incorporated by reference and 
forms part of this report. All references in this report to websites are 
inactive textual references and are for information only. 

2 
3 
4 
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Inside back cover 

2014 Westpac Group Annual Report 

1 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Performance highlights  

Net profit after tax $7,561 million, up 12% 

Dividends $1.82, up 5%2 

Net profit after tax1 ($m) 

Dividends per ordinary share (cents)      Special dividends 

8,000
7,000
6,000
5,000
4,000
3,000
2,000
1,000
–

1
6
5
,
7

1
9
9
,
6

6
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6
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8
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6
,
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05

06

07

08

09

10

11

12

13

14

200
180
160
140
120
100
80
60
40
20
–

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11

12

13

14

Cash earnings $7,628 million, up 8% 

Return on equity 16.4% 

Cash earnings3,4,5 ($m) 

Cash earnings to average ordinary equity3,4,5 (%) 

9,000
8,000
7,000
6,000
5,000
4,000
3,000
2,000
1,000
–

4
0
8
,
2

05

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05

06

07

08

09

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12

13

14

Cash earnings per ordinary share up 8% 

Cash earnings per ordinary share3,4,5 (cents) 

300

250

200

150

100

50

–

2

.

7
6
1

5

.

1
5
1

4

.

9
8
1

3

.

8
9
1

7

.

3
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.

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.

4
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14

1  Net profit attributable to ordinary equity holders. 
2  Excluding special dividends. 
3  The adjustments to our reported results to derive cash earnings are 

described in Note 33 of our 2014 financial statements. 

4  Figures for 2009 (and for cash earnings in 2008 only), are presented 
on a ‘pro forma’ basis, that is, as if the merger between Westpac and 
St.George Bank Limited was completed on 1 October 2007. The 
basis of presentation of the pro forma results is explained in more 
detail in Section 2.1 of Westpac’s Full Year 2009 Results 
(incorporating the requirements of Appendix 4E) lodged with the ASX 
on 4 November 2009 and that section of the ASX Announcement is 
incorporated by reference into this Annual Report. 

Reported earnings
Net profit after tax1 ($m)
Earnings per share (cents)
Dividends per share (cents)
Special dividend per share (cents)
Return on equity6 (%)
Expense to income ratio (%)
Common Equity tier 1 capital ratio (%)
Asset quality ratio7 (%)
Cash basis3,5
Cash earnings ($m)
Cash earnings per share (cents)
Cash return on equity6 (%)
Economic profit8 ($m)

2014

2013

% change
2014 / 2013

7,561
243.7
182
-

16.3
42.9
9.0

2.5

7,628
245.4

16.4
4,491

6,751
218.3
174
20

15.2
42.9
9.1

4.1

7,063
227.8

15.9
4,068

12
12
5
-

105bps
(2bps)
(20bps)

160bps

8
8

48bps
10

5  Cash earnings for 2009 has been restated to exclude the impact of 
fair value adjustments related to the St.George merger. For further 
information refer to Note 32 to the financial statements in Westpac’s 
Annual Report 2010. 

6  Return on average ordinary equity. 
7  Net impaired assets to equity and collectively assessed provisions. 
8  Economic profit represents the excess of adjusted cash earnings 

over a minimum required rate of return on equity invested. For this 
purpose, adjusted cash earnings is defined as cash earnings plus the 
estimated value of franking credits paid to shareholders. The 
calculation of economic profit is described in more detail in Section 9 
of Westpac’s Full Year 2014 Results (incorporating the requirements 
of Appendix 4E) lodged with the ASX on 3 November 2014 (the 
‘ASX Announcement’). 

2 

2014 Westpac Group Annual Report 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
01 

Performance highlights 

Chairman’s report 

Chief Executive Officer’s report 

Information on Westpac 

Corporate governance 

Directors’ report 

Remuneration report

 
 
 
 
 
Chairman’s report  

Lindsay Maxsted 
Chairman 

Remaining well positioned 
Westpac has continued to reward shareholders while ensuring the Group remains well positioned for the future. 

It has been another year of significant change for the 
financial services sector and against this backdrop the 
Westpac Group has again delivered a strong performance. 

For shareholders, we lifted our return on equity, improved 
our growth profile and further strengthened our businesses. 
This in turn has enabled the Board to maintain our 
consistent dividend profile, lifting ordinary dividends by at 
least 2 cents per share every half for the past five years. 

As always, a key focus for the Board is to look forward and 
ensure the Group is well prepared for both emerging 
opportunities and challenges. With the rapid evolution of 
digital technologies, changing customer preferences and 
significant regulatory change, there has been much to 
consider. 

Westpac has been actively addressing these developments. 
We have a strong management team and a clear strategy, 
and as a consequence the Board remains confident about 
our ability to respond and adapt to the environment, manage 
regulatory change and to innovate for customers. The Board 
is pleased with our progress in significantly improving the 
customer experience across the Group, and expects this 
progress to continue. 

Strong financial result 
In 2014 Westpac generated cash earnings of 
$7,628 million1, an increase of 8% over the previous year. 
We believe that cash earnings is the most appropriate 
measure for assessing our financial performance and is the 
key profit measure used by the Board to determine 
dividends. In 2014, reported statutory net profit increased 
12% to $7,561 million. 

A solid operating performance across all divisions 
contributed to a 5% rise in revenue, and a 5% lift in core 
earnings (net operating income less operating expenses). 
Asset quality has also continued to improve, which in turn 
led to lower impairment charges this year and to the 8% lift 
in cash earnings. 

The Group’s key financial metrics also remain very healthy, 
with the cash return on equity increasing to 16.4% and the 
expense to income ratio remaining sector leading at 41.6%. 

A hallmark of Westpac over recent years has been the 
strength of our balance sheet. This strength was maintained 
over the year with very strong asset quality, capital levels at 
the upper end of the sector and a strong funding position.  

The improvement in asset quality was reflected across the 
portfolio, with a reduction in the proportion of business loans 
that are impaired or undergoing stress and lower levels of 
consumer delinquencies across mortgages and other 
consumer lending. The proportion of stressed assets to total 
committed exposures is a good indicator of this progress, 
with the ratio falling from 1.6% to 1.2%. 

Capital was well managed with our common equity 
tier 1 ratio at a strong 9.0% at 30 September 2014, just 
13 basis points lower than a year earlier. Through the year 
we used this capital strength to acquire an $8 billion portfolio 
from Lloyds Australia (mostly equipment finance and motor 
vehicle lending), we improved our growth profile, particularly 
in the important areas of housing lending and infrastructure 
and we returned over $5.8 billion in dividends to 
shareholders.  

Importantly, Westpac’s capital ratios remain strong and at 
the upper end of banks globally. 

1   Results refer to cash earnings unless otherwise stated. For an 
explanation of cash earnings see footnote 3 of ‘Performance 
highlights’ section of this Annual Report. 

4 

2014 Westpac Group Annual Report 

 
 
 
 
The changing operating environment 
As you read this Report you will see we refer to many of the 
material changes that are occurring across the markets in 
which we operate. This includes the rapid digitisation of 
banking, the rise of Asia, changing demographics and 
regulatory change. We are actively responding and many of 
our plans, and our progress, are outlined within this Report.  

Changes to the Board  
We have continued our process of Board renewal with 
Alison Deans being appointed during the year. Alison’s 
experience in managing e-commerce and technology 
businesses adds a valuable skill set to your Board, 
particularly given the changes in our operating environment 
I mentioned earlier.  

Chairman’s report  

Early in the year the Federal Government established a 
Financial System Inquiry (FSI) to recommend a blueprint for 
the financial system over the next decade. This is an 
important development, because a healthy, competitive and 
strong financial services industry is central to Australia’s 
continuing growth and prosperity. 

At the time of writing, the final report of the FSI had not been 
released. We have been supportive of the FSI’s aims, noting 
that the financial services industry is open, competitive and 
dynamic, with strongly capitalised and well supervised 
banks. We look forward to responding to the final report to 
ensure that its recommendations achieve the desired 
outcome, namely positioning the financial system to best 
support Australia’s economic growth. In achieving this 
objective, it is important that growth and stability receive 
equal focus and that the FSI’s recommendations are 
principles-based so they stand the test of time.  

In Asia we have made excellent progress. Our strategy is 
highly focused, specifically targeting key Asian growth 
corridors and companies and individuals that are active in 
the trade and financial flows between Asia and our core 
markets. We have continued to grow our capability in the 
region and revenues were up 43% over the year.  

This year John Curtis and Ann Pickard announced their 
decisions to retire from the Board. John played an important 
role over a number of years, firstly as a Board Member and 
Chairman of St.George and then joining the Westpac Board 
as Deputy Chairman following the St.George merger. We 
thank John for his outstanding contribution and dedication to 
the company. Ann’s recent retirement reflects her executive 
relocation to the United States and the expectation that her 
commitments in North America will increase in 2015. Ann’s 
significant global experience was an asset to the Board and 
we thank her for her valued contribution.  

Outlook 
Looking ahead, we expect the Australian economy to 
steadily improve its growth profile as consumer demand 
continues to respond to low interest rates, improving balance 
sheets and a sound employment market. We have already 
seen a response in the housing sector with strong demand 
and rising house prices, along with a pick-up in dwelling 
investment.  

While the economy will encounter some headwinds from the 
easing in mining investment there are also improving 
prospects for non-mining investment consistent with the rise 
in household demand. This should also be assisted by 
improving growth from the major developed economies while 
activity in China stabilises.  

For the financial services sector, we expect continued 
change, not just from digital but from the more macro 
demographic shifts, including an ageing population.  

Given Westpac’s strong starting point, our improved 
momentum, and the strong state of all our divisions (and 
brands) we remain well positioned to continue generating 
consistent and high quality returns for shareholders. 

Lindsay Maxsted 
Chairman 

2014 Westpac Group Annual Report 

5 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Chief Executive Officer’s report  

Gail Kelly 
Chief Executive Officer 

Delivering for all stakeholders 
Our service revolution is creating a foundation for growth. 

A year of delivery 
I am delighted to present another strong performance for the 
Westpac Group. It has been a year of delivery where we 
have produced stronger financial returns, delivered 
substantial service improvements for customers, invested 
more in our employees, and made a significant contribution 
to the communities in which we operate. At the same time 
our service revolution for customers is well underway, 
providing a step-up in our strategic agenda and real 
business momentum. This momentum, combined with the 
disciplined way we manage the business, sets us up well to 
continue delivering improved returns for shareholders.  

A strong and consistent financial performance  
This year we increased cash earnings and cash earnings 
per share by 8%, the strongest increase in four years. The 
result was supported by a solid operating performance 
across all divisions and a further improvement in asset 
quality. 

A key contributor to performance has been our service 
revolution which is fundamentally changing how we are 
supporting customers and enhancing their experience. We 
have made excellent progress in enabling customers to 
conduct their banking when and where they want. This 
includes the launch of our new digital platform in Westpac, 
increasing the number of locations available 24/7 and rolling 
out new payments technologies for businesses. At the same 
time we are working hard to simplify our processes, which is 
improving our responsiveness and reducing customer 
complaints. 

These efforts contributed to the improvement in our 
customer satisfaction standing during the year. Westpac 
Retail & Business Banking is now number one in consumer 
satisfaction and business customer satisfaction amongst the 
major banks1. St.George also continues to lead the majors in 
both of these measures. 

We have seen a further deepening of customer relationships 
and a pick-up in growth through the year. On lending we 
grew 8%, while total deposits were 9% higher than a year 
earlier. In the second half of the year we grew at or above 
the financial system in every major lending and deposit 
category. We also continued to grow above the industry in 
our wealth and insurance businesses, the result of our 
ongoing focus on supporting customers’ total financial 
service needs.  

While supporting growth we have maintained our 
productivity disciplines, delivering $219 million in savings 
over the year. This contributed to us remaining the most 
efficient bank in the region with an expense to income ratio 
on a cash earnings basis of 41.6%. 

Asset quality has continued to be a hallmark for Westpac. 
Almost every asset quality metric improved over the year 
with a lower proportion of stressed assets, lower impaired 
assets and a reduction in consumer (including mortgages) 
90+ day delinquencies. These improvements contributed to 
a $197 million reduction (down 23%) in impairment charges 
over the year. 

6 

2014 Westpac Group Annual Report 

1   Refer to Glossary of abbreviations and defined terms for customer 

satisfaction metrics. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
Chief Executive Officer’s report  

Strong operating performance across divisions 
All our divisions generated solid operating performances 
with particularly strong returns from our retail and wealth 
operations.  

Operating sustainably 
2014 has been a landmark year for our sustainability 
performance, meeting or exceeding the majority of our 
sustainability targets.  

Australian Financial Services (AFS) had an excellent year 
lifting cash earnings by 12%. Across AFS, all brands 
contributed, with Westpac Retail & Business Banking 
(Westpac RBB), BT Financial Group (BTFG) and the 
St.George Banking Group (St.George) all reporting double 
digit earnings growth.  

BT Financial Group, our wealth and insurance division, 
continued to deliver superior returns with cash earnings 
rising 16%. A key element of our customer-centric strategy is 
that we seek to meet customers’ total financial needs, and 
do so in an integrated way. Our one team approach across 
our retail brands has continued to underpin BTFG’s success.  

Westpac RBB and St.George also had a strong year with 
cash earnings growth of 10% and 14% respectively. 

Our portfolio of brands is a competitive advantage for us, 
giving us greater flexibility in meeting customers’ specific 
needs. Our investment in Bank of Melbourne is an excellent 
example. Bank of Melbourne is providing a local alternative 
for Victorians, growing its mortgages more than twice as fast 
as the Victorian system and deposits at more than three 
times the rate of Victorian system growth.  

Westpac Institutional Bank also performed well, with the 
business once again being awarded the Lead Transactional 
bank in Australia1, a position it has now held for 
11 consecutive years. The division has continued to focus 
on deepening relationships and this has contributed to a 6% 
rise in customer-related revenues through the year. Despite 
this growth, strong gains associated with the exit of Hastings 
listed infrastructure funds in FY 2013 which were not 
repeated in FY 2014, combined with more challenging 
financial market conditions in FY 2014 contributed to a 7% 
reduction in cash earnings compared to FY 2013. 

Westpac New Zealand has been at the forefront of evolving 
its distribution network, using digital technologies to better 
support customers while improving both convenience and 
access. These initiatives have contributed to above system 
growth and combined with improved asset quality led to the 
strong, 13% (in NZ$) improvement in cash earnings.  

In particular, women in leadership roles in the Group 
increased from 42% to 44%, our lending to the CleanTech 
and environmental services sector exceeded our $6 billion 
target, and we completed our largest single affordable 
housing finance transaction. We also launched our most 
ambitious Reconciliation Action Plan yet. A highlight for the 
year was the establishment of the Westpac Bicentennial 
Foundation: this is a $100 million fund aiming to support 
100 education scholarships a year, forever. We are 
particularly proud of this initiative. 

Our performance received global recognition, including 
being ranked the most sustainable company in the Global 
100 Most Sustainable Corporations in the World at the World 
Economic Forum in Davos, and being assessed as the most 
sustainable bank globally in the 2014 Dow Jones 
Sustainability Index.  

Maintaining leadership 
Our achievements in 2014 reflect many years of 
development and work, from strengthening the organisation 
through the global financial crisis to reconfiguring our 
distribution network and, more recently, embarking on our 
customer service revolution.  

While we have built strong foundations, we recognise the 
significant opportunities that are still available to us. We are 
ready for the challenge.  

None of this would be possible without the support and 
dedication of an outstanding team, our 36,000 wonderful 
people who work tirelessly to build a better company and to 
create stronger communities. I thank them for their 
dedication and passion.  

I would also like to thank our customers for their continuing 
support. We are totally focused on lifting the bar on the 
service customers can expect from the Group, and to make 
banking simpler and quicker to support their aspirations and 
businesses. 

Finally, I would like to thank shareholders for their ongoing 
support. We will continue to work tirelessly to build the value 
of this Group – Australia’s first company. 

Gail Kelly 
Chief Executive Officer  

1   Peter Lee Associates Large Corporate and Institutional Transactional 

Banking Survey Australia 2014. 

2014 Westpac Group Annual Report 

7 

 
 
 
 
 
 
Information on Westpac 

Westpac is one of the four major banking organisations in 
Australia and one of the largest banking organisations in 
New Zealand. We provide a broad range of banking and 
financial services in these markets, including consumer1, 
business and institutional banking and wealth management 
services. 

We have branches, affiliates and controlled entities2 
throughout Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific region, 
and maintain branches and offices in some of the key 
financial centres around the world3. 

We were founded in 1817 and were the first bank 
established in Australia. In 1850 we were incorporated as 
the Bank of New South Wales by an Act of the 
New South Wales Parliament. In 1982 we changed our 
name to Westpac Banking Corporation following our merger 
with the Commercial Bank of Australia. On 23 August 2002, 
we were registered as a public company limited by shares 
under the Australian Corporations Act 2001 (Cth) 
(Corporations Act). 

As at 30 September 2014, our market capitalisation was 
$100 billion4 and we had total assets of $771 billion. 

Business strategy 
Westpac’s vision is ‘To be one of the world’s great 
companies, helping our customers, communities and people 
to prosper and grow’. 

Our strategy seeks to deliver on this vision by providing 
superior returns for our shareholders, building deep and 
enduring customer relationships, being a leader in the 
community and being a place where the best people want to 
work. 

In delivering on our strategy we are focused on our core 
markets including Australia and New Zealand, where we 
provide a comprehensive range of financial products and 
services that assist us in meeting all the financial services 
needs of our customers. With our strong position in these 
markets, and over 12 million customers, our focus is on 
organic growth, growing customer numbers in our chosen 
segments and building stronger and deeper customer 
relationships. 

A key element of this approach is our portfolio of financial 
services brands, which enables us to appeal to a broader 
range of customers, and provides us with the strategic 
flexibility to offer solutions that better meet individual 
customer needs. 

1   A consumer is defined as a person that uses our products and 

services, it does not include business entities. 

2   Refer to Note 39 to the financial statements for a list of our controlled  

entities as at 30 September 2014. 

3   Contact details for our head office, major businesses and offshore  

locations can be found on the inside back cover. 

4  Based on the closing share price of our ordinary shares on the ASX  

as at 30 September 2014. 

Asia is an important market for us and we are progressively 
building our presence and capability across the region to 
better support Australian and New Zealand customers 
operating, trading and transacting in the region, along with 
Asian customers seeking financial solutions and services in 
Australia and New Zealand. 

While we continue to build the business, the financial 
services environment remains challenging and has required 
us to maintain focus on strengthening our financial position 
while at the same time improving efficiency. This 
strengthening has involved lifting the level and quality of our 
capital, improving our funding and liquidity position and 
maintaining a high level of asset quality and provisioning. 

While we are currently one of the most efficient banks 
globally, as measured by a cost to income ratio, we continue 
to focus on ways to simplify our business to make it easier 
for customers to do business with us and to make work more 
enjoyable for our people. We believe that these 
improvement efforts also contribute to reducing unit costs 
that create capacity for further investment for growth. 

As part of our customer-centric strategy, in 2014 we 
embarked on a service revolution for our customers. This 
program is a substantial step-up in our strategy seeking to: 
provide a truly personal service for customers while better 
anticipating their needs; putting customers in control of their 
finances; and innovating and simplifying to reinvent the 
customer experience.  

We also recognise that digitisation is occurring at an 
accelerated pace and customer behaviours are changing. 
The service revolution responds to these trends with the 
support of digital technologies. This includes new services 
that make banking available 24/7 such as smart ATMs and 
our new digital platform in Westpac RBB. It extends to new 
banking apps that provide greater flexibility for customers to 
choose how to manage their finances, and it includes using 
digitisation to simplify our processes to provide a better 
customer experience. 

Sustainability is part of our strategy where we seek to 
anticipate and shape the most pressing emerging social 
issues where we have the skills and experience to make a 
meaningful difference and drive business value. Our 
approach seeks to make sustainability part of the way we do 
business, embedded in our strategy, values, culture and 
processes. 

Supporting our customer focused strategy is a strong set of 
company-wide values, which are embedded in our culture. 
These are: 

  delighting customers; 

  one team; 

  integrity; 

  courage; and 

  achievement. 

8 

2014 Westpac Group Annual Report 

 
Strategic priorities 
To meet the challenges of the current environment and 
deliver on our strategy, we have a set of strategic priorities 
that are reviewed and refreshed each year. We will continue 
to manage these priorities in a balanced way with an 
appropriate mix of strength, growth, return and productivity. 
Our strategic priorities are: 

a) A strong company 
  maintain strong levels of capital, to meet the needs of all 

our stakeholders and regulators; 

  continue to enhance our funding and liquidity position, 
including ensuring a diversity of funding pools and 
optimising the composition of customer deposits. This 
includes preparation for new liquidity coverage ratio 
requirements from 1 January 2015; and 

  maintain a high quality portfolio of assets, coupled with 

strong provisioning. 

b) Grow in a targeted way 
  target investment in our wealth businesses, including 
continuing the development of a new funds platform;  

  deepen the capabilities of our Asian presence; and 

  expand and develop our business banking capability to 

better meet customer needs. 

c) Continue building deeper customer relationships  
  through our customer service revolution put customers at 
the centre of everything we do with a focus on meeting 
their total financial needs, throughout their lives; 

  further build the connectivity between wealth, insurance 
and banking, and ensure we leverage capabilities across 
all business units; 

  continue to strengthen our corporate and institutional lead 
bank position through customer focus and enhanced 
product capabilities; and 

  use digital innovation to better meet customer demands. 

d) Materially simplify our products and processes  
  continue to enhance our digital offers to support more 

customers online and via mobile channels and assist the 
Group to move to smaller, more flexible and agile branch 
formats; 

  simplify our products and processes and continue to drive 

continuous improvement; and 

  focus on both revenue and cost productivity. 

e) One team approach 
  continue to focus on a customer centred, high 

performance workforce and culture; 

  strengthen the skills of our people to better support 

customers and meet their complete financial services 
needs; 

  empower our people to drive innovation, deliver new and 
improved ways of working and be responsive to change;  

  continue to enhance the diversity of our workforce; and 

  maintain a strong reputation and sustainability leadership. 

Information on Westpac 

Organisational structure  
Our operations comprise the following key customer-facing 
business divisions operating under multiple brands serving 
around 12.8 million customers1. 

Australian Financial Services (AFS) is responsible for the 
Westpac Group’s Australian retail banking, business banking 
and wealth operations. AFS also includes the product and 
risk responsibilities for Australian Banking. It incorporates 
the operations of Westpac Retail & Business Banking 
(Westpac RBB), St.George Banking Group (St.George) and 
BT Financial Group (Australia) (BTFG), as follows:  

  Westpac RBB is responsible for sales and service to 

consumer, small-to-medium enterprise (SME), 
commercial and agribusiness customers (with turnover of 
up to $100 million) in Australia under the Westpac brand. 
Activities are conducted through Westpac RBB’s network 
of branches, third party distributors, call centres, 
automatic teller machines (ATMs), EFTPOS terminals, 
internet and mobile banking services, business banking 
centres and specialised consumer and business 
relationship managers. Support is provided by cash flow, 
trade finance, transactional banking, financial markets, 
property finance and wealth specialists;  

  St.George is responsible for sales and service to 

consumer, SME and corporate customers (businesses 
with facilities up to $150 million) in Australia under the 
St.George, BankSA, Bank of Melbourne and RAMS 
brands. RAMS is a financial services group specialising in 
mortgages and online deposits. Activities are conducted 
through St.George’s network of branches, third-party 
distributors, call centres, ATMs, EFTPOS terminals, 
internet and mobile banking services, business banking 
centres and specialised consumer and business 
relationship managers. Support is provided by cash flow, 
trade finance, transactional banking, automotive and 
equipment finance, financial markets, property finance 
and wealth specialists; and 

  BTFG is Westpac’s Australian wealth division. BTFG’s 

funds management operations include the manufacturing 
and distribution of investment, superannuation and 
retirement products, investment platforms including 
BT Wrap and Asgard, private banking, financial planning 
as well as equity capability and broking. BTFG’s 
insurance solutions cover the manufacturing and 
distribution of life, general and lenders mortgage 
insurance. BTFG’s brands include Advance Asset 
Management, Ascalon, Asgard, BT, BT Investment 
Management (60.76% owned by the Westpac Group and 
consolidated in BTFG’s Funds Management business), 
BT Select, Licensee Select, Securitor and the Advice, 
Private Banking and Insurance operations of Bank of 
Melbourne, BankSA, St.George and Westpac.

1  All customers with an active relationship (excludes channel only and 

potential relationships) as at 30 September 2014. 

2014 Westpac Group Annual Report 

9 

 
 
Westpac Institutional Bank (WIB) delivers a broad range of 
financial services to commercial, corporate, institutional and 
government customers with connections to Australia and 
New Zealand, this includes a growing customer base in 
Asia. WIB operates through dedicated industry relationship 
and specialist product teams, with expert knowledge in 
transactional banking, financial and debt capital markets, 
specialised capital, and alternative investment solutions. 
Customers are supported through branches and subsidiaries 
located in Australia, New Zealand, Asia, United States and 
United Kingdom. 

Westpac New Zealand is responsible for the sales and 
service of banking, wealth and insurance products for 
consumers, business and institutional customers in 
New Zealand. Westpac conducts its New Zealand banking 
business through two banks in New Zealand: 

  Westpac New Zealand Limited, which is incorporated in 

New Zealand; and  

  Westpac Banking Corporation (NZ Division), a branch of 
Westpac, which is incorporated in Australia. The division 
operates via an extensive network of branches and ATMs 
across both the North and South Islands. 

Business and institutional customers are also served 
through relationship and specialist product teams. Banking 
products are provided under the Westpac and WIB brands 
while insurance and wealth products are provided under 
Westpac Life and BT brands respectively. 

Other divisions in the Group include: 

  Westpac Pacific, which provides banking services for 
retail and business customers in seven Pacific Island 
Nations. Branches, ATMs, telephone banking and internet 
banking channels are used to deliver business activities 
in Fiji, Papua New Guinea (PNG), Vanuatu, Cook Islands, 
Tonga, Solomon Islands and Samoa. Westpac Pacific’s 
financial products include personal savings, business 
transactional accounts, personal and business lending 
products, business services and a range of international 
products; 

  Group Services, encompassing technology, banking 
operations, compliance, legal and property services; 

  Treasury, which is primarily focused on the management 
of the Group’s interest rate risk and funding requirements; 
and 

  Core Support, which comprises those functions 

performed centrally, including finance, risk and human 
resources. 

These businesses are described in more detail in Section 2, 
including a summary of net profit and total assets by 
business division, and management’s discussion and 
analysis of business division performance. 

Australian Financial Services

Institutional

Westpac 
New Zealand

Westpac Retail & 
Business Banking

St.George Banking Group

Wealth

Group Services

Core Support

10 

2014 Westpac Group Annual Report 

 
 
 
 
 
 
Westpac’s approach to sustainability  
Across the Westpac Group, we believe in establishing a 
sustainable future for our operations and our stakeholders. 
This view is embedded in our strategy, values, culture and 
processes. 

In practice, this means we seek to focus on anticipating and 
responding to the most pressing emerging issues that we 
believe will have a material impact on our customers, 
employees, suppliers, shareholders and the communities in 
which we operate, where we have the skills and experience 
to make a meaningful difference. 

Guiding our approach 
The Board has responsibility for considering the social, 
ethical and environmental impact of the Westpac Group’s 
activities, setting standards and monitoring compliance with 
Westpac’s sustainability policies and practices. 

Our sustainability strategy is based upon the use of the 
widely accepted global standard for Corporate Responsibility 
and Sustainable Development, the AA1000 AccountAbility 
Principles Standard (2008). 

Our sustainability principles 
In line with AA1000, we have adopted the standard’s three 
key principles: 

  involving all stakeholders in developing our strategy – 

Inclusivity; 

  evaluating all issues identified to determine the impact 

they may have on our stakeholders and our operations – 
Sustainability materiality; and 

  ensuring our decisions, actions and performance, as well 
as our communication with stakeholders, are responsive 
to the issues identified – Responsiveness. 

Inclusivity 
Our approach to inclusivity during 2014 has included: 

  continuing work to understand and address customer 

concerns; 

  collaborating with key external stakeholders to inform our 

approach; 

  consulting with employees so as to better understand the 

drivers of strong employee engagement; 

  bringing together our General Managers with internal and 
external stakeholders to inform sustainability priorities 
and targets; 

  ongoing monitoring of our reputation across a wide range 

of mediums; and 

  working closely with numerous community organisations 
through employee volunteering, workplace giving and 
community support. 

Information on Westpac 

Sustainability materiality 
As part of our annual materiality review we identify, prioritise 
and define issues according to their impact on our 
stakeholders and our business. These issues are reviewed 
externally and internally and are assessed by Ernst & Young 
as part of their assurance. Material issues identified in 2014 
include: 

  the need to respond to the rapid changes in the 

demographics of our society;  

  the effect of digitisation on the way customers and 

businesses interact and do business; 

  new regulatory requirements which are shaping the 

financial services industry; and 

  the importance of understanding and managing 

environmental, social and corporate governance risks 
within our lending and investment portfolios. 

For further detail, please see our online Annual Review and 
Sustainability Report.  

Responsiveness 
The issues identified during our materiality review directly 
inform the development of our responses, objectives and 
performance measures. 

Updated five-year strategy  
In addition to the sustainable business practices embedded 
in our day to day activities (such as sustainable lending 
practices, community investment and evolving the way we 
interact with and service our customers), we continue to 
track our progress against the sustainability strategy, which 
guides our efforts for 2013–2017. 

As part of the strategy, we have set 10 measurable 
objectives in three priority areas, which are to: 

  help improve the way people work and live, as our society 

changes; 

  help find solutions to environmental challenges; and 

  help our customers to have a better relationship with 

money, for a better life. 

During 2014 we have updated our sustainability strategy, 
reflecting stakeholder feedback, to include: 

  a target for recruitment of Indigenous Australians, in line 
with our Reconciliation Action Plan, which was also 
relaunched this year; and 

  new metrics for measuring access to financial services in 
the Pacific, in line with our Everywhere Banking Strategy. 

2014 Westpac Group Annual Report 

11 

 
Performance against sustainability objectives1 

Priority  

Objectives 

Full year 2014 achievements 

Help improve 
the way 
people work 
and live as our 
society 
changes 

Ensure our 
workforce is 
representative of 
the community. 

Extend length and 
quality of working 
lives.  

  Increased women in leadership2 to 44%, in line with target and up from 42% 

in 2013.  

  Increased participation of mature aged workers (50+ years) to 20.9%, up from 

20.5% in 2013 and in line with target, supported by an employee program called 
Prime of Life.  

  Launched the Group’s third Reconciliation Action Plan (2015-17), with almost 50 

commitments to support Indigenous Australian customers, communities 
and employees. 

  Mean employee retirement age increased to 61.6 years, up from 60.6 years in 

2013, in line with target.  

  Introduced a new employee action group, FLEX, and rolled out a flexibility toolkit, 

capability training and facilitator guide, with the aim of embedding flexible 
working arrangements. 2,000 employees participated in training on flexibility and 
unconscious bias.  

Anticipate the future 
product and service 
needs of ageing 
and culturally 
diverse customers. 

  Refreshed the Group’s multilingual, country-specific websites, created new 

digital banking forms for people relocating to Australia to open accounts prior to 
arrival and established an online relocation advice hub. 

  Established a dedicated team to support Indigenous customers. 
  Established a dedicated team to support prime of life customers with 

Help find 
solutions to 
environmental 
challenges 

Provide products 
and services to help 
customers adapt to 
environmental 
challenges. 

Self Managed Super Funds (SMSFs). 

  Partnered with the World Bank to bring the first green bond to the 

Australian market. 

  Introduced energy efficient equipment finance to AFS customers. 

Increase lending 
and investment in 
CleanTech and 
environmental 
services. 

Reduce our 
environmental 
footprint. 

Help 
customers to 
have a better 
relationship 
with money, 
for a better life 

Ensure all our 
customers have 
access to the right 
advice to achieve a 
secure retirement. 

Help our customers 
meet their financial 
goals in retirement. 

  $8.0 billion lent to the CleanTech and environmental services sector significantly 

exceeding our commitment to make available up to $6 billion by 2017. 
  59% of total energy financing is directed to renewable energy generation 

(including hydro, wind and solar). 

  Maintained carbon neutrality. 
  Achieved our power use effectiveness and energy efficiency targets of 1.7PUE 

and 198kWh/m2 respectively.  

  Recycling rates in Sydney head offices improved, but fell 5% short of target. 
  Reached office paper reduction target three years ahead of schedule. 

  Completed development of our proprietary and market leading online wealth 

acumen curriculum. 

  Steps being taken to increase proportion of AFS employees completing wealth 

acumen curriculum. 

  Increased the proportion of Westpac Group customers with Westpac Group 

Superannuation to 8.1%3, up from 7.4% in 2013.  

  Launched Self Managed Super Connect, a specialist sales and service centre to 

assist customers with their SMSFs. 

1   All results as at 30 September except environmental footprint which is at 30 June. Refer to www.westpac.com.au/sustainability for glossary of terms 

and metric definitions.  

2   Women in leadership refers to the proportion of women (permanent and maximum term) in people leadership roles or senior roles of influence as a 

proportion of all leaders across the Group. It includes the CEO, Executive Team, General Managers, Senior Managers as direct reports to 
General Managers and the next two levels of management. Excludes Westpac Pacific.  

3   Data based on Roy Morgan Research, respondents aged 14+ and 12 months to September 2014. Super penetration is defined as the proportion of 

Australians who have a Deposit or Transaction Account, Mortgage, Personal Lending or Major Card with the Westpac Group and also have 
Superannuation (incl. Pensions and Annuities) with the Westpac Group. Westpac Group includes Bank of Melbourne, BT, Challenge Bank, RAMS, 
Rothschild, Westpac, Advance Bank, Asgard, BankSA, Dragondirect, Sealcorp and St.George. 

12 

2014 Westpac Group Annual Report 

 
 
 
 
Priority  

Objectives 

Full year 2014 achievements 

Information on Westpac 

Increase access to 
financial services in 
the Pacific. 

  Opened 77,868 basic accounts across the Pacific, a 53% increase over the year.  
  Increased in-store banking facilities by 47% to 264, and more than doubled the 

volume of customer transactions to around 380,000. 

  Launched a new mobile banking platform in the Solomon Islands and 

Papua New Guinea.  

  23,756 people participated in our free financial education workshops, up from 

20,575 last year. 

Help people gain 
access to social and 
affordable housing 
and services. 

  $0.82 billion lent to the social and affordable housing sector at 

30 September 2014, up from $0.65 billion at 30 September 2013.  

  Announced the Group’s largest single community housing finance transaction for 

construction of 275 new affordable houses. 

2014 Westpac Group Annual Report 

13 

 
 
Five year non-financial summary 
Non-financial information as at 30 September unless indicated otherwise1
Customer 
Total customers (millions)2
Total online customers – active registrations (millions)3
Number of points of bank representation
Number of ATMs
Percentage of Talking ATMs (%)4
Net Promoter Score5 – Westpac Australia – affluent6
Net Promoter Score7 – Westpac Australia – commercial8
Net Promoter Score7 – Westpac Australia – SME9
Net Promoter Score5 – St.George consumer10
Net Promoter Score7 – St.George business11
Social Sector Banking Footings ($m)12
Responsible Investment Funds Under Management ($m)13

Employees
Total core full time equivalent staff (number at financial year end)14
Employee Engagement (%)15
Employee Voluntary Attrition (%)16
New Starter Retention (%)17
High Performer Retention (%)18
Lost Time Injury Frequency Rate (LTIFR)19
Women as a percentage of the total workforce (%)
Women in Leadership (%)20

Environment
Total Scope 1 and 2 emissions – Aust and NZ (tonnes CO2-e)21
Total Scope 3 emissions – Aust and NZ (tonnes CO2-e)22
Office paper – Aust and NZ (tonnes)23
Proportion of infrastructure and utilities financing in renewables
and hydro – Aust and NZ (%)24
Finance assessed under the Equator Principles – Group ($m)25

Social
Community investment – Group ($m)26
Community investment as a percentage of pre-tax profits – Group (%)

Community investment as a percentage of pre-tax operating profit (cash 
earnings basis) – Group (%)
Financial education – Group (participants)27

Supply chain
Total supply chain spend – Aust ($bn)28
Percentage of top 80 suppliers screened for sustainabililty – Aust (%)29
All self assessed suppliers as percentage of total supply chain spend30

2014

2013

2012

2011

2010

12.8
4.7
1,534
3,890
95
(10)
7
(2)
8
4
13,726
1,693

33,586
n/a
9.8
88.0
95.8
1.1
59
44

12.2
4.2
1,544
3,814
93
(9)
(1)
(5)
4
(6)
12,819
1,376

33,045
87
9.8
86.7
95.7
1.5
60
42

11.8
4.0
1,538
3,639
91
(18)
(4)
(17)
-
1
11,490
981

33,418
84
9.9
84.8
95.9
1.9
61
40

11.5
3.7
1,532
3,544
88
(17)
3
(10)
(2)
(5)
8,210
644

11.3
3.4
1,517
3,625

(24)
(7)
(21)
(4)
3
7,101
891

33,898
81
11.5
83.8
95.3
2.5
61
38

35,055
80
11.8

94.3
2.6
61
35

175,855
73,871

180,862
85,013

183,937
91,855

184,124
57,163

189,425
70,457

1,415

1,523

1,579

59
851

217
2.02

55
268

52
1,140

131
1.33

133
1.50

45
383

155
1.82

1.99
49,812

1.28
32,577

1.41
36,182

1.72
42,109

52
364

116
1.44

1.37

5.37
100
73

4.88
98
73

4.22
94
76

4.61
92
75

4.39
86
69  

1  Dark grey shading indicates information was not collected in the relevant year. 
2  All customers with an active relationship (excludes channel only and potential relationships). 
3  Refers to the number of customers registered for online banking and that have signed in online within the last 90 days as at 30 September. 
4  ATMs with an additional functionality to allow users to plug in an earpiece for oral instruction to provide additional assistance for visually 

impaired users. 

5  Net Promoter Score measures the net likelihood of recommendation to others of the customer’s main financial institution for retail banking. 

Net Promoter ScoreSM is a trademark of Bain & Co Inc., Satmetrix Systems, Inc., and Mr Frederick Reichheld. For retail banking, using a scale of 1 to 
10 (1 means ‘very unlikely’ and 10 means ‘very likely’), the 1-6 raters (detractors) are deducted from the 9-10 raters (promoters). 

14 

2014 Westpac Group Annual Report 

 
Information on Westpac 

6  Source: Roy Morgan Research, September 2010-2014, six month moving average (6MMA). Main Financial Institution (as defined by the customer). 
Affluent segment includes Banking and Finance (excl. Work Based Superannuation) customers aged 25 or over with a Household Income above 
$100,000 or customers aged 60 or over with Household Income above $50,000 and/or customers with financial footings above $400,000 (anywhere 
or at institution). 

7  Net Promoter Score measures the net likelihood of recommendation to others of the customer’s main financial institution for business banking. 

Net Promoter ScoreSM is a trademark of Bain & Co Inc., Satmetrix Systems, Inc., and Mr Frederick Reichheld. 
For business banking, using a scale of 0 to 10 (0 means ‘extremely unlikely’ and 10 means ‘extremely likely’), the 0-6 raters (detractors) are deducted 
from the 9-10 raters (promoters). 

8  Source: DBM Consultants Business Financial Services Monitor, September 2010-2014, 6MMA. MFI customers, Commercial businesses. Commercial 

businesses are those organisations with annual turnover over $5 million and under $100 million (excluding Agricultural business). 

9  Source: DBM Consultants Business Financial Services Monitor, September 2010-2014, 6MMA. MFI customers, SME businesses. SME businesses 

are those organisations with annual turnover under $5 million (excluding Agricultural business). 

10  Source: Roy Morgan Research, September 2010-2014, 6MMA. Main Financial Institution (MFI) as defined by the customer. Consumers aged 

14 or over. 

11  Source: DBM Consultants Business Financial Services Monitor, September 2010-2014, 6MMA. MFI customers, all businesses. 
12  Data refers to the total of assets (loans), liabilities (deposits) and funds under management (FUM) of the Westpac RBB business unit dedicated to 
social sector customers. Social sector customers are categorised according to specific criteria, including organisation structure, account types held, 
key words and special condition groups. 

13  Refers to FUM which are managed using sustainable and/or ethical investment processes. 
14  Total core (permanent) full time equivalent staff (number at financial year end), excludes Implied FTE (overtime, temporary and contract). 
15  Employee engagement survey was not conducted in for the year ended 30 September 2014. 
16  Employee Voluntary Attrition refers to the total voluntary separation of permanent employees over the 12 month average total permanent headcount 

for the period (includes full time, part time and maximum term employees). Excludes Westpac Pacific. 

17  Voluntary New Starter retention over the 12 month rolling New Starter headcount for the period (includes full time and part time permanent 

employees). Excludes Westpac Pacific. 

18  Voluntary High Performer Retention over the 12 month rolling High Performer headcount for the period (includes full time, part time permanent and 

maximum term employees). Excludes Westpac Pacific. 

19  Lost Time Injury Frequency Rate (LTIFR) measures the number of Lost Time Injuries, defined as injuries or illnesses (based on workers 

compensation claims accepted) resulting in an employee being unable to work for a full scheduled day (or shift) other than the day (or shift) on which 
the injury occurred where work was a significant contributing factor, per one million hours worked in the rolling 12 months reported. Excludes 
Westpac Pacific. 

20  Women in Leadership refers to the proportion of women (permanent and maximum term employees) in people leadership roles or senior roles of 

influence as a proportion of all leaders across the Group. Includes CEO, Executive Team, General Managers, Senior Managers as direct reports to 
General Managers and the next two levels of management. Excludes Westpac Pacific. 

21  Scope 1 greenhouse emissions are the release of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere as a direct result of Westpac’s Australian and New Zealand 
banking operations. Scope 2 emissions are indirect greenhouse gas emissions from consumption of purchased electricity from Westpac’s Australian 
and New Zealand banking operations. Australian data is prepared in accordance with the National Greenhouse and Energy Reporting Act 2007. 
New Zealand data is prepared in accordance with the Guidance for Voluntary Corporate Greenhouse Gas Reporting published by the New Zealand 
1 standard and are reported for the period 1 July to 
Ministry for the Environment. These definitions also align with the GHG protocol and ISO 14064
30 June. 

22  Scope 3 emissions are greenhouse gases emitted as a consequence of Westpac’s Australian and New Zealand banking operations but by another 
facility. Australian data is prepared in accordance with the National Carbon Offset Standard. New Zealand data is prepared in accordance the 
New Zealand Ministry for the Environment for GHG reporting. These definitions also align with the GHG protocol and ISO 14064
reported for the period 1 July to 30 June. 

1 standard and are 

23  Total copy paper purchased (in tonnes) by the Westpac Group as reported by its suppliers. 
24  Refers to total committed exposures, as per Westpac exposure measurement and as included in APRA reported exposure. 
25  The Equator Principles are a voluntary set of standards for determining, assessing and managing social and environmental risk in project financing. 
26  This amount includes monetary contributions, time contributions, management costs and in-kind contributions comprising of gifts and foregone 

‐

‐

fee revenue. Also includes Westpac’s $100 million contribution to the Westpac Bicentennial Foundation. 

27  Refers to the number of attendees (staff, customers and general public) at financial education and who access online courses offered by the Westpac 

Group. Excludes keynote presentations offered by the Davidson Institute. 

28  Refers to the total Australian dollars ($bn) with external suppliers. 
29  Refers to the total number of top suppliers that have provided a self-assessment against the Sustainable Supply Chain Management (SSCM) Code of 

Conduct and/or SSCM Questionnaire in the reporting period. Also includes suppliers who will be or are engaged in completing the SSCM 
Assessment (based on our new online tool that we are phasing in with new suppliers). Top suppliers defined as top 150 in 2010–2012, top 80 in 
2013–2014.  

30  Refers to suppliers in our top 700 by spend. 

2014 Westpac Group Annual Report 

15 

 
 
Competition  
The Westpac Group operates in a highly competitive 
environment across the regions in which we do business. 

We serve the banking, wealth and risk management needs 
of customer segments from consumers to small businesses 
through to large corporate and institutional clients. The 
Westpac Group competes with other financial services 
industry players for customers covering their needs of 
transacting, saving, investing, protecting and borrowing with 
a wide set of products and services. Our competitors range 
from large global organisations with broad offerings to 
entities more focused on specific regions or products. Our 
competitors include financial services and advisory 
companies such as banks, investment banks, credit unions, 
building societies, mortgage originators, credit card issuers, 
brokerage firms, fund and asset management companies, 
insurance companies and internet-based financial services 
providers. There are also new competitors emerging from 
other sectors including retail, technology and 
telecommunications. 

Our competitive position across customer segments, 
products and geographies is determined by a variety of 
factors. These factors include:  

  the type of customer served; 

  customer service quality and convenience; 

  the effectiveness of, and access to, distribution channels; 

  brand reputation and preference; 

  the quality, range, innovation and pricing of products and 

services offered; 

  technology solutions; and 

  the talent and experience of our employees. 

In Australia, we have seen competition for deposits continue 
to be driven in part by clearer global regulatory requirements 
for liquidity management and balance sheet composition. 
Banks and other financial institutions also seek to achieve a 
higher proportion of deposit funding as credit rating agencies 
and debt investors look for strong balance sheet positions in 
their assessment of quality institutions. 

Competition for lending is also expected to remain high, with 
slower credit growth compared to the significant credit 
expansion Australia experienced over the majority of the last 
two decades. Businesses and consumers are cautious about 
the global outlook and continue to reduce debt. In 
mortgages, the desire of market participants to maintain or 
expand their market share using price has seen strong 
competition over the last year. This is expected to continue. 
Serving business customers’ transaction and trade financing 
needs has been at the centre of competitive activity as 
customer expectations increase. 

In our wealth business, we expect competition to increase as 
financial institutions and industry funds move to capture a 
greater share of this fast growing market, particularly in 
superannuation (or pensions) and financial advice as the 
market responds to regulatory changes. 

The New Zealand market is experiencing strong competition 
as banks vie for new customers. Competition for deposits 
remains intense and the home lending market is particularly 
competitive on price and switching incentives. 

Outlook1 
Australian economic conditions gradually improved over 
2014 with steady growth in private consumption, a pick-up in 
housing activity and a rise in resource exports offsetting the 
mining-led reduction in business investment. GDP growth 
lifted from 2.6% in December quarter 2013 to 3.1% in 
June quarter 2014 and is expected to remain at this pace 
through to the end of 2014. In 2015, we expect a further 
lifting in GDP growth to 3.2%.  

The international environment remains challenging with an 
8% decline in Australia’s terms of trade over the past year, 
associated with a slowdown in China, which in turn affected 
national income. Looking ahead, we expect world growth to 
strengthen in 2015 to 3.7% from 2.9% this year as the major 
developed economies see some modest firming in growth 
and activity, and as China stabilises.  

Domestically, we anticipate that the mining investment 
reduction will likely continue in 2015 but expect an offset 
from a lift in consumer spending and non-mining business 
investment, along with a continued rise in resource exports.  

While consumers generally remain cautious, their balance 
sheets are strengthening with good growth in deposits and 
investments along with improving house prices. This is 
expected to translate to higher growth in the year ahead. 
Housing has already shown a clear response to record low 
interest rates with new dwelling investment showing its 
strongest growth since 2002. We expect building activity will 
remain at high levels in coming quarters, before moderating 
a little over 2015.  

There are also improving prospects for a modest rise in non-
mining business investment, particularly in the services 
sector in response to stronger household demand. Together, 
these trends suggest a modest but sustained increase in 
business activity in the year ahead. 

Offsetting these improvements, we anticipate that the 
economy will continue to encounter some headwinds to 
growth. In addition to the ongoing mining investment 
downturn, lower public spending is also expected to be a 
restraint with governments at all levels focused on budget 
repair.  

Near term, we expect the mix of controlled inflation, modest 
employment growth and below trend GDP growth to see the 
Reserve Bank maintain its current accommodative stance of 
monetary policy, holding the cash rate at 2.5%. However, as 
international conditions improve and domestic demand 
shows signs of firming, we expect the RBA to begin a 
gradual tightening of monetary policy in the second half 
of 2015. 

16 

2014 Westpac Group Annual Report 

1   All data and opinions under ‘Outlook’ are generated by our internal 

economists and management. 

 
 
Price pressures are likely to remain benign with core CPI 
inflation easing back towards 2.5% in 2015 and wages 
growth subdued. Labour markets remain soft and we only 
expect to see a gradual improvement with the 
unemployment rate rising marginally to 6.2% in early 2015 
and only declining slightly by the end of the year.  

For the financial services sector, we expect demand for 
credit to rise modestly with credit growth lifting to around 7% 
in 2015, up from closer to 6% in 2014. Housing credit is 
likely to remain solid, while business credit growth is likely to 
continue rising off its relatively modest base. Growth in funds 
management is expected to be a little stronger as the 
population continues to direct more savings to 
superannuation and prepare for retirement.  

The use of digital channels by customers to conduct their 
banking continued to rise over the year with the use of 
mobile channels accelerating quickly. These trends are 
expected to have a significant impact on financial services 
companies and we will need to continue adjusting our 
business model to meet these changing customer needs.  

For Westpac, we have responded to changes in the 
operating environment and this has been reflected in our 
performance and in the execution of our customer centric 
strategy which has seen an improvement in customer 
satisfaction. In the year ahead we will continue to focus on 
our strategic priorities including: 

  remaining strong in our capital, funding and liquidity 
positions. This includes meeting the new Liquidity 
Coverage Ratio (LCR) requirements from 1 January 2015 
and being well prepared to respond to further regulatory 
change;  

  further improving productivity through our simplification 

program that aims to materially reduce the complexity of 
our products and processes for customers;  

  continuing to enhance our customer focus, seeking to 
step-up how we support and serve customers. This 
includes further expanding our digital services and 
continuing to transform our branch network from 
transaction centres to service and support hubs;  

  increasing growth through further investment in wealth 

platforms, Bank of Melbourne and our expansion in Asia. 
We will also increase our focus on those sectors and 
segments of the economy likely to experience higher 
growth; 

  further building our one team culture focusing on 
delivering the best outcome for customers; and 

  ensuring we actively manage our business, and support 
customers for societal change and for changes in the 
environment. This includes improving the way we 
manage demographic change, the aging population, 
assisting customers manage to a more carbon 
constrained economy and lending to and investing in 
CleanTech and environmental services.  

Information on Westpac 

A key issue for the Australian banking sector over the 
coming year will be continued regulatory change both 
domestically and globally, including from the Financial 
System Inquiry. Given the strength of our business and 
balance sheet, in both absolute terms and relative to peers, 
we believe we are well placed to respond to any additional 
regulatory change.  

Looking ahead, with our strong positioning, improved growth 
profile and solid operating performance across all divisions, 
combined with strong progress on our strategic priorities, 
Westpac believes it is well positioned to continue delivering 
sustainable outcomes to shareholders. 

Significant developments  
Corporate significant developments 
Inquiry into Australia’s Financial System 
On 20 November 2013, the Federal Government formally 
announced the appointment of Mr David Murray AO to head 
an inquiry into Australia’s financial system (Inquiry). 

The Inquiry’s terms of reference, announced on 
20 December 2013, charge the Inquiry with examining how 
the financial system could be positioned to best meet 
Australia’s evolving needs and support Australia’s economic 
growth. Recommendations will be aimed at fostering an 
efficient, competitive and flexible financial system, consistent 
with financial stability, prudence, public confidence and 
capacity to meet the needs of users.  

Following lodgement of initial submissions in March 2014, 
the Inquiry released its Interim Report on 15 July 2014. This 
Interim Report invited further comments and consisted of 
observations, potential policy options and requests for 
further information. 

Westpac lodged its initial submission on 31 March 2014 and 
its response to the Inquiry’s Interim Report on 
26 August 2014.  

The Inquiry is expected to release its final report to the 
Treasurer in November 2014, following which the 
Government may further consult with industry in considering 
the Inquiry’s recommendations. Until the Government 
officially responds to the Inquiry’s recommendations, the 
final impact of this Inquiry is difficult to predict.  

Acquisition of select Australian businesses of Lloyds 
Banking Group 
On 11 October 2013 Westpac announced it had entered into 
an agreement to acquire selected assets of Lloyds Banking 
Group’s Australian asset finance business, Capital Finance 
Australia Limited (CFAL), and its corporate loan portfolio, 
BOS International (Australia) Ltd (BOSI). 

The transaction was completed on 31 December 2013, 
adding $7.9 billion in motor vehicle finance, equipment 
finance and corporate loans to Westpac’s lending and 
$8.5 billion in risk weighted assets. The acquisition cost was 
$1.45 billion and was funded from internal resources.  

2014 Westpac Group Annual Report 

17 

 
Changes to accounting standards 
In a continuing response to the global financial crisis, 
governments, regulators and accounting standard setters 
are working to revise certain accounting standards. The 
specific areas that have been targeted include accounting 
for financial instruments, provisioning for loan impairment 
charges, off-balance sheet exposures, the impairment and 
valuation of financial assets, consolidation and lease 
accounting. New accounting standards dealing with 
consolidation and the measurement of fair value applied to 
the Group from 1 October 2013. These new standards did 
not have a material impact on the Group’s financial position 
or performance. The Group expects that there will be a 
number of new standards issued in coming years that will 
require further changes to the Group’s current accounting 
approaches. 

Regulatory significant developments  
Basel Committee on Banking Supervision 
Regulatory reforms and significant developments arising in 
relation to changes initiated by the Basel Committee on 
Banking Supervision (BCBS) include: 

Liquidity 
The Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) 
released a final liquidity standard (APS 210) in 
December 2013. Under APS 210 Westpac will need to meet 
the requirement of a minimum Liquidity Coverage Ratio 
(LCR) of 100% when it comes into effect from 
1 January 2015.  

The LCR requires banks to hold sufficient high-quality liquid 
assets, as defined, to withstand 30 days under a 
regulator-defined acute stress scenario. Given the limited 
amount of government debt in Australia, the Reserve Bank 
of Australia (RBA) jointly with APRA, will make available to 
Australian institutions a Committed Liquidity Facility (CLF) 
that, subject to satisfaction of qualifying conditions, can be 
accessed to help meet the LCR requirement. In order to 
have access to the CLF, Australian banks are required to 
pay a fee of 15 basis points (0.15%) per annum to the RBA 
on the approved CLF from 1 January 2015. On 
30 September 2014, APRA approved Westpac’s access to 
the CLF for the 2015 calendar year for $66 billion. 

The BCBS endorsed the final details of the Net Stable 
Funding Ratio (NSFR) at its meeting in September 2014, 
and a final standard was released on 31 October 2014. 
APRA are yet to release its prudential standard on NSFR 
applicable to Australian banks. The NSFR requirement, 
designed to encourage longer-term funding resilience, has 
been excluded from APS 210 however APRA has previously 
indicated an intention to implement this measure from 
1 January 2018. 

Buy-back and cancellation of Westpac Stapled Preferred 
Securities II (Westpac SPS II) 
On 18 June 2014, approximately $529 million of Westpac 
SPS II were bought back on-market by Westpac and 
subsequently cancelled. All remaining Westpac SPS II were 
transferred to a nominated party on 30 September 2014 and 
subsequently bought back off-market by Westpac and 
cancelled. 

Issue of Westpac Capital Notes 2 
On 23 June 2014, Westpac issued approximately 
$1.31 billion of securities known as Westpac Capital 
Notes 2, which qualify as Additional Tier 1 capital of 
Westpac under APRA’s Basel III capital adequacy 
framework. 

Litigation 
  Exception fees – Westpac has been served with three 

class action proceedings brought on behalf of customers 
seeking to recover exception fees paid by those 
customers. The first set of proceedings was commenced 
in December 2011 by certain named customers of the 
Westpac brand; the second was commenced in February 
2012 by certain named customers of the St.George Bank 
and BankSA brands; the third was commenced in August 
2014 on behalf of all other customers of Westpac Banking 
Group. Similar class actions have been commenced 
against several other Australian banks. Westpac has 
agreed with the plaintiffs to put the proceedings against 
Westpac on hold until at least December 2014, pending 
further developments in the litigation against one of those 
other banks. 

  Bell litigation – Westpac was one of 20 defendant banks 
named in proceedings concerning the Bell Group of 
companies. The proceedings were brought by the 
liquidators of several Bell Group companies who 
challenged the defendant banks’ entitlement to receive 
the proceeds of realisation of Bell Group assets in the 
early 1990s. 

On 17 September 2013 the parties announced that the 
matter was settled. Prior to the settlement, Westpac was 
entitled to file a claim as an unsecured creditor in the 
liquidation of the Bell companies and stood to recover 
part of the funds available for distribution to creditors. As 
part of the settlement, Westpac has agreed to release its 
claim for the distribution. The terms of the settlement 
remain confidential. The settlement was subject to 
various approvals being obtained in local and overseas 
jurisdictions. Such approvals have been obtained. 
Settlement has completed and Westpac’s liabilities to the 
Bell companies have been satisfied in full. 

Westpac Bicentennial Foundation 
On 2 April 2014, Westpac announced the launch of the 
Westpac Bicentennial Foundation. The charitable 
Foundation will have an exclusive focus on the education 
and advancement of Australians. A one-off contribution of 
$100 million is designed to fund 100 scholarships every year 
in perpetuity to Australians who have the potential to shape 
Australia’s future. The program commenced in 2014 so that 
the earnings from the fund will see the initial scholarships 
fully operational by the Group’s 200th anniversary in 2017.  

18 

2014 Westpac Group Annual Report 

 
Global Systemically Important Financial Institutions 
(G-SIFIs) 
In July 2013, the BCBS published an updated methodology 
for determining Global Systemically Important Banks 
(G-SIBs). Each year in November the Financial Stability 
Board (FSB) publishes the list of identified G-SIBs and 
specifies the higher capital requirements proposed for each. 
These increased capital requirements will be phased in from 
January 2016. Westpac has not been named as a G-SIB. 
However the BCBS has issued a framework for extending 
the SIFIs requirements to domestic systemically important 
banks (D-SIBs). 

Capital 
In 2010, the BCBS outlined the revised capital framework for 
banks globally as follows: 

  an increase in the minimum common equity requirement 

from 2.0% to 4.5%; 

  an increase in the minimum Tier 1 capital requirement 

from 4.0% to 6.0%; 

  a capital conservation buffer at 2.5%, to be met with 

common equity; and 

  a countercyclical buffer of between 0% to 2.5% to be met 
with common equity or other fully loss absorbing capital. 

APRA’s adoption of the framework has required Australian 
Authorised Deposit-taking Institutions (ADIs) such as 
Westpac to meet the new minimum capital requirements 
from 1 January 2013 and the capital conservation buffer in 
full from its introduction date of 1 January 2016. In 
December 2013 APRA released its approach for 
implementing a D-SIB framework in Australia. Westpac is 
one of four Australian banks which APRA has identified as a 
D-SIB. APRA has proposed that each D-SIB, including 
Westpac, will have to meet a higher loss absorbency 
requirement of 1% to be met by common equity. The 1% 
requirement will be added to the capital conservation buffer 
effectively increasing the buffer from 2.5% to 3.5%. The 
countercyclical buffer is not currently required. 

Westpac’s current capital levels are already above the 
regulatory requirement that will apply from 1 January 2016 
(including the expanded capital conservation buffer).  

Further details of Westpac’s regulatory capital disclosures 
can be accessed at www.westpac.com.au/about-
westpac/investor-centre/financial-information/basel-iii-risk-
reports.  

Increased loss absorbency 
In September 2014, the FSB stated that it would table 
proposals at the G20 Leaders’ Summit in Brisbane in 
November 2014 for enhancing the Total Loss Absorbing 
Capacity (TLAC) for G-SIBs to operate alongside the 
Basel III capital requirements. These proposals form part of 
the G20’s initiatives aimed at ‘Ending too-big-to-fail’ and 
ensuring that the resolution of a failing G-SIFI can be carried 
out without causing systemic disruption or resorting to 
taxpayer support. Should the TLAC proposals be endorsed 
by the G20 they will be subject to industry consultation 
throughout 2015. The FSB has stated that the TLAC 
requirement would not be introduced before 2019 and it is 
not known at this stage whether there is any intention to 
extend the requirement beyond G-SIBs. 

Information on Westpac 

Other Basel Accord Reforms  
The Basel III capital framework also introduced a leverage 
ratio requirement. The BCBS proposes that introducing a 
simple, non-risk based leverage ratio requirement would act 
as a credible supplementary measure to the risk-based 
capital requirements. In January 2014, the BCBS published 
an amended leverage ratio framework. The proposed 
timetable for the leverage ratio provides for testing and 
recalibration of the framework to occur until 2017, with public 
disclosure to commence from January 2015 and migration of 
the final standard to a Pillar 1 requirement from 
January 2018. 

The BCBS is also currently conducting analysis on 
risk-weighted assets, which forms the denominator of the 
capital ratios. The BCBS has indicated that this work is 
intended to examine the consistency in the determination of 
risk-weighted assets within and across jurisdictions and 
which will ultimately allow the BCBS to develop potential 
policy options. 

Each of these measures is in different stages of 
development and, following release of the respective 
regulations by the BCBS, APRA will consult on and develop 
the regulations to apply in Australia. 

Recovery and resolution planning 
A further component of the G20’s ‘Ending too-big-to-fail’ 
reforms is a requirement for a Recovery and Resolution Plan 
for any firm deemed by its home authority to have systemic 
importance to the domestic economy. APRA has undertaken 
a pilot Recovery Planning project applying to Australia’s 
largest banks, including Westpac, with final plans delivered 
to APRA in mid-2012. APRA has advised Westpac of its 
expectation that the Recovery Plan be maintained and 
Westpac reviews and updates its Recovery Plan where 
required. 

In the US, Westpac is also required to satisfy the resolution 
plan requirements of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform 
and Consumer Protection Act (Dodd-Frank Act). In 
December 2013, Westpac submitted a resolution plan in 
relation to our US operations to US bank regulatory 
authorities. This plan is maintained and updated as required, 
including in response to feedback from bank regulatory 
authorities.  

OECD Common Reporting Standard 
The Organisation for Economic Cooperation and 
Development (OECD) has developed Common Reporting 
Standard (CRS) rules for the automatic exchange of 
financial account information amongst OECD member 
states. 

CRS will require the Westpac Group to identify the tax 
residency of all customers and to report the tax residency 
and account details of non-resident customers to the 
relevant authorities in jurisdictions in which the CRS rules 
operate.  

It is currently intended that Australian financial institutions 
can voluntarily implement the rules from 1 January 2017, but 
will have to be compliant from 1 January 2018. The rules 
could impose additional costs and operational burdens on 
Westpac. 

2014 Westpac Group Annual Report 

19 

 
OTC derivatives reform 
The international regulatory reforms relating to over-the-
counter (OTC) derivatives continue to be implemented by 
financial regulators across the globe.  

Australia 
The Federal Government has embarked on a program of 
regulatory reform which will affect Westpac. In addition to 
the above, this includes: 

In Australia, Westpac commenced reporting OTC derivatives 
transactions to a Prescribed Repository in accordance with 
the Derivative Transaction Rules (Reporting) 2013 on 
1 October 2013. Westpac continues to work with ASIC and 
industry associations in relation to the implementation of 
these rules and the phase-in of requirements to other 
industry participants.  

The Australian Treasury has issued two Proposal Papers on 
the Implementation of Australia’s G20 OTC derivatives 
commitments, in which they proposed a central clearing 
mandate for US dollar, Euro, British Pound, Yen 
(February 2014 Proposal Paper) and Australian dollar 
(July 2014 Proposal Paper) denominated interest rate 
derivatives traded between dealers with significant cross-
border activities. It is expected that any such mandate would 
cover Westpac. The commencement of the central clearing 
mandates is expected to occur by early to mid-2015. 

As a provisionally-registered Swap Dealer with the 
US Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), 
Westpac is subject to a range of entity-level and transaction-
level requirements pursuant to the Dodd-Frank Act.  

Pursuant to the European Market Infrastructure Regulations 
(EMIR) established by the European Securities and Markets 
Authority (ESMA), from October 2014, Westpac became 
subject to certain risk mitigation obligations in relation to 
OTC Derivatives traded with European counterparties or 
through its London Branch. Further, as of mid-2015, 
Westpac will be subject to a central clearing mandate for 
certain interest rate derivatives with European 
counterparties.  

Westpac continues to monitor developments in response to 
requirements imposed by international regulators. These 
include regulations published by the CFTC and the 
Securities and Exchange Commission under the Dodd-Frank 
Act; by the ESMA and local European financial regulators 
under the EMIR and Markets in Financial Instruments 
Directive (MiFID II); and by various financial regulators in 
Asia and Canada. Westpac also continues to monitor the 
international response to the final policy framework for 
establishing margin requirements for uncleared OTC 
derivatives as published by the Basel Committee on Banking 
Supervision (BCBS) and the International Organisation of 
Securities Commission (IOSCO) on 2 September 2013. 

Superannuation changes 
In December 2013, BT launched a number of MySuper 
products to allow employers to make their super guarantee 
contributions to their BT default super fund. A MySuper 
product is a default investment option where investment 
choice is not elected by the member and is generally a low 
cost, simple superannuation product. Other legislative 
changes include enhanced trustee and director obligations 
as well as ‘SuperStream’, a measure to improve the 
efficiency of processing superannuation transactions through 
the use of technology. Westpac continues to assess and 
implement changes to our existing superannuation products 
and governance to ensure compliance with the new 
requirements. 

Financial advice changes 
The majority of the Future of Financial Advice (FOFA) 
reforms commenced for the Westpac Group on 1 July 2013. 
The Government announced proposed reforms to the FOFA 
laws on 20 December 2013 and a bill to amend FOFA (the 
Corporations Amendment (Streamlining of Future of 
Financial Advice) Bill 2014) was introduced into parliament 
on 19 March 2014. The Bill includes changes to remove the 
requirement to opt-in to ongoing adviser services every two 
years and also provides a general advice exemption from 
the ban on conflicted remuneration. Regulations which were 
effective on 1 July 2014 (the ‘Streamlining Regulations’) 
incorporated these changes as well as other changes 
including other exemptions from the ban on conflicted 
remuneration and an extension to grandfathering of 
conflicted benefits in certain circumstances. Uncertainty still 
exists as to whether the Bill will pass in its current form and 
some changes to sections including the best interests duty 
and the general advice exemption have been proposed in 
the Senate. Other new regulations, which become effective 
on 1 January 2015, provide for certain changes in relation to 
the receipt of client instructions and also in relation to the 
provision of financial product advice in Statements of Advice. 

Privacy law reform 
Significant amendments to the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) 
commenced on 12 March 2014. As a result the Westpac 
Group has amended a wide range of documents, systems 
and procedures in relation to the management of personal 
and credit information. 

20 

2014 Westpac Group Annual Report 

 
United States 
There are a number of significant regulatory reforms 
currently occurring in the United States (US). These include: 

Dodd-Frank Act 
Legislation designed to reform the system for supervision 
and regulation of financial firms in the US was signed into 
law on 21 July 2010. The Dodd-Frank Act contains a wide 
range of provisions that will affect financial institutions 
operating in the US, including foreign banks like Westpac. 
Included among its provisions are reforms designed to: 

  reduce systemic risk presented by very large financial 

institutions; 

  promote enhanced supervision, regulation, and prudential 

standards for financial institutions;  

  establish comprehensive supervision of financial markets; 

  impose new limits on permissible financial institution 

activities and investments;  

  expand regulation of the derivatives markets, protect 
consumers and investors from financial abuse; and 

  provide the US Government with the tools needed to 

manage a financial crisis.  

Many of the provisions of the Dodd-Frank Act require 
extensive rulemaking by US regulatory agencies before the 
provisions become effective. The issuance of final rules 
under the Dodd-Frank Act remains far from complete, with 
the process continuing. US regulatory agencies have 
released final rules to implement Section 619 of the 
Dodd-Frank Act (the Volcker rule) and to strengthen the 
regulation of the US operations of non-US banks. At this 
time, apart from investments in compliance activities, we do 
not expect these rules to have a significant impact on our 
business activities. 

Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (FATCA) 
Provisions commonly referred to as FATCA and related 
US Treasury regulations generally require Foreign Financial 
Institutions (FFIs), such as Westpac, to enter into an FFI 
agreement (if they are not subject to the provisions of a 
Model 1 Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA)) under which 
they agree to identify and provide the US Internal Revenue 
Service (IRS) with information on certain US connected 
accounts, or otherwise face 30% withholding tax on certain 
payments made to the FFI. In addition, FFIs that have 
entered into an FFI agreement will be required to withhold 
on certain payments made to FFIs that are neither party to 
an FFI agreement nor subject to an IGA and certain account 
holders that fail to provide prescribed information. The 
Australian Government signed an IGA with the United States 
on 28 April 2014, which came into force on 30 June 2014. 
The Australian IGA, and any IGAs that may be concluded 
between the US and other countries in which Westpac 
conducts business, will relieve Westpac of the requirement 
to withhold on payments to, or close, certain accounts, and 
will provide certain other benefits.  

Information on Westpac 

Westpac is implementing changes to its business operations 
to comply with the requirements of FATCA across all 
jurisdictions in which it operates. Westpac has entered into 
an FFI agreement with respect to its branches and affiliated 
FFIs not located in countries that have entered into an IGA. 
It is anticipated that compliance with FATCA will give rise to 
significant costs and operational burdens, but that IGAs will 
reduce those costs and burdens, where applicable. 

New Zealand 
Regulatory reforms and significant developments in 
New Zealand include: 

Basel III 
The RBNZ has adopted the core Basel III capital measures 
relating to new capital ratios and most of the 
recommendations relating to the definition of capital. From 
1 January 2013, the requirements for WNZL’s Total Tier 1 
capital increased to 6.0% and had to include common equity 
of 4.5%. The conservation buffer was implemented in full 
from 1 January 2014 at which time Total Tier 1 capital 
increased to 8.5% and had to include 7% common equity. 
The RBNZ has the discretion to also apply a countercyclical 
buffer of common equity and has not specified any formal 
upper limit on this buffer. The RBNZ has not adopted the 
leverage ratio. 

Financial Markets Conduct Act (FMCA) 
The FMCA overhauls the existing securities law regime in 
New Zealand and will impact various aspects of the wider 
Westpac New Zealand business. It introduces changes to 
product disclosure and governance together with new 
licensing and registration requirements as well as new fair 
dealing provisions. The existing prospectus/investment 
statement dual disclosure model will no longer apply. A 
single product disclosure statement is being implemented, 
supported by an online register of other material 
documentation. The FMCA was enacted in September 2013, 
however, most of its provisions are expected to come into 
force on 1 December 2014, albeit subject to transitional 
provisions. The majority of the new fair dealing requirements 
came into force in April 2014.  

Credit law reform / responsible lending 
The Credit Contracts and Consumer Finance Amendment 
Act 2014 received Royal Assent in June 2014 and will come 
into full effect in June 2015. The Act reforms the entire suite 
of legislation that governs consumer credit contracts. It 
creates new responsible lending principles and provides for 
a regulatory responsible lending code. Existing consumer 
protections are also being strengthened by changing the 
current provisions on disclosure, fees, hardship and 
‘oppressive’ contracts. Consultation on the responsible 
lending code and new regulations commenced in June 2014. 
The code is expected to be finalised in March 2015. 

2014 Westpac Group Annual Report 

21 

 
Covered bond legislation 
The Reserve Bank of New Zealand (Covered Bonds) 
Amendment Bill was passed in December 2013. It provides 
a legislative framework for the issuance of covered bonds by 
New Zealand registered banks. New Zealand registered 
banks were already permitted by the RBNZ to issue covered 
bonds and have a condition of registration that covered bond 
issuance cannot exceed 10% of total assets. However, the 
legislation provides certainty for investors that the cover pool 
assets will be disgorged from statutory management and 
liquidation regimes. Covered bond programmes must be 
registered with the RBNZ under the legislation. The Westpac 
NZ Global Covered Bond Programme was registered on 
4 April 2014.  

Consumer law reform  
The Consumer Law Reform Bill was passed in December 
2013. The Bill amended six separate Acts, including the 
Fair Trading Act. Among the amendments being introduced 
into the Fair Trading Act are prohibitions on unfair contract 
terms and on making unsubstantiated representations about 
a product or service and new provisions regulating uninvited 
direct sales. The unfair contract terms provisions come into 
force in March 2015 while the unsubstantiated 
representations prohibitions and uninvited direct sales 
provisions came into effect in June 2014. 

Supervision and regulation 
Australia 
Within Australia we are subject to supervision and regulation 
by six principal agencies: APRA; the Reserve Bank of 
Australia (RBA); the Australian Securities and Investments 
Commission (ASIC); the Australian Securities Exchange 
(ASX); the Australian Competition and Consumer 
Commission (ACCC); and the Australian Transaction 
Reports and Analysis Centre (AUSTRAC). 

APRA is the prudential regulator of the Australian financial 
services industry. It oversees banks, credit unions, building 
societies, general insurance and re-insurance companies, 
friendly societies and most of the superannuation (pension) 
industry. APRA’s role includes establishing and enforcing 
prudential standards and practices designed to ensure that, 
under all reasonable circumstances, financial promises 
made by the institutions it supervises are met within a stable, 
efficient and competitive financial system. 

As an ADI, we report prudential information to APRA 
including information in relation to capital adequacy, large 
exposures, credit quality and liquidity. Our controlled entities 
in Australia that are authorised insurers and trustees of 
superannuation funds are also subject to the APRA 
regulatory regime. Reporting is supplemented by 
consultations, on-site inspections and targeted reviews. Our 
external auditors also have an obligation to report on 
compliance with certain statutory and regulatory banking 
requirements and on any matters that in their opinion may 
have the potential to materially prejudice the interests of 
depositors and other stakeholders. 

Australia’s risk-based capital adequacy guidelines are based 
on the approach agreed upon by the Basel Committee on 
Banking Supervision. National discretion is then applied to 
that approach which results in Australia’s capital 
requirements being more stringent. Refer to ‘Capital 
resources – Basel Capital Accord’ in Section 2. 

The RBA is responsible for monetary policy, maintaining 
financial system stability and promoting the safety and 
efficiency of the payments system. The RBA is an active 
participant in the financial markets, manages Australia’s 
foreign reserves, issues Australian currency notes and 
serves as banker to the Australian Government. 

ASIC is the national regulator of Australian companies. Its 
primary responsibility is to regulate and enforce company, 
consumer credit, financial markets and financial services 
laws that protect consumers, investors and creditors. With 
respect to financial services, it promotes honesty and 
fairness by providing consumer protection, using regulatory 
powers to enforce laws relating to deposit-taking activities, 
general insurance, life insurance, superannuation, retirement 
savings accounts, securities (such as shares, debentures 
and managed investments) and futures contracts and 
financial advice. ASIC has responsibility for supervising 
trading on Australia’s domestic licensed markets and of 
trading participants. 

The ASX operates Australia’s primary national market for 
trading of securities issued by listed companies. Some of our 
securities (including our ordinary shares) are listed on the 
ASX and we therefore have obligations to comply with the 
ASX Listing Rules, which have statutory backing under the 
Corporations Act 2001. The ASX has responsibility for the 
oversight of listed entities under the ASX Listing Rules and 
for monitoring and enforcing compliance with the ASX 
Operating Rules by its market, clearing and settlement 
participants. 

The ACCC is an independent statutory authority responsible 
for the regulation and prohibition of anti-competitive and 
unfair market practices and mergers and acquisitions in 
Australia. Its broad objective is to administer the Competition 
and Consumer Act 2010 and related legislation to bring 
greater competitiveness, fair trading, consumer protection 
and product safety to the Australian economy. The ACCC’s 
role in consumer protection complements that of Australian 
state and territory consumer affairs agencies that administer 
the unfair trading legislation of their jurisdictions. 

The Australian Government’s present policy, known as the 
‘four pillars policy’, is that there should be no fewer than four 
major banks to maintain appropriate levels of competition in 
the banking sector. Under the Financial Sector 
(Shareholding) Act 1998, the Australian Government’s 
Treasurer must approve an entity acquiring a stake of more 
than 15% in a financial sector company. 

Proposals for foreign acquisitions of a stake in Australian 
banks are subject to the Australian Government’s foreign 
investment policy and, where required, approval by the 
Australian Government under the Australian Foreign 
Acquisitions and Takeovers Act 1975. For further details 
refer to ‘Limitations affecting security holders’ in Section 4. 

AUSTRAC oversees the compliance of Australian reporting 
entities including Westpac, within the requirements under 
the Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism 
Financing Act 2006 and the Financial Transaction Reports 
Act 1988. 

22 

2014 Westpac Group Annual Report 

 
These requirements include: 

  implementing programs for identifying and monitoring 
customers, and for managing the risks of money 
laundering and terrorism financing; 

  reporting suspicious matters, threshold transactions and 

international funds transfer instructions; and 

  submitting an annual compliance report. 

AUSTRAC provides financial information to state, territory 
and Australian federal law enforcement, security, social 
justice and revenue agencies, and certain international 
counterparts. 

New Zealand 
The RBNZ is responsible for supervising New Zealand 
registered banks. The New Zealand prudential supervision 
regime requires that registered banks publish quarterly 
disclosure statements, which contain information on financial 
performance and risk positions as well as attestations by the 
directors about the bank’s compliance with its conditions of 
registration and certain other matters. 

United States 
Our New York branch is a US federally licensed branch and 
therefore is subject to supervision, examination and 
regulation by the US Office of the Comptroller of the 
Currency, and the Board of Governors of the Federal 
Reserve System (the US Federal Reserve) under the 
US International Banking Act of 1978 (IBA) and related 
regulations.  

A US federal branch must maintain, with a US Federal 
Reserve member bank, a capital equivalency deposit as 
prescribed by the US Comptroller of the Currency, which is 
at least equal to 5% of its total liabilities (including 
acceptances, but excluding accrued expenses, and amounts 
due and other liabilities to other branches, agencies, and 
subsidiaries of the foreign bank). 

In addition, a US federal branch is subject to periodic onsite 
examination by the US Comptroller of the Currency. Such 
examination may address risk management, operations, 
asset quality, compliance with the record-keeping and 
reporting, and any additional requirements prescribed by the 
US Comptroller of the Currency from time to time. 

A US federal branch of a foreign bank is, by virtue of the 
IBA, subject to the receivership powers exercisable by the 
US Comptroller of the Currency. 

We are not a Financial Holding Company as defined in the 
Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act of 1999. 

Westpac and some of its affiliates are engaged in various 
activities that are subject to regulation by other US federal 
regulatory agencies including the US Securities & Exchange 
Commission and the CFTC. 

Information on Westpac 

Anti-money laundering regulation and related 
requirements 
Australia 
Westpac has a Group-wide program to manage its 
obligations under the Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-
Terrorism Financing Act 2006. We continue to actively 
engage with the regulator, AUSTRAC, on our activities. 

United States 
The USA PATRIOT Act of 2001 requires US financial 
institutions, including the US branches of foreign banks, to 
take certain steps to prevent, detect and report individuals 
and entities involved in international money laundering and 
the financing of terrorism. The required actions include 
verifying the identity of financial institutions and other 
customers and counterparties, terminating correspondent 
accounts for foreign ‘shell banks’ and obtaining information 
about the owners of foreign bank clients and the identity of 
the foreign bank’s agent for service of process in the US. 
The anti-money laundering compliance requirements of the 
USA PATRIOT Act include requirements to adopt and 
implement an effective anti-money laundering program, 
report suspicious transactions or activities, and implement 
due diligence procedures for correspondent and other 
customer accounts. Westpac’s New York branch and its 
other US operations maintain an anti-money laundering 
compliance program designed to address US legal 
requirements. 

US economic and trade sanctions, as administered by the 
Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), prohibit or 
significantly restrict US financial institutions, including the US 
branches and operations of foreign banks, and other US 
persons from doing business with certain persons, entities 
and jurisdictions. Westpac’s New York branch and its other 
US operations maintain compliance programs designed to 
comply with OFAC sanctions programs, and Westpac has a 
Group-wide program to ensure adequate compliance. 

Significant contracts 
Westpac’s significant long-term contracts are summarised in 
Note 35 to the financial statements. 

Legal proceedings 
Our entities are defendants from time-to-time in legal 
proceedings arising from the conduct of our business and 
material legal proceedings, if any, are described in Note 37 
to the financial statements and under ‘Significant 
Developments’ above. As appropriate, a provision has been 
raised in respect of these proceedings and disclosed in the 
financial statements. 

Principal office 
Our principal office is located at 275 Kent Street, Sydney, 
New South Wales, 2000, Australia. Our telephone number 
for calls within Australia is 132 032 and our international 
telephone number is (+61) 2 9293 9270. 

2014 Westpac Group Annual Report 

23 

 
 
Corporate governance 

Introduction 
This corporate governance statement, which has been 
approved by the Board, describes our corporate governance 
framework, policies and practices as at 3 November 2014. 

Framework and approach 
Our approach to corporate governance is based on a set of 
values and behaviours that underpin day-to-day activities, 
provide transparency and fair dealing, and seek to protect 
stakeholder interests. 

This approach includes a commitment to excellence in 
governance standards, which Westpac sees as fundamental 
to the sustainability of our business and our performance. It 
includes monitoring local and global developments in 
corporate governance and assessing their implications.  

We have equity securities listed on securities exchanges in 
Australia, New Zealand and the United States. 

Australia 
We comply with the ASX Corporate Governance Principles 
and Recommendations with 2010 amendments (ASXCGC 
Recommendations) published by the ASX Limited’s 
Corporate Governance Council (ASXCGC). We must also 
comply with the Corporations Act and as an ADI must 
comply with governance requirements prescribed by APRA 
under Prudential Standard CPS 510 (Governance). 

This statement addresses each of the eight ASXCGC 
Recommendations with an explanation of our corporate 
governance practices, demonstrating our compliance with 
each Recommendation. A checklist summarising our 
compliance is included at the end of this statement. 

Further details about the ASXCGC Recommendations can 
be found on the ASX Limited (ASX) website 
www.asx.com.au. 

New Zealand 
Westpac also has ordinary shares quoted on the NZSX, 
which is the main board equity security market operated by 
NZX Limited (NZX). As an overseas listed issuer in New 
Zealand, we are deemed to satisfy and comply with the 
NZSX Listing Rules, provided that we remain listed on the 
ASX and comply with the ASX Listing Rules. 

The ASX, through the ASXCGC Recommendations, and 
NZX, through the NZX Corporate Governance Best Practice 
Code, have adopted similar ‘comply or explain’ approaches 
to corporate governance. However, the ASXCGC 
Recommendations may materially differ from the corporate 
governance rules and the principles of NZX’s Corporate 
Governance Best Practice Code. 

United States 
Westpac has American Depositary Shares (ADS) 
representing its ordinary shares quoted on the New York 
Stock Exchange (NYSE). Under the NYSE Listing Rules, 
foreign private issuers are permitted to follow home country 
practice in respect of corporate governance in lieu of the 
NYSE Listing Rules. However, we are still required to 

comply with certain audit committee and additional 
notification requirements. 

We comply in all material respects with all NYSE Listing 
Rules applicable to us. 

Under the NYSE Listing Rules, foreign private issuers are 
required to disclose any significant ways in which their 
corporate governance practices differ from those followed by 
domestic US companies. We have compared our corporate 
governance practices to the corporate governance 
requirements of the NYSE Listing Rules and note the 
significant differences below. 

The NYSE Listing Rules require that, subject to limited 
exceptions, shareholders be given the opportunity to vote on 
equity compensation plans and material revisions to those 
plans. 

In Australia there are no laws or securities exchange listing 
rules that require shareholder approval of equity based 
incentive plans or individual grants under those plans (other 
than for Directors, including the Chief Executive Officer 
(CEO)). 

Westpac’s employee equity plans have been disclosed in 
the Remuneration report in Section 9 of the Directors’ report, 
which is subject to a non-binding shareholder vote at the 
Annual General Meeting (AGM) and grants to our CEO are 
approved by shareholders. The details of all grants under 
our equity-based incentive plans have been disclosed in 
Note 25 of our financial statements for the year ended 
30 September 2014. 

The NYSE Listing Rules provide that the Board Nominations 
Committee’s responsibilities should include selecting, or 
recommending that the Board select, the Director nominees 
for the next annual meeting for shareholders, and 
overseeing the evaluation of the Board. The Board, rather 
than the Board Nominations Committee, reviews and 
recommends the Director nominees for election at the AGM 
and undertakes an annual review of its performance. 

Websites 
This statement and a range of documents referred to in it are 
available on our corporate governance website at 
www.westpac.com.au/corpgov. This website contains copies 
and summaries of charters, principles and policies referred 
to in this statement. 

Investor communications and information, including the 
Westpac Group Annual Report 2014, Annual Review and 
Sustainability Report 2014, investor discussion packs and 
presentations, can be accessed at 
www.westpac.com.au/investorcentre.  

Information on our corporate responsibility and sustainability 
policies, practices and outcomes, including additional 
sustainability reporting and performance in external 
sustainability assessments, is available at 
www.westpac.com.au/corporateresponsibility. 

24 

2014 Westpac Group Annual Report 

 
 
 
 
Governance framework 

Independent 
Assurance

 External auditors

 Legal or other 

 Group Assurance

professional advice

Board

,

e
c
n
a
r
u
s
s
A

n
o

i
t

a
g
e
e
D

l

h
g
u
o
r
h

t

t

i

h
g
s
r
e
v
O

Corporate governance 

Delegation

Accountability

Chief Executive 
Officer

g
n

i
t
r
o
p
e
R

d
r
a
o
B

s
e
e
t
t
i

m
m
o
C

Nominations

Remuneration

Risk 
& Compliance

Provide assurance on 
risk components of 
financial statements

Provide assurance on remuneration components of 
financial statements

Audit

Technology

The diagram above shows the current Committees of the Board. From time to time the Board may form other Committees or 
request Directors to undertake specific extra duties.  

In addition, from time to time the Board participates (either directly or through representatives) in due diligence committees in 
relation to strategic decisions, capital and funding activities. 

The Executive Team, Disclosure Committee and Executive Risk Committees are not Board Committees (that is, they have no 
delegation of authority from the Board) but sit beneath the CEO and the Board Committees to implement Board-approved 
strategies, policies and management of risk across the Group. 

The key functions of the Board and each of the Board Committees are outlined in this corporate governance statement. All 
Board Committee Charters are available on our corporate governance website at www.westpac.com.au/corpgov. 

2014 Westpac Group Annual Report 

25 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Board, Committees and oversight of management 
Board of Directors 
Roles and responsibilities 
The Board Charter outlines the roles and responsibilities of 
the Board. Key responsibilities in summary are: 

  approving the strategic direction of Westpac Group; 

  evaluating Board performance and determining Board 

size and composition; 

  considering and approving the Westpac Board Renewal 

Policy; 

Delegated authority 
The Constitution and the Board Charter enable the Board to 
delegate to Committees and management. 

The roles and responsibilities delegated to the Board 
Committees are captured in the Charters of each of the five 
established Committees, namely: 

  Audit; 

  Risk & Compliance; 

  appointing and determining the duration, remuneration 

  Nominations; 

and other terms of appointment of the CEO, Deputy CEO, 
Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and other Group 
Executives; 

  Remuneration; and 

  Technology. 

  determining the remuneration of persons whose activities 
in the Board’s opinion affects the financial soundness of 
Westpac, any person specified by APRA, and any other 
person the Board determines; 

  evaluating the performance of the CEO; 

  succession planning for the Board, CEO and Group 

Executives; 

  approving the appointment of Group Executives, General 
Manager Group Assurance and Chief Compliance Officer 
& Group General Counsel and monitoring the 
performance of senior management; 

  approving the annual targets and financial statements 
and monitoring performance against forecast and prior 
periods; 

  determining our dividend policy; 

  determining our capital structure; 

  approving our risk management strategy and frameworks, 

and monitoring their effectiveness; 

  considering the social, ethical and environmental impact 
of our activities and monitoring compliance with our 
sustainability policies and practices; 

  monitoring Workplace Health and Safety (WHS) issues in 
Westpac Group and considering appropriate WHS reports 
and information; 

  maintaining an ongoing dialogue with Westpac’s auditors 

and, where appropriate, principal regulators; and 

  internal governance including delegated authorities, 

policies for appointments to our controlled entity Boards 
and monitoring resources available to senior executives. 

The Board Charter, Board Committee Charters and the 
Constitution are available on our corporate governance 
website www.westpac.com.au/corpgov. 

The Delegated Authority Policy Framework outlines 
principles to govern decision-making within the Westpac 
Group, including appropriate escalation and reporting to the 
Board. The Board has also delegated to the CEO, and 
through the CEO to other executives, responsibility for the 
day-to-day management of our business. The scope of, and 
limitations to, management delegated authority is clearly 
documented and covers areas such as operating and capital 
expenditure, funding and securitisation, and lending. These 
delegations balance effective oversight with appropriate 
empowerment and accountability of management. 

Independence 
Together, the Board members have a broad range of 
relevant financial and other skills and knowledge, combined 
with the extensive experience necessary to guide our 
business. Details are set out in Section 1 of the Directors’ 
report. 

All of our Non-executive Directors satisfy our criteria for 
independence, which align with the guidance provided in the 
ASXCGC Recommendations and the criteria applied by the 
NYSE and the US Securities and Exchange Commission 
(SEC). 

The Board assesses the independence of our Directors on 
appointment and annually. Each Director provides an annual 
attestation of his or her interests and independence. 

Directors are considered independent if they are 
independent of management and free from any business or 
other relationship that could materially interfere with, or 
reasonably be perceived to materially interfere with, the 
exercise of their unfettered and independent judgment. 
Materiality is assessed on a case by case basis by reference 
to each Director’s individual circumstances rather than by 
applying general materiality thresholds.  

Each Director is expected to disclose any business or other 
relationship that he or she has directly, or as a partner, 
shareholder or officer of a company or other entity that has 
an interest in Westpac or a related entity. The Board 
considers information about any such interests or 
relationships, including any related financial or other details, 
when it assesses the Director’s independence. 

26 

2014 Westpac Group Annual Report 

 
Size and membership of Board Committees as at 30 September 2014 

Corporate governance 

Lindsay 
Maxsted 

Status 

Chairman, 
Non-executive, 
Independent 

Gail Kelly 

CEO, Executive 

Elizabeth 
Bryan 

Non-executive, 
Independent 

Ewen Crouch 

Non-executive, 
Independent 

Alison Deans 

Non-executive, 
Independent 

Robert 
Elstone 

Non-executive, 
Independent 

Peter 
Hawkins 

Non-executive, 
Independent 

Peter Marriott 

Ann Pickard 

Non-executive, 
Independent 

Non-executive, 
Independent 

Board Audit 
Committee 

Board Risk & 
Compliance 
Committee 

Board Nominations 
Committee 

Board Remuneration 
Committee 

Board 
Technology 
Committee 

 

 

Chair 
 

 

 

 

 

Chair 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chair 
 

 

 

Chair 
 

 

 

 

 

Chair 
 

 

The charts below demonstrate that our Board comprises a majority of independent Directors and show the tenure of our 
current Non-executive Directors.  

Length of tenure of Non-executive Directors 

Balance of Non-executive and Executive Directors 

7–8 
years
11%

0–1 
years
11%

Independent 
Non-executive 
Directors 
78% 

1–2       
years
22%

Independent 
Non-executive 
Chairman 
11% 

Executive 
Director 
11% 

2–3 
years
22%

6–7 
years
22%

5–6 
years
11%

2014 Westpac Group Annual Report 

27 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Chairman 
The Board elects one of the independent Non-executive 
Directors as Chairman. Our current Chairman is Lindsay 
Maxsted, who became Chairman on 14 December 2011. 
The Chairman’s role includes: 

  providing effective leadership to the Board in relation to 

all Board matters; 

  guiding the agenda and conducting all Board meetings; 

  in conjunction with the Company Secretaries, arranging 
regular Board meetings throughout the year, confirming 
that minutes of meetings accurately record decisions 
taken and, where appropriate, the views of individual 
Directors; 

  overseeing the process for appraising Directors and the 

Board as a whole; 

  overseeing Board succession; 

  acting as a conduit between management and Board, and 
being the primary point of communication between the 
Board and CEO; 

  representing the views of the Board to the public; and 

  taking a leading role in creating and maintaining an 

effective corporate governance system. 

CEO 
Our CEO is Gail Kelly. The CEO’s role includes: 

  leadership of the management team; 

  reviewing and making recommendations to the Board 

annually on diversity generally within the Westpac Group, 
measurable objectives for achieving diversity and 
progress in achieving those objectives; 

  planning succession of the Non-executive Directors; 
  reviewing the process for the orientation and education of 
new Directors and any continuing education for existing 
Directors; 

  reviewing eligibility criteria for the appointment of 

Directors; 

  recommending appointment of Directors to the Board; 

and 

  considering and recommending candidates for 

appointment to the Boards of relevant subsidiaries. 

Westpac seeks to maintain a Board of Directors with a broad 
range of financial and other skills, experience and 
knowledge necessary to guide the business of the 
Westpac Group. Westpac seeks to maintain a diverse Board 
which at a minimum collectively has: 

  strategic capabilities and commercial acumen; 
  an understanding of the financial services industry 

(including wealth management) and global business 
perspectives; 

  accounting or related financial management qualifications 

and experience;  

  an understanding of risk management;  
  an understanding the application of technology in large 

  developing strategic objectives for the business; and 

complex businesses; 

  the day-to-day management of the Westpac Group’s 

operations. 

Board meetings 
The Board had eight scheduled meetings for the financial 
year ended 30 September 2014, with additional meetings 
held as required. In July each year the Board discusses our 
strategic plan and approves our overall strategic direction. 
The Board also conducts a half year review of our strategy. 
The Board conducts workshops on specific subjects relevant 
to our business throughout the year. Board meetings are 
characterised by robust exchanges of views, with Directors 
bringing their experience and independent judgment to bear 
on the issues and decisions at hand. 

Non-executive Directors regularly meet without management 
present, so that they can discuss issues appropriate to such 
a forum. In all other respects, senior executives are invited, 
where considered appropriate, to participate in Board 
meetings. They also are available to be contacted by 
Directors between meetings. 

Meetings attended by Directors for the financial year ended 
30 September 2014 are reported in Section 8 of the 
Directors’ report.  

Nomination and appointment 
The Board Nominations Committee is responsible for: 

  developing and reviewing policies on Board composition, 

strategic function and size; 

  a background in, or understanding of, customer insights 

and customer strategy; 

  knowledge of governance and compliance matters in 

highly regulated listed entities; 

  experience in people matters including workplace 

cultures, morale, management development, succession 
and remuneration; 

  experience on the boards of other significant listed 

companies; and 

  an ability to contribute to gender diversity. 

The Board Nominations Committee considers and makes 
recommendations to the Board on candidates for 
appointment as Directors. Such recommendations pay 
particular attention to the mix of skills, experience, expertise, 
diversity and other qualities of existing Directors, and how 
the candidate’s attributes will balance and complement 
those qualities. External consultants are used to access a 
wide base of potential Directors. 

Prior to a Director’s appointment or consideration for election 
or re-election by shareholders, Westpac conducts 
appropriate due diligence and provides shareholders with all 
material information relevant to a decision on whether or not 
to elect or re-elect a Director. 

New Directors receive an induction pack which includes a 
letter of appointment setting out the expectations of the role, 
conditions of appointment including the expected term of 
appointment, and remuneration. This letter conforms to the 
ASXCGC Recommendations. 

28 

2014 Westpac Group Annual Report 

 
Term of office 
The Board may appoint a new Director, either to fill a casual 
vacancy or as an addition to the existing Directors, provided 
the total number of Directors does not exceed 
fifteen Non-executive Directors and three Executive 
Directors. Except for the Managing Director, a Director 
appointed by the Board holds office only until the close of 
the next AGM but is eligible for election by shareholders at 
that meeting. 

Our Constitution states that at each AGM, one-third of 
eligible Directors, and any other Director who has held office 
for three or more years since their last election, must retire. 
In determining the number of Directors to retire by rotation, 
no account is to be taken of Directors holding casual 
vacancy positions or of the CEO. The Directors to retire by 
rotation are those who have been the longest in office. A 
retiring Director holds office until the conclusion of the 
meeting at which he or she retires but is eligible for 
re-election by shareholders at that meeting. 

The Board makes recommendations concerning the election 
or re-election of any Director by shareholders. In considering 
whether to support a candidate, the Board takes into 
account the results of the Board performance evaluation 
conducted during the year.  

The Westpac Board Renewal Policy limits the maximum 
tenure of office that any Non-executive Director other than 
the Chairman may serve to nine years, from the date of first 
election by shareholders. The maximum tenure for the 
Chairman is twelve years (inclusive of any term as a Director 
prior to being elected as Chairman), from the date of first 
election by shareholders. The Board, on its initiative and on 
an exceptional basis, may exercise discretion to extend the 
maximum terms specified above where it considers that 
such an extension would benefit the Group. Such discretion 
will be exercised on an annual basis and the Director 
concerned will be required to stand for re-election annually. 

Education 
On appointment, all Directors are offered an induction 
program appropriate to their experience to familiarise them 
with our business, strategy and any current issues before 
the Board. The induction program includes meetings with the 
Chairman, the CEO, the Board Committee Chairs and each 
Group Executive. 

The Board encourages Directors to continue their education 
by participating in workshops held throughout the year, 
attending relevant site visits and undertaking relevant 
external education. 

Access to information and advice 
All Directors have unrestricted access to company records 
and information, and receive regular detailed financial and 
operational reports from senior management. Each Director 
also enters into an access and indemnity agreement which, 
among other things, provides for access to documents for up 
to seven years after his or her retirement as a Director. 

The Chairman and other Non-executive Directors regularly 
consult with the CEO, CFO and other senior executives, and 
may consult with, and request additional information from, 
any of our employees. 

Corporate governance 

All Directors have access to advice from senior internal legal 
advisors including the Chief Compliance Officer & Group 
General Counsel. 

In addition, the Board collectively, and all Directors 
individually, have the right to seek independent professional 
advice, at our expense, to help them carry out their 
responsibilities. While the Chairman’s prior approval is 
needed, it may not be unreasonably withheld. 

Company Secretaries 
We have two Company Secretaries appointed by the Board. 
The Senior Company Secretary, who is also Legal Counsel 
to the Board, attends Board and Board Committee meetings 
and is responsible for providing Directors with advice on 
legal and corporate governance issues together with the 
Chief Compliance Officer & Group General Counsel. The 
Group Company Secretary attends Board and Board 
Committee meetings and is responsible for the operation of 
the secretariat function, including implementing our 
governance framework and, in conjunction with 
management, giving practical effect to the Board’s decisions. 
The Group Company Secretary is accountable to the Board 
through the Chairman, on all matters to do with the proper 
functioning of the Board. 

Profiles of our Company Secretaries are set out in Section 1 
of the Directors’ report. 

Board Committees 
Composition and independence 
Board Committee members are chosen for the skills and 
experience they can contribute to the respective Board 
Committees and their qualifications are set out in Section 1 
of the Directors’ report. The membership of each Board 
Committee is set out in the table entitled ‘Size and 
membership of Board Committees as at 30 September 2014’ 
in this Corporate Governance Statement. All of the Board 
Committees are comprised of independent Non-executive 
Directors. The CEO is also a member of the Board 
Technology Committee. 

Operation and reporting 
Scheduled meetings of the Board Committees occur 
quarterly, with the exception of the Board Technology 
Committee which has scheduled meetings three times a 
year. Each member’s attendance at Board Committee 
meetings held during the financial year ended 
30 September 2014 is reported in Section 8 of the Directors’ 
report. All Board Committees are able to meet more 
frequently as necessary. Each Board Committee is entitled 
to the resources and information it requires and has direct 
access to our employees and advisers. The CEO attends all 
Board Committee meetings, except where she has a 
material personal interest in a matter being considered. 
Senior executives and other selected employees are invited 
to attend Board Committee meetings as required. All 
Directors can receive all Board Committee papers and can 
attend any Board Committee meeting, provided there is no 
conflict of interest. 

2014 Westpac Group Annual Report 

29 

 
Performance 
Board, Board Committees and Directors 
The Board undertakes ongoing self-assessment as well as 
commissioning an annual performance review by an 
independent consultant. 

The review process conducted in 2014 included an 
assessment of the performance of the Board, the Board 
Committees, and each Director with outputs collected, 
analysed and presented to the Board. The Board discussed 
the results and agreed follow up action on matters relating to 
Board composition, process and priorities. 

The Chairman also discusses the results with individual 
Directors and Board Committee Chairs. The full Board 
(excluding the Chairman) reviews the results of the 
performance review of the Chairman and results are then 
privately discussed by the Chairman of the Board Risk & 
Compliance Committee with the Chairman.  

Management 
The Board, in conjunction with its Board Remuneration 
Committee, is responsible for approving the performance 
objectives and measures for the CEO and other senior 
executives, and providing input into the evaluation of 
performance against these objectives. The Board Risk & 
Compliance Committee also refers to the Board 
Remuneration Committee any matters that come to its 
attention that are relevant with respect to remuneration 
policy or practices. 

Management performance evaluations for the financial year 
ended 30 September 2014 were conducted following the 
end of the financial year. 

There is a further discussion on performance objectives and 
performance achieved in the Remuneration report contained 
in the Directors’ report. 

All new senior executives are provided with extensive 
briefing on our strategies and operations, and the respective 
roles and responsibilities of the Board and senior 
management. 

Advisory Boards  
Westpac has established Advisory Boards for its operations 
in Asia and for each of BankSA and Bank of Melbourne, to 
advise management on the strategies and initiatives of those 
businesses within the overall Group strategy. 

Responsibilities of the Advisory Boards include: 

  providing advice to management on management’s 

strategies and initiatives to continue to strengthen the 
position and identity of the business; 

  providing advice to management of the relevant business 
so as to promote and preserve its distinct position and 
identity and align business values with those of the 
relevant communities served; 

  considering and assessing reports provided by 

management on the health of the relevant business; 

  acting as ambassadors for the business, including 
through supporting community and major corporate 
promotional events to assist in building relationships with 
the bank’s customers, local communities and the 
business and government sector, and advising senior 
management on community matters relevant to the 
provision of financial services in the community it serves; 
and 

  alerting management to local market opportunities and 

issues of which Advisory Board members are aware that 
would enhance the provision of services to customers 
and potential customers and the position of the bank in its 
local communities. 

Ethical and responsible decision-making 
Code of Conduct and Principles for Doing Business 
Our ‘Code of Conduct’ (Code) describes the standards of 
conduct expected of our people, both employees and 
contractors. The seven principles making up the Code are: 

  we act with honesty and integrity; 

  we comply with laws and with our policies; 

  we do the right thing by our customers; 

  we respect confidentiality and do not misuse information; 

  we value and maintain our professionalism; 

  we work as a team; and 

  we manage conflicts of interest responsibly. 

The focus of each of the principles is to provide a set of 
guiding principles to help us make the right decisions 
ensuring we uphold the reputation of the Group. The Code 
has the full support of the Board and the Executive Team 
and we take compliance with the Code very seriously. 

Our ‘Principles for Doing Business’ (Principles) underpin the 
Group’s commitment to sustainable business practice and 
community involvement. In summary: 

  we believe our success depends on the trust and 

confidence placed in us by our customers, people, 
shareholders, suppliers, advisers and the community; 

  we believe in maintaining the highest level of governance 
and ethical practice while protecting the interests of our 
stakeholders; 

  we believe in putting our customers at the centre of 

everything we do; 

  we believe our people are a crucial element of a 

successful service business; 

  we are committed to managing our direct and indirect 

impacts on the environment; 

  we believe being actively involved in our community is 
fundamental to the sustainability of our business; and 

  we believe our suppliers should be viewed as partners in 

our sustainability journey. 

The Principles align with key global initiatives that promote 
responsible business practices. The Principles apply to all 
Directors, employees and contractors.  

30 

2014 Westpac Group Annual Report 

 
We also have a range of internal guidelines, 
communications and training processes and tools, including 
an online learning module entitled ‘Doing the Right Thing’, 
which apply to and support both our Code and the 
Principles. 

Key policies 
We have a number of key policies to manage our regulatory 
compliance and human resource requirements. We also 
voluntarily subscribe to a range of external industry codes, 
such as the Code of Banking Practice and the ePayments 
Code. 

Code of Ethics for Senior Finance Officers 
The Code of Accounting Practice and Financial Reporting 
complements our own Code. The Code of Accounting 
Practice and Financial Reporting is designed to assist our 
CEO, CFO and other principal financial officers in applying 
the highest ethical standards to the performance of their 
duties and responsibilities with respect to accounting 
practice and financial reporting by requiring those officers to: 

  act honestly and ethically, particularly with respect to 

conflicts of interest; 

  provide full, fair, accurate and timely disclosure in 

reporting and other communications; 

  comply with applicable laws, rules and regulations; 

  promptly report violations of the Code; and 

  be accountable for adherence to the Code. 

Conflicts of interest 
The Group has a detailed conflicts of interest framework, 
which includes a Group policy supported by specific 
divisional policies and guidelines aimed at identifying and 
managing actual, potential or apparent conflicts of interest. 

The conflicts of interest framework includes a separate 
Westpac Group Gifts and Hospitality Policy. This Policy 
provides our employees with guidance to manage their 
obligations relating to the giving or receiving of gifts or 
hospitality.  

Corporate governance 

  disclose any material interests they have with our 

customers or suppliers to their manager and not be 
involved with customer relationships where they have 
such an interest; 

  not participate in business activities outside their 

employment with us (whether as a principal, partner, 
director, agent, guarantor, investor or employee) without 
approval or when it could adversely affect their ability to 
carry out their duties and responsibilities; and 

  not solicit, provide facilitation payments, accept or offer 
money, gifts, favours or entertainment which might 
influence, or might appear to influence, their business 
judgment. 

Fit and Proper Person assessments 
We have a Board approved Westpac Group Statutory 
Officers Fit and Proper Policy that meets the requirements of 
the related APRA Prudential Standards. In accordance with 
that Policy, we assess the fitness and propriety of our 
Directors and also of employees who perform specified 
statutory roles required by APRA Prudential Standards or 
ASIC licensing requirements. The Chairman of the Board 
(and in the case of the Chairman, the Board) is responsible 
for assessing the Board Directors, Non-executive Directors 
on subsidiary Boards, Group Executives, external auditors 
and actuaries. An executive Fit and Proper Committee is 
responsible under delegated authority of the Westpac Board 
for undertaking assessments of all other employees who 
hold statutory roles. In all cases the individual is asked to 
provide a detailed declaration, and background checks are 
completed. 

Concern reporting and whistleblower protection 
Under the Westpac Group Whistleblower Protection Policy, 
our employees and contractors are encouraged to raise any 
concerns about activities or behaviour that may be unlawful 
or unethical. The Policy outlines all reporting channels, 
including our concern reporting system ‘Concern Online’, 
which enables reporting on an anonymous basis. Concerns 
may include suspected breaches of our Code, Westpac 
Policies or regulatory requirements. 

The Board 
All Directors are required to disclose any actual, potential or 
apparent conflicts of interest upon appointment and are 
required to keep these disclosures to the Board up to date. 

Employees who raise concerns may choose to involve the 
Whistleblower Protection Officer, who is responsible for 
protecting the employee against victimisation as a result of 
making a report. 

Any Director with a material personal interest in a matter 
being considered by the Board must declare their interest 
and, unless the Board resolves otherwise, may not be 
present during the boardroom discussions or vote on the 
relevant matter. 

Our employees and contractors 
We expect our employees and contractors to: 

  have in place adequate arrangements for the 

management of actual, potential or apparent conflicts of 
interest; 

  obtain consent from senior management before accepting 

a directorship on the board of a non-Westpac Group 
company; 

We investigate reported concerns in a manner that is fair 
and objective to all people involved. If the investigation 
shows that wrongdoing has occurred, we are committed to 
changing our processes and taking action in relation to 
employees or contractors who have behaved incorrectly. 
Outcomes may also involve reporting the matter to relevant 
authorities and regulators. 

Statistics about concerns raised are reported quarterly to 
both the Board Risk & Compliance Committee and the 
Westpac Group Executive Risk Committee. 

2014 Westpac Group Annual Report 

31 

 
Securities trading 
Under the Westpac Group Securities Trading Policy, 
Directors, employees and contractors are restricted from 
dealing in any securities and other financial products if they 
possess inside information. They are also prohibited from 
passing on inside information to others who may use that 
information to trade in securities. In addition, Directors and 
any employees or contractors who, because of their seniority 
or the nature of their position, may have access to material 
non-public information about Westpac (known as Prescribed 
Employees) are subject to further restrictions, including 
prohibitions on trading prior to and immediately following 
annual and half year results announcements. 

We manage and monitor these obligations through: 

  the insider trading provisions of our Policy, which prohibit 

any dealing in any securities where a Director or 
employee has access to inside information that may 
affect the price of those securities; 

  placing limitations upon Directors, employees and 

contractors participating in a new product issue where 
their position puts them in an actual, potential or apparent 
position of conflict of interest; 

  restrictions limiting the periods in which the Directors and 
Prescribed Employees can trade in our shares or other 
company securities (Blackout Periods); 

  requiring Directors and Prescribed Employees to notify 
their intention to trade outside Blackout Periods and 
confirm that they have no inside information; 

  monitoring the trading of Westpac securities by Directors 

and Prescribed Employees; 

  maintaining a register of Prescribed Employees, which is 

regularly updated; 

  notifying ASX of trades by Directors of Westpac securities 

as required under the ASX Listing Rules; and 
  forbidding employees from entering into hedging 

arrangements in relation to their unvested employee 
shares or securities, whether directly or indirectly. 

Diversity 
Westpac Group has a Group Diversity Policy that sets out 
the diversity initiatives for the Westpac Group. In this 
context, diversity covers gender, age, ethnicity, accessibility, 
flexibility, cultural background, sexual orientation and 
religious beliefs. 

The objectives of the policy are to ensure that the 
Westpac Group: 

  has a workforce profile that delivers competitive 
advantage through the ability to garner a deep 
understanding of customer needs; 

  has a truly inclusive workplace where every individual can 
shine regardless of gender, cultural identity, age, work 
style or approach; 

  leverages the value of diversity for all our stakeholders to 
deliver the best customer experience, improved financial 
performance and a stronger corporate reputation; and 

  continues to take a leadership position on diversity 
practices and setting the agenda in the external 
community. 

To achieve these objectives the Westpac Group: 

  has set Board determined, measurable objectives for 

achieving gender diversity. The Board assesses annually 
both the objectives and progress in achieving them; 

  assesses pay equity on an annual basis; 

  encourages and supports the application of flexibility 

policies into practice across the business; 

  is committed to proactively assisting Indigenous 

Australians to access employment across our brands;  

  implements our Accessibility Action Plan for employees 
and customers with a disability, including ensuring 
employment opportunities are accessible for people with 
disabilities; and 

  actively promotes an environment of inclusion for lesbian, 

gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex (LGBTI) 
employees. 

The implementation of these objectives is overseen by the 
Westpac Group Diversity Council chaired by the CEO. 

The Board, or an appropriate Board Committee, will receive 
regular updates from the Westpac Group Diversity Council 
on these diversity initiatives. 

We will also continue to listen to the needs of our employees 
through the engagement of our employee action groups, our 
employee surveys and bi-annual diversity focused surveys. 

In October 2010, the Board set a measurable objective to 
increase the proportion of women in leadership roles (over 
5,000 leaders from our Executive Team through to our bank 
managers) from 33% to 40% by 2014, which was achieved 
in September 2012, two years ahead of schedule. 

At 30 September 2014, the proportion of women employed 
by Westpac Group was as follows: 

  Board of Directors: 44%; 

  leadership1 roles: 44%; and 

  total Westpac workforce: 59%. 

1   Women in leadership refers to the proportion of women (permanent 
and maximum term) in people leadership roles or senior roles of 
influence as a proportion of all leaders across the Group. It includes 
the CEO, Executive Team, General Managers, Senior Managers as 
direct reports to General Managers and the next two levels of 
management. Excludes Westpac Pacific. 

32 

2014 Westpac Group Annual Report 

 
 
Sustainability 
We view sustainable and responsible business practices as 
important for our business and shareholder value. This 
means conducting our business in a responsible, trustworthy 
and ethical manner, while accepting accountability for our 
impacts on society and the environment. We are committed 
to transparency and fair dealing, treating employees and 
customers responsibly, and having solid links with the 
community. 

Our management and reporting of sustainability aim to 
address the issues that we believe are the most material for 
our business and stakeholders, now and in the future. We 
understand that this is an evolving agenda and seek to 
progressively embed the management of sustainability 
issues into business as usual practice, while also 
anticipating and shaping emerging social issues where we 
have the skills and experience to make a meaningful 
difference and drive business value. 

Reporting 
We report on our performance against the objectives and 
targets in our public sustainability strategy in the Annual 
Review and Sustainability Report, the Annual Report and the 
full year and half year ASX results. We also provide 
additional detailed information on our website.  

Our sustainability reporting is subject to independent limited 
assurance, performed in accordance with the Australian 
Standard on Assurance Engagements 3000 (revised) 
Assurance Engagements Other Than Audits or Reviews of 
Historical Financial Information (‘ASAE 3000’). The AA1000 
Principles Standard and the Global Reporting Initiative 
G4 Guidelines are also used by the assurance provider as 
criteria against which to assess disclosures associated with 
alignment to the AA1000 Principles and GRI G4. 

The assurance process not only tests the integrity of the 
data, but also tests the effectiveness of our underlying 
systems and processes, and the extent to which corporate 
responsibility and sustainability policies and processes are 
embedded across our organisation. In addition, we actively 
participate in independent external assessments by 
sustainability and governance rating organisations which 
benchmark us against global standards of governance. 

Financial reporting 
Approach to financial reporting 
Our approach to financial reporting reflects three core 
principles: 

  that our financial reports present a true and fair view; 

  that our accounting methods comply with applicable 

accounting standards and policies; and 

  that our external auditor is independent and serves 

security holders’ interests. 

The Board, through the Board Audit Committee, monitors 
Australian and international developments relevant to these 
principles, and reviews our practices accordingly. 

Corporate governance 

The Board delegates oversight responsibility for risk 
management between the Board Audit Committee and the 
Board Risk & Compliance Committee. Similarly, the Board 
delegates oversight responsibility for the preparation of 
remuneration reports and disclosures to the Board 
Remuneration Committee. 

Board Audit Committee 
As detailed in its charter, the Board Audit Committee has 
oversight of: 

  the integrity of the financial statements and financial 

reporting systems; 

  the external audit engagement, including the external 

auditor’s qualifications, performance, independence and 
fees; 

  performance of the internal audit function; 
  financial reporting and compliance with prudential 

regulatory reporting. With reference to the Board Risk & 
Compliance Committee, this includes an oversight of 
regulatory and statutory reporting requirements; and 
  procedures for the receipt, retention and treatment of 
financial complaints, including accounting, internal 
controls or auditing matters, and the confidential reporting 
by employees of concerns regarding accounting or 
auditing matters. 

The Board Audit Committee reviews, discusses with 
management and the external auditor, and assesses: 

  any significant financial reporting issues and judgments 
made in connection with the preparation of the financial 
reports;  

  the processes used to monitor and comply with laws, 

regulations and other requirements relating to external 
reporting of financial and non-financial information; 

  the major financial risk exposures; and 
  the process surrounding the disclosures made by the 

CEO and CFO in connection with their personal 
certifications of the annual financial statements. 

As part of its oversight responsibilities, the Board Audit 
Committee also conducts discussions with a wide range of 
internal and external stakeholders including: 

  the Board Risk & Compliance Committee, CFO, 

Chief Risk Officer (CRO), General Manager Group 
Assurance, management and the external auditor, about 
our major financial risk exposures and the steps 
management has taken to monitor and control such 
exposures; 

  the General Manager Group Assurance and external 

auditor concerning their audit and any significant findings, 
and the adequacy of management’s responses; 

  management and the external auditor concerning the half 

year and annual financial statements; 

  management and the external auditor regarding any 

correspondence with regulators or government agencies, 
and reports that raise issues of a material nature; and 
  the Chief Operating Officer and the Chief Compliance 
Officer & Group General Counsel regarding any legal 
matters that may have a material impact on, or require 
disclosure in, the financial statements. 

2014 Westpac Group Annual Report 

33 

 
Periodically, the Board Audit Committee consults with the 
external auditor without the presence of management about 
internal controls over financial information, reporting and 
disclosure and the fullness and accuracy of Westpac’s 
financial statements. The Board Audit Committee also meets 
with the General Manager Group Assurance without 
management being present. 

Financial knowledge 
The Board Audit Committee comprises four independent, 
Non-executive Directors and is chaired by Robert Elstone. 

All Board Audit Committee members have appropriate 
financial experience, an understanding of the financial 
services industry and satisfy the independence requirements 
under the ASXCGC Recommendations, the United States 
Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (as amended) and its 
related rules, and the NYSE Listing Rules. 

The Board has determined that Lindsay Maxsted, member of 
the Board Audit Committee, is an ‘audit committee financial 
expert’ and independent in accordance with US securities 
law. 

The designation of Lindsay Maxsted as an audit committee 
financial expert does not impose duties, obligations or 
liability on him that are greater than those imposed on him 
as a Board Audit Committee member, and does not affect 
the duties, obligations or liability of any other Board Audit 
Committee member or Board member. Audit committee 
financial experts are not deemed as an ‘expert’ for any other 
purpose. 

External auditor 
The role of the external auditor is to provide an independent 
opinion that our financial reports are true and fair, and 
comply with applicable regulations. 

Our external auditor is PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), 
appointed by shareholders at the 2002 AGM. Our present 
PwC lead audit partner is Michael Codling and the review 
audit partner is Matthew Lunn. Michael Codling and 
Matthew Lunn assumed responsibility for these roles in 
December 2011 and December 2012 respectively. 

The external auditor receives all Board Audit Committee and 
Board Risk & Compliance Committee papers, attends all 
meetings of both committees and is available to Committee 
members at any time. The external auditor also attends the 
Annual General Meeting (AGM) to answer questions from 
shareholders regarding the conduct of its audit, the audit 
report and financial statements and its independence. 

As our external auditor, PwC is required to confirm its 
independence and compliance with specified independence 
standards on a quarterly basis. 

The roles of lead audit partner and review audit partner must 
be rotated every five years and cannot be resumed by the 
same person for a minimum of five years. 

We strictly govern our relationship with the external auditor, 
including restrictions on employment, business relationships, 
financial interests and use of our financial products by the 
external auditor. 

Engagement of the external auditor 
To avoid possible independence or conflict issues, the 
external auditor is not permitted to carry out certain types of 
non-audit services for Westpac and may be limited as to the 
extent to which it can perform other non-audit services as 
specified in our ‘Pre-approval of engagement of PwC for 
audit and non-audit services’ (Guidelines). Use of the 
external audit firm for any non-audit services must be 
assessed and approved in accordance with the pre-approval 
process determined by the Board Audit Committee and set 
out in the Guidelines. 

The breakdown of the aggregate fees billed by the external 
auditor in respect of each of the two most recent financial 
years for audit, audit-related, tax and other services is 
provided in Note 34 to our financial statements for the year 
ended 30 September 2014. A declaration regarding the 
Board’s satisfaction that the provision of non-audit services 
by PwC is compatible with the general standards of auditor 
independence is provided in Section 10 of the Directors’ 
report. 

Group Assurance (internal audit) 
Group Assurance is Westpac’s internal audit function 
providing the Board and Executive Management with an 
independent and objective evaluation of the adequacy and 
effectiveness of management’s control over risk. Group 
Assurance covers the governance, risk management and 
internal control frameworks of Westpac and our wholly 
owned subsidiaries. It has access to all of our entities, and 
conducts audits and reviews following a risk-based planning 
approach, the outline for which has been approved by the 
Board Audit Committee. 

Group Assurance provides regular reports to the Board Audit 
Committee and, as deemed appropriate, the Board Risk & 
Compliance Committee, and raises any significant issues 
with those Committees. The General Manager Group 
Assurance operates under a Group Assurance charter 
approved by the Board Audit Committee and has a direct 
reporting line to the Chairman of that Committee.  

Market disclosure 
We maintain a level of disclosure that seeks to provide all 
investors with equal, timely, balanced and meaningful 
information. Consistent with these standards the Westpac 
Group maintains a Board approved Market Disclosure 
Policy, which governs how we communicate with our 
shareholders and the investment community. 

The policy reflects the requirements of the ASX, NZX and 
other offshore stock exchanges where we have disclosure 
obligations, as well as relevant securities and corporations 
legislation. Under our policy, information that a reasonable 
person would expect to have a material effect on the price or 
value of our securities must first be disclosed via the ASX 
unless an exception applies under regulatory requirements. 

34 

2014 Westpac Group Annual Report 

 
Our Disclosure Committee is responsible for determining 
what information should be disclosed publicly under the 
policy, and for assisting employees in understanding what 
information may require disclosure to the market on the 
basis that it is price sensitive. The Disclosure Committee is 
comprised of the CEO, the Executive Team, the Chief 
Compliance Officer & Group General Counsel and the 
General Manager, Corporate Affairs and Sustainability. 

The Chief Operating Officer is the Disclosure Officer. The 
Disclosure Officer is ultimately responsible for all 
communication with relevant stock exchanges and notifying 
regulators in any jurisdiction as a result of market disclosure. 

Once relevant information is disclosed to the market and 
available to investors, it is also published on our website. 
This includes investor discussion packs, presentations on 
and explanations about our financial results. Our website 
information also includes Annual Review and Sustainability 
Reports, Annual Reports, results announcements, CEO and 
executive briefings (including webcasts, recordings or 
transcripts of all major events), notices of meetings and key 
media releases. 

Shareholder communication and participation 
We seek to keep our shareholders fully informed through a 
variety of communication mediums. These are regularly 
reviewed to improve our communications and utilise new 
technologies. These approaches include: 

  direct communications with shareholders via mail and 

email; 

  the publication of all relevant company information in the 

Investor Centre section of our website; and 

  access to all major market briefings and shareholder 

meetings via webcasts. 

Shareholders are provided with advance notice of all major 
market briefings and shareholder meetings, through ASX 
announcements and/or the publication of an investor 
calendar of events on our website. 

Shareholders are given the option to receive information in 
print or electronic format. 

We regard the AGM as an important opportunity for 
engaging and communicating with shareholders. 
Shareholders are encouraged to attend and actively 
participate in our AGM, which is webcast and can also be 
viewed at a later time from our website. Shareholders who 
are unable to attend the AGM are able to lodge their proxies 
through a number of channels, including via the internet. At 
the time of receiving the Notice of Meeting, shareholders are 
also invited to put forward questions they would like 
addressed at the AGM. 

Corporate governance 

CEO and CFO assurance 
The Board receives regular reports from management about 
our financial condition and operational results, as well as 
that of our controlled entities. The CEO and the CFO 
annually provide formal statements to the Board, and have 
done so for the financial year ended 30 September 2014, 
that state that in all material respects: 

  Westpac’s financial records for the financial year have 

been properly maintained in that they: 

–  correctly record and explain its transactions, and 

financial position and performance; 

–  enable true and fair financial statements to be 

prepared and audited; and 

–  are retained for seven years after the transactions 

covered by the records are completed; 

  the financial statements and notes required by the 

accounting standards for the financial year comply with 
the accounting standards; 

  the financial statements and notes for the financial year 

give a true and fair view of Westpac’s and its 
consolidated entities’ financial position and of their 
performance; 

  any other matters that are prescribed by the Corporations 

Act and regulations as they relate to the financial 
statements and notes for the financial year are satisfied; 
and 

  the declarations provided in accordance with section 
295A of the Corporations Act are founded on a sound 
system of risk management and internal control, and that 
the system is operating effectively in all material respects 
in relation to financial reporting risks. 

Risk management 
Roles and responsibilities 
The Board is responsible for reviewing and approving our 
overall risk management strategy, including determining our 
appetite for risk. The Board has delegated to the Board Risk 
& Compliance Committee responsibility for providing 
recommendations to the Board on Westpac Group’s risk-
reward strategy, setting risk appetite, approving frameworks, 
policies and processes for managing risk, and determining 
whether to accept risks beyond management’s approval 
discretion. 

The Board Risk & Compliance Committee conducts an 
annual review of the risk management strategy and this 
review was completed during the year ended 
30 September 2014.  

The Board Risk & Compliance Committee monitors the 
alignment of our risk profile with our risk appetite, which is 
defined in the Board Statement of Risk Appetite, and with 
our current and future capital requirements. The Board Risk 
& Compliance Committee receives regular reports from 
management on the effectiveness of our management of 
Westpac’s material business risks. More detail about the role 
of the Board Risk & Compliance Committee is set out later in 
this section under ‘Board Risk & Compliance Committee’. 

2014 Westpac Group Annual Report 

35 

 
The CEO and Executive Team are responsible for 
implementing our risk management strategy and 
frameworks, and for developing policies, controls, processes 
and procedures for identifying and managing risk in all of 
Westpac’s activities. 

Westpac manages the risks that affect our business as they 
influence our performance, reputation and future success. 
Effective risk management involves taking an integrated 
approach to risk and reward, and enables us to both 
increase financial growth opportunities and mitigate potential 
loss or damage. We adopt a Three Lines of Defence 
approach to risk management which reflects our culture of 
‘risk is everyone’s business’ and that all employees are 
responsible for identifying and managing risk and operating 
within the Group’s desired risk profile. Westpac’s Risk 
Management Strategy identifies risk culture as an essential 
element of risk management. We embed risk culture and 
maintain an awareness of risk management responsibilities 
through regular communication, training and other targeted 
approaches that support our risk management framework. 

The 1st Line of Defence – Risk identification, risk 
management and self-assurance 
Divisional business units are responsible for identifying, 
evaluating and managing the risks that they originate within 
approved risk appetite and policies. They are required to 
establish and maintain appropriate risk management 
controls, resources and self-assurance processes. 

The 2nd Line of Defence – Establishment of risk 
management frameworks and policies and risk 
management oversight 
Our 2nd Line of Defence is a separate risk advisory, control 
and monitoring function which establishes frameworks, 
policies, limits and processes for the management, 
monitoring and reporting of risk. It also evaluates and opines 
on the adequacy and effectiveness of 1st Line controls and 
application of frameworks and policies and, where 
necessary, requires improvement and monitors the 
1st Line’s progress toward remediation of identified 
deficiencies. 

Our 2nd Line of Defence has three layers: 

  our executive risk committees lead the optimisation of 
risk-reward by overseeing the development of risk 
appetite statements, risk management frameworks, 
policies and risk concentration controls, and monitoring 
Westpac’s risk profile for alignment with approved 
appetites and strategies; 

  our Group Risk function is independent from the business 

divisions, reports to the CRO, and establishes and 
maintains the Group-wide risk management frameworks, 
policies and concentration limits that are approved by the 
Board Risk & Compliance Committee. It also reports on 
Westpac’s risk profile to executive risk committees and 
the Board Risk & Compliance Committee; and 

  divisional risk areas are responsible for developing 
division-specific risk appetite statements, policies, 
controls, procedures, monitoring and reporting capability, 
which align to the Board’s Statement of Risk Appetite and 
the risk management frameworks approved by the Board 
Risk & Compliance Committee. These risk areas are 
independent of the Divisions’ 1st Line business areas, 
with each divisional CRO having a direct reporting line to 
the CRO, as well as to their Division’s Group Executive. 

The 3rd Line of Defence – Independent assurance 
Our Group Assurance function independently evaluates the 
adequacy and effectiveness of the Group’s overall risk 
management framework and controls. 

Our overall risk management approach is summarised in the 
following diagram: 

Risk
appetite and
frameworks

BOARD

2nd LINE

Risk Committees

Group Risk

Divisional Risk

Group-wide
policies and
standards

Divisional
risk appetite
and policies

3rd LINE
Independent
assurance

Risk 
reporting

Risk acceptance
and monitoring

Risk 
identification, 
evaluation and 
management

1st LINE
Business units
(Risk origination within risk appetite)

Our overall risk management governance structure is set out 
in more detail in the table ‘Risk Management Governance 
Structure’ included in this statement. 

We distinguish five main types of risk: 

  credit risk – the risk of financial loss where a customer or 
counterparty fails to meet their financial obligations to 
Westpac; 

  liquidity risk – the risk that the Group will be unable to 

fund assets and meet obligations as they become due; 

  market risk – the risk of an adverse impact on earnings 

resulting from changes in market factors, such as foreign 
exchange rates, interest rates, commodity prices and 
equity prices. This includes interest rate risk in the 
banking book – the risk to interest income from a 
mismatch between the duration of assets and liabilities 
that arises in the normal course of business activities;  

  operational risk – the risk of loss resulting from 

inadequate or failed internal processes, people and 
systems or from external events. The definition is aligned 
to the regulatory (Basel II) definition, including legal and 
regulatory risk but excluding strategic and reputation risk; 
and  

  compliance risk – the risk of legal or regulatory sanction, 
financial or reputation loss, arising from our failure to 
abide by the compliance obligations required of us. 

36 

2014 Westpac Group Annual Report 

 
 
 
In addition to, and linked to, these five main types of risk, we 
also manage the following risks: 

  business risk – the risk associated with the vulnerability of 

a line of business to changes in the business 
environment; 

  environmental, social and governance risks – the risk that 

the Group damages its reputation or financial 
performance due to failure to recognise or address 
material existing or emerging sustainability related 
environmental, social or governance issues; 

  equity risk – the potential for financial loss arising from 
movements in equity values. Equity risk may be direct, 
indirect or contingent; 

  insurance risk – the risk of mis-estimation of the expected 
cost of insured events, volatility in the number or severity 
of insured events, and mis-estimation of the cost of 
incurred claims; 

  related entity (contagion) risk – the risk that problems 

arising in other Westpac Group members compromise the 
financial and operational position of the authorised 
deposit-taking institutions in the Westpac Group; and 

  reputation risk – the risk to earnings or capital arising 
from negative public opinion resulting from the loss of 
reputation or public trust and standing. 

Westpac has received advanced accreditation from APRA 
and the RBNZ under the Basel II capital framework, and 
uses the Advanced Internal Ratings Based (AIRB) approach 
for credit risk and the Advanced Measurement Approach 
(AMA) for operational risk when calculating regulatory 
capital. 

Board Risk & Compliance Committee 
The Board Risk & Compliance Committee comprises all of 
Westpac’s independent, Non-executive Directors and is 
chaired by Elizabeth Bryan.  

As set out in its charter, the Board Risk & Compliance 
Committee: 

  provides recommendations to the Board on Westpac 

Group’s risk-reward strategy; 

  sets risk appetite; 

  reviews and approves the frameworks for managing risk, 
including capital, credit, liquidity, market, operational, 
compliance and reputation risk; 

  reviews and approves the limits and conditions that apply 
to credit risk approval authority delegated to the CEO, 
CFO and CRO and any other officers of the Westpac 
Group to whom the Board has delegated credit approval 
authority; 

  monitors the risk profile, performance, capital levels, 

exposures against limits and the management and control 
of our risks; 

  monitors changes anticipated in the economic and 
business environment and other factors considered 
relevant to our risk profile and risk appetite; 

Corporate governance 

  oversees the development and ongoing review of key 

policies that support our frameworks for managing risk; 
and 

  may approve accepting risks beyond management’s 

approval discretion. 

From the perspective of specific types of risk, the Board Risk 
& Compliance Committee role includes: 

  credit risk – approving key policies and limits supporting 
the Credit Risk Management Framework, and monitoring 
the risk profile, performance and management of our 
credit portfolio; 

  liquidity risk – approving key policies and limits supporting 
the Liquidity Risk Management Framework, including our 
annual funding strategy and liquidity requirements, and 
recovery and resolutions plans and monitoring the 
liquidity risk profile; 

  market risk – approving key policies and limits supporting 
the Market Risk Management Framework, including, but 
not limited to, the Value at Risk and Net Interest Income 
at Risk limits, and monitoring the market risk profile;  

  operational risk – monitoring the operational risk profile, 
the performance of operational risk management and 
controls, and the development and ongoing review of 
operational risk policies supporting the Operational Risk 
Management Framework;  

  reputation risk – reviewing and approving the Reputation 

Risk Management Framework and reviewing the 
monitoring of the performance of reputation risk 
management and controls; and 

  compliance risk – reviewing compliance processes and 
our compliance with applicable laws, regulations and 
regulatory requirements, discussing with management 
and the external auditor any material correspondence 
with regulators or government agencies and any 
published reports that raise material issues, and 
reviewing complaints and whistleblower concerns. 

The Board Risk & Compliance Committee also: 

  approves the Internal Capital Adequacy Assessment 
Process and in doing so reviews the outcomes of 
enterprise wide stress testing, sets the preferred capital 
ranges for regulatory capital having regard to Westpac 
internal economic capital measures, and reviews and 
monitors capital levels for consistency with the 
Westpac Group’s risk appetite; 

  provides relevant periodic assurances and disclosures to 
the Board Audit Committee regarding the operational 
integrity of the risk management framework; and 

  refers to other Board Committees any matters that come 

to the attention of the Board Risk & Compliance 
Committee that are relevant for those respective Board 
Committees. 

2014 Westpac Group Annual Report 

37 

 
Compliance Management Framework 
The Group’s Compliance Management Framework sets out 
our approach to managing compliance and mitigating 
compliance risk, in order to achieve our compliance 
objectives. To proactively manage our compliance risks, we 
must: 

  comply with both the letter and ‘spirit’ of the law while 

being attentive to the needs of our clients; 

  embed the requirements of our regulators into how we do 

business, how we conduct ourselves and how our 
systems and processes are designed and operate; and 

  maintain a compliance culture where everyone in every 

part of the Westpac Group has responsibility for 
compliance. 

The mechanisms we use to implement our approach 
include: 

  maintaining a strong governance environment; 

  identifying obligations, developing and maintaining 
Compliance Plans and implementing change; 

  developing, implementing and testing compliance 

controls; and 

  monitoring and reporting incidents, issues and risks. 

As with other forms of risk, business line management is 
primarily responsible for managing compliance. This is 
supported by a dedicated Compliance function covering the 
Group and each area of the business. The Compliance 
function reports to the Chief Compliance Officer & Group 
General Counsel. 

Regular reports are provided to the Westpac Group 
Executive Risk Committee and the Board Risk & 
Compliance Committee on the status of compliance across 
the Group. 

Remuneration 
The Board Remuneration Committee assists the Board by 
ensuring that Westpac has coherent remuneration policies 
and practices that fairly and responsibly reward individuals 
having regard to performance, Westpac’s risk management 
framework, the law and the highest standards of 
governance. 

The Board Remuneration Committee has been in place for 
the whole of the financial year and is comprised of four 
independent Non-executive Directors and is chaired by 
Ewen Crouch. All members of the Board Remuneration 
Committee are also members of the Board Risk & 
Compliance Committee, which assists in the integration of 
effective risk management into the remuneration framework. 

As set out in its charter, the Board Remuneration 
Committee: 

  reviews and makes recommendations to the Board in 
relation to the Westpac Group Remuneration Policy 
(Group Remuneration Policy) and assesses the Group 
Remuneration Policy’s effectiveness and its compliance 
with prudential standards;  

  reviews and makes recommendations to the Board in 

relation to the individual remuneration levels of the CEO, 
Non-executive Directors, Group Executives, other 
Executives who report directly to the CEO, other persons 
whose activities in the Board’s opinion affect the financial 
soundness of Westpac, any person specified by APRA, 
and any other person the Board determines; 

  reviews and makes recommendations to the Board in 

relation to the remuneration structures for each category 
of persons covered by the Group Remuneration Policy; 

  reviews and makes recommendations to the Board on 

corporate goals and objectives relevant to the 
remuneration of the CEO, and the performance of the 
CEO in light of these objectives; 

  reviews and makes recommendations to the Board on the 

short-term and long-term incentive plans for Group 
Executives;  

  reviews and makes recommendations to the Board in 

relation to approving equity based remuneration plans; 
and 

  oversees general remuneration practices across the 

Group.  

The Board Remuneration Committee reviews and 
recommends to the Board the size of variable reward pools 
each year based on consideration of pre-determined 
business performance indicators and the financial 
soundness of Westpac. The Board Remuneration 
Committee also approves remuneration arrangements 
outside of the Group Remuneration Policy relating to 
individuals or groups of individuals which are significant 
because of their sensitivity, precedent or disclosure 
implications. In addition, the Board Remuneration 
Committee considers and evaluates the performance of 
senior executives when making remuneration determinations 
and otherwise as required. 

The Board Remuneration Committee also reviews and 
makes recommendations to the Board for the reduction or 
lapsing of incentive based equity grants to employees, 
where subsequent information or circumstances indicate that 
the grant was not justified. 

Independent remuneration consultants are engaged by the 
Board Remuneration Committee to provide information 
across a range of issues including remuneration 
benchmarking, market practices and emerging trends and 
regulatory reforms. 

Further details of our remuneration framework are included 
in the Remuneration report which is in Section 9 of the 
Directors’ report. The Board Remuneration Committee 
reviews and recommends the report for approval. 

38 

2014 Westpac Group Annual Report 

 
Corporate governance 

Risk Management Governance Structure 
Westpac’s risk management governance structure is set out in the table below: 

Board 

  reviews and approves our overall risk management strategy. 

Board Risk & Compliance Committee (BRCC) 

  provides recommendations to the Board on the Westpac Group’s risk-reward strategy; 
  sets risk appetite; 
  approves frameworks and key policies for managing risk; 
  monitors our risk profile, performance, capital levels, exposures against limits and management and control of our risks; 
  monitors changes anticipated in the economic and business environment and other factors relevant to our risk profile; 
  oversees the development and ongoing review of key policies that support our frameworks for managing risk; and 
  determines whether to accept risks beyond the approval discretion provided to management. 

Other Board Committees with a risk focus 

Board Audit Committee 
  oversees the integrity of financial statements and financial reporting systems, and matters relating to taxation risks. 
Board Remuneration Committee 
  reviews any matters raised by the BRCC with respect to risk-adjusted remuneration. 
Board Technology Committee 
  oversees the technology strategy, implementation, and risks associated with major technology programs. 

Executive team 

  executes the Board-approved strategy; 
  assists with the development of the Board Statement of Risk Appetite; 
  delivers the Group’s various strategic and performance goals within the approved risk appetite; and 
  monitors key risks within each business unit, capital adequacy and the Group’s reputation. 

Executive risk committees 

Westpac Group Executive Risk Committee  
  leads the optimisation of credit, operational, compliance, and market risk-reward across the Group; 
  oversees the embedding of the Risk Management Strategy in the Group’s approach to risk governance; 
  oversees risk-related management frameworks and key supporting policies; 
  oversees the Group’s credit, operational, compliance, and market risk profiles;  
  oversees reputation risk and Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) risk management frameworks and key 

supporting policies; and 

  identifies emerging credit, operational, compliance and market risks and allocates responsibility for assessing impacts and 

implementing appropriate actions to address these. 

Westpac Group Asset & Liability Committee  
  leads the optimisation of funding and liquidity risk-reward across the Group; 
  reviews the level and quality of capital to ensure that it is commensurate with the Group’s risk profile, business strategy and 

risk appetite; 

  oversees the Liquidity Risk Management Framework and key policies; 
  oversees the funding and liquidity risk profile and balance sheet risk profile; and 
  identifies emerging funding and liquidity risks and appropriate actions to address these. 

2014 Westpac Group Annual Report 

39 

 
Risk Management Governance Structure (continued) 

Executive risk committees (continued) 

Westpac Group Remuneration Oversight Committee  
  provides assurance that the remuneration arrangements across the Group have been examined from a People, Risk and 

Finance perspective; 

  responsible for ensuring that risk is embedded in all key steps in our remuneration framework; 
  reviews and makes recommendations to the CEO for recommendation to the Board Remuneration Committee on the 
Group Remuneration Policy and provides assurance that remuneration arrangements across the Group encourage 
behaviour that supports Westpac’s long-term financial soundness and the risk management framework; 

  reviews and monitors the remuneration arrangements (other than for Group Executives) for Responsible Persons (as 
defined in the Group’s Statutory Officers Fit and Proper Policy), risk and financial control personnel, and all other 
employees for whom a significant portion of total remuneration is based on performance and whose activities, either 
individually or collectively, may affect the financial soundness of Westpac; and 

  reviews and recommends to the CEO for recommendation to the Board Remuneration Committee the criteria and rationale 

for determining the total quantum of the Group variable reward pool. 

Group and divisional risk management 

Group Risk 
  develops the Group-level risk management frameworks for approval by the BRCC; 
  directs the review and development of key policies supporting the risk management frameworks; 
  establishes risk concentration limits and monitors risk concentrations; and 
  monitors emerging risk issues. 

Compliance Function 
  develops the Group-level compliance framework for approval by the BRCC; 
  directs the review and development of compliance policies, compliance plans, controls and procedures; 
  monitors compliance and regulatory obligations and emerging regulatory developments; and 
  reports on compliance standards. 

Divisional risk management 
  develops division-specific policies, risk appetite statements, controls, procedures, and monitoring and reporting capability 

that align to the frameworks approved by the BRCC. 

Independent internal review 

Group Assurance 
  reviews the adequacy and effectiveness of management controls for risk. 

Divisional business units 

Business Units 
  responsible for identifying, evaluating and managing the risks that they originate within approved risk appetite policies; and 
  establish and maintain appropriate risk management controls, resources and self-assurance processes. 

40 

2014 Westpac Group Annual Report 

 
 
 
 
Corporate governance 

Checklist of Westpac’s compliance with ASXCGC Recommendations 

ASXCGC recommendations (with 2010 amendments) 

Reference 

Compliance 

Principle 1: 

Lay solid foundations for management and oversight 

1.1 

1.2 

1.3 

Establish the functions reserved to the Board and those delegated to senior 
executives and disclose those functions. 

Page 26 

Comply 

Disclose the process for evaluating the performance of senior executives. 

Page 30 

Provide the information indicated in Guide to reporting on Principle 1. 

Pages 25, 
26, 30  

Comply 

Comply 

Principle 2:  Structure the Board to add value 

2.1 

2.2 

2.3 

2.4 

2.5 

2.6 

A majority of the Board should be independent Directors. 

Pages 26, 27   Comply 

The chair should be an independent Director. 

The roles of chair and chief executive officer should not be exercised by the 
same individual. 

The Board should establish a nomination committee. 

Disclose the process for evaluating the performance of the Board, its 
committees and individual Directors. 

Page 28 

Page 28 

Page 28 

Page 30 

Comply 

Comply 

Comply 

Comply 

Provide the information indicated in Guide to reporting on Principle 2. 

Pages 25–30   Comply 

Principle 3:  Promote ethical and responsible decision-making 

3.1 

Establish a code of conduct and disclose the code or a summary of the 
code as to: 

Pages 30, 31  Comply 

3.1.1 

3.1.2 

3.1.3 

the practices necessary to maintain confidence in the company’s 
integrity 

the practices necessary to take into account their legal obligations 
and the reasonable expectations of their stakeholders 

the responsibility and accountability of individuals for reporting and 
investigating reports of unethical practices. 

3.2 

3.3 

3.4 

3.5 

Establish a policy concerning diversity and disclose the policy or a summary 
of that policy. 

Page 32 

Comply 

Disclose the measurable objectives for achieving gender diversity set by the 
Board in accordance with the diversity policy and progress towards 
achieving them. 

Page 32 

Comply 

Disclose the proportion of women employees in the whole organisation, 
women in senior executive positions and women on the Board. 

Page 32 

Comply 

Provide the information indicated in Guide to reporting on Principle 3. 

Pages 30–32  Comply 

Principle 4:  Safeguard integrity in financial reporting 

4.1 

4.2 

4.3 

4.4 

The Board should establish an audit committee. 

Structure the audit committee so that it: 
  consists only of Non-executive Directors; 
  consists of a majority of independent Directors; 
  is chaired by an independent chair, who is not chair of the Board; and 
  has at least three members. 

The audit committee should have a formal charter. 

Provide the information indicated in Guide to reporting on Principle 4. 

Pages 33, 34   Comply 

Page 27 

Comply 

Page 33 

Pages 25, 
27–34 

Comply 

Comply 

2014 Westpac Group Annual Report 

41 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
ASXCGC recommendations (with 2010 amendments) 

Reference 

Compliance 

Principle 5:  Make timely and balanced disclosure 

5.1 

Establish written policies designed to ensure compliance with ASX Listing 
Rule disclosure requirements and to ensure accountability at a senior 
executive level for that compliance and disclose those policies or a 
summary of those policies. 

Pages 34, 35   Comply 

5.2 

Provide the information indicated in Guide to reporting on Principle 5. 

Pages 34, 35  Comply 

Principle 6:  Respect the rights of shareholders 

6.1 

6.2 

Design a communications policy for promoting effective communication with 
shareholders and encouraging their participation at general meetings and 
disclose the policy or a summary of that policy. 

Page 35 

Comply 

Provide the information indicated in Guide to reporting on Principle 6. 

Page 35 

Comply 

Principle 7:  Recognise and manage risk 

7.1 

7.2 

7.3 

Establish policies for the oversight and management of material business 
risks and disclose a summary of those policies.  

Pages 35–40  Comply 

The Board should require management to design and implement the risk 
management and internal control system to manage the company’s material 
business risks and report to it on whether those risks are being managed 
effectively. The Board should disclose that management has reported to it 
as to the effectiveness of the company’s management of its material 
business risks. 

The Board should disclose whether it has received assurance from the chief 
executive officer (or equivalent) and the chief financial officer (or equivalent) 
that the declaration provided in accordance with section 295A of the 
Corporations Act is founded on a sound system of risk management and 
internal control and that the system is operating effectively in all material 
respects in relation to financial reporting risks. 

Pages 35–40  Comply 

Page 35 

Comply 

7.4 

Provide the information indicated in Guide to reporting on Principle 7. 

Pages 35–40  Comply 

Principle 8:  Remunerate fairly and responsibly 

8.1 

8.2 

8.3 

8.4 

Establish a remuneration committee. 

The remuneration committee should be structured so that it: 
  consists of a majority of independent Directors; 
  is chaired by an independent chair; and 
  has at least three members. 

Page 38 

Page 27 

Comply 

Comply 

Clearly distinguish the structure of Non-executive Directors’ remuneration 
from that of executive Directors and senior executives. 

Page 38 

Comply 

Provide the information indicated in Guide to reporting on Principle 8. 

Pages 25, 
27, 29, 32, 
38 

Comply 

42 

2014 Westpac Group Annual Report 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Directors’ report 

Our Directors present their report together with the financial statements of the Group for the financial year ended 
30 September 2014. 

1. Directors 
The names of the persons who have been Directors, or appointed as Directors, during the period since 1 October 2013 and up 
to the date of this report are: Lindsay Philip Maxsted, Gail Patricia Kelly, John Simon Curtis (retired as Director and Deputy 
Chairman on 25 April 2014), Elizabeth Blomfield Bryan, Gordon McKellar Cairns (retired as Director on 13 December 2013), 
Ewen Graham Wolseley Crouch, Catriona Alison Deans (Alison Deans) (Director from 1 April 2014), Robert George Elstone, 
Peter John Oswin Hawkins, Peter Ralph Marriott, and Ann Darlene Pickard. 

Particulars of the skills, experience, expertise and responsibilities of the Directors at the date of this report, including all 
directorships of other listed companies held by a Director at any time in the past three years immediately before 
30 September 2014 and the period for which each directorship has been held, are set out below. 

Name: Lindsay Maxsted,  
DipBus (Gordon), FCA, FAICD 

Age: 60 
Term of office: Director since 
March 2008 and Chairman since 
December 2011. 

Other principal directorships: 
Managing Director of Align Capital 
Pty Ltd and Director of Baker IDI 
Heart and Diabetes Institute 
Holdings Limited. 
Other interests: Nil. 

Date of next scheduled  
re-election: December 2014. 
Independent: Yes. 

Current directorships of listed 
entities and dates of office: 
Director of Transurban Group 
(since March 2008, and 
Chairman since August 2010). 
Director of BHP Billiton Limited 
(since March 2011) and BHP 
Billiton plc (since March 2011). 

Name: Gail Kelly,  
HigherDipEd, BA, MBA with 
Distinction 

Age: 58 
Term of office: Managing 
Director & Chief Executive 
Officer since February 2008. 

Date of next scheduled  
re-election: Not applicable. 
Independent: No. 

Current directorships of listed 
entities and dates of office: Nil. 
Other principal directorships: 
The Business Council of 
Australia and the Financial 
Markets Foundation for Children. 

Other Westpac related entities 
directorships and period of 
office: Nil. 

Skills, experience and expertise: 
Lindsay was formerly a partner at 
KPMG and was the CEO of that 
firm from 1 January 2001 to 
31 December 2007. His principal 
area of practice prior to his 
becoming CEO was in the 
corporate recovery field managing 
a number of Australia’s largest 
insolvency/workout/turnaround 
engagements including  

Other interests: Chairman of the 
Australian Bankers’ Association. 
Member of the Global Board of 
Advisers at the US Council on 
Foreign Relations and is a member 
of the Group of Thirty. 

Other Westpac related entities 
directorships and dates of 
office: Nil. 

Skills, experience and expertise: 
Gail began her banking career in 
1980, and by 2001 Gail had held 
various senior management roles 
in a broad range of areas including 
retail and commercial banking, 
strategy, marketing and human 
resources. Gail has spent the last 
twelve years as CEO of two 

Linter Textiles (companies 
associated with Abraham 
Goldberg), Bell Publishing Group, 
Bond Brewing, McEwans 
Hardware and Brashs. He is also 
a former Director and Chairman 
of the Victorian Public Transport 
Corporation. Lindsay is a member 
of the Advisory Board of 
Coolmore Australia and a Fellow 
of the Australian Institute of 
Company Directors. 

Westpac Board Committee 
membership: Chairman of the 
Board Nominations Committee. 
Member of each of the Board 
Audit and Board Risk & 
Compliance Committees. 

Directorships of other listed 
entities over the past three 
years and dates of office: Nil. 

Australian banks, St.George Bank 
from 2002 to 2007 and Westpac 
from 2008 to date. She serves on 
the Prime Minister’s Indigenous 
Advisory Council and is CARE 
Australia’s Ambassador for 
Women’s Empowerment. 
Internationally, Gail is Vice 
President of the International 
Monetary Conference, she sits on 
the Global Board of Advisers at 
the US Council on Foreign 
Relations and is a member of the 
Group of Thirty. 

Westpac Board Committee 
membership: Member of the 
Board Technology Committee. 

Directorships of other listed 
entities over the past three 
years and dates of office: Nil. 

2014 Westpac Group Annual Report 

43 

 
 
 
 
Name: Elizabeth Bryan AM, 
BA (Econ.), MA (Econ.) 

Age: 68 
Term of office: Director since 
November 2006. 

Date of next scheduled  
re-election: December 2015. 
Independent: Yes. 

Current directorships of listed 
entities and dates of office: 
Director of Caltex Australia 
Limited (since July 2002, and 
Chairman since October 2007). 

Other principal directorships: 
Nil. 

Name: Ewen Crouch AM,  
BEc (Hons.), LLB, FAICD  
Age: 58 
Term of office: Director since 
February 2013. 
Date of next scheduled  
re-election: December 2016. 
Independent: Yes. 
Current directorships of listed 
entities and dates of office: 
Bluescope Steel Limited (since 
March 2013). 

Other principal directorships: 
Sydney Symphony Orchestra. 
Chairman of Mission Australia.  

Other interests: Member of the 
Takeovers Panel and the AICD’s 
Law Committee. Member of the 
Corporations Committee of the 
Law Council of Australia. 
Other Westpac related entities 
directorships and dates of 
office: Nil. 

Name: Alison Deans, BA, MBA, 
GAICD 
Age: 46 
Term of office: Director since 
April 2014. 

Date of next scheduled  
re-election: December 2014. 
Independent: Yes. 
Current directorships of listed 
entities and dates of office: 
Insurance Australia Group 
Limited (since 1 February 2013). 

Other principal directorships: 
kikki.K Holdings Pty Ltd. 
Other interests: Nil. 

Other Westpac related entities 
directorships and dates of 
office: Nil. 

Other interests: Member of the 
Takeovers Panel, Powerhouse 
Museum Trustee Board, 
Australian Treasury Advisory 
Council and Director Advisory 
Panel to ASIC. 
Other Westpac related entities 
directorships and dates of 
office: Nil. 
Skills, experience and 
expertise: Elizabeth has over 33 
years experience in the financial 
services industry, government 
policy and administration, and on 
the boards of companies and 
statutory organisations. Prior to 
becoming a professional director 
she served for six years as  

Skills, experience and 
expertise: Ewen is one of 
Australia’s most accomplished 
mergers and acquisitions (M&A) 
lawyers, having worked on some 
of Australia’s most significant 
M&A transactions during his 
career as a partner at Allens 
from 1988 to 2013. He served as 
a member of that firm’s board for 
11 years including 4 years as 
Chairman of Partners as well as 
holding the following roles whilst 
a partner: Co-Head Mergers & 
Acquisitions and Equity Capital 
Markets, Executive Partner, 
Asian Offices and Deputy 
Managing Partner. In 2010, he 
was appointed as a member of 
the Takeovers Panel. Ewen is a 
Fellow of the Australian Institute 
of Company Directors and is a 
member of the AICD’s Law 
Committee. 

Managing Director of Deutsche 
Asset Management and its 
predecessor organisation, NSW 
State Superannuation Investment 
and Management Corporation. In 
March 2014, Elizabeth was 
appointed a member of the 
Australian Treasury Advisory 
Council. 
Westpac Board Committee 
membership: Chairman of the 
Board Risk & Compliance 
Committee. Member of each of 
the Board Nominations and Board 
Remuneration Committees. 
Directorships of other listed 
entities over the past three 
years and dates of office: Nil. 

Ewen is also a member of the 
Corporations Committee of the 
Law Council of Australia. He is 
admitted to practise law in New 
South Wales, Victoria, the 
Australian Capital Territory and 
Western Australia. In 2013, he 
was awarded an Order of 
Australia in recognition of his 
significant service to the law as 
a contributor to legal 
professional organisations and 
to the community. 

Westpac Board Committee 
membership: Chairman of the 
Board Remuneration 
Committee, Member of each of 
the Board Nominations and 
Board Risk & Compliance 
Committees. 

Directorships of other listed 
entities over the past three 
years and dates of office: Nil. 

Skills, experience and 
expertise: Alison has more than 
20 years experience in senior 
management and strategy 
consulting roles focused on 
e-commerce, media and financial 
services in Australia. During this 
time, Alison held a number of 
senior executive roles including 
as the CEO of eCorp Limited, 
Hoyts Cinemas and eBay, 
Australia and New Zealand. Most 
recently, she was the CEO of the 
technology-based investment 
company netus Pty Ltd, which 
was acquired by Fairfax Media 
Limited in 2012. Alison was 
appointed an Independent 
Non-executive Director of 
Insurance Australia Group  

Limited in 2013 and was an 
Independent Director of Social 
Ventures Australia from 2007 to 
2013. In December 2013, she 
was appointed by the Australian 
Government to a Panel of 
Experts conducting an 
independent cost-benefit 
analysis and a regulatory review 
of the regulatory arrangements 
for the National Broadband 
Network. 
Westpac Board Committee 
membership: Member of each 
of the Board Risk & Compliance 
and Board Technology 
Committees. 
Directorships of other listed 
entities over the past three 
years and dates of office: Nil. 

44 

2014 Westpac Group Annual Report 

 
 
 
 
Name: Robert Elstone, 
BA (Hons.), MA (Econ.), MCom 

Age: 61 
Term of office: Director since 
February 2012. 

Date of next scheduled  
re-election: December 2014. 
Independent: Yes. 

Current directorships of listed 
entities and dates of office: Nil. 

Other principal directorships: 
University of Western Australia 
Business School. 

Other interests: Adjunct 
Professor in the Schools of 
Business at the Universities of 
Sydney and Western Australia. 

Other Westpac related entities 
directorships and dates of 
office: Nil. 

Name: Peter Hawkins,  
BCA (Hons.), SF Fin, FAIM, 
ACA (NZ), FAICD 
Age: 60 
Term of office: Director since 
December 2008. 
Date of next scheduled  
re-election: December 2016. 
Independent: Yes. 
Current directorships of listed 
entities and dates of office: 
Mirvac Group (since January 
2006). 
Other principal directorships: 
Liberty Financial Pty Ltd, 
Treasury Corporation of Victoria, 
Murray Goulburn Co-operative 
Co. Limited and Clayton Utz. 

Name: Peter Marriott, 
BEc (Hons.), FCA 

Age: 57 
Term of office: Director since 
June 2013. 

Date of next scheduled  
re-election: December 2016. 
Independent: Yes. 

Current directorships of listed 
entities and dates of office: 
ASX Limited (since July 2009). 

Other principal directorships: 
ASX Clearing Corporation 
Limited and ASX Settlement 
Corporation Limited. Chairman of 
Austraclear Limited. 

Other interests: Nil. 

Skills, experience and 
expertise: Robert has over 
30 years experience in senior 
management roles spanning 
investment banking, corporate 
finance, wholesale financial 
markets and risk management. 
From 2006 to 2011, Robert was 
Managing Director and CEO of 
the Australian Securities 
Exchange. Previously, he was 
Managing Director and CEO of 
the Sydney Futures Exchange 
from 2000 to 2006 and, from 
1995 to 2000 he was Finance 
Director of Pioneer International. 
Robert was a Non-executive 
Director of the National Australia 
Bank from 2004 to 2006, an 
inaugural member of the Board 
of Guardians of the Future Fund 
in 2006, and, during the years 
2007 to 2009, he was Chairman 

Other interests: Nil. 
Other Westpac related entities 
directorships and dates of 
office: Member of the Bank of 
Melbourne Advisory Board since 
November 2010. 

Skills, experience and 
expertise: Peter’s career in the 
banking and financial services 
industry spans over 42 years in 
Australia and overseas at both 
the highest levels of 
management and directorship of 
major organisations. Peter has 
held various senior management 
and directorship positions with 
Australia and New Zealand 
Banking Group Limited from  

Other Westpac related entities 
directorships and dates of 
office: Nil. 
Skills, experience and 
expertise: Peter has over 
30 years experience in senior 
management roles in the finance 
industry encompassing 
international banking, finance 
and auditing. Peter joined 
Australia and New Zealand 
Banking Group Limited (ANZ) in 
1993 and held the role of Chief 
Financial Officer from 1997 to 
May 2012. Prior to his career at 
ANZ, Peter was a banking and 
finance and audit and consulting 
partner at KPMG Peat Marwick. 
Peter has been a Non-executive 
Director of ASX Limited (and 
Chairman of its Board Audit & 

Directors’ report 

of the Financial Sector Advisory 
Council to the Federal 
Treasurer. Robert is an Adjunct 
Professor at the Business 
Schools of the Universities of 
Sydney and Western Australia. 
Robert was appointed to the 
University of Western Australia 
Business School Board at the 
start of 2013. 

Westpac Board Committee 
membership: Chairman of the 
Board Audit Committee. 
Member of each of the Board 
Nominations, Board 
Remuneration and Board Risk & 
Compliance Committees. 

Directorships of other listed 
entities over the past three 
years and dates of office: ASX 
Limited (July 2006 to 
October 2011). 

1971 to 2005. He was also a 
Director of BHP (NZ) Steel 
Limited from 1990 to 1991, 
ING Australia Limited from 2002 
to 2005, Esanda Finance 
Corporation from 2002 to 2005 
and Visa Inc. from 2008 to 2011. 

Westpac Board Committee 
membership: Chairman of the 
Board Technology Committee. 
Member of each of the Board 
Audit, Board Nominations and 
Board Risk & Compliance 
Committees. 

Directorships of other listed 
entities over the past three 
years and dates of office: Nil. 

Risk Committee) since 
1 July 2009. This appointment 
has involved Peter acting as a 
Director on the ASX Group 
Clearing and Settlement Boards 
and as Chairman of Austraclear 
Limited. Peter was formerly a 
Director of ANZ National Bank 
Limited in New Zealand and 
various ANZ subsidiaries. 
Westpac Board Committee 
membership: Member of each of 
the Board Audit, Board Risk & 
Compliance and Board 
Technology Committees. 
Directorships of other listed 
entities over the past three 
years and dates of office: 
ANZ National Bank Limited 
(November 2004 to May 2012), 
New Zealand listed. 

2014 Westpac Group Annual Report 

45 

 
 
 
 
Name: Ann Pickard,  
BA, MA 

Age: 59 
Term of office: Director since 
December 2011. 

Date of next scheduled  
re-election: Not applicable. 
Ann Pickard will retire following 
the 2014 AGM. 
Independent: Yes. 
Current directorships of listed 
entities and dates of office: Nil. 
Other principal directorships: 
Nil. 
Other interests: Nil. 
Other Westpac related entities 
directorships and dates of 
office: Nil. 

Skills, experience and 
expertise: Ann has 25 years of 
international experience as a 
senior manager in large 
organisations, with responsibility 
for major corporate 
transformations, maximising 
return on assets in challenging 
environments, complex 
negotiations, large scale 
development projects and 
strategic planning. In June 2013, 
Ann was appointed Royal Dutch 
Shell’s Executive Vice President 
Arctic, Upstream Americas. 
Before her current role, Ann was 
the Executive Vice President of 
Shell’s upstream business in 
Australia from March 2010, and 
later her role was expanded to 
Country Chair of Australia in 
August 2010.  

Prior to this, Ann was Shell’s 
Regional Executive Vice 
President for Sub Sahara Africa, 
overseeing the company’s 
exploration and production, gas 
and LNG activities in the region. 
She has also held the position of 
Director – Global Businesses and 
Strategy and been a member of 
the Shell Gas & Power Executive 
Committee with responsibility for 
Global LNG, Power and Gas & 
Power Strategy. 

Westpac Board Committee 
membership: Member of each of 
the Board Remuneration and 
Board Risk & Compliance 
Committees. 

Directorships of other listed 
entities over the past three 
years and dates of office: Nil. 

Company Secretary 
Our Company Secretaries as at 30 September 2014 are John Arthur and Tim Hartin. 

John Arthur (LLB (Hons.)) was appointed Group Executive, Counsel & Secretariat and Company Secretary on 
1 December 2008. On 24 November 2011, John was appointed Chief Operating Officer and continues to hold the position of 
Senior Company Secretary. Most recently prior to that appointment John was Managing Director & Chief Executive of Investa 
Property Group until 2007. Previously, John has been a partner at Freehills and Group General Counsel of Lend Lease 
Corporation Limited. He also served as Chairman of legal firm Gilbert + Tobin and has had a distinguished career as legal 
partner, corporate executive and non-executive director. 

Tim Hartin (LLB (Hons.)) was appointed Group Company Secretary on 7 November 2011. Prior to his appointment, Tim was a 
transactional lawyer at Henderson Boyd Jackson W.S. in Scotland and in London in Herbert Smith's corporate and corporate 
finance division. Tim joined Gilbert + Tobin as a Consultant in 2004, where he provided corporate advisory services to ASX 
listed companies. Tim joined Westpac in 2006 as Counsel, Corporate Core and most recently was the Head of Legal - Risk 
Management & Workouts, Counsel & Secretariat. 

2. Executive Team 
As at 30 September 2014 our Executive Team was: 

Name  

Position 

Gail Kelly 
Philip Coffey 
John Arthur 
Brad Cooper 
David Curran 
George Frazis 
Brian Hartzer 
Alexandra Holcomb 
Peter King 
David McLean 
Christine Parker 
Rob Whitfield 
Jason Yetton 

Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer 
Deputy Chief Executive Officer 
Chief Operating Officer 
Chief Executive Officer, BT Financial Group 
Chief Information Officer 
Chief Executive Officer, St.George Banking Group 
Chief Executive, Australian Financial Services 
Chief Risk Officer 
Chief Financial Officer 
Acting Chief Executive Officer, Westpac New Zealand Limited 
Group Executive, Human Resources & Corporate Affairs 
Group Executive, Westpac Institutional Bank 
Group Executive, Westpac Retail & Business Banking 

Year Joined 
Group 

Year Appointed  
to Position 

2008 
1996 
2008 
2007 
2014 
2009 
2012 
1996 
1994 
1999 
2007 
1986 
1992 

2008 
2014 
2011 
2010 
2014 
2012 
2012 
2014 
2014 
2014 
2011 
2009 
2011 

There are no family relationships between or among any of our Directors or Executive Team members.  

46 

2014 Westpac Group Annual Report 

 
 
 
Directors’ report 

Gail Kelly HigherDipEd, BA, MBA with Distinction. Age 58 
Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer 

Gail began her banking career in 1980, and by 2001 Gail had held various senior management roles in a 
broad range of areas including retail and commercial banking, strategy, marketing and human resources. 
Gail has spent the last twelve years as CEO of two Australian banks, St.George Bank from 2002 to 2007 
and Westpac from 2008 to date. 

Gail holds a Bachelor of Arts degree and Higher Diploma of Education from Cape Town University and an 
MBA with Distinction from the University of Witwatersrand. 

Gail is Chairman of the Australian Bankers’ Association and a non-executive director of the Business 
Council of Australia and the Financial Markets Foundation for Children. She also serves on the Prime 
Minister’s Indigenous Advisory Council and is CARE Australia’s Ambassador for Women’s Empowerment. 
Internationally, Gail is Vice President of the International Monetary Conference, she sits on the Global 
Board of Advisers at the US Council on Foreign Relations and is a member of the Group of Thirty. 

Philip Coffey BEc (Hons.). Age 57 
Deputy Chief Executive Officer 

Philip was appointed Deputy Chief Executive Officer in April 2014 with responsibility for overseeing 
Westpac’s contribution to the Federal Government’s Financial System Inquiry and supporting relationships 
with key stakeholders including industry groups, regulators, customers and government. He is also 
responsible for the Group’s strategy, mergers and acquisitions function. Prior to this appointment, Philip 
held the role of Chief Financial Officer from December 2005. Previous to this he was Group Executive, 
Westpac Institutional Bank, having been appointed to that position in 2002. Philip first joined Westpac in 
1996 as Head of Foreign Exchange. 

He has extensive experience in financial markets, funds management and finance. He began his career at 
the Reserve Bank of Australia before moving to Citicorp and AIDC Limited. He has also held roles in the 
United Kingdom and New Zealand. Philip has an honours degree in Economics from the University of 
Adelaide and has completed the Executive Programme at Stanford University Business School. 

John Arthur LLB (Hons.). Age 59 
Chief Operating Officer 

John was appointed Chief Operating Officer on 24 November 2011 with responsibility for Group Services, 
which encompasses technology, banking operations, property, compliance, legal and secretariat services. 
He joined Westpac as Group Executive, Counsel & Secretariat on 1 December 2008. Before that 
appointment John was Managing Director & CEO of Investa Property Group. 

Previously, John has been a partner at Freehills and Group General Counsel of Lend Lease Corporation 
Limited. He also served as Chairman of legal firm Gilbert + Tobin and has had a distinguished career as a 
legal partner, corporate executive and non-executive director. 

Brad Cooper DipBM, MBA. Age 52 
Chief Executive Officer, BT Financial Group 

Brad was appointed Chief Executive Officer, BT Financial Group on 1 February 2010. Brad initially joined 
Westpac in April 2007 as Chief Executive, Westpac New Zealand Limited and after successfully leading a 
change program in that market, moved to the role of Group Chief Transformation Officer leading the 
Westpac Group’s St.George merger implementation. Prior to joining Westpac, Brad was Chairman of 
GE Capital Bank and CEO of GE Consumer Finance UK & Ireland. He drove GE's UK Six Sigma program 
and was certified as a Quality Leader (Black Belt) in December 2002. He was promoted to CEO of 
GE Consumer Finance UK in January 2003 and appointed Chairman of GE Capital Bank in April 2004. 

David Curran BCom. Age 49 
Chief Information Officer 

David was appointed Chief Information Officer in September 2014. David joined Westpac in February 2014 
as a consultant on the Group’s banking technology modernisation program. David has almost thirty years 
of experience with proven expertise in IT and financial services and the implementation of large, complex 
projects.  

Before joining Westpac, David spent ten years in senior roles at the Commonwealth Bank of Australia 
(CBA). Before joining CBA, he spent sixteen years at Accenture, where he was a partner, primarily 
consulting on financial services.  

2014 Westpac Group Annual Report 

47 

 
 
 
 
 
 
George Frazis B Eng (Hons.), MBA (AGSM/Wharton). Age 50 
Chief Executive Officer, St.George Banking Group 
George was appointed Chief Executive Officer, St.George Banking Group in April 2012. Prior to this 
appointment, George joined the Westpac Group in March 2009 as Chief Executive, Westpac New Zealand 
Limited. George is highly experienced in the financial services industry. He was formerly Group Executive 
General Manager at National Australia Bank. Prior to that, George was a senior executive in 
Commonwealth Bank of Australia's Institutional Banking Division and has also been a partner with the 
Boston Consulting Group and an officer in the Royal Australian Air Force. 

Brian Hartzer BA European History, CFA. Age 47 
Chief Executive, Australian Financial Services 

Brian joined Westpac as Chief Executive, Australian Financial Services on 25 June 2012. Australian 
Financial Services comprises Westpac Retail & Business Banking, St.George Banking Group and 
BT Financial Group. 

Prior to joining Westpac, Brian spent three years in the UK as CEO for Retail, Wealth and Ulster Bank at 
the Royal Bank of Scotland Group. Prior to that, he spent ten years with Australia and New Zealand 
Banking Group Limited (ANZ) in Australia in a variety of roles, including his final role as CEO, Australia 
and Global Segment Lead for Retail and Wealth. Before joining ANZ, Brian spent ten years as a financial 
services consultant in New York, San Francisco and Melbourne. 

Brian graduated from Princeton University with a degree in European History and is a Chartered 
Financial Analyst. 

Alexandra Holcomb BA, MBA, MA. Age 53 
Chief Risk Officer 

Alexandra was appointed Chief Risk Officer in August 2014. Since joining Westpac in 1996, Alexandra has 
held a number of senior positions including Group General Manager Group Strategy, M&A and Major 
Projects, Group Executive, Group Strategy, Head of Westpac Institutional Bank Strategy, and most 
recently, Group General Manager of Global Transactional Services.  

Prior to joining Westpac, Alexandra was a senior executive from 1992 to 1996 with Booz Allen & Hamilton 
International where she specialised in international credit, working in Singapore and Australia. Before that 
she worked with Barclays Bank and Chase Manhattan Bank in New York.  

Peter King BEc, FCA. Age 44 
Chief Financial Officer 

Peter was appointed Chief Financial Officer in April 2014, with responsibility for Westpac’s Finance, 
Assurance, Tax, Treasury and Investor Relations functions. Prior to this appointment Peter was the Deputy 
Chief Financial Officer for three years. 

Since joining Westpac in 1994, Peter has held senior finance positions across the Group, including in 
Group Finance, Business and Consumer Banking, Business and Technology Services, Treasury and 
Financial Markets. 

Peter commenced his career at Deloitte Touché Tohmatsu. He has a Bachelor of Economics from Sydney 
University and completed the Advanced Management Programme at INSEAD. He is a Fellow of the 
Institute of Chartered Accountants. 

David McLean LLB (Hons). Age 56 
Acting Chief Executive Officer, Westpac New Zealand Limited 

David was appointed Acting Chief Executive Officer, Westpac New Zealand Limited in June 2014. Since 
joining Westpac in February 1999, David has held a number of senior roles including Head of Debt Capital 
Markets New Zealand, General Manager, Private, Wealth and Insurance New Zealand and Head of 
Westpac Institutional Bank New Zealand, and most recently, Managing Director of the Westpac New York 
branch since October 2012. 

Before joining Westpac, David was Director, Capital Markets at Deutsche Morgan Grenfell since 1994, 
where he was responsible for starting and developing a new debt capital markets origination business. He 
also established the New Zealand branch of Deutsche Bank and was New Zealand Resident Branch 
Manager. In 1988, David joined Southpac/National Bank as a Capital Markets Executive. Prior to this, 
David worked as a lawyer in private practice and also served as in
David is a Barrister & Solicitor of the High Court of New Zealand. 

house counsel for Natwest from 1985. 

‐

48 

2014 Westpac Group Annual Report 

 
 
 
 
 
 
Directors’ report 

Christine Parker BGDipBus (HRM). Age 54 
Group Executive, Human Resources & Corporate Affairs 
Christine was appointed Group Executive, Human Resources & Corporate Affairs on 1 October 2011, with 
responsibility for human resources strategy and management, including reward and recognition, safety, 
learning and development, careers and talent, employee relations and employment policy. She is also 
responsible for Corporate Affairs & Sustainability.  

Prior to this appointment, she was Group General Manager, Human Resources, from March 2010, with 
responsibilities across the entire Westpac Group. Prior to that, Christine was General Manager, Human 
Resources, Westpac New Zealand Limited, when she joined Westpac in 2007.  

Prior to joining Westpac, Christine was Group HR Director, Carter Holt Harvey, and from 1999 to 2004, 
she was Director of HR with Restaurant Brands New Zealand. 

Rob Whitfield BCom, GradDipBanking, GradDipFin, AMP (Harvard). Age 50 
Group Executive, Westpac Institutional Bank 
Rob was appointed Group Executive, Westpac Institutional Bank in July 2009. He has responsibility for 
Westpac’s global relationships with corporate, institutional and government clients, and core product 
offerings across financial and capital markets, transactional banking and working capital and payments. In 
addition, Rob has responsibility for Hastings Funds Management Limited and Westpac’s structured 
finance, global treasury, Asia and Pacific Island businesses. Rob joined Westpac as a graduate in 1986, 
where he gained broad financial markets experience. He joined Treasury in 1993 and was appointed 
Group Treasurer in 2000. In 2004, he became Chief Risk Officer and joined the Executive Team in 
December 2005. From April 2007, Rob undertook advisory work as a Group Executive for Westpac's CEO 
with responsibility for the oversight of the merger with St.George Bank Limited. He was appointed 
Group Executive, Risk Management in November 2008 prior to assuming his current role. 

Jason Yetton BCom, GDAppFin, TGMP (Harvard). Age 43 
Group Executive, Westpac Retail & Business Banking 

Jason was appointed Group Executive, Westpac Retail & Business Banking on 24 November 2011. Prior 
to this appointment, he was General Manager, Retail and Regional Banking, Westpac Retail & Business 
Banking from 2010. Before that, Jason was General Manager, Retail Banking from 2008. During 2008, he 
was a member of the Group’s 2017 strategy team. Prior to that role, Jason held a number of roles in BT 
Financial Group, including Head of Product, General Manager, Customer Solutions and CEO Commerce 
BT Unit Trust (based in Malaysia from 1997 to 1999). He joined BT as a graduate trainee in 1992. 

3. Report on the business 
a)  Principal activities 
The principal activities of the Group during the financial year ended 30 September 2014 were the provision of financial services 
including lending, deposit taking, payments services, investment portfolio management and advice, superannuation and funds 
management, insurance services, leasing finance, general finance and foreign exchange services. 

There have been no significant changes in the nature of the principal activities of the Group during 2014. 

b) Review of and results of operations and financial position 
The net profit attributable to equity holders of Westpac for the financial year ended 30 September 2014 was $7,561 million an 
increase of $810 million or 12% compared to 2013. Key features of this result are: 

  a 7% increase in net operating income before operating expenses and impairment charges with: 

–  net interest income of $13,542 million in 2014, an increase of $721 million or 6% compared to 2013, reflecting growth in 

customer deposits of 7%, loan growth of 8% and lower margins; and 

–  non-interest income of $6,395 million in 2014, an increase of $621 million or 11% compared to 2013, reflecting growth in 

wealth management, insurance and banking fees. 

  operating expenses were $8,547 million in 2014, an increase of $571 million compared to 2013, reflecting operating and 

integration costs associated with the Lloyds acquisition, foreign exchange translation impacts, higher software amortisation, 
personnel costs from investment in the business and the Westpac Bicentennial Foundation grant of $100 million; and 

  impairment charges were $650 million in 2014, a decrease of $197 million or 23% compared to 2013, reflecting continued 

improvements in asset quality including further reductions in stressed assets and new impaired assets. 

A review of the operations of the Group and its divisions and their results for the financial year ended 30 September 2014 is set 
out in Section 2 of the Annual Report under the sections ‘Review of Group operations’ and ‘Divisional performance’, which form 
part of this report. 

2014 Westpac Group Annual Report 

49 

 
 
 
 
 
Further information about our financial position and financial results is included in the financial statements in Section 3 of the 
Annual Report, which form part of this report. 

c) Dividends 
Since 30 September 2014, Westpac has announced a final ordinary dividend of 92 cents per Westpac ordinary share, totalling 
approximately $2,860 million for the year ended 30 September 2014 (2013 final ordinary dividend of 88 cents per Westpac 
ordinary share and a special dividend of 10 cents per Westpac ordinary share, totalling approximately $3,046 million). The 
dividend will be fully franked and will be paid on 19 December 2014. 

An interim ordinary dividend for the current financial year of 90 cents per Westpac ordinary share for the half year ended 
31 March 2014, totalling $2,798 million, was paid as a fully franked dividend on 2 July 2014 (2013 interim ordinary dividend of 
86 cents per Westpac ordinary share and a special dividend of 10 cents per Westpac ordinary share, totalling $2,980 million).  

d) Significant changes in state of affairs and events during and since the end of the 2014 financial year 
Significant changes in the state of affairs of the Group during 2014 were: 

  the completion of the acquisition of selected assets of Lloyds Banking Group’s Australian asset finance business, 

Capital Finance Australia Limited and its corporate loan portfolio, BOS International (Australia) Ltd for $1.45 billion; 

  capital transactions including the issuance of approximately $1.31 billion of new Additional Tier 1 capital securities known as 

Westpac Capital Notes 2 and the buy-back and subsequent cancellation of Westpac Stapled Preferred Securities II;  

  the establishment of the Westpac Bicentennial Foundation, a charitable foundation to which Westpac contributed 

$100 million; and 

  ongoing regulatory changes and developments, which have included changes to liquidity, capital, financial services, taxation 

and other regulatory requirements. 

For a discussion of these matters, please refer to ‘Significant developments’ in Section 1 of the Annual Report under 
‘Information on Westpac’. 

The Directors are not aware of any other matter or circumstance that has occurred since the end of the financial year that has 
significantly affected or may significantly affect the operations of the Group, the results of these operations or the state of affairs 
of the Group in subsequent financial years. 

e) Business strategies, developments and expected results 
Our business strategies, prospects and likely major developments in the Group’s operations in future financial years and the 
expected results of those operations are discussed in Section 1 of the Annual Report under ‘Information on Westpac’, including 
under ‘Outlook’ and ‘Significant developments’. 

Further information on our business strategies and prospects for future financial years and likely developments in our 
operations and the expected results of operations have not been included in this report because the Directors believe it would 
be likely to result in unreasonable prejudice to us. 

4. Directors’ interests 
a)   Directors’ interests in securities 
The following particulars for each Director are set out in the Remuneration report in Section 9 of the Directors’ report for the 
year ended 30 September 2014 and in the tables below: 

  their relevant interests in our shares or the shares of any of our related bodies corporate; 

  their relevant interests in debentures of, or interests in, any registered managed investment scheme made available by us or 

any of our related bodies corporate; 

  their rights or options over shares in, debentures of, or interests in, any registered managed investment scheme made 

available by us or any of our related bodies corporate; and 

  any contracts: 

–  to which the Director is a party or under which they are entitled to a benefit; and 

–  that confer a right to call for or deliver shares in, debentures of, or interests in, any registered managed investment 

scheme made available by us or any of our related bodies corporate. 

50 

2014 Westpac Group Annual Report 

 
Directors’ interests in Westpac and related bodies corporate as at 3 November 2014 

Number of Relevant Interests 
in Westpac
Ordinary Shares

Number of Westpac
Share Options

Number of Westpac
Share Rights

Westpac
CPS

Directors’ report 

Westpac Banking Corporation 
Current Directors
Lindsay Maxsted
Gail Kelly
Elizabeth Bryan
Ewen Crouch
Alison Deans
Robert Elstone
Peter Hawkins
Peter Marriott
Ann Pickard

17,205
1,542,459 1
26,801
34,609 3
9,000 4
10,000
15,218 5
20,000
13,800 6

-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-

-

713,264 2

-
-
-
-
-
-
-

-
-
-
-
-
-
1,370
-
-

Former Directors
John Curtis
Gordon Cairns
1  Gail Kelly’s interest in Westpac ordinary shares includes 28,679 restricted shares held under the CEO Restricted Share Plan. 
2  Share rights issued under the CEO Performance Plan. 
3  Ewen Crouch and his related bodies corporate also hold relevant interests in 250 Westpac Capital Notes 2. 
4  Alison Deans and her related bodies corporate also hold relevant interests in 276,844.4926 units and 149,447.0400 units of the BT Dynamic Global 

18,287 7
17,038 8

-
-  

-
-

-
-

Equity Fund and BT Balanced Equity Income Fund respectively. 

5  Peter Hawkins and his related bodies corporate also hold relevant interests in 1,433 Westpac Subordinated Notes. 
6  Ann Pickard’s relevant interests arise through holding 13,800 Westpac American Depositary Shares (ADS). One ADS represents one Westpac fully 

paid ordinary share. 

7  John Curtis and his related bodies corporate also held relevant interests in 473,334.36 units of the BT Balanced Equity Income Fund. Figures 

displayed for John Curtis are as at his retirement date of 25 April 2014. 

8  Figure displayed is as at Gordon Cairns’ retirement date of 13 December 2013.  

Note: Certain subsidiaries of Westpac offer a range of registered schemes. The Directors from time to time invest in these schemes and are required to 
provide a statement to the ASX when any of their interests in these schemes change. ASIC has exempted each Director from the obligation to notify the 
ASX of a relevant interest in a security that is an interest in BT Cash Management Trust (ARSN 087 531 539), BT Premium Cash Fund (ARSN 089 299 
730), Westpac Cash Management Trust (ARSN 088 187 928), BT Wholesale Managed Cash Fund (ARSN 088 832 491) or BT Wholesale Enhanced 
Cash Fund (ARSN 088 863 469). 

b) Indemnities and insurance 
Under the Westpac Constitution, unless prohibited by statute, we indemnify each of the Directors and Company Secretaries of 
Westpac and of each of our related bodies corporate (except related bodies corporate listed on a recognised stock exchange), 
each employee of Westpac or our subsidiaries (except subsidiaries listed on a recognised stock exchange), and each person 
acting as a responsible manager under an Australian Financial Services Licence of any of Westpac’s wholly-owned 
subsidiaries against every liability incurred by each such person in their capacity as director, company secretary, employee or 
responsible manager, as the case may be; and all legal costs incurred in defending or resisting (or otherwise in connection 
with) proceedings, whether civil or criminal or of an administrative or investigatory nature, in which the person becomes 
involved because of that capacity. 

Each of the Directors named in this Directors’ report and each of the Company Secretaries of Westpac has the benefit of 
this indemnity. 

Consistent with shareholder approval at the 2000 Annual General Meeting, Westpac has entered into a Deed of Access and 
Indemnity with each of the Directors, which includes indemnification in identical terms to that provided in the Westpac 
Constitution. 

Westpac also executed a deed poll in September 2009 providing indemnification equivalent to that provided under the Westpac 
Constitution to individuals acting as: 

  statutory officers (other than as a director) of Westpac; 

  directors and other statutory officers of wholly-owned subsidiaries of Westpac; and 

  directors and statutory officers of other nominated companies as approved by Westpac in accordance with the terms of the 

deed poll and Westpac’s Contractual Indemnity Policy. 

Some employees of Westpac’s related bodies corporate and responsible managers of Westpac and its related bodies 
corporate are also currently covered by a deed poll that was executed in November 2004, which is in similar terms to the 
September 2009 deed poll. 

2014 Westpac Group Annual Report 

51 

 
 
 
The Westpac Constitution also permits us, to the extent 
permitted by law, to pay or agree to pay premiums for 
contracts insuring any person who is or has been a Director 
or Company Secretary of Westpac or any of its related 
bodies corporate against liability incurred by that person in 
that capacity, including a liability for legal costs, unless: 

  we are forbidden by statute to pay or agree to pay the 

premium; or 

  the contract would, if we paid the premium, be made void 

by statute. 

Under the September 2009 deed poll, Westpac also agrees 
to provide directors’ and officers’ insurance to Directors of 
Westpac and Directors of Westpac’s wholly-owned 
subsidiaries. 

For the year ended 30 September 2014, the Group has 
insurance cover in respect of the amounts which we may 
have to pay under the indemnities set out above. That cover 
is subject to the terms and conditions of the relevant 
insurance, including but not limited to the limit of indemnity 
provided by the insurance. The insurance policies prohibit 
disclosure of the premium payable and the nature of the 
liabilities covered. 

c) Options and share rights outstanding 
As at the date of this report there are 1,352,221 share 
options outstanding and 4,033,959 share rights outstanding 
in relation to Westpac ordinary shares. The expiry date of 
the share options range between 20 January 2015 and 
1 October 2018 and the weighted average exercise price is 
$26.27. The latest dates for exercise of the share rights 
range between 20 January 2015 and 1 May 2024. 

Holders of outstanding share options and share rights in 
relation to Westpac ordinary shares do not have any rights 
under the share options and share rights to participate in any 
share issue or interest of Westpac or any other body 
corporate.  

d) Proceedings on behalf of Westpac 
No application has been made and no proceedings have 
been brought or intervened in, on behalf of Westpac under 
section 237 of the Corporations Act. 

5. Environmental disclosure 
As part of our 2017 Sustainability Strategy we have set 
targets for our environmental performance. The Westpac 
Group’s environmental framework starts with ‘Our Principles 
for Doing Business’, which outline our broad environmental 
principles. This framework includes: 

  our Westpac Group Environment Policy, which has been 

in place since 1992; 

  our Sustainable Supply Chain Management Framework;  

  our Sustainability Risk Management Framework (formerly 

our Environmental, Social and Governance Risk 
Management Framework); and 

  public reporting of our environmental performance. We 
also participate in a number of voluntary initiatives 
including the Dow Jones Sustainability Index, CDP1, the 
Equator Principles, the Principles for Responsible 
Investment, the United Nations Global Compact and the 
Banking Environment Initiative’s Soft Commodities 
Compact. 

The National Greenhouse and Energy Reporting Act 2007 
(Cth) (National Greenhouse Act) came into effect in 
July 2008. The Group reports on greenhouse gas emissions, 
energy consumption and production under the National 
Greenhouse Act for the period 1 July through 30 June 
each year. 

The Group was previously subject to the reporting 
requirements of the Energy Efficiency Opportunities Act 
2006 (Cth) (EEO Act). The Commonwealth Government 
repealed the EEO Act, effective from 29 June 2014. 
Accordingly, all obligations and activities under the EEO 
Program, including reporting requirements, have ceased.2  

Our operations are not subject to any other particular and 
significant environmental regulation under any law of the 
Commonwealth of Australia or of any State or Territory of 
Australia. We may, however, become subject to 
environmental regulation as a result of our lending activities 
in the ordinary course of business and we have policies in 
place to ensure that this potential risk is addressed as part of 
our normal processes. 

We have not incurred any liability (including for rectification 
costs) under any environmental legislation. 

Further details on our environmental performance, including 
information on our climate change approach, details of our 
emissions profile and environmental footprint, and progress 
against our environmental targets and carbon neutral 
program are available on our website at 
www.westpac.com.au/about-westpac/sustainability-and-
community.  

1   Formerly known as the Carbon Disclosure Project. 
2   Westpac implemented or is in the process of implementing energy 
efficiency opportunities which are expected to result in estimated 
energy savings of 107,314GJ, carbon savings of 26,456tCO2e and 
cost savings of $4,685,561 per year. Westpac also participated in the 
voluntary NSW Energy Saving Scheme and earned over $28,071 
through the sale of 4,014 Energy Savings Certificates. 

52 

2014 Westpac Group Annual Report 

 
 
 
Directors’ report 

6. Rounding of amounts 
Westpac is an entity to which ASIC Class Order 98/100 
dated 10 July 1998, relating to the rounding of amounts in 
Directors’ report and financial reports, applies. Pursuant to 
this Class Order, amounts in this Directors’ report and the 
accompanying financial report have been rounded to the 
nearest million dollars, unless indicated to the contrary. 

7. Political expenditure 
In line with Westpac policy, no cash donations were made to 
political parties during the financial year ended 
30 September 2014. The expenditure reflected in the table 
below relates to payment for participation in legitimate 
political activities where they were assessed to be of direct 
business relevance to Westpac. Such activities include 
business observer programs attached to annual party 
conferences, policy dialogue forums and other political 
functions such as speeches and events with industry 
participants. 

Political expenditure, year ended 30 September 2014 
Australia 

Australian Labor Party
Liberal Party of Australia
National Party of Australia
Total
1  Represents aggregate amount at both Federal and State/Territory 

154,904   

Amount
$1
73,000
81,904
-

levels. 

New Zealand 
The total expenditure on political activities in New Zealand 
for the year ended 30 September 2014 was NZ$5,420. 
In line with Westpac policy, no cash donations were made to 
political parties in New Zealand during the year.  

2014 Westpac Group Annual Report 

53 

 
 
8. Directors’ meetings 
Each Director attended the following meetings of the Board and Committees of the Board during the financial year ended 
30 September 2014:  

Notes

Board 

Audit Committee

Risk & Compliance 
Committee

Nominations 
Committee

Remuneration 
Committee

Technology 
Committee

Number of meetings
held during the year

Director
Lindsay Maxsted
Gail Kelly
John Curtis
Elizabeth Bryan
Gordon Cairns
Ewen Crouch
Alison Deans
Robert Elstone
Peter Hawkins
Peter Marriott
Ann Pickard

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11

A
8
8
4
8
3
7
3
8
8
8
8

B
8
8
4
8
3
7
3
8
8
8
8

C
-
-
1
-
-
1
-
-
-
-
-

A
4
-
-
-
-
-
-
4
4
4
-

B
4
-
-
-
-
-
-
4
4
4
-

A
4
-
2
4
1
4
2
4
4
4
4

B
4
-
2
4
1
4
2
4
4
4
4

A
4
-
2
4
-
2
-
4
4
-
-

B
4
-
2
4
-
2
-
4
4
-
-

A
-
-
2
4
1
4
-
2
-
-
4

B
-
-
2
4
1
4
-
2
-
-
4

A
-
4
-
2
-
-
2
2
4
2
-

B
-
4
-
2
-
-
2
2
4
2
-

This table shows membership of standing Committees of the Board. From time to time the Board may form other committees or request Directors to 
undertake specific extra duties. 

A - Meetings eligible to attend as a member  

  B - Meetings attended as a member  

C - Leave of absence granted 

Unless otherwise stated, each Director has been a member, or the Chairman, of the relevant Committee for the whole of the period from 1 October 2013. 

1  Chairman of the Board Nominations Committee. Member of the Board Audit Committee and the Board Risk & Compliance Committee. 
2  Member of the Board Technology Committee. 
3  John Curtis retired from the Board and its Committees on 25 April 2014. 
4  Chairman of the Board Risk & Compliance Committee. Member of the Board Nominations Committee and the Board Remuneration Committee. 

Member of the Board Technology Committee until 31 March 2014. 

5  Gordon Cairns retired from the Board and its Committees on 13 December 2013. 
6  Chairman of the Board Remuneration Committee from 25 April 2014. Member of the Board Remuneration Committee until 24 April 2014. Member of 
the Board Risk & Compliance Committee, and from 25 April 2014, a member of the Board Nominations Committee. A leave of absence was granted 
due to illness. 

7  Alison Deans was appointed as a Director on 1 April 2014. Member of the Board Risk & Compliance Committee and the Board Technology 

Committee from 1 April 2014. 

8  Chairman of the Board Audit Committee. Member of the Board Nominations Committee, the Board Risk & Compliance Committee, and from 

1 April 2014, a member of the Board Remuneration Committee. Member of the Board Technology Committee until 31 March 2014. 

9  Chairman of the Board Technology Committee. Member of the Board Audit Committee, the Board Nominations Committee and the Board Risk & 

Compliance Committee. 

10  Member of the Board Audit Committee, the Board Risk & Compliance Committee, and from 1 April 2014, a member of the Board 

Technology Committee. 

11  Member of the Board Risk & Compliance Committee and the Board Remuneration Committee. 

54 

2014 Westpac Group Annual Report 

 
 
 
 
 
Directors’ report 

9. Remuneration report 
Introduction from the Chairman of the Board Remuneration Committee 

Dear Shareholder, 

We are pleased to present Westpac’s 2014 Remuneration Report (Report). 

In my first report as Chairman of the Board Remuneration Committee, I want to reaffirm the Board’s commitment to delivering 
remuneration strategy outcomes that both reflect our business performance and sustainability, and attracts and retains the 
highest quality executives.  

2014 Remuneration outcomes 
The fixed remuneration and incentive targets for the CEO and most Group Executives were unchanged for the third 
consecutive year. Our financial and operating performance is recognised in the ‘at risk’ incentive outcomes for the CEO and 
individual executives. 

The executive team has delivered the financial performance within our risk and governance principles including maintaining our 
balance sheet strength and the engagement of our staff. Each year, the Board assesses actual performance achieved and 
considers the circumstances as to how the performance was achieved as well as the operating environment. In exercising this 
oversight, the Board determines remuneration outcomes that are appropriate. 

The 2011 Long-Term Incentive (LTI) grant qualified for 72% vesting this year reflecting our performance against the hurdles 
established in late 2011. In particular: 

  Westpac’s LTI plan Total Shareholder Return (TSR) over the last three years was 102%, which was at the 70th percentile of 

the defined comparator group. Accordingly, 90% of the 2011 TSR performance tranche vested; 

  Westpac’s Cash Earnings per Share (EPS) growth over the last three years totalled 17.1%, which was above the threshold 
of 15.8% (5% compound annual growth) but below the maximum of 33.1% (10% compound annual growth). Accordingly, 
54% of the 2011 EPS performance tranche vested; and 

  as re-testing was removed from our LTI plans in 2011, the remaining portion (28%) has lapsed. 

New executive appointments 
There have also been a number of Group Executive appointments during 2014, the majority drawing on our pool of internal 
talent. All new Group Executives have been appointed at remuneration levels set below prior incumbents. All new Group 
Executive appointments have had the Group’s target pay mix applied to their remuneration package.  

Remuneration frameworks 
Last year, we indicated we would undertake a further review of our remuneration frameworks, recognising that broader market 
practices and expectations continue to evolve. The focus of the review was our equity based payments and the result is that a 
number of refinements will be implemented in 2015. The changes include: 

  the extension of the performance/vesting period for LTI grants from three to four years; 

  the introduction of a new weighted peer performance hurdle for the TSR grant. This new hurdle increases the relative weight 

applied to the performance of our three major bank peers as this is a key benchmark for shareholders; and 

  the increase from 40% to 50% of the proportion of the Short-Term Incentive (STI) outcome deferred into equity. 

We have also strengthened our malus provisions, such that should circumstances arise where an equity allocation is no longer 
justified, we can reduce or cancel unvested allocations. These changes are explained in more detail in this Report. 

We are confident that the changes will complement our existing focus on the alignment of individual Group Executive 
performance and remuneration with sustained Group performance and the interests of our shareholders. 

Ewen Crouch 
Chairman – Board Remuneration Committee 

2014 Westpac Group Annual Report 

55 

 
 
 
 
 
 
1.    Governance and risk management 
This section details the Group’s approach to governance 
and risk management as they relate to remuneration. 

1.1. Governance 
The Group’s remuneration policies and practices strive to 
fairly and responsibly reward employees, having regard to 
performance, the Group’s risk management framework, the 
law and high standards of governance. 

The role of the Board is to provide strategic guidance for the 
Group and effective oversight of management. In this way, 
the Board is accountable to shareholders for performance. 
As part of this role, the Board has overall responsibility for 
remuneration. 

The Remuneration Committee supports the Board. Its 
primary function is to assist the Board to fulfil its 
responsibilities to shareholders with regard to remuneration. 
The Remuneration Committee monitors the Group’s 
remuneration policies and practices, external remuneration 
practices, market expectations and regulatory requirements 
in Australia and internationally. The Committee’s purpose, 
responsibilities and duties are outlined in the Charter which 
is available on the Group’s website. 

All Board Committee Charters are reviewed every two years. 
The Board Remuneration Committee Charter was last 
reviewed and amended in May 2014. 

Members of the Remuneration Committee during 2014 
All members of the Remuneration Committee are 
independent Non-executive Directors. During 2014, the 
members were: 

  John Curtis (Chairman retired 25 April 2014); 

  Ewen Crouch (Chairman from 25 April 2014);  

  Elizabeth Bryan; 

  Gordon Cairns (retired 13 December 2013); 

  Robert Elstone (member from 1 April 2014); and 

  Ann Pickard. 

Independent remuneration consultant 
During 2014, the Board retained Guerdon Associates as its 
independent consultant to provide specialist information on 
executive remuneration and other Group remuneration 
matters. These services are provided directly to the 
Remuneration Committee and are independent of 
management. The Chairman of the Remuneration 
Committee oversees the engagement of, remuneration 
arrangements for, and payment of, the independent 
consultant. 

Work undertaken by Guerdon Associates during 2014 
included the provision of information relating to the 
benchmarking of Non-executive Director, CEO and 
Group Executive remuneration; market practice regarding 
the Group’s LTI plan and variable reward pool; and analysis 
regarding the Group’s Earnings per Share (EPS) LTI 
performance hurdle and the development of a new Total 
Shareholder Return (TSR) weighted peer group LTI 
performance hurdle. No remuneration recommendations, as 
prescribed under the Corporations Act, were made by 
Guerdon Associates in 2014.  

Other internal governance structures 
The Westpac internal governance structure includes three 
levels of Remuneration Oversight Committees (ROCs) which 
focus on the appropriateness and consistency of 
remuneration arrangements and outcomes within individual 
functions and divisions and across the Group. The ROCs 
support the Board Remuneration Committee by ensuring 
that the Group-wide remuneration frameworks and 
outcomes are consistent with the Group’s approved policy. 

1.2. Risk management 
We aim to integrate effective risk management into the 
remuneration framework throughout the organisation. The 
Chairman of the Board Risk and Compliance Committee is a 
member of the Remuneration Committee, and members of 
the Remuneration Committee are also members of the 
Board Risk and Compliance Committee. In carrying out its 
duties, the Remuneration Committee can access personnel 
from risk and financial control, and engage external advisors 
who are independent of management. 

The Group’s remuneration strategy, executive remuneration 
framework, policies and practices all reflect the sound risk 
management that is fundamental to the way we operate. The 
performance of each division within the Group is reviewed 
and measured with reference to how risk is managed and 
the results influence remuneration outcomes. 

The executive total reward framework specifically includes 
features to take account of risk.  

Each year, the Board determines the size of the variable 
reward pool which funds variable reward outcomes across 
the Group. This is based on the Group’s performance for the 
year and an assessment of how profit should be shared 
among shareholders and employees and retained for 
growth. The primary financial indicator used is economic 
profit, which measures profitability adjusted for risk in the 
business. Cash earnings, return on equity (ROE), cash EPS 
and dividends are also taken into account.  

STI outcomes are based on both financial and non-financial 
measures, with the latter reflecting risk management 
outcomes and progress on the implementation of the 
Group’s strategy. Group economic profit and Group return 
on equity accounted for 40% of the CEO’s scoreboard for 
2014. Similarly, Group Executive scoreboards had 40% of 
their STI allocated based on Group economic profit, 
divisional economic profit and/or Group return on equity. A 
performance measure related to the Board’s Risk Appetite 
Statement accounted for a further 10% of the CEO’s and 
Group Executives’ scoreboards. In addition, the CEO and 
each Group Executive are assessed on specific risk 
measures that may influence any discretionary adjustment to 
the scoreboard. Ultimately, the Board has 100% discretion 
over the STI outcome. We believe this discretion is vital to 
balance a mechanistic approach in determining performance 
and reward outcomes and to enable previous decisions 
(either good or bad) to be taken into account. This discretion 
may be exercised both up and down. 

56 

2014 Westpac Group Annual Report 

 
Directors’ report 

Approval of remuneration decisions 
We follow a strict process of ‘two-up’ approval for all remuneration decisions. This means that remuneration is approved by the 
next most senior person above the employee’s manager. This concept is also reflected in our requirement for the Board, based 
on recommendations from the Remuneration Committee, to approve performance outcomes and remuneration for: 

  the CEO and Group Executives; and 

  other executives who report directly to the CEO, other persons whose activities in the Board’s opinion affect the financial 

soundness of the Group and any other person specified by the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA). 

Performance and remuneration outcomes for all General Managers (who report to Group Executives) are approved by the CEO 
on the recommendation of the Group Executive to whom they report. 

Any significant remuneration arrangements that fall outside the Group Remuneration Policy are referred to the Remuneration 
Committee for review and approval. 

Shareholding requirements and hedging policy 
To further align their interests with those of shareholders, the CEO and Group Executives are expected to build and maintain a 
substantial Westpac shareholding within five years of being appointed to their role. For the CEO, the value of that shareholding 
is expected to be no less than five times her annual fixed package. For Group Executives, the expected minimum is a value of 
$1.2 million. 

Participants in the Group’s equity plans are forbidden from entering either directly or indirectly into hedging arrangements for 
unvested securities in their STI and LTI equity awards. No financial products of any kind may be used to mitigate the risk 
associated with these equity instruments. Any attempt to hedge these securities makes them subject to forfeiture. These 
restrictions have been in place for some time and satisfy the requirements of the Corporations Act which prohibit hedging of 
unvested securities. 

2014 Westpac Group Annual Report 

57 

 
2. Key management personnel remuneration disclosed in this Report 
The remuneration of key management personnel (KMP) for the Group is disclosed in this Report. In 2014, KMP comprised 
Non-executive Directors, the CEO and Group Executives who reported to the CEO and/or led significant parts of the business. 

CEO and Group Executives 

George Frazis 

Chief Executive Officer, St.George Banking Group 

Name 

Gail Kelly 

Group Executives 

John Arthur 
Peter Clare1 
Philip Coffey 2 

Brad Cooper 
David Curran3 

Brian Hartzer 
Alexandra Holcomb4 
Peter King5 

Christine Parker 
Greg Targett6 

Rob Whitfield 

Jason Yetton 

Non-executive Directors 

Name 

Lindsay Maxsted 
John Curtis7 

Elizabeth Bryan 
Gordon Cairns8 

Ewen Crouch 
Alison Deans9 

Robert Elstone 

Peter Hawkins 

Peter Marriott 

Position 

Term as KMP 

Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer 

Full Year 

Chief Operating Officer  

Chief Executive Officer, Westpac New Zealand Limited 

Deputy Chief Executive Officer 

Chief Executive Officer, BT Financial Group 

Chief Information Officer  

Chief Executive, Australian Financial Services 

Chief Risk Officer 

Chief Financial Officer 

Full Year 

Part Year 

Full Year 

Full Year 

Part Year 

Full Year 

Full Year 

Part Year 

Part Year 

Group Executive, Human Resources & Corporate Affairs 

Full Year 

Chief Risk Officer 

Group Executive, Westpac Institutional Bank 

Group Executive, Westpac Retail & Business Banking 

Position 

Chairman 

Deputy Chairman 

Director 

Director 

Director 

Director 

Director 

Director 

Director 

Part Year 

Full Year 

Full Year 

Term as KMP 

Full Year 

Part Year 

Full Year 

Part Year 

Full Year 

Part Year 

Full Year 

Full Year 

Full Year 

Director 

Ann Pickard 
1  Peter Clare resigned effective 12 August 2014. 
2  Philip Coffey was the Chief Financial Officer prior to his appointment as Deputy Chief Executive Officer on 1 April 2014. 
3  David Curran was appointed Chief Information Officer effective 8 September 2014. 
4  Alexandra Holcomb was General Manager, Global Transactional Services prior to her appointment as Chief Risk Officer on 1 August 2014.  
5  Peter King was the Deputy Chief Financial Officer prior to his appointment as Chief Financial Officer on 1 April 2014. 
6  Greg Targett stepped down from the role of Chief Risk Officer on 31 July 2014 and will retire from the Group on 14 November 2014. 
7  John Curtis retired on 25 April 2014. 
8  Gordon Cairns retired on 13 December 2013. 
9  Alison Deans was appointed on 1 April 2014. 

Full Year 

58 

2014 Westpac Group Annual Report 

 
 
 
3. Remuneration snapshot 2014 
This section provides an overview of the Group’s remuneration arrangements during the 2014 financial year. 

3.1. Remuneration strategy, principles and framework 
Executive remuneration framework 
The CEO and Group Executives are remunerated based on a Total Reward framework: 

Westpac’s Remuneration Strategy

Directors’ report 

Motivate strong performance 
against short-term and 
long-term performance 
measures

Fixed Remuneration
(34%)

Comprises:

cash salary;

salary sacrifice items; and
 employer superannuation 

Manage risk appropriately

Link pay to shareholders’ 
interests

Attract and retain high 
performing executives

Executive Total Reward Framework

At Risk Remuneration (Variable Reward)
(66%)

Short-term Incentive (STI)
34%

Long-term Incentive (LTI)
32%

Maximum opportunity = 150% of Target STI

contributions in line with statutory 
obligations.

Cash STI
60% of Total STI

Deferred STI
Restricted shares or 
share rights
40% of Total STI

Comprise performance share 
rights which vest over a      

three-year period if performance 
hurdles are achieved.

The target pay mix was adopted in 2012 and will be progressively implemented for existing Group Executives as their 
remuneration increases. In 2014, Christine Parker and Jason Yetton received increases as their remuneration was significantly 
below their peers and competitor organisations. The increase was applied in line with the target pay mix. In 2014, the 
remuneration of Brad Cooper was adjusted to better reflect the target pay mix, with a higher proportion of his total remuneration 
directed to the long-term incentive. He did not receive an increase.  

The Total Reward framework has three components and, in aggregate, is benchmarked against relevant financial services 
competitors: 
Fixed remuneration – takes into account the size and complexity of the role, individual responsibilities, experience, skills and 
disclosed market-related pay levels within the financial services industry;  

Short-term incentive (STI) – is determined based on an STI target set using similar principles to those used for fixed 
remuneration, and on individual, divisional and Group performance objectives for the year. Performance is measured against 
risk-adjusted financial targets and non-financial targets that support the Group’s strategy; and 

Long-term incentive (LTI) – is designed to align the total remuneration of executives to the long-term performance of the Group 
and the interests of shareholders. The amount of the award takes into account market benchmarks, individual performance 
over time, succession potential and key skills. 

3.2. Remuneration for all other employees 
The remuneration strategy for all other employees remains aligned with our approach for Group Executives. In particular: 

  fixed remuneration is aligned to the market and is reviewed annually; 
  we provide superannuation for employees in Australia, New Zealand and some other countries in which we operate; 
  employees have the opportunity to participate in an STI scheme designed to support the objectives of their division and the 
Group, including risk management. All employees who receive an STI award above a certain threshold have a portion of the 
award deferred; and 

  eligible employees may receive an annual award of Westpac ordinary shares up to the value of $1,000 under the Employee 
Share Plan provided the Group meets at least one of two hurdles: an increase in share price or the achievement of a basket 
of strategic measures. The CEO, Group Executives and any other employee who received an STI award deferred into equity 
or an LTI award during the year are not eligible to receive an Employee Share Plan award for that year.  

2014 Westpac Group Annual Report 

59 

 
 
 
4.    Executive remuneration 
4.1. Remuneration structure and policy 
a)   Fixed remuneration 
Fixed remuneration comprises cash salary, salary sacrificed items and employer superannuation contributions. 

The Group provides superannuation contributions in line with statutory obligations. Fixed remuneration is reviewed annually 
and is effective from 1 January each year taking into consideration:  
  role and accountabilities;  

  relevant market benchmarks within the financial services industry; and  

  the attraction, motivation and retention of key executives.  

The CEO’s fixed remuneration and incentive targets have been unchanged since January 2011. 

b)   Short-Term Incentive (STI) 
STI provides the opportunity for participants to earn cash and deferred equity incentives where specific outcomes have been 
achieved in the financial year. The CEO and each Group Executive are assessed using a balanced scoreboard, combining both 
annual financial and non-financial objectives which support the Group’s strategic goals. 

STI targets 
The CEO’s STI target opportunity for 2014 remained at $3.6 million. 

STI targets for Group Executives are set by the Remuneration Committee and approved by the Board at the beginning of each 
performance year based on a range of factors including market competitiveness and the nature of each role. The STI targets 
for the 2014 performance year did not increase for the CEO and those Group Executives whose fixed remuneration remained 
unchanged in 2014. The STI awards for Group Executives are managed within the Group-wide variable reward pool. 

STI outcomes are subject to both a quantitative and qualitative assessment, including a risk management overlay, which is 
embedded in our scoreboard measurement process. The maximum STI opportunity is 150% of target. The Board has the 
capacity to adjust STI outcomes (and reduce STI outcomes to zero if appropriate) in the assessment process. 

STI structure 2014 
The table below details how and when STI outcomes are delivered, and for deferred payments, the type of equity and the 
instrument used: 

Cash STI

Deferred STI

Deferred STI Equity Delivered

STI Structure

60% of the 
2014 STI 
outcome will be 
paid as cash in 
December 2014.

40% of the 2014 STI outcome 
will be deferred in the form of 
restricted Westpac ordinary
shares or rights to ordinary 
shares.

Vesting Details

Half of
deferred STI 
will vest in 
October 2015.

Half of 
deferred STI 
will vest in 
October 2016.

Executive

Type of Equity

Equity Plan

CEO

Group 
Executives in 
Australia

Group 
Executives
outside 
Australia

Westpac 
ordinary 
shares1

CEO Restricted
Share Plan

Restricted
Share Plan

Westpac share 
rights2

Westpac
Performance 
Plan

1  Shares granted under the CEO Restricted Share Plan and the Restricted Share Plan rank equally with Westpac ordinary shares for dividends and 

voting rights from the date they are granted. The Board has the discretion to satisfy vested share right grants and the allocation of subsequent shares 
to participants, or the allocation of restricted shares under the deferred STI, by either the issue of new shares or on-market purchase of shares. 

2  Rights to ordinary shares entitle the holder to Westpac ordinary shares at the time of vesting. 

60 

2014 Westpac Group Annual Report 

 
 
 
 
Directors’ report 

By deferring a portion of the STI in the form of restricted equity, incentive payments are better aligned with the interests of 
shareholders as the ultimate value of the deferred portion is tied to movements in share price over the restriction period. The 
deferred STI awards are allocated as restricted shares and, as they recognise past performance and are not subject to further 
performance conditions, attract dividend distributions over the vesting period.  

If an executive resigns or retires, or otherwise leaves the Group before his or her securities vest, the Board has discretion in 
relation to how those securities are treated. If the executive leaves the Group to join another organisation, or is terminated for 
cause, his or her securities are generally forfeited. In other circumstances, the Board may elect to allow the securities to remain 
on foot for the balance of the relevant restriction period and then vest. 

Securities are also subject to forfeiture at the Board’s discretion in the event of a material issue or financial mis-statement. 

Details of deferred STI allocations granted in prior years, which have been exercised during the year ended 
30 September 2014, are included in Section 6.4 of this Report. 

STI structure 2015 
For 2015, we have reduced the proportion paid as cash to 50% and increased the deferred STI proportion to 50% of the 
outcome. The deferral arrangements remain unchanged. 

STI Structure 2015 (Group Executives)

Cash STI

Deferred STI

50% of the 2015 STI outcome will be paid as cash in 
December 2015.

50% of the 2015 STI outcome will be deferred in the form of 
restricted Westpac ordinary shares or rights to ordinary shares.

Vesting Details

Half of deferred STI will vest in 
October 2016.

Half of deferred STI will vest in 
October 2017.

2014 Westpac Group Annual Report 

61 

 
 
 
c)   Long-Term Incentive (LTI) 
The CEO and Group Executives are also eligible for an LTI award. 

LTI structure 2014 and 2013 
The following diagram and table sets out the key features of LTI awards made in December 2013 to the CEO under the CEO 
Performance Plan and to Group Executives under the Westpac Reward Plan. The LTI grants to be made for the 2014 
remuneration period will follow the same format and subject to performance hurdles, will vest in 2017. 

LTI Structure (Current)

Performance share rights granted

Relative Total Shareholder Return (TSR)

Cash EPS Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR)

50% of allocation subject to this hurdle.

50% of allocation subject to this hurdle.

Vesting Framework

Vesting Framework

The TSR component of the allocation will be measured at 
30 September 2016 and will vest in line with the diagram 
below if the relative TSR Ranking is at the 50th percentile 
or above. There is a single test and no re-testing.

The EPS component of the allocation will be measured at 
30 September 2016 and will vest in line with the diagram 
below if performance is between the threshold and 
maximum targets or above.
There is a single test and no re-testing.

TSR Allocation to Vest

EPS Allocation to Vest

g
n

i
t
s
e
V
n
o

i
t

a
c
o

l
l

A

f

o
%

100

75

50

25

0

0

25

50

75

100

WBC Relative TSR Ranking Percentile

g
n

i
t
s
e
V
n
o

i
t

a
c
o

l
l

A

f

o
%

100

75

50

25

0

0

1

3

2
Below
Target

4
At
Target

5

6
Maximum
Target

WBC EPS Target

Executive

CEO

Group Executives (All locations)

LTI Equity Delivery

Type of Equity

Westpac 
Performance Share Rights

Equity Plan

CEO Performance Plan

Westpac Reward Plan

LTI structure 2015 
Two key changes have been made to the LTI plan and the grants to be awarded to Group Executives for the 2015 
remuneration period.  

(i)  The performance vesting period will increase to four years. 
The LTI grant will continue to be divided into two equal tranches which will vest as follows:  

  TSR tranche – measured four years from the commencement date; and  
  EPS tranche – measured three years from the commencement date (aligned with our business planning and forecasting 
cycle) and a one year holding lock applied to any rights which qualify for vesting. The EPS rights which satisfy the EPS 
hurdle, will vest at the completion of the fourth year from the commencement date.  

62 

2014 Westpac Group Annual Report 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Directors’ report 

The transition to a four year vesting cycle 
We currently allocate LTI grants at the end of the remuneration year, applying a three year performance vesting timeline. For 
2015 and going forward, the LTI grant will be made at the beginning of the remuneration year and a four year vesting 
performance period applied. The 2015 grant will be made in December 2014 and will be eligible to vest in 2018.  

(ii)  A new weighted TSR performance hurdle will apply (50% of the allocation). 
A peer group of 10 financial services companies will be retained to create a peer TSR index. The performance of our three 
major bank peers will be weighted as 50% of the index with the remaining seven companies 50%. Weighting the peer group 
this way provides a more balanced perspective recognising that, as one of four major Australian banks, our performance is 
measured primarily against that of our three peers, being the Australia and New Zealand Banking Group, Commonwealth Bank 
of Australia and National Australia Bank Limited. 

At the completion of the four year performance period, each company’s TSR outcome will be multiplied by their weighting 
(16.67% for each major bank and 7.14% for each other financial company) and the 10 numbers added together to determine 
the peer weighted index.  

In order for 50% of the TSR tranche to vest, the Group’s TSR outcome must at least equal the peer weighted index.  

For 100% to vest, the Group’s TSR outcome must exceed the growth of the peer weighted index by a margin determined with 
reference to the 75th percentile performance1. 

The following diagram sets out the key changes to the 2015 LTI awards to Group Executives under the Westpac Reward Plan, 
now renamed the Westpac Long Term Incentive (LTI) Plan:  

LTI Structure 2015

Performance share rights granted

Peer weighted TSR index (new)

Cash EPS CAGR (unchanged)

50% of allocation subject to a new hurdle.

50% of allocation subject to this hurdle.

4 year vesting period

4 year vesting period

Weighted TSR – measured over 4 year performance 
period and will vest on 30 September 2018.

Cash EPS CAGR – measured as at 30 September 2017 
and any rights capable of vesting will vest on 
30 September 2018.

Peer weighted TSR index and vesting profile

As at 30 September 2018, the 4 year TSR performance of each of the index companies will be multiplied by its index 
weighting, and the total of the 10 scores will comprise the weighted index performance measure. If the Group’s TSR 
outcome over the same period equals the weighted TSR index, 50% will vest. The Group’s TSR outcome must exceed the 
weighted index plus 21.55 for 100% to vest as illustrated below. There is a single test and no re-testing.

The weighted index
Company
ANZ Banking Group
Commonwealth Bank
National Australia Bank
Macquarie Group
Suncorp Group
AMP
Bendigo and Adelaide Bank
Bank of Queensland
Challenger
Perpetual

TSR weighting
16.67%
16.67%
16.67%
7.14%
7.14%
7.14%
7.14%
7.14%
7.14%
7.14%

g
n
i
t
s
e
V
n
o
i
t
a
c
o

l
l

A

f
o
%

100

75

50

25

0

Weighted TSR vesting

= Index          Target Index Growth

WBC TSR Outcome

1   21.55 (5% compound annual growth). 

2014 Westpac Group Annual Report 

63 

 
 
 
 
 
 
LTI award opportunities 
The CEO was granted an LTI award of $2.7 million for 2014 under the CEO Performance Plan, unchanged from 2013. 

The award was received in the form of share rights under arrangements approved by shareholders at the 2013 Annual 
General Meeting. 

Group Executives receive annual LTI awards in the form of share rights under the Westpac LTI Plan. A share right is not a 
Westpac share and does not attract the payment of dividends. 

At the beginning of each year, the Board, advised by the Remuneration Committee, sets the dollar value of the LTI award target 
for each Group Executive.  

CEO Performance Plan and Westpac Reward Plan – Granted after 1 October 2013 

Equity 
instrument 

Share rights – the Board has the discretion to satisfy vested grants and the allocation of subsequent shares 
to participants by either the issue of new shares or the on-market purchase of shares. 

Determining 
the number of 
securities 

The number of share rights each individual receives is determined by dividing the dollar value of the LTI 
award by the value of the share rights at the beginning of the performance assessment period 
(performance period). 

The value of share rights is determined by an independent valuer taking as a starting point, the market price 
of Westpac shares at grant, and utilising a Monte Carlo simulation pricing model, applying assumptions 
based on expected life, volatility, risk-free interest rate and dividend yield associated with the securities and 
the risk of forfeiture attributed to each performance hurdle. The value of a share right may be different for 
TSR hurdled share rights than for EPS hurdled share rights. 

Performance 
hurdles 

The CEO and Group Executives only receive value from their LTI awards where the performance hurdles are 
achieved. The two hurdles for the December 2013 grants are Westpac’s relative TSR and Cash EPS CAGR. 

Relative TSR provides an external comparative measure of overall returns over a specified timeframe 
incorporating share price movements and assuming that dividends over the period have been reinvested. 
The TSR data is averaged over the three months preceding the measurement date. 
The Cash EPS CAGR over a three year period was introduced as an earnings measure for grants made 
from October 2011 in response to feedback from investors and a subsequent independent review of our LTI 
performance hurdles. Cash EPS CAGR provides a measure of Westpac’s financial performance.  

Together, the use of these two hurdles is intended to provide a balanced view of the Group’s overall 
performance and provide strong alignment with shareholder interests. 

The two hurdles operate independently.  

TSR  
(50% of the allocation) 

Cash EPS CAGR  
(50% of the allocation) 

Westpac’s TSR percentile ranking must equal or 
exceed the 50th percentile of a defined group of 
comparator companies (peer group) over the 
performance period. The peer group is comprised of 
the top 10 selected Australian companies listed on 
the ASX in the financial services sector. 

This measure provides a link with the creation of 
value for shareholders over the long term (up to three 
years). The companies in the 2014 peer group for the 
CEO Performance Plan and the Westpac Reward 
Plan are:  
  AMP Limited; 
  ASX Limited; 
  Australia and New Zealand Banking Group 

The Cash EPS CAGR measure focuses on growth 
in cash earnings over a three year performance 
period. A description of the process used to 
determine cash earnings is provided at Note 33 to 
the financial statements. 

Westpac has a policy of not providing guidance to 
the market. Accordingly, the Board will advise 
specific cash EPS targets and the Group’s 
performance against target following the test date.  

The cash EPS targets were developed with the 
assistance of an independent external advisor who 
was provided access to Westpac’s long-term 
business plan and analyst forecasts in regard to the 
long-term performance of Westpac and its peers. 

Limited; 

  Bendigo and Adelaide Bank Limited; 
  Commonwealth Bank of Australia; 
  Insurance Australia Group Limited; 
  Lend Lease Group; 
  Macquarie Group Limited; 
  National Australia Bank Limited; and 
  Suncorp Group Limited. 

64 

2014 Westpac Group Annual Report 

 
 
 
Directors’ report 

CEO Performance Plan and Westpac Reward Plan – Granted after 1 October 2013 

Targets are 
set for stretch 
performance 

The Board considers the vesting profile as being 
appropriate as 100% vesting will only occur where 
Westpac is ranked third or better out of the total of 
11 companies (including Westpac). 

The TSR performance will be measured once at the 
completion of the three year performance period. 
Westpac shares will be allocated in satisfaction of 
vested share rights at no cost to participants. 

To ensure objectivity and external validation, TSR 
results are calculated by an independent external 
consultant and are provided to the Board or its 
delegate to review and determine vesting outcomes. 

Who 
measures the 
performance 
hurdle 
outcomes? 

The expensed value of the December 2012 and 
2013 grants in Table 6.2 have been discounted to 
50%, reflecting the Board’s current assessment of 
the probability of the threshold EPS hurdles being 
met and share rights vesting over time.  

The Cash EPS CAGR will be determined by the 
Board based on the cash EPS disclosed in our 
results for the 2015 financial year in respect of the 
December 2012 awards, and 2016 in respect of the 
December 2013 awards. 

Early vesting 
is possible in 
limited cases 

For awards made since 1 October 2009, unvested securities may vest before a test date if the executive is 
no longer employed by the Group due to death or disability. In general, any such vesting is not subject to 
performance hurdles being met. 

For the CEO, all unvested securities will vest if the CEO leaves the Group due to sickness or in certain 
circumstances, such as within 12 months of a change of control of Westpac. 

No re-testing 

There is no re-testing on awards made since 2011. Any securities remaining unvested after the nominated 
measurement period and any post measurement holding lock period lapse immediately.  

Treatment of 
securities 

The Board has discretion in relation to performance share rights where the CEO or a senior executive 
resigns or retires, or otherwise leaves the Group before vesting occurs. This discretion enables the Board to 
vest the relevant securities or leave them on foot for the remainder of the performance period. In exercising 
its discretion, the Board will take into account all relevant circumstances including those surrounding the 
departure in question. The Board may also adjust the number of performance share rights downwards, or to 
zero (in which case they will lapse) where the circumstances of the departure warrant, or to respond to 
misconduct resulting in significant financial and/or reputational impact to Westpac.  

Where a holder acts fraudulently or dishonestly, or is in material breach of his or her obligations under the 
CEO Performance Plan, or the Westpac Reward Plan and/or to the Group, unexercised performance share 
rights (whether vested or unvested) will lapse unless the Board determines otherwise. 

Other long-term awards 
The Restricted Share Plan and Westpac Performance Plan are used: 

  to grant deferred STI awards to certain employees; and 

  for one-off awards to attract Group Executives, executives or specialist employees to the Group or for retention in specific 
circumstances. Where awards are made on joining, these typically compensate for real value forfeited on leaving the 
previous employer which might otherwise deter that executive from joining the Group. 

Awards to key employees below senior management level may also be made under the Restricted Share Plan and Westpac 
Performance Plan. Under these arrangements, employees receive awards of Westpac ordinary shares or share rights which 
are restricted for a period as determined by the Board. This allows the flexibility to tailor the restriction period to the 
circumstances of the award. 

Other plans and awards 
We provide separate reward plans for small, specialised parts of the business. Payments under these plans are directly linked 
to growth of that part of the business and are capped at an appropriate proportion of the value and/or profitability of the relevant 
part of the business. These plans are designed to provide market competitive remuneration for the relevant employees. 

2014 Westpac Group Annual Report 

65 

 
 
 
 
4.2. Linking reward and performance 
CEO performance objectives and key highlights 
The Remuneration Committee reviews and makes recommendations to the Board on individual performance objectives for the 
CEO. These objectives are intended to provide a robust link between remuneration outcomes and the key drivers of long-term 
shareholder value. The STI objectives are set in the form of a scoreboard with targets and measures aligned to our strategic 
priorities cascaded from the CEO scoreboard to the relevant Group Executive scoreboard. The key financial and non-financial 
objectives for the CEO in the 2014 financial year, with commentary on key highlights are provided below: 

Category 

Weighting  Measure1 

Return  

20% 

Economic Profit 

Growth 

20% 

20% 

Return on Equity 

Customer Growth 

Performance Highlights 
  Delivered Economic Profit of $4.491 million, representing a 9% 
increase over 2013 and exceeding target underpinned by 8% 
growth in cash earnings and 5% growth in core earnings. 

  16.4%, up 48bps on 2013 exceeding target. 
  Westpac’s Institutional Bank retained its No.1 spot as Lead 

Domestic Bank for Transactional Banking for the eleventh year 
running and the No.1 spot amongst Australian banks for foreign 
exchange market share globally for the ninth year. 

  St.George and Westpac Retail and Business Banking now rank 
ahead of the major banks in both Business and Consumer 
banking (being ranked No.4 in Consumer Banking in 2011).  
  The Group is on track to achieve its MyBank goals with strong 

customer growth across our brands: 
- 14% increase in customers new to Westpac; and 
- 6% growth in customers with 4 or more products. 

Wealth Strategy 

  The Group’s wealth penetration is at a historical high of 20.1%, 

Asia Strategy 

further extending our market leading position. 

  Funds under administration grew by 10% exceeding target. 
  Exceeded target for both underlying business performance and 

the acquisition of new customers. 

Lloyds Integration 

  Business performance targets have been exceeded, with both 

Strength 

10% 

Adherence to Group Risk 
Appetite Statement (RAS) 

cost and revenue synergies delivered. 

  The Group has a strong capital position, improved liquidity and 

funding profiles, and an industry leading impairment charge while 
operating within our Group RAS. 

10% 

Balance Sheet Strength and 
Sustainable Funding 

  Ahead of target, we are well prepared for the new liquidity 
requirements which come into effect on 1 January 2015.  

10% 

Women in Leadership 

Lost Time Injury Frequency 
Rate (LTIFR) 

  The number of women in leadership positions has grown to 44% 
up from 2013 reflecting our continuing commitment, well on track 
to meet our goal of 50% women in leadership positions by 2017. 

  Significant progress continues to be made in strengthening our 

safety culture with our LTIFR results across the Group improving 
26% well ahead of target and our 2013 result. 

Sustainability 

  Strong progress on the Group’s sustainability agenda. Highlights 

Productivity  10% 

Expense to Income Ratio 

Revenue per Full Time 
Equivalent Employee (FTE) 

Radical Simplification 
Program 

1 

Individual measures will differ for each Group Executive. 

include recognition as the Global 100 Most Sustainable 
Corporation at Davos in January 2014, being assessed as the 
most sustainable bank globally and in September 2014 Westpac 
led banks globally in the 2014 Dow Jones Sustainability Index. 

  The Group continues to lead the major Australian financial 
institutions with an Expense to Income Ratio of 41.6%. 

  Delivered increased revenue per FTE, in line with target. 

  Material progress has been made in our digital capabilities, 
simplifying our technology, loan applications and processing 
times improving the ‘time to yes’.  

66 

2014 Westpac Group Annual Report 

 
 
 
Directors’ report 

Our primary financial measure is economic profit which the Board believes, in combination with return on equity, is the best 
measure of risk-adjusted returns and of the value created for shareholders. The remaining measures focus on ensuring that we 
remain strong; deliver targeted growth; and drive simplification, innovation and productivity while helping our customers, 
communities and people to prosper and grow. The final STI outcome for 2014 reflects the Board’s view of performance across 
all balanced scoreboard measures relative to planned outcomes, and the value the Group has delivered for our shareholders.  

Aligning pay with performance and shareholder return 
Graph 1 shows the CEO’s STI payment as a percentage of STI target and its relationship to our primary financial metric, 
economic profit, while Graph 2 shows the Group’s ROE performance being the other key financial metric. Graphs 3 and 4 show 
the Group’s TSR and EPS performance respectively, these being the LTI hurdles.  

Graph 1: STI Award for CEO vs Economic Profit 

  Graph 2: Return on Equity (ROE) 2011 to 2014 

)

m
$
(

i

t
i
f
o
r
P
c
m
o
n
o
c
E

5,200

4,700

4,200

3,700

3,200

2,700

2,200

1,700

150
140
130
120
110
100
90
80
70
60
50

)

%

(

O
E
C

r
o
f
d
r
a
w
A

I

T
S

)

%

(

y
t
i
u
q
E
n
o
n
r
u
t
e
R

17

16

15

14

13

3,300

3,100

2,900

2,700

2,500

)

m

(
t
n
u
o
C
e
r
a
h
S
e
g
a
r
e
v
A

2011

2012

2013

2014

2011

2012

2013

2014

Economic profit ($m)

STI award for CEO

Return on Equity

Average Share Count (m)

Graph 3: Total Shareholder Return (TSR) 2010 to 2014 

  Graph 4: Cash Earnings per Share (EPS) 2011 to 2014 

)

%

(
n
r
u
t
e
R

l

r
e
d
o
h
e
r
a
h
S

l

a
t
o
T

110

90

70

50

30

10

(10)

Oct 10

Oct 11

Oct 12

Oct 13

Oct 14

e
r
a
h
S

r
e
p
s
t
n
e
C

250

240

230

220

210

200

190

4
.
5
4
2

8
.
7
2
2

9
.
5
1
2

3
.
9
0
2

2011

2012

2013

2014

Application of discretion 
The Board and the Remuneration Committee recognise that the scoreboard approach, while embracing a number of 
complementary performance objectives, will never entirely assess overall performance. The Remuneration Committee may 
therefore make discretionary adjustments, positive and negative, to the scoreboard outcomes for the CEO and 
Group Executives. The Remuneration Committee uses the following criteria to apply discretionary adjustments: 

  matters not known or not relevant at the beginning of the financial year, which are relevant to the under or over performance 

of the CEO and Group Executives during the financial year; 

  the degree of stretch implicit in the scoreboard measures and targets themselves and the context in which the targets 

were set; 

  whether the operating environment during the financial year has been materially better or worse than forecast; 

  comparison with the performance of the Group’s principal competitors; 

  any major positive or negative risk management or reputational issue that impacts the Group; 

  the quality of the financial result as shown by its composition and consistency; 

  whether there have been major positive or negative aspects regarding the quality of leadership and/or behaviours consistent 

with our values; and 

  any other relevant under or over performance or other matter not captured. 

At the end of the year, the Remuneration Committee reviews performance against objectives and applies any adjustments it 
considers appropriate. The Remuneration Committee then recommends STI outcomes for the CEO and each Group Executive 
to the Board for approval, thereby ensuring the Board retains oversight of final awards. 

2014 Westpac Group Annual Report 

67 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
LTI performance outcomes 
The following table provides the Group’s TSR, dividend, cash earnings per share and share price performance each year from 
2010 to 2014: 

Years Ended 30 September

TSR – three years
TSR – five years
Dividends per Westpac share (cents)1
Cash earnings per Westpac share2
Share price – high
Share price – low
Share price – close
1  Does not include 20 cent special dividend determined in 2013. 
2  Cash earnings are not prepared in accordance with AAS and have not been subject to audit. 

2014
102.03%
103.74%
182
$2.45
$35.99
$30.00
$32.14

2013
66.09%
90.91%
174
$2.29
$34.79
$24.23
$32.73

2012
25.61%
20.03%
166
$2.16
$24.99
$19.00
$24.85

2011
9.6%
18.5%
156
$2.09
$25.60
$17.84
$20.34

2010
3.7%
51.5%
139
$1.98
$28.43
$20.56
$23.24  

The vesting outcomes for awards made to the CEO and Group Executives under the CEO Performance Plan and Westpac 
Reward Plan that reached the completion of the performance period during the financial year, are set out below. 

TSR hurdle vesting outcomes 

Equity Instrument

Type of Equity

CEO Performance Plan Performance share rights

Westpac Reward Plan

Performance share rights

Commencement 
Date1

Test Date

21 December 2009 21 December 2013 2
1 October 2014 2
1 October 2014

1 October 2010
1 October 2011

1 October 2009
1 October 2010
1 October 2011

1 October 2014 3
1 October 2014 2
1 October 2014

1  Commencement date refers to the commencement of the performance period. 
2  Second test date. There is no re-testing for awards granted since 2011.  
3  Third test date. Unvested share rights lapsed. 

Cash CAGR EPS hurdle vesting outcomes 

TSR Percentile in Vested Lapsed
%

Ranking Group

%

60th percentile
50th percentile
70th percentile

50th percentile
50th percentile

70th percentile

70
90
90

90
90

90

-
-
10

10
-

10

Remain
in Plan
%

30
10
-

-
10
-  

Equity Instrument

Type of Equity

Commencement 
Date1

Test Date

Cash EPS CAGR
Performance

Vested
%

Lapsed
%

CEO Performance Plan

Performance share rights

1 October 2011

1 October 2014

Westpac Reward Plan
1 October 2011
1  Commencement date refers to the commencement of the performance period. 

Performance share rights

1 October 2014

5.40%

5.40%

54

54

46

46

2011 Cash EPS CAGR hurdle 
The Cash EPS CAGR hurdle for the 2011 LTI grant required the following conditions to be met over the three year vesting 
period: 

  a minimum of 5% CAGR for 50% to vest; 

  10% CAGR for 100% to vest; and  

  straight-line vesting between 5% and 10% CAGR. 

The Cash EPS CAGR range was developed prior to the allocation in December 2011, and reflected stretch targets in the 
context of both consensus analyst forecasts and the Westpac strategic plan and business forecasting. The performance range 
also reflected the forecast market and operating conditions in late 2011. 

68 

2014 Westpac Group Annual Report 

 
 
 
 
 
4.3. Remuneration outcomes for the CEO and Group Executives – Linking reward and performance 
The following table has been prepared to provide shareholders with an outline of the remuneration which has been received for 
the 2014 performance year either as cash or in the case of prior equity awards, the value which has vested in 2014 (see note 4 
below). Details in this table supplement the statutory requirements in Section 6.2. Unlike the statutory table, which represents 
remuneration outcomes prepared in accordance with Australian Accounting Standards (AAS), this table shows the actual 
remuneration value received by executives and is not prepared in accordance with AAS. 

Directors’ report 

Fixed 
Remuneration1
$

2014 STI Cash 

2014 Total Cash 
Payments3
Payment2                                                           
$

$

Prior Year Equity Awards4 
Vested during 2014

Prior Year Equity Awards4  
Forfeited during 2014

$

Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer
Gail Kelly

3,028,096

2,743,200

5,771,296

7,059,026

Group Executives
John Arthur
Philip Coffey5
Brad Cooper
David Curran5
George Frazis
Brian Hartzer6
Alexandra Holcomb5
Peter King5
Christine Parker
Rob Whitfield
Jason Yetton

1,227,422
1,414,941
1,084,752
66,207
950,264
2,258,792
137,179
433,428
779,747
1,811,809
959,924

943,800
1,120,080
1,123,200
-
1,161,600
1,162,500
101,864
337,212
702,000
1,152,000
702,000

2,171,222
2,535,021
2,207,952
66,207
2,111,864
3,421,292
239,043
770,640
1,481,747
2,963,809
1,661,924

1,748,054
2,110,115
2,390,267
-
1,790,578
5,995,138
-
-
611,353
2,113,287
792,549

$

-

-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-

Former Group Executives
Peter Clare5
Greg Targett5
1  Fixed remuneration includes cash salary, annual leave accrual and salary sacrificed items plus employer superannuation contributions. 
2  The cash STI payment represents 60% of the 2014 STI outcome and will be paid in December 2014. The remaining 40% is deferred in the form of 

1,061,962
1,805,262

1,616,222
1,755,951

1,061,962
1,115,262

4,178,640
-

-
690,000

equity and will vest in equal tranches in October 2015 and 2016. 

3  This is the addition of the first and second columns. 
4  Prior year equity awards include both deferred STI and LTI allocations subject to performance hurdles which have vested in 2014 (refer Brian Hartzer 
below). The equity value has been calculated as the number of securities that vested during the year ended 30 September 2014, multiplied by the 
five day volume weighted average price of Westpac ordinary shares at the time they vested, less any exercise price payable. 

5  Refer Section 2 of the Remuneration report for details.  
6  Brian Hartzer, Chief Executive, Australian Financial Services (AFS), was recruited to the Group in late 2011 and commenced employment in 

June 2012. The value shown as vested equity above relates to a specific allocation made in 2012, and reflects equity foregone with his previous 
employer. 

5. Non-executive Director remuneration 
5.1. Structure and policy 
Remuneration policy 
Westpac’s Non-executive Director remuneration strategy is designed to attract and retain experienced, qualified Board 
members and remunerate them appropriately for their time and expertise. 

As the Board’s focus is on strategic direction, long-term corporate performance and the creation of shareholder value, fees for 
Non-executive Directors are not directly related to the Group’s short-term results and Non-executive Directors do not receive 
performance-based remuneration. 

Non-executive Director remuneration consists of the following components: 

Remuneration Component 

Paid as 

Detail 

Base fee 

Cash 

Committee fees 

Cash 

Employer superannuation 
contributions 

Superannuation 

This fee is for service on the Westpac Banking Corporation Board. 
The base fee for the Chairman covers all responsibilities, including all 
Board Committees. 

Additional fees are paid to Non-executive Directors for chairing or 
participating in Board Committees. 

Reflects statutory superannuation contributions which are capped at the 
superannuation maximum contributions base as prescribed under the 
Superannuation Guarantee legislation. 

Subsidiary Board and 
Advisory Board fees 

Cash 

Fees are for service on Subsidiary Boards and Advisory Boards. These 
fees are paid by the relevant subsidiary company. 

2014 Westpac Group Annual Report 

69 

 
 
 
Non-executive Director remuneration in 2014 
Non-executive Director fee review – effective 1 October 2013 
The Board reviewed the Non-executive Director fee framework in late 2013. On the basis of market data provided by Guerdon 
Associates, the Board approved a 4.8% increase to Non-executive Director base fees effective 1 October 2013. The Chairman 
and Deputy Chairman fees increased by 2.63% and 4.81% respectively. Remuneration Committee fees for both the Chairman 
and members increased by 8.3%. No other committee fees were increased. Non-executive Director fees were last increased 
in 2011. 

Changes to Board and Committee composition 
The following changes were made to Board and Committee composition: 

  Ewen Crouch was appointed Chairman of the Remuneration Committee, replacing John Curtis, effective 25 April 2014;  

  Alison Deans was appointed as a Non-executive Director to the Westpac Board effective 1 April 2014; 

  Robert Elstone was appointed to the Remuneration Committee effective 1 April 2014; 

  John Curtis retired effective 25 April 2014; and 

  Gordon Cairns retired effective 13 December 2013. 

Fee pool 
At the 2008 Annual General Meeting, the current fee pool of $4.5 million per annum was approved by shareholders. For the 
year ended 30 September 2014, $3.14 million (70%) of this fee pool was used. The fee pool is inclusive of employer 
superannuation contributions.  

Fee framework 
This section details the current Non-executive Director fee framework. 

Base and committee fees 
The following table sets out the Board and standing Committee fees 

Base Fee
Chairman
Deputy Chairman
Non-executive Directors

Committee Chairman Fees
Audit Committee
Risk & Compliance Committee
Remuneration Committee
Technology Committee

Committee Membership Fees
Audit Committee
Risk & Compliance Committee
Remuneration Committee
Technology Committee

Annual Rate
$
780,000
283,000
220,000

60,000
60,000
52,000
30,000

30,000
30,000
26,000
15,000  

Committee fees are not payable to the Chairman of the Board and members of the Nominations Committee. 

Employer superannuation contributions 
The Group pays superannuation contributions to Non-executive Directors of up to 9.50% of their fees (9.25% prior to 
1 July 2014). The contributions are capped at the maximum compulsory superannuation contributions base prescribed under 
Superannuation Guarantee legislation. Employer contributions are paid into an eligible superannuation fund nominated by 
the Director. 

Subsidiary Board and Advisory Board fees 
Throughout the reporting period, additional fees of $35,000 were paid to Peter Hawkins as a member of the Bank of Melbourne 
Advisory Board.  

Equity participation 
Non-executive Directors have voluntarily resolved to build and maintain their individual holdings of Westpac ordinary shares to 
align their interests with the long-term interests of shareholders. Details of Non-executive Directors’ Westpac (and related 
bodies corporate) shareholdings are set out in Section 4(a) of the Directors’ report.  

70 

2014 Westpac Group Annual Report 

 
 
6. Required remuneration disclosures 
6.1. Details of Non-executive Director remuneration 
Details of Non-executive Director remuneration are set out in the table below:  

Directors’ report 

Short-term Benefits

Post Employment Benefits

Westpac Banking 
Corporation Board Fees1
$

Subsidiary and Advisory 
Board Fees 
$

Superannuation
$

Name

Lindsay Maxsted, Chairman
2014
2013

Elizabeth Bryan
2014
2013

Ewen Crouch
2014
2013

Alison Deans2
2014

Robert Elstone2
2014
2013

Peter Hawkins
2014
2013

Peter Marriott
2014
2013

Ann Pickard
2014
2013

Former Non-executive Directors
John Curtis2
2014
2013

Gordon Cairns2
2014
2013

Total fees
2014

780,000
760,000

314,677
309,000

288,361
174,646

133,519

331,792
310,096

310,000
300,000

288,635
80,504

276,000
264,000

206,973
348,000

57,323
264,000

-
-

-
-

-
-

-

-
-

35,000
35,000

-
-

-
-

-
-

-
-

2,987,280

35,000

3

Includes fees paid to the Chairman and members of Board Committees. 

2013 
1 
2  Refer Section 2 of the Remuneration report for details.  
3  The total fees for 2013 reflect the prior year remuneration for the 2013 reported Non-executive Directors.  

2,872,554

63,941

Total
$

798,107
776,870

332,784
325,870

306,468
186,018

18,107
16,870

18,107
16,870

18,107
11,372

9,297

142,816

18,107
16,870

18,038
16,816

18,107
5,784

18,107
16,870

10,386
16,816

3,722
16,870

349,899
326,966

363,038
351,816

306,742
86,288

294,107
280,870

217,359
364,816

61,045
280,870

150,085

138,559

3,172,365

3,075,054

2014 Westpac Group Annual Report 

71 

 
 
 
6.2. Remuneration details – CEO and other Group Executives  
This section sets out details of remuneration for the CEO and Group Executives for the 2014 financial year, calculated in 
accordance with AAS.  

Short-term Benefits

Post Employment Benefits

Share-based Payments

Fixed Remu-
neration1
$

STI (cash)2
$

Name

Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer
Gail Kelly

Non-
monetary 
Benefits3
$

Superann-
uation
Benefits4
$

Long 
Service 
Leave
$

Restricted 
Shares5
$

Options6 Share Rights6
$

$

Total7
$

2014

2013

3,001,511

2,964,957

2,743,200

2,656,800

9,853

11,026

26,585

25,032

51,170

51,108

1,957,830

1,621,079

Group Executives
John Arthur, Chief Operating Officer

2014

2013

1,204,085

1,175,117

943,800

951,600

14,664

14,293

23,337

23,727

18,260

18,260

Philip Coffey, Deputy Chief Executive Officer8

2014

2013

1,387,582

1,253,051

1,120,080

1,263,600

Brad Cooper, Chief Executive Officer, BT Financial Group

2014

2013

1,053,638

1,009,555

1,123,200

1,320,000

David Curran, Chief Information Officer8

3,169

3,028

2,052

3,028

27,359

21,079

25,002

(254,682)

31,114

24,896

24,585

15,217

667,095

484,297

931,706

769,480

958,854

763,815

2014

2013

60,827

-

-

5,380

907

-

George Frazis, Chief Executive Officer, St.George Banking Group

2014

2013

923,004

925,231

1,161,600

1,171,200

13,488

22,505

Brian Hartzer, Chief Executive, Australian Financial Services9

2014

2013

2,234,087

2,145,092

1,162,500

1,088,100

3,169

3,028

Brian Hartzer, Remuneration impact relating to recruitment

2014

2013

-

-

-

-

1,024,117

644,488

Alexandra Holcomb, Chief Risk Officer8

27,260

24,931

24,705

18,927

-

-

15,221

15,221

33,487

33,487

845,403

660,204

590,484

72,161

-

-

978,087

3,373,875

2014

132,303

101,864

214

4,876

463

86,361

Peter King, Chief Financial Officer8

2014

418,016

337,212

1,203

15,412

56,731

212,434

Christine Parker, Group Executive, Human Resources & Corporate Affairs

2014

2013

758,661

782,964

702,000

2,052

691,200

223,677

Rob Whitfield, Group Executive, Westpac Institutional Bank

2014

2013

1,783,045

1,744,159

1,152,000

95,335

1,171,200

299,326

Jason Yetton, Group Executive, Westpac Retail & Business Banking

2014

2013

938,553

790,984

702,000

649,800

3,169

3,028

21,086

19,891

28,764

24,678

21,371

19,374

12,177

12,177

27,398

27,373

45,038

12,170

483,827

374,529

900,285

827,911

485,976

434,004

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

3,192,579

1,848,328

10,982,728

9,178,330

746,669

441,316

876,119

434,553

874,737

449,082

3,617,910

3,108,610

4,367,094

3,494,032

4,068,180

3,585,593

-

67,114

641,432

316,218

500,913

114,447

3,627,408

3,135,510

4,549,345

3,475,242

-

-

2,002,204

4,018,363

38,656

364,737

87,707

1,128,715

267,532

137,885

699,784

359,415

470,082

243,598

2,247,335

2,242,323

4,686,611

4,454,062

2,666,189

2,152,958

72 

2014 Westpac Group Annual Report 

 
 
Short-term Benefits

Post Employment Benefits

Share-based Payments

Fixed Remu-
neration1
$

STI (cash)2
$

Name

Non-
monetary 
Benefits3
$

Superann-
uation
Benefits4
$

Long 
Service 
Leave
$

Restricted 
Shares5
$

Options6 Share Rights6
$

$

Total7
$

Directors’ report 

Former Group Executives
Peter Clare, Chief Executive Officer, Westpac New Zealand Limited8
2014

1,058,461

121,213

-

900,000

18,293

3,501

3,466

-

-

73,169

183,193

1,008,654

2013
Greg Targett, Chief Risk Officer8
2014

1,092,641

-

-

-

305,078

682,595

1,561,422

2,796,201

629,472

2,964,025

690,000

3,569

22,621

17,115

508,607

2013
3,060,673
1  Fixed remuneration is the total cost of salary, salary sacrificed benefits (including motor vehicles, parking, etc., and any associated fringe benefits tax 

1,296,512

388,659

841,800

485,315

20,549

24,810

3,028

-

(FBT)) and an accrual for annual leave entitlements.  

2  2014 STI figures reflect annual cash performance awards accrued but not yet paid in respect of the year ended 30 September 2014. 
3  Non-monetary benefits are determined on the basis of the cost to the Group (including associated FBT, where applicable) and include annual health 

checks, provision of taxation advice, relocation costs, living away from home expenses and allowances. 

4  The CEO and Group Executives are provided with insurance cover under the Westpac Group Plan at no cost. Superannuation benefits have been 

calculated consistent with AASB 119 Employee Benefits. 

5  The value of restricted shares is amortised over the applicable vesting period, and the amount shown is the amortisation relating to the 2014 

reporting year (and 2013 year as comparison). 
The equity granted to Brian Hartzer on his recruitment in 2012 relates to equity foregone with his previous employer and will be forfeited if Mr Hartzer 
resigns or is terminated for cause before the vesting dates.  

6  Equity-settled remuneration is based on the amortisation over the vesting period (normally two or three years) of the ‘fair value’ at grant date of 

hurdled and unhurdled options and share rights that were granted during the four years ended 30 September 2014. Details of prior years’ grants have 
been disclosed in previous Annual Reports.  

7  The percentage of the total remuneration which is performance related (i.e. STI cash plus share based payments) was: Gail Kelly 72%, 

John Arthur 65%, Peter Clare 24%, Philip Coffey 67%, Brad Cooper 73%, David Curran 0%, George Frazis 73%, Brian Hartzer 49%, Alexandra 
Holcomb 62%, Peter King 56%, Christine Parker 65%, Greg Targett 62%, Rob Whitfield 59% and Jason Yetton 62%. The percentage of total 
remuneration delivered in the form of options (including share rights) was: Gail Kelly 29%, John Arthur 21%, Peter Clare 20%, Philip Coffey 20%, 
Brad Cooper 22%, David Curran 0%, George Frazis 18%, Brian Hartzer 8%, Alexandra Holcomb 11%, Peter King 8%, Christine Parker 12%, 
Greg Targett 21%, Rob Whitfield 15% and Jason Yetton 18%.  

8  Refer Section 2 of the Remuneration report for details. Remuneration details for newly appointed KMP are from the date of appointment. 
9  Brian Hartzer’s remuneration for 2014 has been separated into two elements consistent with the approach adopted in 2013. The first line represents 
his remuneration as the Chief Executive AFS for 2014 and the second line represents the elements which have been incurred as a result of the buy-
out of equity forfeited on his resignation from his previous employer. The second line includes $542,834 in relocation benefits and $481,283 FBT 
expenses on his relocation from London. 

2014 Westpac Group Annual Report 

73 

 
 
 
6.3. STI allocations for the CEO and Group Executives  
This section sets out details of STI awards for the CEO and Group Executives for the 2014 financial year. 

STI Target

$

Maximum STI1

Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer
Gail Kelly

3,600,000

Group Executives
John Arthur
Philip Coffey4
Brad Cooper
David Curran4
George Frazis
Brian Hartzer
Alexandra Holcomb4
Peter King4
Christine Parker
Rob Whitfield
Jason Yetton

1,300,000
1,580,000
1,600,000

-

1,600,000
1,550,000
158,667
493,000
900,000
1,600,000
975,000

%

150

150
150
150
150
150
150
150
150
150
150
150

STI Portion Paid in Cash2
%

$

STI Portion Deferred3
%

$

60

60
60
60
60
60
60
60
60
60
60
60

2,743,200

943,800
1,120,080
1,123,200

-

1,161,600
1,162,500
101,864
337,212
702,000
1,152,000
702,000

40

40
40
40
40
40
40
40
40
40
40
40

1,828,800

629,200
746,720
748,800

-

774,400
775,000
67,909
224,808
468,000
768,000
468,000

Former Group Executives
Peter Clare4
Greg Targett4
1  The maximum STI potential is 150% of the individual STI Target. 
2  60% of the STI outcome for the year is paid as cash in December 2014. 
3  40% of the actual STI outcome is deferred in the form of restricted shares or share rights, half vesting on 1 October 2015 and the remainder vesting 

150
150

690,000

958,333

460,000

60
60

40
40

-

-

-

on 1 October 2016. 

4  Refer Section 2 of the Remuneration report for details.  

74 

2014 Westpac Group Annual Report 

 
     
          
           
     
             
              
     
          
              
     
          
              
                
                     
                      
     
          
              
     
          
              
        
             
                
        
             
              
        
             
              
     
          
              
        
             
              
                
                     
                      
        
             
              
 
 
6.4. Movement in equity-settled instruments during the year  
This table shows the details of movements during 2014 in the number and value of equity instruments for the CEO and 
Group Executives under the relevant plans: 

Directors’ report 

Name

Type of Equity-based Instrument

Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer
Gail Kelly

CEO Performance share rights
Shares under the CEO Restricted
Share Plan 

Group Executives
John Arthur

Philip Coffey7

Brad Cooper

David Curran7

George Frazis

Brian Hartzer

Performance share rights
Shares under Restricted Share Plan

Performance options
Performance share rights
Shares under Restricted Share Plan

Performance share rights
Shares under Restricted Share Plan

Performance share rights
Shares under Restricted Share Plan

Performance share rights
Shares under Restricted Share Plan

Performance share rights
Shares under Restricted Share Plan

Alexandra Holcomb7 Performance options

Peter King7

Christine Parker

Rob Whitfield

Jason Yetton

Performance share rights
Shares under Restricted Share Plan

Performance share rights
Shares under Restricted Share Plan

Performance options
Performance share rights
Shares under Restricted Share Plan

Performance options
Performance share rights
Shares under Restricted Share Plan

Performance options
Performance share rights
Shares under Restricted Share Plan

Former Group Executives
Peter Clare7

Performance options
Performance share rights
Unhurdled share rights
Shares under Restricted Share Plan

Greg Targett7

Performance share rights
Shares under Restricted Share Plan

Number 
Granted1

Number 
Vested2

 Number 
Exercised3

Value 
Granted4
$

Value 
Exercised5
$

Value Forfeited 
or Lapsed5,6
$

159,821

158,513

158,513

3,303,309

5,456,732

57,358

55,133

-

1,767,339

-

53,273
20,544

-
50,313
27,279

44,394
28,497

-
-

32,555
25,284

85,828
23,490

-
-
-

-
-

-
20,717
14,922

-
35,515
25,284

-
38,475
14,028

-
29,595
20,995
-

41,434
18,173

35,224
17,682

-
35,224
28,640

44,031
28,312

-
-

29,354
24,839

-
176,681

-
-
-

-
-

-
6,751
11,752

-
35,224
28,736

-
9,393
14,594

-
27,005
11,106
10,805

35,224
17,921

35,224
-

1,055,723
633,010

1,163,828
-

329,358
35,224
-

44,031
-

-
-

-
997,073
840,532

879,772
878,062

4,414,523
1,163,828
-

1,454,818
-

-
-

-
-

29,354
-

645,156
779,061

969,878
-

-
-

-
-
-

-
-

12,832
6,751
-

156,232
35,224
-

196,989
9,393
-

81,799
27,005
11,106
-

35,224
-

1,700,880
723,784

-
-
-

-
-

-
410,554
459,783

-
703,806
779,061

-
762,471
432,237

-
586,492
631,819
-

821,108
559,954

-
-

-
-
-

-
-

58,437
223,058
-

2,110,786
1,163,828
-

2,162,819
310,352
-

908,004
895,827
366,577
-

1,163,828
-

-

-

-
-

-
-
-

-
-

-
-

-
-

-
-

-
-
-

-
-

-
-
-

-
-
-

-
-
-

-
4,178,640
-
-

-
-

1  No performance options were granted in 2014. 
2  90% of unhurdled share rights granted in 2010 vested in October 2013 as assessed against the TSR performance hurdle.  
3  Vested options and share rights that were granted prior to October 2009 can be exercised up to a maximum of 10 years from their commencement 
date. For each share right and each performance option exercised during the year, the relevant executive received one fully paid Westpac ordinary 
share. The exercise price for share rights is nil.  

4  For share rights, the value granted represents the number of securities granted multiplied by the fair value per instrument as set out in the table in the 
sub-section titled ‘Fair value of LTI grants made during the year’ below. For restricted shares, the value granted represents the number of ordinary 
shares granted multiplied by the five day volume weighted average price of a Westpac ordinary share on the date the shares were granted. These 
values, which represent the full value of the equity-based awards made to disclosed Group Executives in 2014, do not reconcile with the amount 
shown in the table in Section 6.2, which shows amortised totals of equity awards over their vesting period. The minimum total value of the grants for 
future financial years is nil and an estimate of the maximum possible total value in future financial years is the fair value, as shown above.  

2014 Westpac Group Annual Report 

75 

 
 
5  The value of each option or share right exercised or lapsed is calculated based on the five day volume weighted average price of Westpac ordinary 
shares on the ASX on the date of exercise (or lapse), less the relevant exercise price (if any). Where the exercise price is greater than the five day 
volume weighted average price of Westpac ordinary shares, the value has been calculated as nil. 

6  Apart from equity instruments referred to in this section, no other equity instruments granted in prior years vested and none were forfeited during the 

financial year. 

7  Refer Section 2 of the Remuneration report for details. 

Fair value of LTI grants made during the year 
The table below provides a summary of the fair value of LTI awards granted to the CEO and Group Executives during 2014 
calculated in accordance with Australian Accounting Standard AASB 2 Share-based Payment and is used for accounting 
purposes only. The LTI grants will vest on satisfaction of performance and/or service conditions tested in future financial years. 

Equity Instrument

Hurdle

Performance

CEO Performance Plan Relative TSR
share rights

Cash EPS CAGR

Granted to

Gail Kelly

Grant Date

Commencement
Date1 

Test Date

Expiry

Fair
Value2 per
Instrument

11 November 2013
11 November 2013

1 October 2013
1 October 2013

1 October 2016
1 October 2016

1 October 2023
1 October 2023

$14.26
$28.41

All Group

Relative TSR
Cash EPS CAGR Executives 

$13.25
Westpac Reward Plan
$27.75
share rights
1  The commencement date is the start of the performance period. Awards to the CEO were approved by shareholders at the Annual General Meeting. 
2  The fair values of share rights granted during the year included in the table above have been independently calculated at their respective grant dates 
based on the requirements of Australian Accounting Standard AASB 2 Share-based Payment. The fair value of rights with Cash EPS CAGR hurdles 
has been assessed with reference to the share price at grant date and a discount rate reflecting the expected dividend yield over their vesting 
periods. For the purpose of allocating rights with Cash EPS CAGR hurdles, the valuation also takes into account the average Cash EPS CAGR 
outcome using a Monte Carlo simulation model. The fair value of rights with hurdles based on TSR performance relative to a group of comparator 
companies also takes into account the average TSR outcome determined using a Monte Carlo simulation pricing model. 

4 December 2013
4 December 2013

1 October 2023
1 October 2023

1 October 2013
1 October 2013

1 October 2016
1 October 2016

7. Employment agreements 
The remuneration and other terms of employment for the CEO and Group Executives are formalised in their employment 
agreements. Each of these employment agreements provides for the payment of fixed and performance-based remuneration, 
employer superannuation contributions and other benefits such as death and disablement insurance cover. 

The term and termination provisions of the employment agreements for the current KMP are summarised below. 

Term 

Who 

Conditions 

Duration of agreement 

  CEO and all Group Executives 

  Ongoing until notice given by either party 

Notice to be provided by the 
executive or the Group to terminate 
the employment agreement 

Termination payments to be made 
on termination without cause 

Termination for cause 

  CEO and Group Executives 

  Jason Yetton 

  12 months1 
  6 months1 

  CEO and all Group Executives 

  Deferred STI and LTI awards vest 

  CEO, John Arthur, Brian Hartzer, 
Christine Parker, Greg Targett, 
Rob Whitfield and Jason Yetton 

  All other Group Executives 

according to the applicable equity plan 
rules 

  Immediately for misconduct 
  3 months’ notice for poor performance 

  Immediately for misconduct 
  Standard contractual notice period for 

poor performance 

Post-employment restraints 
1  Payment in lieu of notice may in certain circumstances be approved by the Board for some or all of the notice period. 

  CEO and all Group Executives 

  12 month non-solicitation restraint 

76 

2014 Westpac Group Annual Report 

 
 
 
 
 
Directors’ report 

Certain individuals have provisions in their contracts for different terms due to grandfathered contractual benefits or 
individual circumstances: 

  Gail Kelly – In the event of death, sickness or disability or in certain circumstances within 12 months of change of control of 
Westpac, all unvested restricted shares and share rights will vest. On immediate termination for misconduct, all restricted 
shares and share rights will be forfeited. In other circumstances, the Board has discretion in relation to performance share 
rights and unvested restricted shares where the CEO resigns or retires, or otherwise leaves the Group before vesting 
occurs. This discretion enables the Board to vest performance share rights or leave them on foot for the remainder of the 
vesting period, subject to performance hurdles. In relation to restricted shares, the discretion enables the Board to leave 
unvested restricted shares on foot for the remainder of the vesting period. In exercising its discretion, the Board will take into 
account all relevant circumstances including those surrounding the departure;  

  Peter Clare – Provisions relating to his relocation from Sydney to Auckland; 

  Brian Hartzer – Provisions relating to his relocation from London to Sydney; and 

  Rob Whitfield – Provisions relating to accommodation in Sydney which ceased in January 2014. 

8.    Non-executive Directors, CEO and Group Executives – Additional disclosures 
8.1. Details of Westpac ordinary shares held by Non-executive Directors 
Shareholdings 
The following table sets out details of relevant interests in Westpac ordinary shares held by Non-executive Directors (including 
their related parties) during the year ended 30 September 20141. 

Name

Current Directors
Lindsay Maxsted
Elizabeth Bryan
Ewen Crouch2
Alison Deans3
Robert Elstone
Peter Hawkins4
Peter Marriott
Ann Pickard5

Number Held at the 
Start of Year

Other Changes
During the Year

Number Held at the 
End of Year

16,732
25,353
37,903
n/a
10,000
15,218
20,000
9,800

551
1,448
273
9,000
-
-
-
4,000

17,283
26,801
38,176
9,000
10,000
15,218
20,000
13,800

Former Non-executive Directors
John Curtis3
Gordon Cairns3
1  None of these shares include non-beneficially held shares. 
2 
In addition to holdings of ordinary shares, Ewen Crouch and his related parties held interests in 250 Westpac Capital Notes 2 at year end.  
3  The information relates to the period these individuals were Non-executive Directors. Refer Section 2 of the Remuneration report for details. 
4 
5  Ann Pickard’s relevant interests arise through holding 13,800 American Depositary Shares (ADS). One ADS represents one Westpac fully paid 

In addition to holdings of ordinary shares, Peter Hawkins and his related parties held interests in 1,370 Convertible Preference Shares at year end. 

18,460
17,038

4
-

n/a
n/a

ordinary share.

2014 Westpac Group Annual Report 

77 

 
 
8.2. Details of Westpac equity holdings of Key Management Personnel 
The following table sets out details of Westpac equity held by the CEO and Group Executives (including their related parties) 
for the year ended 30 September 20141: 

Number 
Held at Start 
of Year

Number 
Granted During 
the Year as 
Remuneration

Received  on 
Exercise 
and/or 
Exercised 
During the 
Year

Number 
Lapsed 
During the 
Year

Other 
Changes 
During the 
Year

Number 
Held at the 
End of the 
Year

Number Vested 
and 
Exercisable at 
the End of the 
Year

Name

Type of Equity-based 
Instrument

Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer
Gail Kelly

Ordinary shares
Performance options
Performance share rights

Group Executives
John Arthur2

Philip Coffey3

Brad Cooper

David Curran4,5

George Frazis

Brian Hartzer

Ordinary shares
Performance share rights

Ordinary shares
Performance options
Performance share rights

Ordinary shares
Performance options
Performance share rights

Ordinary shares
Performance share rights

Ordinary shares
Performance share rights
Unhurdled share rights

Ordinary shares
Performance share rights

Alexandra Holcomb5 Ordinary shares

Peter King5

Christine Parker

Rob Whitfield

Jason Yetton

Performance options
Performance share rights

Ordinary shares
Performance share rights

Ordinary shares
Performance options
Performance share rights
Unhurdled share rights

Ordinary shares
Performance options
Performance share rights

Ordinary shares
Performance options
Performance share rights

Former Group Executives
Peter Clare5

Ordinary shares
Performance options
Performance share rights
Unhurdled share rights

1,876,588
-
711,956

57,358 
- 
159,821 

158,513 
- 
(158,513)

35,224 
(35,224)

364,582 
(329,358)
(35,224)

44,031 
- 
(44,031)

- 
- 

29,354 
(29,354)
- 

- 
- 

50,595 
- 
- 

- 
- 

19,583 
(12,832)
(6,751)
- 

191,456 
(156,232)
(35,224)

206,382 
(196,989)
(9,393)

140,752
152,521

318,314
329,358
176,535

56,623
196,785
187,075

n/a
n/a

100,640
134,616
-

178,612
30,780

n/a
n/a
n/a

n/a
n/a

23,503
12,832
47,389
-

444,193
156,232
150,738

136,788
196,989
80,386

96,589
81,799
122,586
22,942

20,544 
53,273 

27,279 
- 
50,313 

28,497 
- 
44,394 

- 
- 

25,284 
32,555 
- 

23,490 
85,828 

- 
- 
- 

- 
- 

14,922 
- 
20,717 
- 

25,284 
- 
35,515 

14,028 
- 
38,475 

- 
- 
29,595 
20,995 

- 
- 
- 

- 
- 

- 
- 
- 

- 
- 
- 

- 
- 

- 
- 
- 

- 
- 

- 
- 
- 

- 
- 

- 
- 
- 
- 

- 
- 
- 

- 
- 
- 

(550,000)
- 
- 

1,542,459 
- 
713,264 

10,530 
- 

(426,258)
- 
- 

- 
- 
- 

- 
- 

- 
- 
- 

(176,681)
- 

(50,595)
- 
- 

(25,000)
- 

(28,832)
- 
- 
- 

(369,962)
- 
- 

(196,989)
- 
- 

207,050 
170,570 

283,917 
- 
191,624 

129,151 
196,785 
187,438 

- 
- 

155,278 
137,817 
- 

25,421 
116,608 

60,601 
70,544 
50,493 
,

51,956 
37,545 

29,176 
- 
61,355 
- 

290,971 
- 
151,029 

160,209 
- 
109,468 

- 
- 
- 

- 
- 

- 
- 
- 

- 
196,785 
- 

- 
- 

- 
- 
- 

- 
- 

- 
70,544 
- 

- 
- 

- 
- 
- 
- 

- 
- 
- 

- 
- 
- 

n/a 
n/a 
n/a 
n/a 

n/a 
n/a 

119,910 
(81,799)
(27,005)
(11,106)

- 
- 
(125,176)
- 

(71,250)
- 
- 
- 

n/a 
n/a 
n/a 
n/a 

Greg Targett5

n/a 
n/a 
1  The highest number of shares held by an individual in the above tables is 0.05% of total Westpac ordinary shares outstanding as at 

Ordinary shares
Performance share rights

35,224 
(35,224)

194,685
157,911

18,173 
41,434 

2,659 
- 

- 
- 

2 

30 September 2014. 
In addition to holdings of ordinary shares, John Arthur and his related parties held interests in 1,000 Westpac Capital Notes and 885 Westpac Capital 
Notes 2 at year end. 
In addition to holdings of ordinary shares, Philip Coffey and his related parties held interests in 20,000 Westpac Capital Notes 2 at year end. 

3 
4  David Curran and his related parties held interests in 965 Westpac Convertible Preference Shares at year end. 
5  This information relates to the period these individuals were Key Management Personnel. Refer Section 2 of the Remuneration report for details. 

78 

2014 Westpac Group Annual Report 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
8.3. Loans to Directors and other Key Management Personnel disclosures 
All financial instrument transactions that have occurred during the financial year between Directors or other Key Management 
Personnel (KMP) and the Group are in the ordinary course of business on normal terms and conditions (including interest and 
collateral) as apply to other employees and certain customers. These transactions consisted principally of normal personal 
banking and financial investment services. 

Details of loans to Directors and other KMP (including their related parties) of the Group are:  

Directors’ report 

Directors
Other KMP

Balance at Start of 
Year
$

Interest Paid and 
Payable for the 
Year
$

8,789,573
6,048,376

14,837,949

308,297
576,334

884,631

Interest Not 
Charged
$

Balance at End 
of Year
$

Number in Group at 
End of Year

- 
- 

- 

3,866,378
14,575,662

18,442,040

2
8
10  

Individuals (including their related parties) with loans above $100,000 during the 30 September 2014 financial year are: 

Directors
Lindsay Maxsted
Gordon Cairns1
Ewen Crouch
John Curtis1
Other KMP
Philip Coffey
Peter Clare1
Brad Cooper
George Frazis
Alexandra Holcomb1
Christine Parker
Rob Whitfield
Jason Yetton

Balance at Start of 
Year
$

Interest Paid and 
Payable for the 
Year
$

Interest Not 
Charged
$

Balance at End 
of Year
$

Highest 
Indebtedness 
during the Year
$

1,170,000
1,475,386
1,665,458
4,478,729

250,000
814,208
2,237,554
299,382
n/a
2,186,643
-
199,000

73,249
20,488
87,419
127,141

83,072
15,103
130,511
17,233
30,328
95,871
188,282
9,271

-
-
-
-

-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-

2,341,735
n/a
1,524,643
n/a

2,394,000
n/a
3,996,192
228,225
2,918,498
1,960,298
2,750,454
300,000

2,396,109
1,916,088
1,697,498
4,513,388

2,452,000
2,768,829
3,996,192
299,382
4,256,558
2,213,970
9,741,532
2,770,187

1  This information relates to the period these individuals were Key Management Personnel. Refer Section 2 of the Remuneration report for details. 

2014 Westpac Group Annual Report 

79 

 
 
 
 
 
 
10. Auditor 
a)  Auditor’s independence declaration 
A copy of the auditor’s independence declaration as required under section 307C of the Corporations Act is below: 

Auditor’s Independence Declaration 
As lead auditor for the audit of Westpac Banking Corporation for the year ended 30 September 2014, I declare 
that, to the best of my knowledge and belief, there have been: 

a.  no contraventions of the auditor independence requirements of the Corporations Act 2001 in relation to the 

audit; and 

b.  no contraventions of any applicable code of professional conduct in relation to the audit. 

This declaration is in respect of Westpac Banking Corporation and the entities it controlled during the period. 

Michael Codling 
Partner 
PricewaterhouseCoopers 

Sydney 
3 November 2014 

PricewaterhouseCoopers, ABN 52 780 433 757 
Darling Park Tower 2, 201 Sussex Street, GPO BOX 2650, SYDNEY NSW 1171 
T +61 2 8266 0000, F +61 2 8266 9999, www.pwc.com.au 

Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation  

b) Non-audit services 
We may decide to engage PwC on assignments additional to their statutory audit duties where their expertise or experience 
with Westpac or a controlled entity is important. 

Details of the non-audit service amounts paid or payable to PwC for non-audit services provided during the 2013 and 2014 
financial years are set out in Note 34 to the financial statements. 

PwC also provides audit and non-audit services to non-consolidated entities, non-consolidated trusts of which a 
Westpac Group entity is trustee, manager or responsible entity and non-consolidated superannuation funds or pension funds. 
The fees in respect of these services were approximately $7.9 million in total (2013 $7.7 million). PwC may also provide audit 
and non-audit services to other entities in which Westpac holds a minority interest and which are not consolidated. Westpac is 
not aware of the amount of any fees paid to PwC by those entities. 

Westpac has a policy on engaging PwC, details of which are set out in the ‘Corporate governance’ section, including the 
subsection entitled ‘Engagement of the external auditor’, which forms part of this Directors’ report. 

The Board has considered the position and, in accordance with the advice received from the Board Audit Committee, is 
satisfied that the provision of the non-audit services during 2014 by PwC is compatible with the general standard of 
independence for auditors imposed by the Corporations Act. The Directors are satisfied that the provision of non-audit services 
by PwC, as set out above, did not compromise the auditor independence requirements of the Corporations Act for the 
following reasons: 

  all non-audit services have been reviewed by the Board Audit Committee, which is of the view that they do not impact the 

impartiality and objectivity of the auditor; and 

  none of the services undermine the general principles relating to auditor independence as set out in APES 110 Code of 

Ethics for Professional Accountants.

80 

2014 Westpac Group Annual Report 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Directors’ report 

11. Responsibility statement  
The Directors of Westpac Banking Corporation confirm that to the best of their knowledge: 

  the consolidated financial statements for the financial year ended 30 September 2014, which have been prepared in 

accordance with the accounting policies described in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements, being in accordance 
with Australian Accounting Standards (AAS), give a true and fair view of the assets, liabilities, financial position and profit of 
the Group; and 

  the Annual Report from the section entitled ‘Information on Westpac’ to and including the section entitled ‘Other Westpac 

business information’ includes a fair review of the information required by the Disclosure and Transparency Rules 4.1.8R to 
4.1.11R of the United Kingdom Financial Conduct Authority. 

Signed in accordance with a resolution of the Board. 

Lindsay Maxsted 
Chairman 
3 November 2014 

Gail Kelly 
Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer 
3 November 2014 

2014 Westpac Group Annual Report 

81 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
This page is intentionally left blank 

82 

2014 Westpac Group Annual Report 

 
02 

Five year summary 

Reading this report 

Review of Group operations 

Divisional performance 

Risk and risk management 

Other Westpac business information 

 
 
 
 
Five year summary1 

(in $millions unless otherwise indicated)
Income statements for the years ended 30 September2
Net interest income
Non-interest income
Net operating income before operating expenses and impairment charges
Operating expenses
Impairment charges
Profit before income tax 
Income tax expense
Profit attributable to non-controlling interests
Net profit attributable to owners of Westpac Banking Corporation
Balance sheet as at 30 September2
Loans
Other assets
Total assets
Deposits and other borrowings
Debt issues
Loan capital
Other liabilities
Total liabilities
Total shareholders’ equity and non-controlling interests
Key financial ratios
Shareholder value
Dividends per ordinary share (cents) 
Special dividends per ordinary share (cents) 
Dividend payout ratio (%)3
Return on average ordinary equity (%)
Basic earnings per share (cents)
Net tangible assets per ordinary share ($)4
Share price ($):

High
Low
Close

Business performance
Operating expenses to operating income ratio (%)
Net interest margin (%)
Capital adequacy
Total equity to total assets (%)
Total equity to total average assets (%)
APRA Basel III:

Common equity Tier 1 (%)5
Tier 1 ratio (%)6
Total capital ratio (%)6

2014

2013

2012

2011

2010

13,542
6,395
19,937
(8,547)
(650)
10,740
(3,115)
(64)
7,561

580,343
190,499
770,842
460,822
152,251
10,858
97,574
721,505
49,337

12,821
5,774
18,595
(7,976)
(847)
9,772
(2,947)
(74)
6,751

536,164
164,933
701,097
424,482
144,133
9,330
75,615
653,560
47,537

12,502
5,481
17,983
(7,957)
(1,212)
8,814
(2,812)
(66)
5,936

514,445
164,167
678,612
394,991
147,847
9,537
79,972
632,347
46,265

11,996
4,917
16,913
(7,406)
(993)
8,514
(1,455)
(68)
6,991

496,609
173,619
670,228
370,278
165,931
8,173
82,038
626,420
43,808

11,842
5,068
16,910
(7,416)
(1,456)
8,038
(1,626)
(66)
6,346

477,655
140,622
618,277
337,385
150,971
9,632
80,171
578,159
40,118

182
-
74.7
16.3
243.7
11.57

35.99
30.00
32.14

42.9
2.09

6.4
6.7

9.0
10.6
12.3

174
20
79.7
15.2
218.3
11.09

34.79
24.23
32.73

42.9
2.14

6.8
6.9

9.1
10.7
12.3

166
-
85.3
13.9
194.7
10.49

24.99
19.00
24.85

44.2
2.16

6.8
6.9

8.2
10.3
11.7

156
-
67.0
17.8
233.0
9.96

25.60
17.84
20.34

43.8
2.19

6.5
7.0

n/a
9.7
11.0

139
-
64.9
17.4
214.2
8.96

28.43
20.56
23.24

43.9
2.21

6.5
6.6

n/a
9.1
11.0

Credit quality
Net impaired assets to equity and collectively assessed provisions (%)
Total provisions for impairment on loans and credit commitments to total loans 
(basis points)
Other information
Full-time equivalent staff (number at financial year end)7
35,055  
1  Where accounting classifications have changed or where changes in accounting policy are adopted retrospectively, comparatives have been revised 

33,045

33,418

33,586

33,898

105

6.2

5.6

4.1

2.5

6.3

82

73

60

88

and may differ from results previously reported. 

2  The above income statement extracts for 2014, 2013 and 2012 and balance sheet extracts for 2014 and 2013 are derived from the consolidated 

financial statements included in this Annual Report. The above income statement extracts for 2011 and 2010 and balance sheet extracts for 2012, 
2011 and 2010 are derived from financial statements previously published. 

3  Excludes special dividends. 
4  Total equity attributable to owners of Westpac Banking Corporation, after deducting goodwill and other intangible assets divided by the number of 

ordinary shares outstanding, less treasury shares held. 

5  Basel III was not effective in Australia until 1 January 2013. The 2012 ratio has been presented on a pro forma Basel III basis. No comparatives are 

presented for other years. For further information, refer to Note 31 to the financial statements. 

6  Basel III was not effective in Australia until 1 January 2013. Comparatives are presented on a Basel II basis. For further information, refer to Note 31 

to the financial statements. 

7  Full-time equivalent employees includes full-time and pro-rata part-time staff. It excludes staff on unpaid absences (e.g. unpaid maternity leave), 

overtime, temporary and contract staff. 

84 

2014 Westpac Group Annual Report 

 
Reading this report 

Disclosure regarding forward-looking statements 
This Annual Report contains statements that constitute 
‘forward-looking statements’ within the meaning of Section 
21E of the US Securities Exchange Act of 1934. 

Forward-looking statements are statements about matters 
that are not historical facts. Forward-looking statements 
appear in a number of places in this Annual Report and 
include statements regarding our intent, belief or current 
expectations with respect to our business and operations, 
market conditions, results of operations and financial 
condition, including, without limitation, future loan loss 
provisions and financial support to certain borrowers. We 
use words such as ‘will’, ‘may’, ‘expect’, ‘intend’, ‘seek’, 
‘would’, ‘should’, ‘could’, ‘continue’, ‘plan’, ‘estimate’, 
‘anticipate’, ‘believe’, ‘probability’, ‘risk’ or other similar words 
to identify forward-looking statements. These forward-
looking statements reflect our current views with respect to 
future events and are subject to change, certain risks, 
uncertainties and assumptions which are, in many instances, 
beyond our control, and have been made based upon 
management’s expectations and beliefs concerning future 
developments and their potential effect upon us. There can 
be no assurance that future developments will be in 
accordance with our expectations or that the effect of future 
developments on us will be those anticipated. Actual results 
could differ materially from those which we expect, 
depending on the outcome of various factors, including, but 
not limited to: 

  the effect of, and changes in, laws, regulations, taxation 
or accounting standards or practices and government 
policy, particularly changes to liquidity, leverage and 
capital requirements; 

  the stability of Australian and international financial 

systems and disruptions to financial markets and any 
losses or business impacts Westpac or its customers or 
counterparties may experience as a result; 

  market volatility, including uncertain conditions in funding, 

equity and asset markets; 

  adverse asset, credit or capital market conditions; 
  changes to our credit ratings; 
  levels of inflation, interest rates, exchange rates and 

market and monetary fluctuations; 

  market liquidity and investor confidence; 
  changes in economic conditions, consumer spending, 
saving and borrowing habits in Australia, New Zealand 
and in other countries in which Westpac or its customers 
or counterparties conduct their operations and our ability 
to maintain or to increase market share and control 
expenses; 

  the effects of competition in the geographic and business 

areas in which Westpac conducts its operations; 

  information security breaches, including cyberattacks; 
  reliability and security of Westpac’s technology and risks 

associated with changes to technology systems; 

  the timely development and acceptance of new products 
and services and the perceived overall value of these 
products and services by customers; 

  the effectiveness of our risk management policies, 

including our internal processes, systems and employees; 

  the occurrence of environmental change or external 

events in countries in which Westpac or its customers or 
counterparties conduct their operations; 

  internal and external events which may adversely impact 

our reputation; 

  changes in political, social or economic conditions in any 
of the major markets in which Westpac or its customers 
or counterparties operate; 

  the success of strategic decisions involving business 
expansion and integration of new businesses; and 

  various other factors beyond Westpac’s control. 

The above list is not exhaustive. For certain other factors 
that may impact on forward-looking statements made by us, 
refer to ‘Risk factors’ under the section ‘Risk and risk 
management’. When relying on forward-looking statements 
to make decisions with respect to us, investors and others 
should carefully consider the foregoing factors and other 
uncertainties and events. 

Westpac is under no obligation to update any forward-
looking statements contained in this Annual Report, whether 
as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, 
after the date of this Annual Report. 

Significant developments 
For a discussion of significant developments impacting the 
Group, refer to ‘Significant developments’ under ‘Information 
on Westpac’ in Section 1. 

Currency of presentation, exchange rates and certain 
definitions 
In this Annual Report, ‘financial statements’ means our 
audited consolidated balance sheets as at 
30 September 2014 and 30 September 2013 and income 
statements, statements of comprehensive income, changes 
in equity and cash flows for each of the years ended 
30 September 2014, 2013 and 2012 together with 
accompanying notes which are included in this Annual 
Report. 

Our financial year ends on 30 September. As used 
throughout this Annual Report, the financial year ended 
30 September 2014 is referred to as 2014 and other 
financial years are referred to in a corresponding manner. 

We publish our consolidated financial statements in 
Australian dollars. In this Annual Report, unless otherwise 
stated or the context otherwise requires, references to 
‘dollars’, ‘dollar amounts’, ‘$’, ‘AUD’ or ‘A$’ are to Australian 
dollars, references to ‘US$’, ‘USD’ or ‘US dollars’ are to 
United States dollars and references to ‘NZ$’, ‘NZD’ or ‘NZ 
dollars’ are to New Zealand dollars. Solely for the 
convenience of the reader, certain Australian dollar amounts 
have been translated into US dollars at a specified rate. 
These translations should not be construed as 
representations that the Australian dollar amounts actually 
represent such US dollar amounts or have been or could be 
converted into US dollars at the rate indicated. Unless 
otherwise stated, the translations of Australian dollars into 
US dollars have been made at the rate of A$1.00 = 
US$0.8737, the noon buying rate in New York City for cable 
transfers in Australian dollars as certified for customs 

2014 Westpac Group Annual Report 

85 

 
purposes by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York (the 
‘noon buying rate’) as of Tuesday, 30 September 2014. The 
Australian dollar equivalent of New Zealand dollars at 
30 September 2014 was A$1.00 = NZ$1.1195, being the 
closing spot exchange rate on that date. Refer to ‘Exchange 
rates’ in Section 4 for information regarding the rates of 
exchange between the Australian dollar and the US dollar 
for the financial years ended 30 September 2010 to 
30 September 2014. 

Any discrepancies between totals and sums of components 
in tables contained in this Annual Report are due 
to rounding. 

86 

2014 Westpac Group Annual Report 

 
 
Review of Group operations 

Selected consolidated financial and operating data 
We have derived the following selected financial information 
as of, and for the financial years ended, 30 September 2014, 
2013, 2012, 2011 and 2010 from our audited consolidated 
financial statements and related notes. 

financial assets and financial liabilities, including derivatives, 
is largely determined based on valuation models using 
observable market prices and rates. Where observable 
market inputs are not available, day one profits or losses are 
not recognised. 

We believe that the judgments and estimates used are 
reasonable in the current market. However, a change in 
these judgments and estimates would lead to different 
results as future market conditions can vary from those 
expected. 

Provisions for impairment charges on loans 
Provisions for loan impairment charges represent 
management’s best estimate of the losses incurred in the 
loan portfolios as at the balance date. There are two 
components of our loan impairment provisions: individually 
assessed provisions (IAPs) and collectively assessed 
provisions (CAPs). 

In determining IAPs, considerations that have a bearing on 
the expected future cash flows are taken into account. For 
example, the business prospects of the customer, the 
realisable value of collateral, our position relative to other 
claimants, the reliability of customer information and the 
likely cost and duration of the work-out process. These 
judgments and estimates can change with time as new 
information becomes available or as work-out strategies 
evolve, resulting in revisions to the impairment provision as 
individual decisions are made. 

The CAPs are established on a portfolio basis taking into 
account the level of arrears, collateral and security, past loss 
experience and expected defaults based on portfolio trends. 
The most significant factors in establishing these provisions 
are estimated loss rates and related emergence periods. 
The future credit quality of these portfolios is subject to 
uncertainties that could cause actual credit losses to differ 
from reported loan impairment provisions. These 
uncertainties include the economic environment, notably 
interest rates, unemployment levels, payment behaviour and 
bankruptcy rates. 

As at 30 September 2014, gross loans to customers were 
$583,516 million (2013: $539,806 million) and the provision 
for impairment on loans was $3,173 million 
(2013: $3,642 million). 

Goodwill 
Goodwill represents the excess of purchase consideration, 
the amount of any non-controlling interest in the acquiree 
and the acquisition date fair value of any previous equity 
interest in the acquiree, over the fair value of the identified 
net assets of acquired businesses. The determination of the 
fair value of the assets and liabilities of acquired businesses 
requires the exercise of management judgment. Different fair 
values would result in changes to the goodwill and to the 
post-acquisition performance of the acquisitions. 

This information should be read together with our audited 
consolidated financial statements and the accompanying 
notes included elsewhere in this Annual Report. 

Accounting standards 
The financial statements and other financial information 
included elsewhere in this Annual Report, unless otherwise 
indicated, have been prepared and presented in accordance 
with Australian Accounting Standards (AAS). Compliance 
with AAS ensures that the financial statements also comply 
with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) as 
issued by the International Accounting Standards Board 
(IASB). 

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance 
with the accounting policies described in Note 1 to the 
financial statements. 

Recent accounting developments 
For a discussion of recent accounting developments refer to 
Note 1 to the financial statements. 

Critical accounting estimates 
Our reported results are sensitive to the accounting policies, 
assumptions and estimates that underlie the preparation of 
the income statement and the balance sheet. Our principal 
accounting policies are disclosed in Note 1 to the financial 
statements. Note 1 also includes a description of our critical 
accounting assumptions and estimates. We have discussed 
each of the assumptions and estimates with our Board Audit 
Committee (BAC). The following is a summary of the areas 
we consider involve our most critical accounting estimates. 
For more detail refer to Note 1 to the financial statements. 

Fair value of financial instruments 
Financial instruments classified as held-for-trading or 
designated at fair value through profit or loss and financial 
assets classified as available-for-sale are recognised in the 
financial statements at fair value. All derivatives are 
measured and recognised at fair value. As far as possible, 
financial instruments are valued with reference to quoted, 
observable market prices or by using models which employ 
observable valuation parameters. Where valuation models 
rely on parameters for which inputs are not observable, 
judgments and estimation may be required. 

As at 30 September 2014, the fair value of trading securities, 
financial assets designated at fair value through profit or 
loss, loans designated at fair value, available-for-sale 
securities and life insurance assets was $102,254 million 
(2013: $103,113 million). The value of financial liabilities at 
fair value through income statement, deposits and other 
borrowings at fair value, debt issues at fair value and life 
insurance liabilities was $88,051 million 
(2013: $78,395 million). The fair value of outstanding 
derivatives was a net asset of $1,865 million 
(2013: $4,634 million net liability). The fair value of financial 
assets and financial liabilities determined by valuation 
models that use unobservable market prices was 
$1,815 million (2013: $1,332 million) and $48 million 
(2013: $37 million), respectively. The fair value of other 

2014 Westpac Group Annual Report 

87 

 
Goodwill is tested for impairment annually by determining if 
the carrying value of the cash-generating unit (CGU) that it 
has been allocated to is recoverable. The recoverable 
amount is the higher of the CGU’s fair value less costs to 
sell and its value in use. Determination of appropriate cash 
flows and discount rates for the calculation of the value in 
use is subjective. As at 30 September 2014, the carrying 
value of goodwill was $9,112 million (2013: $8,868 million). 
Refer to Note 15 to the financial statements for further 
information. 

Superannuation obligations 
The actuarial valuation of our defined benefit plan 
obligations are dependent upon a series of assumptions, the 
key ones being discount rate, salary increase rate, mortality, 
morbidity and investment returns assumptions. Different 
assumptions could significantly alter the amount of the 
difference between plan assets and defined benefit 
obligations and the amount recognised directly in retained 
earnings. 

The superannuation deficits across all our plans as at 
30 September 2014 were in aggregate $315 million 
(2013: $245 million). 

Provisions (other than loan impairment charges) 
Provisions are held in respect of a range of obligations such 
as employee entitlements, restructuring costs, litigation 
provisions and non-lending losses, impairment charges on 
credit commitments and surplus lease space. Some of the 
provisions involve significant judgment about the likely 
outcome of various events and estimated future cash flows. 

Income taxes 
The Group is subject to income taxes in Australia and 
jurisdictions where it has foreign operations. All our 
businesses predominantly operate in jurisdictions with 
similar tax rates to the Australian corporate tax rate. 
Significant judgment is required in determining the worldwide 
provision for income taxes. There are many transactions and 
calculations undertaken during the ordinary course of 
business for which the ultimate tax determination is 
uncertain. Provisions for tax are held to reflect these tax 
uncertainties. Where the final outcome of these matters is 
different from the amounts that were initially recorded, such 
differences will impact the current and deferred tax 
provisions in the period where such determination is made. 

Life insurance contract liabilities 
The actuarial valuation of life insurance contract liabilities 
and associated deferred policy acquisition costs are 
dependent upon a number of assumptions. The key factors 
impacting the valuation of these liabilities and related assets 
are the cost of providing benefits and administrating the 
contracts, mortality and morbidity experience, 
discontinuance experience and the rate at which projected 
future cash flows are discounted. 

88 

2014 Westpac Group Annual Report 

 
 
Income statement review 
Consolidated income statement1 

Review of Group operations 

Year Ended 30 September

2010
A$
34,151
(22,309)
11,842
5,068

2013
A$
33,009
(20,188)
12,821
5,774

2012
A$
36,873
(24,371)
12,502
5,481

2011
A$
38,098
(26,102)
11,996
4,917

2014
US$2
28,175
(16,343)
11,832
5,587

2014
A$
32,248
(18,706)
13,542
6,395

(in $millions unless otherwise indicated)
Interest income
Interest expense
Net interest income
Non-interest income
Net operating income before operating expenses and 
impairment charges 
Operating expenses
Impairment charges
Profit before income tax
Income tax expense
Net profit for the year
Profit attributable to non-controlling interests
Net profit attributable to owners of Westpac 
Banking Corporation
Weighted average number of ordinary shares (millions)
Basic earnings per ordinary share (cents)
Diluted earnings per share (cents)3
Dividends per ordinary share (cents)
Special dividends per ordinary share (cents)
Dividend payout ratio (%)4
1  Where accounting classifications have changed or where changes in accounting policy are adopted retrospectively, comparatives have been revised 

16,910
(7,416)
(1,456)
8,038
(1,626)
6,412
(66)

16,913
(7,406)
(993)
8,514
(1,455)
7,059
(68)

17,983
(7,957)
(1,212)
8,814
(2,812)
6,002
(66)

18,595
(7,976)
(847)
9,772
(2,947)
6,825
(74)

19,937
(8,547)
(650)
10,740
(3,115)
7,625
(64)

17,419
(7,468)
(568)
9,383
(2,722)
6,661
(55)

6,346
2,960
214.2
207.1
139
-
64.9

6,991
2,997
233.0
223.6
156
-
67.0

5,936
3,043
194.7
189.4
166
-
85.3

7,561
3,098
243.7
238.7
182
-
74.7

6,606
3,098
212.9
208.6
159
-
74.7

6,751
3,087
218.3
213.5
174
20
79.7

and may differ from results previously reported. 

2  Australian dollar amounts have been translated into US dollars solely for the convenience of the reader at the rate of A$1.00 = US$0.8737, the noon 

buying rate in New York City on 30 September 2014. 

3  Based on basic earnings per share, with the weighted average number of fully paid ordinary shares outstanding adjusted for the conversion of dilutive 

potential ordinary shares, issued for no consideration, and after adjusting earnings for distributions on dilutive potential ordinary shares. 

4  Calculated by dividing the dividends per ordinary share by the basic earnings per ordinary share. Excludes special dividends. 

Overview of performance – 2014 v 2013 
Net profit attributable to owners of Westpac Banking Corporation was $7,561 million, an increase of $810 million or 12% 
compared to 2013. Features of this result included a 7% increase in net operating income before operating expenses and 
impairment charges, a 7% increase in operating expenses and a 23% reduction in impairment charges. 

Net interest income increased $721 million or 6% with total loan growth of 8% and customer deposit growth of 7%, while net 
interest margins reduced 5 basis points, mostly related to reduced Treasury income and higher liquid asset balances. 

Non-interest income increased $621 million or 11% compared to 2013 due to growth in wealth management, insurance and 
banking fees. 

Operating expenses increased $571 million or 7% compared to 2013, from operating and integration costs associated with the 
Lloyds acquisition, foreign exchange translation impacts, higher software amortisation and the Westpac Bicentennial 
Foundation grant of $100 million. 

Impairment charges decreased 23% compared to 2013, following a continued reduction in stressed exposures, with lower new 
impaired assets and further write-backs. Australian Financial Services (AFS), Westpac Institutional Bank (WIB) and Westpac 
New Zealand all recorded lower impairment charges, while economic overlays were unchanged. 

The effective tax rate was 29.0% in 2014 compared to 30.2% in 2013. The decrease reflects the release of provisions no longer 
required following the finalisation of prior period taxation matters. 

2014 basic earnings per share were 243.7 cents per share compared to 218.3 cents per share in 2013. 

The Board has determined a final dividend of 92 cents per ordinary share. The full year ordinary dividends of 182 cents 
represent an increase of 5% over ordinary dividends declared in 2013 and a pay-out ratio of 74.7%. The full year ordinary 
dividend is fully franked. 

2014 Westpac Group Annual Report 

89 

 
    
    
    
    
    
    
   
   
   
   
   
   
    
    
    
    
    
    
      
      
      
      
      
      
    
    
    
    
    
    
     
     
     
     
     
     
        
        
        
     
        
     
      
    
      
      
      
      
     
     
     
     
     
     
      
      
      
      
      
      
          
          
          
          
          
          
      
      
      
      
      
      
      
      
      
      
      
      
      
      
      
      
      
      
      
      
      
      
      
      
         
         
         
         
         
         
              
              
           
              
              
              
        
        
        
        
        
        
 
 
 
Income statement review – 2014 v 2013 
Net interest income – 2014 v 2013 

Interest income
Interest expense
Net interest income
Increase/(decrease) in net interest income
Due to change in volume
Due to change in rate
Change in net interest income

2014
$m
32,248
(18,706)
13,542

802
(81)
721

2013
$m
33,009
(20,188)
12,821

430
(111)
319

2012
$m
36,873
(24,371)
12,502

556
(50)
506

Net interest income was $13,542 million in 2014, an increase of $721 million or 6% compared to 2013. 

Net interest margins declined 5 basis points to 2.09% in 2014 from 2.14% in 2013. The lower net interest margin reflected 
increased competition in lending and lower Treasury revenue, which were partially offset by improved margins from retail and 
wholesale funding costs. 
Total loans1 in 2014 were 8% higher compared to 2013, with the key feature being 7% growth in Australian housing loans. Loan 
growth had the following specific components: 

  Australian housing loans increased $22.5 billion or 7%. The growth through the year reflected the Group’s focus on 

improving growth relative to system2 with enhancements to all elements of the mortgage process from application through 
to settlement; 

  Australian business lending increased $10.6 billion or 8% driven by acquisition of Lloyds ($5.4 billion) and a rise in 

institutional lending mainly in property, infrastructure and natural resources. New lending was higher by 18% across 
Westpac RBB and St.George, with growth partially offset by business customers remaining cautious and paying down debt; 
  Australian personal loans and cards increased $4.1 billion or 24% due to the acquisition of the Lloyds auto finance portfolio 
($2.5 billion) and credit card growth. Customer card numbers increased due to competitive offers, product upgrades and the 
launch of new products throughout the year; 

  other overseas loans increased $3.7 billion or 38% from growth in trade finance and term loans; and 
  New Zealand lending increased $3.0 billion or 5%, driven primarily by mortgage growth. 
Total deposits and other borrowings (deposits)1 increased $36.3 billion or 9% in 2014 compared to 2013. The growth in 
customer deposits3 of $26.6 billion or 7% was weighted to household deposits. Business deposit growth was lower, as the 
Group focused on deposits which are more efficient for liquidity purposes. 

Deposit growth had the following specific components: 

  Australian customer deposits increased $20.1 billion or 6%, with growth weighted to household deposits. AFS transaction 

account balances were 17% higher primarily in consumer; 

  other overseas customer deposits increased $3.9 billion, with growth in term deposits primarily in Asia; 
  New Zealand customer deposits increased $2.7 billion or 7%, primarily reflecting growth in consumer online deposits; and 
  certificates of deposits increased $9.7 billion, reflecting increased short term funding to support growth in trade finance. 

1

2

3

   For the purposes of this discussion on net interest income, loan and deposit growth has been determined by comparing balances at 

30 September 2014 to balances at 30 September 2013. 

   Source: Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA). 

   Customer deposits are a subset of total deposits. Certificates of deposit are excluded from total deposits to calculate customer deposits. 

90 

2014 Westpac Group Annual Report 

 
 
       
       
       
      
      
      
       
       
       
            
            
            
             
           
             
            
            
            
 
 
 
Interest spread and margin – 2014 v 2013 

Review of Group operations 

2014
$m

2013
$m

2012
$m

Group
Net interest income
Average interest earning assets
Average interest bearing liabilities
Average net non-interest bearing assets, liabilities and equity
Interest spread1
Benefit of net non-interest bearing assets, liabilities and equity2
Net interest margin3
1 
2  The benefit of net non-interest bearing assets, liabilities and equity is determined by applying the average yield paid on all interest bearing liabilities to 

Interest spread is the difference between the average yield on all interest earning assets and the average yield on all interest bearing liabilities. 

12,502
577,745
540,527
37,218
1.87%
0.29%
2.16%  

13,542
647,362
606,553
40,809
1.90%
0.19%
2.09%

12,821
599,869
560,470
39,399
1.90%
0.24%
2.14%

the average level of net non-interest bearing funds as a percentage of average interest earning assets. 

3  Net interest margin is calculated by dividing net interest income by average interest earning assets. 

Net interest margin was 2.09% in 2014, a decline of 5 basis points compared to 2013. Key drivers of the margin decrease were: 

  a 8 basis point decline from asset spreads. The primary driver was the increase in competition from institutional lending, with 

mortgages and business spreads also lower; 

  a 4 basis point decline from Treasury and Markets, reflecting lower returns from the management of the liquids portfolio and 

balance sheet management in Treasury; 

  a 2 basis point decline as average levels of liquid assets increased $11.9 billion; and 
  a 2 basis point decline due to lower returns on capital balances as hedge rates reduced relative to 2013; partially offset by 
  a 11 basis point increase from lower retail and wholesale funding costs. This included: 

–  a 6 basis point increase from lower wholesale funding costs as pricing for new long term senior issuance was lower than 
maturing deals, many of which were originated during the global financial crisis, and the non-recurrence of costs relating 
to the buyback of certain government guaranteed debt during 2013. This was partially offset by higher Additional Tier 1 
capital costs as recent issuances are more expensive; and 

–  a 5 basis point increase from customer deposit impacts, primarily due to improved term deposit spreads. This was 

partially offset by a lower hedging benefit on low interest deposits and lower working capital deposit spreads. 

Non-interest income – 2014 v 2013 

Fees and commissions
Wealth management and insurance income
Trading income
Other income
Total non-interest income

2014  
$m  
2,926  
2,254  
1,017  
198  
6,395  

2013  
$m  
2,723  
1,944  
1,069  
38  
5,774  

2012  
$m  
2,630  
1,791  
850  
210  
5,481  

Non-interest income was $6,395 million in 2014, an increase of $621 million or 11% compared to 2013. The increase was 
primarily driven by higher fees and commissions, wealth management and insurance income and other income, partially offset 
by a decline in trading income. 

Fees and commissions income was $2,926 million in 2014, an increase of $203 million or 7% compared to 2013. This increase 
was primarily due to: 

  an increase in credit card fee income driven by higher interchange fees through greater customer spending in premium 

cards and growth in customer accounts (up 3%); and 

  an increase in business lending fee income due to the acquisition of Lloyds and increased line fees and growth in the term 

lending portfolio. 

Wealth management and insurance income was $2,254 million in 2014, an increase of $310 million or 16% compared to 2013. 
This increase was primarily due to: 

  higher FUM/FUA related income of $172 million with the benefit from positive net flows and improved investment markets 

while margins remained stable; 

  an increase in life insurance income of $74 million with in-force premiums rising 16% following expansion of the distribution 

network. Loss ratios were stable; 

2014 Westpac Group Annual Report 

91 

 
 
 
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
           
           
             
           
        
        
        
 
 
 
  an increase in general insurance income of $58 million with gross written premiums rising 11% from new business growth 

with more customers choosing to insure through BTFG, higher premiums and retention rate improvements and a favourable 
claims experience from a decline in catastrophe and working claims; and 

  an increase in performance fee income of $17 million from higher BTIM performance fees ($79 million), largely offset by 

reduction in Hastings performance fees ($62 million); partially offset by 

  a decrease in lenders mortgage insurance income from lower written risk volume partly offset by lower claims consistent with 

decrease in portfolio size. 

Trading income decreased by $52 million or 5% compared to 2013. Markets trading income was lower with higher customer 
related income in WIB, AFS and New Zealand offset by a negative CVA movement and lower Westpac Pacific income following 
the introduction of exchange rate controls in PNG impacting foreign exchange income. 

Other income was $198 million in 2014, an increase of $160 million compared to 2013. This increase was primarily driven by a 
reduction in the loss on derivatives held for risk management of $91 million reflecting unrealised movements in the AUD/NZD 
exchange rate, higher rental income from operating leases acquired with Lloyds of $32 million, and a rise in income from asset 
sales of $30 million. 

Operating expenses – 2014 v 2013 

Salaries and other staff expenses
Equipment and occupancy expenses
Other expenses
Total operating expenses
Total operating expenses to net operating income ratio

2014   
$m   
4,667   
1,502   
2,378   
8,547   
42.9% 

2013  
$m  
4,336   
1,370   
2,270   
7,976  
42.9%

2012  
$m  
4,306  
1,278  
2,373  
7,957  
44.2%  

Operating expenses were $8,547 million in 2014, an increase of $571 million or 7% compared to 2013. Excluding foreign 
exchange translation impacts ($98 million) and the impact of Lloyds ($163 million), operating expenses increased $310 million 
or 4%. The key factors of this result were: 

  the impact of investments which added $273 million or 3% to expense growth, including 1% from higher software 

amortisation and hardware depreciation; and 

  Westpac Bicentennial Foundation grant of $100 million; partially offset by 
  delivery of productivity initiatives. 

Salaries and other staff expenses were $4,667 million in 2014, an increase of $331 million or 8% compared to 2013. Excluding 
the impact of Lloyds ($83 million) and foreign exchange translation impacts ($56 million) salaries and other staff expenses 
increased $192 million or 4%. This increase reflects: 

  annual salary increases and additional staff to support the Group's expansion in Bank of Melbourne and Asia; and 
  higher performance related payments in the wealth business associated with higher performance fees earned; partially 

offset by 

  delivery of productivity savings including supplier and simplification programs. 

Equipment and occupancy expenses were $1,502 million in 2014, an increase of $132 million or 10% compared to 2013. This 
increase was driven by: 

  software amortisation increased $90 million and hardware depreciation increased $11 million related to the Group’s 

investment program, including the impact of regulatory change, Asia and digital investments; 

  impact of Lloyds; and 
  an additional 16 Bank of Melbourne branches; partially offset by 
  savings from property consolidation. 

Other expenses were $2,378 million in 2014, an increase of $108 million or 5% compared to 2013. This increase was driven by: 

  increased costs related to the Group’s investment program, including higher technology and professional services; and 
  Westpac Bicentennial Foundation grant; partially offset by 
  delivery of cost management initiatives including renegotiation with vendors and migration of customers from paper to  

e-statements. 

92 

2014 Westpac Group Annual Report 

 
 
       
       
        
       
       
        
       
       
        
       
        
        
 
Impairment charges – 2014 v 2013 

Impairment charges
Impairment charges to average gross loans (basis points)

Review of Group operations 

2014
$m
650
12

2013
$m
847
16

2012
$m
1,212

24  

The improvement in asset quality continued throughout 2014 with stressed assets and the emergence of new impaired assets 
continuing to reduce. This improvement contributed to a $197 million reduction in impairment charges compared to 2013. The 
improvement in impairment charges was most evident in the corporate and business lending portfolios. Economic overlays 
were stable over 2014 with a balance of $389 million at 30 September 2014. 

Impairment charges of $650 million were down $197 million or 23% compared to 2013 and represented 12 basis points of 
average gross loans. 

Key movements included: 

  new individually assessed provisions less write-backs and recoveries were $412 million lower than 2013, reflecting the 

continued reduction in new impaired assets across the Group; and 

  total new collectively assessed provisions (CAPs) were $215 million higher than 2013. Write-offs were similar to the prior 

year, while other changes in CAPs were a smaller positive. Stressed assets have continued to improve although the rate of 
improvement has slowed resulting in a lower benefit to CAPs. 

Income tax expense – 2014 v 2013 

Income tax expense 
Tax as a percentage of profit before income tax expense (effective tax rate)

2014   
$m   
3,115  
29.0% 

2013   
$m   
2,947  
30.2% 

2012   
$m   
2,812  
31.9%   

Income tax expense was $3,115 million in 2014, an increase of $168 million or 6% compared to 2013. The effective tax rate 
decreased to 29.0% in 2014, from 30.2% in 2013. The decrease was largely due to the finalisation of prior period 
taxation matters. 

2014 Westpac Group Annual Report 

93 

 
 
 
       
       
       
 
 
Balance sheet review 
Selected consolidated balance sheet data1 
The detailed components of the balance sheet are set out in the notes to the financial statements. 

2014
US$m2
22,507
6,486
36,175

2014
A$m
25,760
7,424
41,404

As at 30 September 
2012
A$m
12,523
10,228
35,489

2013
A$m
11,699
11,210
28,356

2011
A$m
16,258
8,551
49,145

2010
A$m
4,464
12,588
36,102

79,100
536,164
13,149
21,419
701,097
8,836
424,482

71,585
507,046
9,617
20,070
673,486
16,282
402,620

81,933
580,343
11,007
22,971
770,842
18,636
460,822

69,006
496,609
7,916
22,743
670,228
14,512
370,278

71,739
514,445
11,907
22,281
678,612
7,564
394,991

55,599
477,655
12,310
19,559
618,277
8,898
337,385

Cash and balances with central banks
Receivables due from other financial institutions
Derivative financial instruments
Trading securities and other financial assets designated at fair 
value and available-for-sale securities
Loans
Life insurance assets
All other assets
Total assets
Payables due to other financial institutions
Deposits and other borrowings
Other financial liabilities at fair value through 
income statement
Derivative financial instruments
Debt issues
Life insurance liabilities
All other liabilities
Total liabilities excluding loan capital
Total loan capital3
Total liabilities
Net assets
Total equity attributable to owners of Westpac
Banking Corporation
Non-controlling interests 
Total shareholders’ equity and non-controlling interests
Average balances
607,677
Total assets
Loans and other receivables4
469,999
36,434
Shareholders’ equity
1,914  
Non-controlling interests 
1  Where accounting classifications have changed or where changes in accounting policy are adopted retrospectively, comparatives have been revised 

4,850
44,039
150,971
11,560
10,824
568,527
9,632
578,159
40,118

19,236
39,539
152,251
9,637
10,526
710,647
10,858
721,505
49,337

10,302
32,990
144,133
11,938
11,549
644,230
9,330
653,560
47,537

9,803
39,405
165,931
7,002
11,316
618,247
8,173
626,420
43,808

9,964
38,935
147,847
10,875
12,634
622,810
9,537
632,347
46,265

16,806
34,545
133,022
8,420
9,197
620,892
9,487
630,379
43,107

665,804
501,118
42,605
1,964

628,428
476,083
39,378
1,921

644,025
489,088
40,607
753

688,295
516,482
44,350
1,972

737,124
559,789
46,477
862

41,826
1,982
43,808

38,189
1,929
40,118

44,295
1,970
46,265

48,456
881
49,337

46,674
863
47,537

42,337
770
43,107

and may differ from results previously reported. 

2  Australian dollar amounts have been translated into US dollars solely for the convenience of the reader at the rate of A$1.00 = US$0.8737, the noon 

buying rate in New York City on 30 September 2014. 

3  This includes Westpac Capital Notes 2 (Westpac CN2) in 2014, Westpac Capital Notes (Westpac CN), Westpac Convertible Preference Shares 
(Westpac CPS) and 2004 Trust Preferred Securities (2004 TPS) in 2014 and 2013; Westpac Stapled Preferred Securities II (SPS II) in 2013; 
Westpac CPS, Westpac Stapled Preferred Securities (SPS), SPS II and 2004 TPS in 2012; and SPS, SPS II and 2004 TPS in 2011 and 2010. 

4  Other receivables include other assets, cash and balances with central banks. 

94 

2014 Westpac Group Annual Report 

 
 
 
Summary of consolidated ratios 

Review of Group operations 

Year Ended 30 September 

2014
US$1  

2014
A$

2013
A$

2012
A$

2011
A$

2010
A$

2.19
1.11
17.8
16.9

2.16
0.89
13.9
13.3

2.09
1.03
16.3
16.0

2.09
1.03
16.3
16.0

2.14
0.98
15.2
14.6

(in $millions unless otherwise indicated)
Profitability ratios (%)
Net interest margin2
Return on average assets3
Return on average ordinary equity4
Return on average total equity5
Capital ratio (%)
Average total equity to average total assets
Tier 1 ratio6
Total capital ratio6
Earnings ratios
Basic earnings per ordinary share (cents)7
Diluted earnings per ordinary share (cents)8
Dividends per ordinary share (cents)
Special dividends per ordinary share (cents)
Dividend payout ratio (%)9
Credit quality ratios
Impairment charges on loans written off (net of recoveries)
Impairment charges on loans written off (net of recoveries) to 
average loans (bps)
1  Australian dollar amounts have been translated into US dollars solely for the convenience of the reader at the rate of A$1.00 = US$0.8737, the noon 

233.0
223.6
156
-
67.0

214.2
207.1
139
-
64.9

194.7
189.4
166
-
85.3

243.7
238.7
182
-
74.7

212.9
208.6
159
-
74.7

218.3
213.5
174
20
79.7

2.21
1.04
17.4
16.5

6.6
9.7
11.0

6.4
10.6
12.3

6.7
10.3
11.7

6.3
9.1
11.0

6.4
10.6
12.3

6.7
10.7
12.3

1,300

1,138

1,302

1,323

1,604

1,867

27

23

23

25

32

38

buying rate in New York City on 30 September 2014. 

2  Calculated by dividing net interest income by average interest earning assets. 
3  Calculated by dividing net profit attributable to owners of Westpac Banking Corporation by average total assets. 
4  Calculated by dividing net profit attributable to owners of Westpac Banking Corporation by average ordinary equity. 
5  Calculated by dividing net profit attributable to owners of Westpac Banking Corporation by average ordinary equity and non-controlling interests. 
6  Basel III was not effective in Australia until 1 January 2013. Comparatives are presented on a Basel II basis. For further information, refer to Note 31 

to the financial statements. For details on this ratio refer to Note 31 to the financial statements. 

7  Based on the weighted average number of fully paid ordinary shares. 
8  Based on basic earnings per share, with the weighted average number of fully paid ordinary shares outstanding adjusted for the conversion of dilutive 

potential ordinary shares, issued for no consideration, and after adjusting earnings for distributions on dilutive potential ordinary shares. 

9  Calculated by dividing the dividends per ordinary share by the basic earnings per ordinary share. Excludes special dividends. 

Balance sheet review 
Assets – 2014 v 2013 
Total assets as at 30 September 2014 were $770.8 billion, an increase of $69.7 billion or 10% compared to 
30 September 2013. Significant movements during the year included: 

  cash and balances with central banks increased $14.1 billion to facilitate same day settlements and additional liquid assets 

held in this form; 

  receivables due from other financial institutions decreased $3.8 billion, primarily due to higher placement of physical 

securities collateral in lieu of cash relating to derivate movements; 

  trading securities, other financial assets designated at fair value and available-for-sale securities increased $2.8 billion, 

reflecting higher holdings of liquid assets; 

  derivative assets increased $13.0 billion, driven by foreign currency translation impacts of the revaluation of cross currency 

swaps and forward contracts; 

  loans grew $44.2 billion or 8%, which included acquisition of the Lloyds book ($7.9 billion). Australian loans increased 

$37.5 billion, New Zealand loans increased $3.0 billion and other overseas loans increased $3.7 billion; and 

  life insurance assets decreased $2.1 billion as two managed funds were deconsolidated. 

2014 Westpac Group Annual Report 

95 

        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
          
          
          
          
          
          
        
        
        
        
          
          
        
        
        
        
        
        
      
      
      
      
      
      
      
      
      
      
      
      
         
         
         
         
         
         
              
              
           
              
              
              
        
        
        
        
        
        
      
      
      
      
      
      
           
           
           
           
           
           
 
 
 
Liabilities and equity – 2014 v 2013 
Total liabilities as at 30 September 2014 were $721.5 billion, an increase of $67.9 billion compared to 30 September 2013. 
Significant movements during the year included: 

  payables due to other financial institutions increased $9.8 billion, primarily due to repurchase activities relating to central 

bank exchange settlement accounts and placements from offshore central banks; 

  deposits and other borrowings increased $36.3 billion. Australian deposits increased $20.1 billion, New Zealand deposits 
increased $2.7 billion, other overseas deposits increased $3.9 billion and certificates of deposits increased $9.7 billion; 
  financial liabilities at fair value through the income statement increased $8.9 billion through increased funding of securities 

using repurchase agreements for market inventory; 

  derivative liabilities increased $6.5 billion, driven by foreign currency translation impacts of the revaluation of cross currency 

swaps and forward contracts; 

  debt issues increased $8.1 billion, with an increase of covered bond outstandings of $8.0 billion. Levels of senior debt and 

securitisation remained stable with maturing debt replaced with issuance; 

  life insurance liabilities decreased $2.3 billion due to the deconsolidation of two managed funds and policyholder liability 

adjustments; and 

  equity increased $1.8 billion from increased retained profits. 

Loan quality 2014 v 2013 

Total gross loans1
Average gross loans
Australia
New Zealand
Other overseas
Total average gross loans
1  Gross loans are stated before related provisions for impairment. 

As at 30 September

2014
$m
583,516

492,670
58,428
13,125
564,223

2013
$m
539,806

467,835
50,112
8,807
526,754

2012
$m
518,279

455,753
45,911
6,930
508,594

Total gross loans represented 76% of the total assets of the Group as at 30 September 2014, compared to 77% in 2013. 

Australia and New Zealand average gross loans were $551.1 billion in 2014, an increase of $33.2 billion or 6% from 
$517.9 billion in 2013. This increase was primarily due to growth in Australian housing lending and institutional lending and the 
acquisition of the Lloyds portfolio. 

Other overseas average loans were $13.1 billion in 2014, an increase of $4.3 billion or 49% from $8.8 billion in 2013. This was 
primarily due to growth in trade and term finance. 

Approximately 14.5% of the loans at 30 September 2014 mature within one year and 23.3% mature between one year and five 
years. Retail lending comprises the majority of the loan portfolio maturing after five years. 

96 

2014 Westpac Group Annual Report 

 
     
     
     
     
     
     
       
       
       
       
         
         
     
     
     
 
 
Impaired loans
Non-performing loans1:

Gross
Impairment provisions
Net

Restructured loans:

Gross
Impairment provisions
Net

Overdrafts, personal loans and revolving credit greater than 90 days 
past due:
Gross
Impairment provisions
Net

867
2,614

Net impaired loans
Provisions for impairment on loans and credit commitments
Individually assessed provisions
Collectively assessed provisions
Total provisions for impairment on loans and
credit commitments
Loan quality
Total impairment provisions for impaired loans to total
impaired loans2
Total impaired loans to total loans
Total provisions for impairment on loans and credit commitments to 
total loans
Total provisions for impairment on loans and credit commitments to 
total impaired loans
Collectively assessed provisions to non-housing performing loans
1  Non-performing loans are loans with an impaired internal risk grade, excluding restructured assets. 
2 

148.8%
1.3%

44.8%
0.40%

0.60%

3,481

43.2%
0.67%

0.73%

109.7%
1.4%

Review of Group operations 

2014
$m

As at 30 September

2013
$m

2012
$m

2011
$m

2010
$m

2,030
(862)
1,168

3,249
(1,363)
1,886

4,034
(1,463)
2,571

4,287
(1,487)
2,800

4,240
(1,677)
2,563

93
(44)
49

156
(56)
100

217
(141)
76
1,293

195
(135)
60
2,046

1,364
2,585

3,949

153
(44)
109

199
(134)
65
2,745

1,470
2,771

129
(29)
100

200
(147)
53
2,953

1,461
2,953

132
(32)
100

213
(155)
58
2,721

1,622
3,439

4,241

4,414

5,061

37.4%
0.85%

36.0%
0.92%

40.7%
0.95%

0.82%

0.88%

1.05%

96.7%
1.6%

95.6%
1.7%

110.4%

2.0%  

Impairment provisions relating to impaired loans include individually assessed provisions plus the proportion of the collectively assessed provisions 
that relate to impaired loans. The proportion of the collectively assessed provisions that relate to impaired loans was $180 million as at 
30 September 2014 (2013: $190 million, 2012: $171 million, 2011: $202 million, 2010: $244 million). This sum is compared to the total gross impaired 
loans to determine this ratio. 

The quality of our loan portfolio improved during 2014, with total impaired loans as a percentage of total gross loans of 0.40% 
at 30 September 2014, a decrease of 0.27% from 0.67% at 30 September 2013. 

At 30 September 2014, we had 5 impaired counterparties with exposure greater than $50 million, collectively accounting for 
22% of total impaired loans. This compares to 8 impaired counterparties with exposure greater than $50 million in 2013 
accounting for 20% of total impaired loans. There were 9 impaired exposures at 30 September 2014 that were less than 
$50 million and greater than $20 million (2013: 16 impaired exposures). 

At 30 September 2014, 77% of our exposure was to either investment grade or secured consumer mortgage segment 
(2013: 77%, 2012: 76%, 2011: 76%) and 95% of our exposure as at 30 September 2014 in our core markets of Australia, New 
Zealand and the Pacific region (2013: 97%, 2012: 97%, 2011: 98%). 

We believe that Westpac remains appropriately provisioned with total impairment provisions for impaired loans to total impaired 
loans coverage at 44.8% at 30 September 2014 compared to 43.2% at 30 September 2013. Total provisions for impairment on 
loans and credit commitments to total impaired loans represented 148.8% of total impaired loans as at 30 September 2014, up 
from 109.7% at 30 September 2013. Total provisions for impairments on loans and credit commitments to total loans was 
0.60% at 30 September 2014, down from 0.73% at 30 September 2013 (2012: 0.82%). 

Consumer mortgage loans 90 days past due at 30 September 2014 were 0.45% of outstandings, down from 0.51% of 
outstandings at 30 September 2013 (2012: 0.51%). 

Other consumer loan delinquencies (including credit card and personal loan products) were 0.99% of outstandings as at 
30 September 2014, a decrease of 5 basis points from 1.04% of outstandings as at 30 September 2013 (2012: 1.11%). 

2014 Westpac Group Annual Report 

97 

 
 
 
Potential problem loans as at 30 September 2014 amounted to $1,421 million, a decrease of 12% from $1,619 million at 
30 September 2013. The reduction of potential problem loans is due mainly to the upgrade or repayment of some of 
these assets. 

Potential problem loans are facilities that are performing and no loss is expected, but the customer demonstrates significant 
weakness in debt servicing or security cover that could jeopardise repayment of debt on current terms if not rectified. Potential 
problem loans are identified using established credit frameworks and policies, which include the ongoing monitoring of facilities 
through the use of watchlists. 

Capital resources 
Capital management strategy 
Westpac’s approach seeks to balance the fact that capital is an expensive form of funding with the need to be adequately 
capitalised as an ADI. Westpac considers the need to balance efficiency, flexibility and adequacy when determining sufficiency 
of capital and when developing capital management plans. 

Westpac evaluates these considerations through an Internal Capital Adequacy Assessment Process (ICAAP), the key features 
of which include: 

  the development of a capital management strategy, including preferred capital range, capital buffers and contingency plans; 
  consideration of both economic and regulatory capital requirements; 
  a process that challenges the capital measures, coverage and requirements which incorporates, amongst other things, the 

impact of adverse economic scenarios; and 

  consideration of the perspectives of external stakeholders including rating agencies and equity and debt investors. 

Westpac’s capital ratios are significantly above APRA minimum capital adequacy requirements. 

Basel Capital Accord 
The regulatory limits applied to our capital ratios are consistent with A global regulatory framework for more resilient banks and 
banking systems, also known as Basel III, issued by the Bank of International Settlements. This framework reflects the 
advanced risk management practices that underpin the calculation of regulatory capital through a broad array of risk classes 
and advanced measurement processes. 

As provided for in the Basel III accord, APRA has exercised discretions to make the framework applicable in the Australian 
market, and in particular has required that Australian banks use sophisticated models for credit risk, operational risk and 
interest rate risk taken in the banking book. In addition, APRA has applied discretion in the calculation of the components of 
regulatory capital. The new Basel III prudential standards became effective on 1 January 2013. 

Westpac is accredited by APRA to apply advanced models permitted by the Basel III global capital adequacy regime to the 
measurement of its regulatory capital requirements. Westpac uses the Advanced Internal Ratings-Based approach for credit 
risk, the Advanced Measurement Approach (AMA) for operational risk and the internal model approach for Interest Rate Risk in 
the Banking Book (IRRBB). Effective risk management is regarded as a key activity performed at all levels of the Group. 
Achieving advanced accreditation from APRA has resulted in a broad array of changes to risk management practices that have 
been implemented across all risk classes. We recognise that embedding these principles and practices into day-to-day 
activities of the divisions to achieve the full benefits of these changes is an ongoing facet of risk management. 

Australia’s risk-based capital adequacy guidelines are generally consistent but not completely aligned with the approach agreed 
upon by the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision (BCBS). APRA has exercised its discretion in applying the Basel 
framework to Australian ADIs, resulting in a more conservative approach than the minimum standards published by the BCBS. 
APRA also introduced the new standards from 1 January 2013 with no phasing in of higher capital requirements as allowed by 
the BCBS. The application of these discretions act to reduce reported capital ratios relative to those reported in 
other jurisdictions. 

Under APRA’s implementation of Basel III, Australian banks are required to maintain a minimum Common Equity Tier 1 ratio of 
at least 4.5%, Tier 1 ratio of 6.0% and Total Regulatory Capital of 8.0%. Subject to certain limitations, Common Equity Tier 1 
capital consists of paid-up share capital, retained profits and certain reserves, less the deduction of certain intangible assets, 
capitalised expenses and software, and investments and retained earnings in insurance and funds management subsidiaries 
that are not consolidated for capital adequacy purposes. The balance of eligible capital is defined as Additional Tier 1 or Tier 2 
capital which includes, subject to limitations, mandatory convertible notes, perpetual floating rate notes and like instruments, 
and term subordinated debt less a deduction for holdings of Westpac’s own subordinated debt and that of other 
financial institutions. 

98 

2014 Westpac Group Annual Report 

 
Westpac’s regulatory capital ratios as at 30 September are summarised in the table below: 

Review of Group operations 

Common equity
Deductions from common equity
Total common equity after deductions

Additional Tier 1 capital
Net Tier 1 regulatory capital

Tier 2 capital
Deductions from Tier 2 capital
Total Tier 2 capital after deductions
Total regulatory capital 

Credit risk:

On-balance sheet assets
Off-balance sheet assets

Equity risk
Market risk
Operational risk
Interest rate risk in the banking book
Other assets
Total risk weighted assets

Common Equity Tier 1 capital ratio
Additional Tier 1 capital ratio
Tier 1 capital ratio
Tier 2 capital ratio
Total regulatory capital ratio

2014
$m
47,137
(17,413)
29,724

5,273
34,997

5,902
(198)
5,704
40,701

199,921
81,538
-
8,975
29,340
7,316
4,297
331,387

9.0%
1.6%
10.6%
1.7%
12.3%

2013
$m
45,361
(17,392)
27,969

4,769
32,738

4,968
(50)
4,918
37,656

185,023
75,245
-
9,059
27,299
6,929
3,817
307,372

9.1%
1.6%
10.7%
1.6%
12.3%  

Refer to ‘Significant developments’ in Section 1 for a discussion on future regulatory developments that may impact upon 
capital requirements. 

2014 Westpac Group Annual Report 

99 

 
           
           
          
          
           
           
             
             
           
           
             
             
               
                 
             
             
           
           
         
         
           
           
                     
                     
             
             
           
           
             
             
             
             
         
         
 
 
 
Divisional performance 

Divisional performance – 2014 v 2013
Our operations comprise three primary customer-facing business divisions: 

  Australian Financial Services (AFS), which incorporates the operations of: 

–  Westpac Retail & Business Banking, which we refer to as Westpac RBB; 

–  St.George Banking Group, which we refer to as St.George; and 

–  BT Financial Group (Australia), which we refer to as BTFG 

  Westpac Institutional Bank, which we refer to as WIB; and 
  Westpac New Zealand. 

Other divisions in the Group include Westpac Pacific, Group Services, Treasury and Core Support. 

The accounting standard AASB 8 Operating Segments requires segment results to be presented on a basis that is consistent 
with information provided internally to Westpac’s key decision makers. In assessing financial performance, including divisional 
results, Westpac uses a measure of performance referred to as ‘cash earnings’. Cash earnings is not a measure of cash flow or 
net profit determined on a cash accounting basis, as it includes non-cash items reflected in net profit determined in accordance 
with AAS. The specific adjustments outlined below include both cash and non-cash items. Cash earnings, as calculated by 
Westpac, is viewed as a measure of the level of profit that is generated by ongoing operations and is therefore available for 
distribution to shareholders. 

A reconciliation of cash earnings to net profit attributable to owners of Westpac Banking Corporation for each business division 
is set out in Note 33 to the financial statements. To calculate cash earnings, Westpac adjusts net profit attributable to owners of 
Westpac Banking Corporation for the items outlined below. Management believes this allows the Group to more effectively 
assess performance for the current period against prior periods and to compare performance across business divisions and 
across peer companies. 

Three categories of adjustments are made to statutory results to determine cash earnings: 

  material items that key decision makers at Westpac believe do not reflect ongoing operations; 
  items that are not considered when dividends are recommended, such as the amortisation of intangibles, impact of Treasury 

shares and economic hedging impacts; and 

  accounting reclassifications between individual line items that do not impact statutory results, such as policyholder 

tax recoveries1. 

The discussion of our divisional performance in this section is presented on a cash earnings basis unless otherwise stated. 
Cash earnings is not directly comparable to statutory results presented in other parts of this Annual Report. 

Outlined below are the current cash earnings adjustments to the statutory results: 

1.  Trust Preferred Securities (TPS) revaluations – this adjustment related to TPS 2003 securities which were redeemed on 
30 September 2013. Historically this adjusted for movements in economic hedges, including associated tax effects 
impacting the foreign currency translation reserve, relating to hybrid instruments classified as non-controlling interests. The 
adjustment was required as these hybrid instruments were not fair valued, however, the hedges were fair valued and 
therefore there was a mismatch in the timing of income recognition in the statutory results. The mismatch was added back 
to statutory results in deriving cash earnings as it did not affect the Group’s profits over time. 

2.  Treasury shares – under AAS, Westpac shares held by the Group in the managed funds and life businesses are deemed 

to be Treasury shares and the results of holding these shares are not permitted to be recognised as income in the statutory 
results. In deriving cash earnings, these results are included to ensure there is no asymmetrical impact on the Group’s 
profits because the Treasury shares support policyholder liabilities and equity derivative transactions which are re-valued in 
determining income. 

3. 

Ineffective hedges – the (gain)/loss on ineffective hedges is reversed in deriving cash earnings for the period because the 
gain or loss arising from the fair value movement in these hedges reverses over time and does not affect the Group’s 
profits over time. 

1

   Policyholder tax recoveries – income and tax amounts that are grossed up to comply with the AAS covering life insurance business (policyholder tax 

recoveries) are reversed in deriving income and taxation expense on a cash earnings basis. 

100 

2014 Westpac Group Annual Report 

 
 
Divisional performance 

4.  Fair value on economic hedges (which do not qualify for hedge accounting under AAS) comprises: 

– 

– 

– 

the unrealised fair value gain/(loss) on foreign exchange hedges of future New Zealand earnings impacting non-
interest income is reversed in deriving cash earnings as they may create a material timing difference on statutory 
results but do not affect the Group's cash earnings during the life of the hedge; 

the unrealised fair value gain/(loss) on foreign exchange hedges of fees payable for the use of the Government 
guarantee on foreign denominated wholesale funding is reversed in deriving cash earnings as they may create a 
material timing difference on statutory results but do not affect the Group's cash earnings during the life of the hedge; 
and 

the unrealised fair value gain/(loss) on hedges of accrual accounted term funding transactions are reversed in deriving 
cash earnings as they may create a material timing difference on statutory results but do not affect the Group's cash 
earnings during the life of the hedge. 

5.  Gain/(loss) on buyback of Government guaranteed debt – the Group has bought back certain Government guaranteed debt 
issues which reduces Government guarantee fees (70 basis points) paid. In undertaking the buybacks, a cost was incurred 
reflecting the difference between current interest rates and the rate at which the debt was initially issued. In the statutory 
result, the cost incurred is recognised at the time of the buyback. In cash earnings, the cost incurred is being amortised 
over the original term of the debt that was bought back consistent with a 70 basis point saving being effectively spread over 
the remaining life of the issue. The cash earnings adjustment gives effect to the timing difference between statutory results 
and cash earnings. 

6.  Fair value amortisation of financial instruments – the accounting for the merger with St.George resulted in the recognition 
of fair value adjustments on the St.George retail bank loans, deposits, wholesale funding and associated hedges, with 
these fair value adjustments being amortised over the life of the underlying transactions. The amortisation of these 
adjustments is considered to be a timing difference relating to non-cash flow items that do not affect cash distributions 
available to shareholders and therefore, have been treated as a cash earnings adjustment. 

7.  Amortisation of intangible assets – the merger with St.George and the acquisitions of J O Hambro Capital Management 

(JOHCM) and Lloyds resulted in the recognition of identifiable intangible assets. These assets include intangibles related to 
core deposits, customer relationships, management contracts and distribution relationships. These intangible items are 
amortised over their useful lives, ranging between four and twenty years. The amortisation of intangible assets (excluding 
capitalised software) is a cash earnings adjustment because it is a non-cash flow item and does not affect cash 
distributions available to shareholders. 

8.  Acquisition, transaction and integration expenses – costs associated with the acquisition of Lloyds have been treated as a 

cash earnings adjustment as they do not impact the earnings expected from the acquired businesses following the 
integration period. 

9.  Bell litigation provision – during the year ended 30 September 2012, the Group recognised additional provisions in respect 
of the long running Bell litigation. This was treated as a cash earnings adjustment at the time due to its size, historical 
nature and because it did not reflect ongoing operations. In the current year, the Bell litigation has been settled and the 
release of provisions no longer required has also been treated as a cash earnings adjustment. There are no matters 
outstanding with the Bell case. 

10.  Westpac Bicentennial Foundation grant – the Group provided a grant to establish the Westpac Bicentennial Foundation. 

The $100 million grant ($70 million after tax) has been treated as a cash earnings adjustment due to its size and because it 
does not reflect ongoing operations. 

11.  Prior period tax provisions – during the year ended 30 September 2011, the Group raised provisions in respect of certain 

tax positions for transactions previously undertaken by the Group. A number of these matters have now been resolved, 
resulting in a release of the provisions which are no longer required. As the provisions raised were treated as a cash 
earnings adjustment, the release has been treated in a consistent manner. 

12.  Supplier program – during the year ended 30 September 2012, the Group incurred and provisioned for expenses as part of 
its program to increase the use of global specialists in certain technology and back office operations. These expenses 
included costs associated with streamlining and better documenting systems and processes, technology costs to enable 
infrastructure and enhance interaction with suppliers, and costs associated with restructuring the workforce. Given these 
significant expenses were not considered in determining dividends they were treated as cash earnings adjustments. 

13.  Tax on Financial Arrangements (TOFA) tax consolidation adjustment – during the year ended 30 September 2012, taxation 
legislation was introduced that included retrospective amendments to the income tax law as it applies to TOFA and tax 
consolidated groups. The amendments had an adverse application to certain liabilities that were consolidated as part of the 
merger with St.George. This gave rise to an additional income tax expense of $165 million for the year ended 
30 September 2012. Consistent with other tax adjustments relating to the merger with St.George, this adjustment was 
treated as a cash earnings adjustment due to its size and because it did not reflect ongoing operations. 

2014 Westpac Group Annual Report 

101 

 
Cash earnings and assets by division 
The following tables present, for each of the key divisions of our business, the cash earnings and total assets at the end of the 
financial years ended 30 September 2014, 2013 and 2012. Refer to Note 33 to the financial statements for the disclosure of our 
geographic and business segments and the reconciliation to net profit attributable to owners of Westpac Banking Corporation. 

Cash earnings by business division 

Australian Financial Services 

Westpac Retail & Business Banking
St.George Banking Group
   BT Financial Group (Australia)
Westpac Institutional Bank
Westpac New Zealand
Other divisions
Total Cash Earnings

Total assets by business division 

Australian Financial Services 

Westpac Retail & Business Banking
St.George Banking Group
BT Financial Group (Australia)

Westpac Institutional Bank
Westpac New Zealand
Other divisions
Total assets

Years Ended 30 September 

2014
$m

2,582
1,580
895
1,468
790
313
7,628

2013
$m

2,355
1,392
773
1,575
632
336
7,063

As at 30 September 

2014
$bn

276.5
175.4
31.8
118.9
65.9
102.3
770.8

2013
$bn

261.9
159.8
32.2
97.2
61.5
88.5
701.1

2012
$m

2,158
1,189
685
1,418
553
561
6,564

2012
$bn

255.3
154.6
30.5
97.8
48.6
91.8
678.6

In presenting divisional results on a management reporting basis, internal charges and transfer pricing adjustments are 
included in the performance of each division reflecting the management structure rather than the legal entity (these results 
cannot be compared to results for individual legal entities). Where management reporting structures or accounting 
classifications have changed, financial results for comparative periods have been revised and may differ from results 
previously reported. 

Our internal transfer pricing frameworks facilitate risk transfer, profitability measurement, capital allocation and business unit 
alignment, tailored to the jurisdictions in which we operate. Transfer pricing allows us to measure the relative contribution of our 
products and divisions to the Group’s interest margin, and other dimensions of performance. Key components of our transfer 
pricing frameworks are funds transfer pricing for interest rate and liquidity risk, and allocation of basis and contingent liquidity 
costs, including capital allocation. 

Overhead costs are allocated to revenue generating businesses. 

102 

2014 Westpac Group Annual Report 

 
 
         
         
         
         
         
         
            
            
            
         
         
         
            
            
            
            
            
            
         
         
         
 
 
 
         
         
         
         
         
         
           
           
           
         
           
           
           
           
           
         
           
           
         
         
         
 
 
Australian Financial Services 
Australian Financial Services (AFS) is responsible for the Westpac Group’s Australian retail banking, business banking and 
wealth operations. It incorporates the operations of Westpac Retail & Business Banking, St.George Banking Group and 
BT Financial Group Australia. AFS also includes the product, marketing and risk management responsibilities for Australian 
retail banking and wealth. 

Performance of AFS 

Divisional performance 

Net interest income
Non-interest income
Net operating income before operating expenses and impairment charges 
Operating expenses
Impairment charges
Profit before income tax
Income tax expense
Profit attributable to non-controlling interests
Cash earnings for the year
Net cash earnings adjustments
Net profit attributable to owners of Westpac Banking Corporation

Deposits and other borrowings
Loans
Total assets
Total operating expenses to net operating income ratio

2014
$m
9,905
4,165
14,070
(6,115)
(671)
7,284
(2,188)
(39)
5,057
(147)
4,910

$bn
279.2
454.9
483.7
43.5% 

2013
$m
9,277
3,706
12,983
(5,732)
(780)
6,471
(1,933)
(18)
4,520
(150)
4,370

$bn
259.0
423.7
453.9
44.2% 

2012
$m
8,699
3,399
12,098
(5,511)
(863)
5,724
(1,684)
(8)
4,032
(151)
3,881

$bn
239.3
412.0
440.4
45.6%   

Westpac Retail & Business Banking 
Westpac Retail & Business Banking (Westpac RBB) is responsible for sales and service to consumer, small-to-medium 
enterprise (SME), commercial and agribusiness customers (with turnover of up to $100 million) in Australia under the 
Westpac brand. 

Activities are conducted through Westpac RBB’s network of branches, third party distributors, call centres, ATMs, EFTPOS 
terminals, internet and mobile banking services, business banking centres and specialised consumer and business relationship 
managers. Support is provided by cash flow, trade finance, transactional banking, financial markets, property finance and 
wealth specialists. 

All revenue from wealth products sold to Westpac RBB customers is included in BTFG’s financial results. Westpac RBB also 
recognises 50% of revenue generated from the sale of specific WIB products as part of the WIB/AFS partnership. 

Performance of Westpac RBB 

Net interest income
Non-interest income
Net operating income before operating expenses and impairment charges 
Operating expenses
Impairment charges
Profit before income tax
Income tax expense
Cash earnings for the year
Net cash earnings adjustments
Net profit attributable to owners of Westpac Banking Corporation

Deposits and other borrowings
Loans
Total assets
Total operating expenses to net operating income ratio

2014 Westpac Group Annual Report 

2014
$m
5,958
1,403
7,361
(3,233)
(437)
3,691
(1,109)
2,582
-
2,582

$bn
163.3
270.6
276.5
43.9% 

2013
$m
5,655
1,320
6,975
(3,124)
(486)
3,365
(1,010)
2,355
-
2,355

$bn
150.1
256.4
261.9
44.8% 

2012
$m
5,309
1,214
6,523
(3,052)
(429)
3,042
(884)
2,158
-
2,158

$bn
138.5
250.3
255.3
46.8%   

103 

 
 
 
 
2014 v 2013 
Westpac RBB delivered cash earnings of $2,582 million, up $227 million, or 10%. 

Net interest income increased 5% from a 3% rise in average interest-earning assets and a 6 basis point improvement 
in margins: 

  the 6 basis point rise in margins was due to improved deposit spreads, favourable deposit mix impacts and lower wholesale 
funding costs. Asset spreads were lower from competition for new lending, particularly in mortgages, along with an increase 
in fixed rate lending; 

  lending increased $14.2 billion or 6%, mostly in mortgages. A focus on improving all elements of the mortgage process has 

contributed to a 6% rise in mortgages with growth skewed to the second half of the year; and 

  deposits increased $13.2 billion or 9%, with most of the growth in higher quality, more stable balances particularly consumer 

savings and the transaction accounts of consumers and businesses. 

Non-interest income was up 6%, with most of the rise due to a lift in cards income from higher customer activity. Business 
income was also higher from a rise in lending activity and from more businesses managing their financial markets risks, 
especially foreign exchange. 

Operating expenses increased 3% with higher investment and regulatory change related spending and costs associated with 
increasing the number of customer facing employees. This was partially offset by productivity savings across the network. 

There was a further improvement in asset quality over the year with business impaired assets as a percent of total committed 
exposure falling by one third and consumer delinquencies improved a further 3 basis points to 0.47%. As a result, impairment 
charges were 10% lower over the year. 

St.George Banking Group 
St.George Banking Group (St.George) is responsible for sales and service to consumer, SME and corporate customers 
(businesses with facilities up to $150 million) in Australia under the St.George, BankSA, Bank of Melbourne and RAMS brands. 

Activities are conducted through St.George’s network of branches, third party distributors, call centres, ATMs, EFTPOS 
terminals, internet and mobile banking services, business banking centres and specialised consumer and business relationship 
managers. Support is provided by cash flow, trade finance, transactional banking, automotive and equipment finance, financial 
markets, property finance, and wealth specialists. 

All revenue from wealth products sold to St.George customers is included in BTFG’s financial results. St.George also 
recognises 50% of revenue generated from the sale of specific WIB products as part of the WIB/AFS partnership. 

Performance of St.George 

Net interest income
Non-interest income
Net operating income before operating expenses and impairment charges 
Operating expenses
Impairment charges
Profit before income tax
Income tax expense
Cash earnings for the year
Net cash earnings adjustments
Net profit attributable to owners of Westpac Banking Corporation

Deposits and other borrowings
Loans
Total assets
Total operating expenses to net operating income ratio

2014
$m
3,537
518
4,055
(1,560)
(236)
2,259
(679)
1,580
(125)
1,455

$bn
93.5
168.4
175.4
38.5% 

2013
$m
3,216
469
3,685
(1,402)
(293)
1,990
(598)
1,392
(128)
1,264

$bn
88.6
152.7
159.8
38.0% 

2012
$m
2,966
492
3,458
(1,328)
(433)
1,697
(508)
1,189
(129)
1,060

$bn
80.9
147.6
154.6
38.4%   

104 

2014 Westpac Group Annual Report 

 
 
 
 
Divisional performance 

2014 v 2013 
St.George delivered cash earnings of $1,580 million, up 14%. The Lloyds business contributed $47 million to full year 
cash earnings. 

Net interest income was up $321 million or 10%, supported by a 7% rise in average interest-earning assets and a 7 basis point 
improvement in margins: 

  the rise in margins was mostly due to improved deposit spreads and lower wholesale funding costs. The inclusion of Lloyds 
was also positive for margins given the mix of its portfolio. These increases were partially offset by a reduction in spreads on 
new business and mortgage lending; 

  lending was up $15.7 billion or 10%, excluding Lloyds loans increased $9.2 billion or 6%: 

–  mortgages increased $8.9 billion (up 8%). Growth was achieved across all brands and proprietary channels, particularly in 

Bank of Melbourne; 

–  business lending increased 12% over the period primarily due to the acquisition of Lloyds, excluding this, business 

lending was $0.4 billion lower principally from a further reduction in gearing from property related companies along with 
the work-out or exit of stressed assets; and 

–  other lending increased 9% (excluding the impact of Lloyds) from good growth in auto loans, personal loans and 

credit cards. 

  deposits were up $4.9 billion or 6%, with most of the increase in at call savings and transaction accounts. Term deposits 
declined 7% driven largely by business term deposits, as these customers preferred to hold balances in at call accounts. 
Consumer term deposits were up 3%. Acquiring the Lloyds book resulted in a 2 percentage point decline in the deposit to 
loan ratio. 

Non-interest income was up $49 million or 10%, with around half of the rise due to Lloyds. Business fees were also higher 
reflecting the cost of providing facilities, including for undrawn commitments. 

Operating expenses increased $158 million or 11%, with Lloyds contributing $86 million to the rise. Excluding Lloyds, expenses 
increased 5%. Ongoing costs were largely offset with productivity benefits with most of the increase due to 
investment, including: 

  Bank of Melbourne expansion has added around $33 million to expenses over the year including new branches, increased 

employee numbers and a rise in depreciation and amortisation; and 

  improving the customer experience including via new branch formats (FreshStart), and the Business Connect model for 

serving SME customers. 

Impairment charges were down $57 million or 19% across both consumer and business facilities as asset quality has materially 
improved across business and consumer portfolios. 

2014 Westpac Group Annual Report 

105 

 
BT Financial Group (Australia) 
BT Financial Group (Australia) (BTFG) is Westpac’s Australian wealth division. 

BTFG’s funds management operations include the manufacturing and distribution of investment, superannuation and retirement 
products, platforms including BT Wrap and Asgard, private banking, financial planning as well as equity capability and broking. 
BTFG’s insurance solutions cover the manufacturing and distribution of life, general and lenders mortgage insurance. 

BTFG’s brands include Advance Asset Management, Ascalon, Asgard, BT Investment Management Limited (BTIM) (60.8% 
owned by the Westpac Group and consolidated in BTFG’s Funds Management business), Licensee Select, BT Select, 
Securitor and the Advice, Private Banking and Insurance operations of Bank of Melbourne, BankSA, St.George and Westpac. 

Performance of BTFG 

Net interest income
Non-interest income
Net operating income before operating expenses and impairment charges 
Operating expenses
Impairment (charges)/benefits
Profit before income tax
Income tax expense
Profit attributable to non-controlling interests
Cash earnings for the year
Net cash earnings adjustments
Net profit attributable to owners of Westpac Banking Corporation

Deposits and other borrowings
Loans
Total assets
Funds under management
Funds under administration
Total operating expenses to net operating income ratio

Cash earnings 

Funds management business
Insurance
Capital and other
Total cash earnings

2014
$m
410
2,244
2,654
(1,322)
2
1,334
(400)
(39)
895
(22)
873

$bn 
22.4
15.9
31.8
89.0
112.7
49.8% 

2014
$m
539
319
37
895

2013
$m
406
1,917
2,323
(1,206)
(1)
1,116
(325)
(18)
773
(22)
751

$bn 
20.3
14.6
32.2
76.2
102.7
51.9%

2013
$m
429
268
76
773

2012
$m
424
1,693
2,117
(1,131)
(1)
985
(292)
(8)
685
(22)
663

$bn 
19.9
14.1
30.5
56.5
87.9
53.4%

2012
$m
378
231
76
685  

2014 v 2013 
Cash earnings were $895 million, an increase of $122 million or 16%. 

Funds Management cash earnings were up $110 million or 26%, driven by higher funds management performance fees (in 
BTIM), net flows onto Platforms and an increase in average FUM and FUA of 25% and 14% respectively. Advice income was 
up driven by an expanded planner network with continued focus on quality advice. The contribution from Private Wealth was 
also higher. 

The Insurance contribution was up $51 million or 19%, supported by a rise in net earned premiums of 19% in Life Insurance 
and 14% in General Insurance. These increases were partially offset by a lower contribution from LMI. 

Contribution from Capital and other was down significantly year on year mainly due to reduction in investment earnings from 
lower interest rates along with higher stamp duty costs. 

106 

2014 Westpac Group Annual Report 

 
 
        
        
 
 
 
 
Funds management business 

Net interest income
Non-interest income
Net operating income before operating expenses and impairment charges 
Operating expenses
Impairment (charges)/benefits
Profit before income tax
Income tax expense and non-controlling interests
Profit attributable to non-controlling interests
Cash earnings for the year
Net cash earnings adjustments
Net profit attributable to owners of Westpac Banking Corporation
Total operating expenses to net operating income ratio

Divisional performance 

2014
$m
365
1,692
2,057
(1,233)
2
826
(287)

539
(22)
517
59.9% 

2013
$m
339
1,426
1,765
(1,127)
(1)
637
(208)

429
(22)
407
63.9% 

2012
$m
339
1,239
1,578
(1,025)
(1)
552
(174)

378
(22)
356
65.0%   

Cash earnings of $539 million were up $110 million or 26%, driven by a 17% increase in net operating income before operating 
expenses and impairment charges. 

Net interest income was up 8% from higher lending and deposit volumes and stronger margins in Private Wealth. 

Non-interest income increased $266 million, or 19%: 

  FUM related revenue increased $105 million, up 23%, with a 25% rise in average FUM from inflows into Advance and Equity 
Income Funds, improved markets and positive foreign exchange movement impacts. FUM margins were little changed over 
the year; 

  outperformance against benchmarks in a number of portfolios has led to a significant rise in performance fees received in 

BTIM and JOHCM (up $79 million); 

  FUA revenue increased $47 million, up 11%, driven by good flows on platforms and improved markets. Average margins 

were flat over the year; 

  Advice income increased $38 million or 12% from new business revenue generated by an expanded planner network with 

continued focus on quality advice and increasing customer facing time; and 
  increased net flows into Advance, partially offset by lower equities income. 

Operating expenses increased $106 million or 9% from: 

  investment related costs, including the Panorama platform; 
  an increase in performance fee related bonuses associated with BTIM and JOHCM; and 
  other operating costs were up due to higher FTE costs associated with regulatory change and other volume related costs. 

Insurance business 

Net interest income
Non-interest income
Net operating income before operating expenses and impairment charges 
Operating expenses
Profit before income tax
Income tax expense and non-controlling interests
Cash earnings for the year
Net cash earnings adjustments
Net profit attributable to owners of Westpac Banking Corporation
Total operating expenses to net operating income ratio

2014
$m
6
525
531
(75)
456
(137)
319
-
319
14.1% 

2013
$m
6
437
443
(59)
384
(116)
268
-
268
13.3% 

2012
$m
3
387
390
(60)
330
(99)
231
-
231
15.4%   

Cash earnings increased $51 million or 19%, due to higher revenue from the expanded distribution network, improved sales 
across the Group’s banking brands and lower General Insurance claims. 

2014 Westpac Group Annual Report 

107 

 
 
 
 
 
 
Net operating income before operating expenses and impairment charges increased $88 million or 20%: 

  the Life and General Insurance businesses continue to offer a range of solutions to help our customers protect their wealth. 

Life Insurance revenue increased $40 million or 17%, with in-force premiums rising 16%. General Insurance revenue 
increased $58 million with gross written premiums rising 11% from growth in new business and pricing initiatives. 
  higher premiums in Life Insurance have been partially offset by a rise in net incurred claims consistent with the larger 

portfolio; while the value of lapses is higher, the lapse rates have remained flat and continue to be below industry averages; 

  enhancements to the claims management processes in General Insurance have contributed to lower claims in 2014; and 
  LMI revenue was down $10 million with the continued impact of the decision to de-risk the portfolio in 2009 and lower claims 

consistent with the decrease in portfolio size. 

Operating expenses increased $16 million or 27%, in-line with increased volumes and higher FTE costs in claims management 
to support the growth of the portfolio. 

Westpac Institutional Bank 
Westpac Institutional Bank (WIB) delivers a broad range of financial services to commercial, corporate, institutional and 
government customers with connections to Australia and New Zealand. 

WIB operates through dedicated industry relationship and specialist product teams, with expert knowledge in transactional 
banking, financial and debt capital markets, specialised capital, and alternative investment solutions. 

Customers are supported through branches and subsidiaries located in Australia, New Zealand, US, UK and Asia. 

Performance of WIB 

Net interest income
Non-interest income
Net operating income before operating expenses and impairment charges 
Operating expenses
Impairment (charges)/benefit
Profit before income tax
Income tax expense
Cash earnings for the year
Net cash earnings adjustments
Net profit attributable to owners of Westpac Banking Corporation

Deposits and other borrowings
Loans
Total assets
Total operating expenses to net operating income ratio

2014
$m
1,643
1,518
3,161
(1,207)
136
2,090
(622)
1,468
-
1,468

$bn
77.3
66.2
118.9
38.2% 

2013
$m
1,630
1,633
3,263
(1,115)
89
2,237
(662)
1,575
-
1,575

$bn
72.8
56.5
97.2
34.2% 

2012
$m
1,701
1,454
3,155
(1,030)
(127)
1,998
(580)
1,418
-
1,418

$bn
64.5
53.9
97.8
32.6%   

2014 v 2013 
WIB delivered cash earnings of $1,468 million, down 7% ($107 million). The lower result was largely due to the impact of items 
that boosted 2013, in particular: 

  CVA was a charge of $23 million in 2014, compared to an $87 million benefit in 2013, largely due to currency 

movements; and 

  revenue associated with Hastings’ exit of listed infrastructure funds generated income of $115 million in 2013. This income 

was not repeated in 2014. 

WIB’s cash earnings from all other activities increased $51 million or 4%. Customer revenue was up 6%. WIB has focused on 
meeting customer risk management needs and has delivered an uplift in lending and fee-related revenue. 

Net interest income increased $13 million, or 1%, compared to 2013 with a 13% increase in average interest-earning assets 
partly offset by a 24 basis point decline in margins. While margin pressure was experienced on both assets and liabilities, 
competition was most intense for transactional deposits: 

  lending grew $9.7 billion, or 17%, primarily in corporate lending and trade finance, with growth from Asia and the addition of 

Lloyds; and 

  deposits increased $4.5 billion, or 6%, as WIB continued to build on its total relationship focus. Growth was particularly 

strong in term deposits. 

108 

2014 Westpac Group Annual Report 

 
 
 
Divisional performance 

Non-interest income decreased $115 million or 7%. 2013 included significant revenue associated with Hastings’ exit of listed 
infrastructure funds, and an $87 million CVA benefit compared to a $23 million CVA charge in 2014. 

Excluding the impact of these items, WIB’s non-interest income was up $110 million reflecting: 

  growth in markets income, from improved customer flows. Growth over the year was most prominent in FX and 

commodities, carbon and energy (FX&CCE); 

  Lloyds contribution; and 
  increase in other fees from additional lending and transaction volumes. 

Operating expenses increased $92 million or 8%, mainly reflecting: 

  an increase in WIB’s investment in Asia ($60 million), including building product and technology capabilities along with 

additional FTE and branch premises costs; 
  Lloyds operating expenses ($15 million); and 
  increased costs from regulatory change ($14 million). 

Asset quality improved in 2014 and, as a result, impairments contributed a $136 million benefit, compared to an $89 million 
benefit in 2013. Write-backs and collectively assessed provision benefits continued in 2014, albeit at a lower rate than 2013, 
and new individually assessed provisions were significantly lower than 2013. 

Westpac New Zealand 
Westpac New Zealand is responsible for sales and service of banking, wealth and insurance products for consumers, business 
and institutional customers in New Zealand. 

Westpac conducts its New Zealand banking business through two banks in New Zealand: Westpac New Zealand Limited, 
which is incorporated in New Zealand and Westpac Banking Corporation (NZ Division), a branch of Westpac, which is 
incorporated in Australia. 

The division operates via an extensive network of branches and ATMs across both the North and South Islands. Business and 
institutional customers are also served through relationship and specialist product teams. Banking products are provided under 
the Westpac and WIB brands while insurance and wealth products are provided under Westpac Life and BT brands, 
respectively. New Zealand also has its own infrastructure, including technology, operations and treasury. 

Performance of Westpac New Zealand 

Net interest income
Non-interest income
Net operating income before operating expenses and impairment charges 
Operating expenses
Impairment charges
Profit before income tax
Income tax expense
Profit attributable to non-controlling interests
Cash earnings for the year
Net cash earnings adjustments
Net profit attributable to owners of Westpac Banking Corporation

Deposits and other borrowings1
Loans
Total assets2
Funds under management
Funds under administration
Total operating expenses to net operating income ratio
1  Refers to total customer deposits in this table. 
2 

2014
$m
1,455
438
1,893
(776)
(24)
1,093
(300)
(3)
790
-
790

$bn 
44.1
57.7
65.9
4.9
1.5
41.0% 

2013
$m
1,281
389
1,670
(697)
(97)
876
(241)
(3)
632
-
632

$bn 
41.4
54.7
61.5
3.9
1.2
41.7% 

2012
$m
1,201
367
1,568
(653)
(148)
767
(211)
(3)
553
-
553

$bn 
33.5
47.4
48.6
2.9
1.0
41.6%   

In 2014, total assets impacted by the transfer of $1.0 billion of assets to Westpac New Zealand from Group Businesses (Treasury). 

2014 Westpac Group Annual Report 

109 

 
 
 
2014 v 2013 
Westpac New Zealand delivered cash earnings of $790 million, up $158 million or 25%. 

Net interest income increased $174 million or 14%, of which foreign exchange translation impacts contributed $146 million. 
Excluding foreign exchange impacts, net interest income increased $28 million due to average interest-earning assets 
increasing 5% and margins declining 6 basis points. Margins and average interest-earning assets were impacted by the 
inclusion of Treasury assets (transfer from Group Businesses) in Westpac New Zealand’s result in the second half of 2014. 
Adjusting for these assets, margins were 4 basis points lower and average interest-earning assets were 4% higher: 

  drivers of the 4 basis point contraction in margin were: 

–  reduced lending spreads as customers switched to lower spread fixed rate mortgages, continued intense competition and 

business stressed assets run-off; and 

–  improved deposit spreads from active rate management, further portfolio optimisation and a reduction in wholesale 

funding costs. 

  total lending increased $3.0 billion or 5%: 

–  mortgages increased $2.1 billion or 6%, achieving 1.2 times system1 driven by good growth in mortgages with an LVR 

less than 80%; and 

–  business lending increased $0.8 billion or 4%, with growth in targeted areas in particular agriculture lending 

2.2 times system1. 

  deposits increased $2.7 billion, up 7% with the deposit to loan ratio up 82 basis points to 76.5%. The majority of the growth 
was in at call and transaction accounts which increased $2.3 billion or 12%, primarily in online deposits, up $1.7 billion. 

Non-interest income increased $49 million or 13%, driven by: 

  foreign exchange impacts of $44 million; and 
  increased insurance income and an uplift in fees earned from FUM/FUA growth, with balances up $1.3 billion or 25%, to 

$6.4 billion; partially offset by 

  insurance recoveries associated with the Christchurch earthquake received in 2013, which were not repeated in 2014. 

Operating expenses increased $79 million or 11%, of which foreign exchange translation impacts contributed $78 million. 

A continued focus on disciplined cost management has supported investment in strategic priorities which are contributing to 
both an enhanced customer experience and productivity benefits. As a result the expense to income ratio was down 75 basis 
points in 2014 to 41.0%. 

Impairment charges decreased $73 million or 75%, as asset quality continued to improve, with lower consumer delinquencies 
and the run-off and management of business stressed assets. 

1

   Source: Reserve Bank of New Zealand (RBNZ). 

110 

2014 Westpac Group Annual Report 

 
 
Divisional performance 

Other divisions 
Other divisions comprise: 

Westpac Pacific 
Westpac Pacific provides banking services for retail and business customers in seven Pacific Island Nations. Branches, ATMs, 
telephone banking and internet banking channels are used to deliver business activities in Fiji, Papua New Guinea (PNG), 
Vanuatu, Cook Islands, Tonga, Solomon Islands and Samoa. Westpac Pacific’s financial products include personal savings 
accounts, business transactional accounts, personal and business lending products, business services and a range of 
international products. 
Group Services1 
Group Services encompasses technology, banking operations, compliance, legal and property services. 

Treasury 
Treasury is primarily focused on the management of the Group’s interest rate risk and funding requirements by managing the 
mismatch between Group assets and liabilities. Treasury’s earnings are primarily impacted by the hedging decisions taken on 
behalf of the Group to manage net interest income outcomes and assist net interest income growth. 
Core Support1 
Core Support comprises those functions performed centrally, including finance, risk and human resources. 

Group Items 
Group Items includes earnings on capital not allocated to divisions, accounting entries for certain intra-group transactions that 
facilitate the presentation of the performance of our operating segments, earnings from non-core asset sales and certain other 
head office items such as centrally raised provisions. 

Performance of other divisions 

Net interest income
Non-interest income
Net operating income before operating expenses and impairment charges 
Operating expenses
Impairment charges
Profit before income tax
Income tax expense
Profit attributable to non-controlling interests
Cash earnings for the year
Net cash earnings adjustments
Net profit attributable to owners of Westpac Banking Corporation

2014 v 2013 
Other divisions’ cash earnings were $313 million in 2014, down $23 million. 

2014
$m
493
203
696
(148)
(91)
457
(120)
(24)
313
80
393

2013
$m
724
193
917
(215)
(59)
643
(252)
(55)
336
(162)
174

2012
$m
962
293
1,255
(233)
(74)
948
(329)
(58)
561
(477)
84  

Net operating income before operating expenses and impairment charges decreased $221 million with Treasury income 
impacted by low market volatility, contributing to lower returns from the liquids portfolio and balance sheet management. The 
impact of exchange controls in PNG, and hedging of New Zealand earnings and offshore capital also reduced income. This 
was partially offset by an increase in profit from asset sales, with remaining shares in Visa sold in 2014. 

Operating expenses were $67 million lower due to a reduction in defined benefits superannuation expense, employee 
provisions raised in 2013 that were not repeated and a decrease in centrally managed program costs. 

Impairment charges of $91 million reflect an increase in centrally held economic overlay impairment provisions related to 
sectors in the economy undergoing structural change. 

The effective tax rate reduced with the release of tax provisions no longer required, following the finalisation of prior period 
taxation matters. Non-controlling interests were lower by $29 million following the maturity of the 2003 TPS in 2013. 

1

   Costs are allocated to other divisions, largely AFS and WIB. 

2014 Westpac Group Annual Report 

111 

 
 
 
 
 
Risk and risk management 

Risk factors
Our business is subject to risks that can adversely impact 
our business, financial performance, financial condition and 
future performance. If any of the following risks occur, our 
business, financial performance, financial condition or future 
performance could be materially adversely affected, with the 
result that the trading price of our securities could decline 
and as a security holder you could lose all, or part, of your 
investment. You should carefully consider the risks 
described and the other information in this Annual Report 
before investing in our securities. The risks and uncertainties 
described below are not the only ones we may face. 
Additional risks and uncertainties that we are unaware of, or 
that we currently deem to be immaterial, may also become 
important factors that affect us. 

Risks relating to our business 
Our businesses are highly regulated and we could be 
adversely affected by failing to comply with existing 
laws and regulations or by changes in laws, regulations 
or regulatory policy 
As a financial institution, we are subject to detailed laws and 
regulations in each of the jurisdictions in which we operate 
or obtain funding, including Australia, New Zealand and the 
United States. We are also supervised by a number of 
different regulatory and supervisory authorities which have 
broad administrative power over our businesses. In 
Australia, the relevant regulatory authorities include the 
Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA), Reserve 
Bank of Australia (RBA), Australian Securities and 
Investments Commission (ASIC), Australian Securities 
Exchange (ASX), Australian Competition and Consumer 
Commission (ACCC), the Australian Transaction Reports 
and Analysis Centre (AUSTRAC) and the Australian 
Taxation Office (ATO). The Reserve Bank of New Zealand 
(RBNZ) and the Financial Markets Authority (FMA) have 
supervisory oversight of our New Zealand operations. In the 
United States we are subject to supervision and regulation 
by the US Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC), 
the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, the 
Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) and the 
U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). In other 
jurisdictions in which we operate, including the United 
Kingdom, Asia and various Pacific countries, we are also 
required to comply with relevant requirements of the local 
regulatory bodies. 

We are responsible for ensuring that we comply with all 
applicable legal and regulatory requirements (including 
accounting standards) and industry codes of practice in the 
jurisdictions in which we operate or obtain funding, as well 
as meeting our ethical standards. 

Compliance risk arises from these legal and regulatory 
requirements. If we fail to comply, we may be subject to 
fines, penalties or restrictions on our ability to do business. 
At a domestic level, an example of the broad administrative 
power available to regulatory authorities is the power 
available to APRA under the Banking Act 1959 in certain 
circumstances to investigate our affairs and/or issue a 
direction to us (such as a direction to comply with a 
prudential requirement, to conduct an audit, to remove a 
Director, executive officer or employee or not to undertake 
transactions). In recent years, there have been significant 
increases in the quantum of fines issued by global 

regulators. Any such fines, costs and restrictions could 
adversely affect our business, reputation, prospects, 
financial performance or financial condition. 

As with other financial services providers, we face increasing 
supervision and regulation in most of the jurisdictions in 
which we operate or obtain funding, particularly in the areas 
of funding, liquidity, capital adequacy, conduct and 
prudential regulation, anti-bribery and corruption, anti-money 
laundering and counter-terrorism financing and trade 
sanctions. In December 2010 the Basel Committee on 
Banking Supervision (BCBS) announced a revised global 
regulatory framework known as Basel III. Basel III, among 
other things, increases the required quality and quantity of 
capital held by banks and introduces new standards for the 
management of liquidity risk. APRA has now incorporated 
much of the framework into its prudential standards. Further 
details on the Basel III framework are set out in Section 1 
under ‘Information on Westpac’ and ‘Significant 
developments’. 

During the year ended 30 September 2014 there were also a 
series of other regulatory releases from authorities in the 
various jurisdictions in which we operate or obtain funding 
proposing significant regulatory change for financial 
institutions. This includes new accounting and reporting 
standards which have been finalised, global OTC derivatives 
reform and the US Dodd-Frank legislation, including the 
Volcker Rule promulgated thereunder. The latter is designed 
to reform the entire system for the supervision and 
regulation of financial firms that operate in or have a 
connection with the US, including non-US banks like 
Westpac. Other areas of proposed or potential change that 
could impact us include changes to tax legislation, regulation 
relating to remuneration, consumer protection and 
competition legislation, privacy and data protection, anti-
bribery and corruption, anti-money laundering and counter-
terrorism financing laws and trade sanctions. In addition, 
further changes may occur driven by policy, prudential or 
political factors. The Australian Government has 
commissioned a Financial System Inquiry with broad terms 
of reference. While a preliminary report has been released 
the final outcomes of this Inquiry are difficult to predict but 
may result in substantial regulatory changes, including 
additional capital requirements which could have a material 
impact on our business, prospects, financial performance or 
financial condition. Further details on the Inquiry are set out 
in Section 1 under ‘Significant developments’. 

Regulation is becoming increasingly extensive and complex. 
Some areas of potential regulatory change involve multiple 
jurisdictions seeking to adopt a coordinated approach. This 
may result in conflicts with specific requirements of the 
jurisdictions in which we operate and, in addition, such 
changes may be inconsistently introduced across 
jurisdictions. 

Changes may also occur in the oversight approach of 
regulators. It is possible that governments in jurisdictions in 
which we operate or obtain funding might revise their 
application of existing regulatory policies that apply to, or 
impact, Westpac’s business, including for reasons relating to 
national interest and/or systemic stability. 

112 

2014 Westpac Group Annual Report 

Regulatory changes and the timing of their introduction 
continue to evolve and we currently manage our businesses 
in the context of regulatory uncertainty. The nature and 
impact of future changes are not predictable and are beyond 
our control. Regulatory compliance and the management of 
regulatory change is an increasingly important part of our 
strategic planning. We expect that we will be required to 
continue to invest significantly in compliance and the 
management and implementation of regulatory change and, 
at the same time, significant management attention and 
resources will be required to update existing or implement 
new processes to comply with the new regulations. 

Regulatory change may also impact our operations by 
requiring us to have increased levels of liquidity and higher 
levels of, and better quality, capital as well as place 
restrictions on the businesses we conduct, require us to 
amend our corporate structure or require us to alter our 
product or service offerings. If regulatory change has any 
such effect, it could adversely affect one or more of our 
businesses, restrict our flexibility, require us to incur 
substantial costs and impact the profitability of one or more 
of our business lines. Any such costs or restrictions could 
adversely affect our business, prospects, financial 
performance or financial condition. 

For further information refer to ‘Significant developments’ in 
Section 1 and the sections ‘Critical accounting assumptions 
and estimates’ and ‘Future developments in accounting 
standards’ in Note 1 to the financial statements. 

Adverse credit and capital market conditions may 
significantly affect our ability to meet funding and 
liquidity needs and may increase our cost of funding 
We rely on credit and capital markets to fund our business 
and as a source of liquidity. Our liquidity and costs of 
obtaining funding are related to credit and capital market 
conditions. 

Global credit and capital markets can experience periods of 
extreme volatility, disruption and decreased liquidity as was 
demonstrated during the Global Financial Crisis. While there 
have now been extended periods of stability in these 
markets, the environment has become more volatile and 
unpredictable. The main risks we face are damage to market 
confidence, changes to the access and cost of funding and a 
slowing in global activity or through other impacts on entities 
with whom we do business. 

As of 30 September 2014, approximately 33% of our total 
funding originated from domestic and international wholesale 
markets, of this around 59% was sourced outside Australia 
and New Zealand. 

A shift in investment preferences of businesses and 
consumers away from bank deposits towards other asset or 
investment classes could increase our need for funding from 
other, potentially less stable or more expensive forms of 
funding. 

If market conditions deteriorate due to economic, financial, 
political or other reasons, our funding costs may be 
adversely affected and our liquidity and our funding and 
lending activities may be constrained. 

If our current sources of funding prove to be insufficient, we 
may be forced to seek alternative financing. The availability 

Risk and risk management 

of such alternative financing, and the terms on which it may 
be available, will depend on a variety of factors, including 
prevailing market conditions, the availability of credit, our 
credit ratings and credit market capacity. Even if available, 
the cost of these alternatives may be more expensive or on 
unfavourable terms, which could adversely affect our 
financial performance, liquidity, capital resources and 
financial condition. There is no assurance that we will be 
able to obtain adequate funding and do so at acceptable 
prices, nor that we will be able to recover any additional 
costs. 

If Westpac is unable to source appropriate funding, we may 
also be forced to reduce our lending or begin selling liquid 
securities. Such actions may adversely impact our business, 
prospects, liquidity, capital resources, financial performance 
or financial condition. 

Westpac enters into collateralised derivative obligations, 
which may require Westpac to post additional collateral 
based on movements in market rates, which have the 
potential to adversely affect Westpac’s liquidity. 

For a more detailed description of liquidity risk, refer to 
‘Liquidity risk’ in this section and Note 27 to the financial 
statements. 

Sovereign risk may destabilise financial markets 
adversely 
Sovereign risk is the risk that foreign governments will 
default on their debt obligations, will be unable to refinance 
their debts as they fall due, or will nationalise parts of their 
economy. Should one sovereign default, there could be a 
cascading effect to other markets and countries, the 
consequences of which, while difficult to predict, may be 
similar to or worse than those experienced during the global 
financial crisis. Such an event could destabilise global 
financial markets adversely affecting our liquidity, financial 
performance or financial condition. 

Failure to maintain credit ratings could adversely affect 
our cost of funds, liquidity, competitive position and 
access to capital markets 
Credit ratings are independent opinions on our 
creditworthiness. Our credit ratings affect the cost and 
availability of our funding from capital markets and other 
funding sources and they may be important to customers or 
counterparties when evaluating our products and services. 
Therefore, maintaining high quality credit ratings is 
important. 

The credit ratings assigned to us by rating agencies are 
based on an evaluation of a number of factors, including our 
financial strength, structural considerations regarding the 
Australian financial system and the credit rating of the 
Australian Government. A credit rating downgrade could be 
driven by the occurrence of one or more of the other risks 
identified in this section or by other events including changes 
to the methodologies used by the rating agencies to 
determine ratings. 

Failure to maintain our current credit ratings could adversely 
affect our cost of funds and related margins, collateral 
requirements, liquidity, competitive position and our access 
to capital markets. The extent and nature of these impacts 
would depend on various factors, including the extent of any 
ratings change, whether our ratings differ among agencies 

2014 Westpac Group Annual Report 

113 

 
(split ratings) and whether any ratings changes also impact 
our peers or the sector. 

and consumer sentiment, levels of employment, interest 
rates and trade flows in the countries in which we operate. 

A systemic shock in relation to the Australian, New 
Zealand or other financial systems could have adverse 
consequences for Westpac or its customers or 
counterparties that would be difficult to predict and 
respond to 
There is a risk that a major systemic shock could occur that 
causes an adverse impact on the Australian, New Zealand 
or other financial systems. 

As outlined above, during the past decade the financial 
services industry and capital markets have been, and may 
continue to be, adversely affected by market volatility and 
the negative outlook for global economic conditions. A shock 
to one of the major global economies could again result in 
currency and interest rate fluctuations and operational 
disruptions that negatively impact the Group. 

Any such market and economic disruptions could adversely 
affect financial institutions such as Westpac because 
consumer and business spending may decrease, 
unemployment may rise and demand for the products and 
services we provide may decline, thereby reducing our 
earnings. These conditions may also affect the ability of our 
borrowers to repay their loans or our counterparties to meet 
their obligations, causing us to incur higher credit losses. 
These events could also result in the undermining of 
confidence in the financial system, reducing liquidity, 
impairing our access to funding and impairing our customers 
and counterparties and their businesses. If this were to 
occur, our business, prospects, financial performance or 
financial condition could be adversely affected. 

The nature and consequences of any such event are difficult 
to predict and there can be no certainty that we could 
respond effectively to any such event. 

Declines in asset markets could adversely affect our 
operations or profitability 
Declines in Australian, New Zealand or other asset markets, 
including equity, residential and commercial property and 
other asset markets, could adversely affect our operations 
and profitability. 

Declining asset prices also impact our wealth management 
business. Earnings in our wealth management business are, 
in part, dependent on asset values because we typically 
receive fees based on the value of securities and/or assets 
held or managed. A decline in asset prices could negatively 
impact the earnings of this business. 

Declining asset prices could also impact customers and 
counterparties and the value of security (including residential 
and commercial property) we hold against loans and 
derivatives which may impact our ability to recover amounts 
owing to us if customers or counterparties were to default. It 
may also affect our level of provisioning which in turn 
impacts profitability. 

Our business is substantially dependent on the 
Australian and New Zealand economies 
Our revenues and earnings are dependent on economic 
activity and the level of financial services our customers 
require. In particular, lending is dependent on various factors 
including economic growth, business investment, business 

We conduct the majority of our business in Australia and 
New Zealand and, consequently, our performance is 
influenced by the level and cyclical nature of lending in these 
countries. These factors are in turn impacted by both 
domestic and international economic conditions, natural 
disasters and political events. A significant decrease in 
Australian and New Zealand housing valuations could 
adversely impact our home lending activities because 
borrowers with loans in excess of their property value may 
show a higher propensity to default and in the event of 
defaults our security would be eroded, causing us to incur 
higher credit losses. The demand for our home lending 
products may also decline due to buyer concerns about 
decreases in values. 

Adverse changes to the economic and business conditions 
in Australia and New Zealand and other countries such as 
China, India and Japan, could also adversely affect the 
Australian economy and our customers. In particular, due to 
the current relationship between Australia and China, 
particularly in the mining and resources sectors, a slowdown 
in China’s economic growth could negatively impact the 
Australian economy. Changes in economic conditions could 
in turn result in reduced demand for our products and 
services and affect the ability of our borrowers to repay their 
loans. If this were to occur, it could negatively impact our 
business, prospects, financial performance or financial 
condition. 

An increase in defaults in credit exposures could 
adversely affect our liquidity, capital resources, 
financial performance or financial condition 
Credit risk is a significant risk and arises primarily from our 
lending and derivatives activities. The risk arises from the 
possibility that some customers and counterparties will be 
unable to honour their obligations to us, including the 
repayment of loan principal and interest. 

We establish provisions for credit impairment based on 
current information. If economic conditions deteriorate, some 
customers and/or counterparties could experience higher 
levels of financial stress and we may experience a 
significant increase in defaults and write-offs, and be 
required to increase our provisioning. Such events would 
diminish available capital and could adversely affect our 
liquidity, capital resources, financial performance or financial 
condition. 

Credit risk also arises from certain derivative contracts we 
enter into and from our dealings with, and holdings of, debt 
securities issued by other banks, financial institutions, 
companies, governments and government bodies the 
financial conditions of which may be affected to varying 
degrees by economic conditions in global financial markets. 

For a discussion of our risk management procedures, 
including the management of credit risk, refer to the ‘Risk 
management’ section and Note 27 to the financial 
statements. 

114 

2014 Westpac Group Annual Report 

 
We face intense competition in all aspects of our 
business 
The financial services industry is highly competitive. We 
compete, both domestically and internationally, with retail 
and commercial banks, asset managers, investment banking 
firms, brokerage firms, other financial service firms and 
businesses in other industries with emerging financial 
services aspirations. This includes specialist competitors 
that may not be subject to the same capital and regulatory 
requirements and therefore may be able to operate more 
efficiently. Emerging competitors are increasingly utilising 
new technologies and seek to disrupt existing business 
models, including in relation to digital payment services. 

If we are unable to compete effectively in our various 
businesses and markets, our market share may decline. 
Increased competition may also adversely affect us by 
diverting business to our competitors or creating pressure to 
lower margins. 

Increased competition for deposits could also increase our 
cost of funding and lead us to access other types of funding. 
We rely on bank deposits to fund a significant portion of our 
balance sheet and deposits have been a relatively stable 
source of funding. We compete with banks and other 
financial services firms for such deposits. To the extent that 
we are not able to successfully compete for deposits, we 
would be forced to rely more heavily on other, potentially 
less stable or more expensive forms of funding, or reduce 
lending. 

We are also dependent on our ability to offer products and 
services that match evolving customer preferences. If we are 
not successful in developing or introducing new products 
and services or responding or adapting to changes in 
customer preferences and habits, we may lose customers to 
our competitors. This could adversely affect our business, 
prospects, financial performance or financial condition. 

For more detail on how we address competitive pressures 
refer to ‘Competition’ in Section 1. 

We could suffer losses due to market volatility 
We are exposed to market risk as a consequence of our 
trading activities in financial markets and through the asset 
and liability management of our financial position. In our 
financial markets trading business, we are exposed to losses 
arising from adverse movements in levels and volatility of 
interest rates, foreign exchange rates, commodity prices, 
credit prices and equity prices. If we were to suffer 
substantial losses due to any market volatility it may 
adversely affect our business, prospects, liquidity, capital 
resources, financial performance or financial condition. For a 
discussion of our risk management procedures, including the 
management of market risk, refer to the ‘Risk management’ 
section. 

We could suffer losses due to operational risks 
Operational risk is the risk of loss resulting from inadequate 
or failed internal processes, people and systems or from 
external events. It also includes, among other things, 
technology risk, model risk and outsourcing risk. 

We are also highly dependent on the conduct of our 
employees, contractors and external service providers. We 
could, for example, be adversely affected in the event of 
human error, inadequate or failed processes or if an 

Risk and risk management 

employee, contractor or external service provider engages in 
fraudulent conduct. We could incur losses from incorrect or 
fraudulent payments and settlements, particularly real-time 
payments. We could also incur losses from an unintentional 
or negligent failure to meet a professional obligation to 
specific clients, including fiduciary and suitability 
requirements, or from the nature or design of a product. 
These may include client, product and business practice 
risks such as product defects and unsuitability, market 
manipulation, insider trading, misleading or deceptive 
conduct, and inadequate or defective financial advice. While 
we have policies and processes to manage the risk of 
human error and employee, contractor or external service 
provider misconduct, these policies and processes may not 
always be effective. 

Fraudulent conduct can also emerge from external parties 
seeking to access the bank’s systems and customers’ 
accounts. If systems, procedures and protocols for 
managing fraud fail, or are ineffective, they could lead to loss 
which could adversely affect our business, prospects, 
reputation, financial performance, or financial condition. 

Entities within the Group may be involved from time to time 
in legal proceedings arising from the conduct of their 
business. The Group’s material contingent liabilities are 
described in Note 37 to the financial statements. There is a 
risk that these contingent liabilities may be larger than 
anticipated or that additional litigation or other contingent 
liabilities may arise. 

As a financial services organisation, Westpac is heavily 
reliant on the use of data and models in the conduct of its 
business. We are therefore exposed to model risk, being the 
risk of loss arising because of errors or inadequacies in data 
or a model, or in the control and use of the model. 

Westpac relies on a number of suppliers, both in Australia 
and overseas, to provide services to it and its customers. 
Failure by these suppliers to deliver services as required 
could disrupt services and adversely impact Westpac’s 
operations, profitability or reputation. 

Operational risks could impact on our operations or 
adversely affect demand for our products and services. 
Operational risks can directly impact our reputation and 
result in financial losses which would adversely affect our 
financial performance or financial condition. 

For a discussion of our risk management procedures, 
including the management of operational risk, refer to the 
‘Risk management’ section. 

We could suffer information security risks, including 
cyberattacks 
The proliferation of new technologies, the increasing use of 
the internet and telecommunications to conduct financial 
transactions and the growing sophistication and activities of 
organised crime have resulted in increased information 
security risks for major financial institutions such as Westpac 
and our external service providers. 

While Westpac has systems in place to detect and respond 
to cyberattacks, there can be no assurance that we will not 
suffer losses from cyberattacks or other information security 
breaches in the future. 

2014 Westpac Group Annual Report 

115 

 
Our operations rely on the secure processing, storage and 
transmission of information on our computer systems and 
networks, and the systems and networks of external 
suppliers. Although we implement significant measures to 
protect the security, integrity and confidentiality of our 
information, there is a risk that the computer systems, 
software and networks on which we rely may be subject to 
security breaches, unauthorised access, malicious software, 
external attacks or internal breaches that could have an 
adverse impact on our confidential information or that of our 
customers and counterparties. 

Major banks in other jurisdictions have recently suffered 
security breaches from sophisticated cyberattacks. Our 
external service providers or other parties that facilitate our 
business activities (e.g. vendors, exchanges, clearing 
houses, central depositories and financial intermediaries) 
are also subject to the risk of cyberattacks. Any such 
security breach could result in the loss of customers and 
business opportunities, significant disruption to Westpac’s 
operations, misappropriation of Westpac’s confidential 
information and/or that of our customers and damage to 
Westpac’s computers or systems and/or those of our 
customers. Such a security breach could also result in 
reputational damage, claims for compensation and 
regulatory investigations and penalties, which could 
adversely affect our business, prospects, financial 
performance, or financial condition. 

Our risk and exposure to such threats remains heightened 
because of the evolving nature of technology, Westpac’s 
prominence within the financial services industry and our 
plans to continue to improve and expand our internet and 
mobile banking infrastructure. 

We continue to seek to strengthen and enhance our 
cybersecurity systems and investigate or remediate any 
information security vulnerabilities, investing additional 
resources as required to counter new and emerging threats 
as they continue to evolve. 

We could suffer losses due to technology failures 
The reliability and security of our information and technology 
infrastructure are crucial in maintaining our banking 
applications and processes. There is a risk that our 
information and technology systems might fail to operate 
properly or become disabled as a result of events that are 
wholly or partially beyond our control. 

Further, our ability to develop and deliver products and 
services to customers is dependent upon technology that 
requires periodic renewal. We are constantly managing 
technology projects including projects to consolidate 
technology platforms, simplify and enhance our technology 
and operations environment, improve productivity and 
provide for a better customer experience. Failure to 
implement these projects or manage associated change 
effectively could result in cost overruns, a failure to achieve 
anticipated productivity, operational instability or reputational 
damage. In turn, this could place us at a competitive 
disadvantage and adversely affect our financial 
performance. 

We could suffer losses due to failures in risk 
management strategies 
We have implemented risk management strategies and 
internal controls involving processes and procedures 
intended to identify, monitor and manage the risks to which 
we are subject, including liquidity risk, credit risk, market risk 
(such as interest rate, foreign exchange and equity risk), 
compliance risk, conduct risk and operational risk; all of 
which may impact the Group’s reputation. 

However, there are inherent limitations with any risk 
management framework as there may exist, or emerge in 
the future, risks that we have not anticipated or identified. 

If any of our risk management processes and procedures 
prove ineffective or inadequate or are otherwise not 
appropriately implemented, we could suffer unexpected 
losses and reputational damage which could adversely 
affect our business, prospects, financial performance or 
financial condition. 

For a discussion of our risk management procedures, refer 
to the ‘Risk management’ section. 

We could suffer losses due to insurance risk 
We have exposure to insurance risk in our life insurance and 
general insurance businesses, which may adversely affect 
our business, operations and financial condition. 

Insurance risk is the risk of loss due to increases in policy 
benefits paid to customers arising from variations in the 
incidence or severity of insured events. 

In the life insurance business, insurance risk arises primarily 
through mortality (death) and morbidity (illness and injury) 
risks being greater than expected. 

In the general insurance business, insurance risk arises 
mainly through environmental factors (including floods and 
bushfires) and other calamities, such as earthquakes, 
tsunamis and volcanic activity, as well as general variability 
in home, contents, motor, travel and other insurance claim 
amounts. Further details on environmental risk factors are 
discussed below. 

We could suffer losses due to environmental factors 
We and our customers operate businesses and hold assets 
in a diverse range of geographic locations. Any significant 
environmental change or external event (including fire, 
storm, flood, earthquake or pandemic) in any of these 
locations has the potential to disrupt business activities, 
impact on our operations, damage property and otherwise 
affect the value of assets held in the affected locations and 
our ability to recover amounts owing to us. In addition, such 
an event could have an adverse impact on economic 
activity, consumer and investor confidence, or the levels of 
volatility in financial markets. 

The risk of loss due to environmental factors is also relevant 
to our insurance business. The frequency and severity of 
external events such as natural disasters is difficult to predict 
and it is possible that the amounts we reserve for such 
events may not be adequate to cover actual claims that may 
arise, which could adversely affect our business, prospects, 
financial performance or financial condition. 

116 

2014 Westpac Group Annual Report 

 
Reputational damage could harm our business and 
prospects 
Our ability to attract and retain customers and our prospects 
could be adversely affected if our reputation is damaged. 

Reputation risk arises where there are differences between 
stakeholders’ current and emerging perceptions, beliefs and 
expectations and our current and planned activities, 
performance and behaviours. 

There are various potential sources of reputational damage, 
including failure to effectively manage risks in accordance 
with our risk management frameworks, potential conflicts of 
interest, pricing policies, failure to comply with legal and 
regulatory requirements, making inaccurate public 
statements, environmental, social and ethical issues, 
engagement and conduct of external suppliers, failure to 
comply with anti-money laundering and anti-bribery and 
corruption laws, trade sanctions and counter-terrorism 
finance legislation or privacy laws, litigation, failure of 
information security systems, improper sales and trading 
practices, failure to comply with personnel and supplier 
policies, improper conduct of companies in which we hold 
strategic investments, technology failures and security 
breaches. Our reputation could also be adversely affected 
by the actions of the financial services industry in general or 
from the actions of customers, suppliers and other 
counterparties. 

Failure to appropriately address issues that could or do give 
rise to reputational risk could also impact the regulatory 
change agenda, give rise to additional legal risk, subject us 
to regulatory enforcement actions, fines and penalties, or 
remediation costs, or harm our reputation among customers, 
investors and the marketplace. This could lead to loss of 
business which could adversely affect our business, 
prospects, financial performance or financial condition. 

We could suffer losses due to impairment to capitalised 
software, goodwill and other intangible assets that may 
adversely affect our business, operations and financial 
condition 
In certain circumstances Westpac may be exposed to a 
reduction in the value of intangible assets. As at 
30 September 2014, Westpac carried goodwill principally 
related to its investments in Australia, other intangible assets 
principally relating to assets recognised on acquisition of 
subsidiaries and capitalised software balances. 

Westpac is required to assess the recoverability of the 
goodwill balances on at least an annual basis. For this 
purpose Westpac uses either a discounted cash flow or a 
multiple of earnings calculation. Changes in the assumptions 
upon which the calculation is based, together with expected 
changes in future cash flows, could materially impact this 
assessment, resulting in the potential write-off of part or all 
of the goodwill balances. 

Capitalised software and other intangible assets are 
assessed for indicators of impairment at least annually or on 
indication of impairment. In the event that an asset is no 
longer in use, or that the cash flows generated by the asset 
do not support the carrying value, an impairment will be 
recorded, adversely impacting the Group’s financial 
condition. 

Risk and risk management 

We could suffer losses if we fail to syndicate or sell 
down underwritten securities 
As a financial intermediary we underwrite listed and unlisted 
debt and equity securities. Underwriting activities include the 
development of solutions for corporate and institutional 
customers who need capital and investor customers who 
have an appetite for certain investment products. We may 
guarantee the pricing and placement of these facilities. We 
could suffer losses if we fail to syndicate or sell down our 
risk to other market participants. This risk is more 
pronounced in times of heightened market volatility. 

Certain strategic decisions may have adverse effects on 
our business 
Westpac, at times, evaluates and may undertake strategic 
decisions which may include business expansion, including 
acquisitions of businesses. The expansion or integration of a 
new business can be complex and costly and may require 
Westpac to comply with additional local or foreign regulatory 
requirements which may carry additional risks. These 
decisions may, for a variety of reasons, not deliver the 
anticipated positive business results and could have a 
negative impact on our business, prospects, engagement 
with regulators, financial performance or financial condition. 

Risk management 
Westpac’s vision is to be one of the world’s great 
companies, helping our customers, communities and people 
to prosper and grow. 

Effective risk management is one of the keys to achieving 
this goal. It influences our customer experiences and public 
perceptions, our financial performance, reputation and 
shareholder expectations, and thus our future success. We 
regard managing risk as a fundamental activity, performed at 
all levels of the Group. 

The Risk Management Strategy is approved by the Board 
and reviewed by the Board Risk and Compliance Committee 
(BRCC) on an annual basis or more frequently where 
required by a material business or strategy change or a 
material change to the Group’s risk profile. It is owned by the 
Chief Executive Officer. 

For further information regarding the role and responsibilities 
of the BRCC and other Board committees in managing risk, 
refer to ‘Corporate governance – Risk management’ in 
Section 1. 

The CEO and Executive Team are responsible for 
implementing our Risk Management Strategy and 
frameworks, and for developing policies, controls, processes 
and procedures for identifying and managing risk in all of 
Westpac’s activities. 

As outlined in the ‘Corporate governance’ section, we adopt 
a Three Lines of Defence approach to risk management 
which reflects our culture of ‘risk is everyone’s business’ and 
that all employees are responsible for identifying and 
managing risk and operating within the Group’s desired risk 
profile. We embed risk culture and maintain an awareness of 
risk management responsibilities through regular 
communication, training and other targeted approaches that 
support our risk management framework. 

For a comprehensive discussion of the risks to which 
Westpac is exposed, and its policies to manage these risks, 

2014 Westpac Group Annual Report 

117 

 
consumer category includes investment property loans to 
individuals, credit cards, personal loans, overdrafts and lines 
of credit. Our consumer credit risks are diversified, with 
substantial consumer market share in every state and 
territory in Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific region. 
Moreover, these customers service their debts with incomes 
derived from a wide range of occupations, in city as well as 
country areas. 

Exposures to businesses, government and other financial 
institutions are classified into a number of industry clusters 
based on groupings of related Australian and New Zealand 
Standard Industrial Classification (ANZSIC) codes and are 
monitored against industry risk limits. The level of industry 
risk is measured and monitored on a dynamic basis. We 
also control the concentration risks that can arise from large 
exposures to individual borrowers. 

refer to ‘Corporate governance – Risk management’ in 
Section 1 and Note 27 to the financial statements. 

Credit risk 
Credit risk is the risk of financial loss where a customer or 
counterparty fails to meet their financial obligations to 
Westpac. 

We have a framework and supporting policies for managing 
the credit risk associated with lending across our business 
divisions. The framework and policies encompass all stages 
of the credit cycle – origination, evaluation, approval, 
documentation, settlement, ongoing administration and 
problem management. For example, we have established 
product-based standards for lending to individuals, with key 
controls including minimum serviceability standards and 
maximum loan to security value ratios. We offer residential 
property loans to both owner-occupiers and investors at both 
fixed and variable rates, secured by a mortgage over the 
property or other acceptable collateral. Where we lend to 
higher loan to value ratios we typically also require lenders 
mortgage insurance. Similarly, we have established criteria 
for business, commercial, corporate and institutional lending, 
which can vary by industry segment. In this area we focus 
on the performance of key financial risk ratios, including 
interest coverage, debt serviceability and balance sheet 
structure. When providing finance to smaller business, 
commercial and corporate borrowers we typically obtain 
security, such as a mortgage over property and/or a general 
security agreement over business assets. For larger 
corporates and institutions we typically also require 
compliance with selected financial ratios and undertakings 
and may hold security. In respect of commercial property 
lending we maintain loan origination and ongoing risk 
management standards, including specialised management 
for higher value loans. We consider factors such as the 
nature, location, quality and expected demand for the asset, 
tenancy profile and experience and quality of management. 
We actively monitor the Australian and New Zealand 
property markets and the composition of our commercial 
property loan book across the Group. 

The extension of credit is underpinned by the Group’s 
Principles of Responsible Lending. This is reflected in our 
commitment to comply with all local legislation, codes of 
practice and relevant guidelines and obligations to market 
our products responsibly and stay in touch with the 
expectations of customers and the community. 

Refer to Note 27 to the financial statements for details of our 
credit risk management policies. 

Provisions for impairment charges on loans 
For information on the basis for determining the provision for 
impairment charges on loans refer to ‘Critical accounting 
assumptions and estimates’ in Note 1 to the financial 
statements. 

Credit risk concentrations 
We monitor our credit portfolio to manage risk 
concentrations. At 30 September 2014, our exposure to 
consumers comprised 71% (2013: 71%, 2012: 71%) of our 
on-balance sheet loans and 57% (2013: 57%, 2012: 57%) of 
total credit commitments. At 30 September 2014, 90% 
(2013: 90%, 2012: 91%) of our exposure to consumers was 
supported by residential real estate mortgages. The 

118 

2014 Westpac Group Annual Report 

 
Risk and risk management 

Liquidity risk 
Liquidity risk is the risk that the Group will be unable to fund assets and meet obligations as they become due. This risk could 
potentially arise as a result of: 

  an inability to meet both expected and unexpected current and future cashflows and collateral needs without affecting either 

daily operations or the financial condition of the bank; and/or 

  inadequate market depth or market disruption impacting the ability to offset or eliminate a position at the market price. 

Liquidity risk is managed through our BRCC-approved Liquidity Risk Management Framework. 

Refer to Note 27 to the financial statements for a more detailed discussion of our liquidity risk management policies. 

Westpac debt programs and issuing shelves 
Access in a timely and flexible manner to a diverse range of debt markets and investors is provided by the following programs 
and issuing shelves as at 30 September 2014: 

Program Limit 

Issuer(s) 

Program/Issuing Shelf Type  

Australia 

No limit 

Euro Market 

USD 2.5 billion 

USD 20 billion 

USD 70 billion 

USD 7.5 billion 

USD 40 billion 

EUR 5 billion 

Japan 

JPY 750 billion 

JPY 750 billion 

United States 

USD 45 billion 

USD 10 billion 

WBC 

Debt Issuance Program 

WBC  
WBC/WSNZL1 

Euro Transferable Certificate of Deposit Program 

Euro Commercial Paper and Certificate of Deposit Program 

WBC 
WSNZL1 
WBC2 
WSNZL3 

WBC 

WBC 

WBC 
WSNZL1 

Euro Medium Term Note Program 

Euro Medium Term Note Program 

Global Covered Bond Program 

Global Covered Bond Program 

Samurai shelf 

Uridashi shelf 

US Commercial Paper Program 

US Commercial Paper Program 

USD 35 billion 

WBC 

US MTN Program 

No limit 

No limit 

New Zealand 

WBC (NY Branch)  Certificate of Deposit Program 

WBC 

US Securities and Exchange Commission registered shelf 

No limit 

WNZL 

Medium Term Note and Registered Certificate of Deposit Program 

1  Notes issued under this program by Westpac Securities NZ Limited, London branch are guaranteed by Westpac New Zealand Limited, its 

parent company. 

2  Notes issued under this program are guaranteed by BNY Trust Company of Australia Limited as trustee of the Westpac Covered Bond Trust. 
3  Notes issued under this program by Westpac Securities NZ Limited, London branch are guaranteed by Westpac New Zealand Limited, its parent 

company, and Westpac NZ Covered Bond Limited. 

2014 Westpac Group Annual Report 

119 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Market risk 
Market risk is the risk of an adverse impact on earnings resulting from changes in market factors, such as foreign exchange 
rates, interest rates, commodity prices and equity prices. Market risk arises in both trading and banking book activities. 

Our trading activities are conducted in our Financial Markets and Treasury businesses. Financial Market’s trading book activity 
represents dealings that encompass book running and distribution activity. Treasury’s trading activity represents dealings that 
include the management of interest rate, foreign exchange (FX) and credit spread risk associated with wholesale funding, liquid 
asset portfolios and hedging of foreign currency earnings and capital deployed offshore. 

Refer to Note 27 to the financial statements for a more detailed discussion of our market risk management policies. 

The table below depicts the aggregate Value at Risk (VaR), by risk type, for the year ended 30 September: 

High

 $m
30.7
7.6
0.7
2.9
11.3
n/a
40.2

2014

Low

Average

 $m
6.3
1.2
0.1
1.3
5.4
n/a
9.5

 $m
15.6
3.0
0.3
2.0
9.2
(8.2)
22.0

Consolidated and Parent Entity
2013

High

 $m
30.8
5.7
0.8
6.1
13.0
n/a
35.4

Low

Average

 $m
9.1
0.5
0.1
1.2
5.8
n/a
12.5

 $m
16.7
2.1
0.3
2.9
7.9
(10.7)
19.2

High

 $m
29.0
8.0
1.8
5.1
21.6
n/a
41.2

2012

Low

Average

 $m
10.5
0.8
0.2
1.0
7.8
n/a
16.8

 $m
18.4
3.3
0.5
2.5
16.6
(12.5)
28.8

Interest rate risk
Foreign exchange risk
Equity risk
Commodity risk1
Other market risks2
Diversification effect
Net market risk
1 
2 

Includes electricity risk. 
Includes prepayment risk and credit spread risk (exposure to movements in generic credit rating bands). 

The graph below compares the actual profit and loss from trading activities on a daily basis to VaR over the reporting period: 

30

20

10

-

(10)

(20)

(30)

)

m
$
(

s
s
o
L
d
n
a
t
i
f
o
r
P
y

l
i

a
D

l

a
u
t
c
A

(40)

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

40

45

Daily Value at Risk ($m)

Each point on the graph represents one day’s profit or loss from trading activities. The result is placed on the graph relative to 
the associated VaR utilisation. The downward sloping line represents the point where a loss is equal to VaR utilisation. 
Therefore any point below the line represents a back-test exception (i.e. where the loss is greater than VaR). 

120 

2014 Westpac Group Annual Report 

 
 
        
          
        
        
          
        
        
        
        
          
          
          
          
          
          
          
          
          
          
          
          
          
          
          
          
          
          
          
          
          
          
          
          
          
          
          
        
          
          
        
          
          
        
          
        
         
       
       
        
          
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Risk and risk management 

Operational risk and compliance risk 
Operational risk is the risk of loss resulting from inadequate or failed internal processes, people and systems, or from external 
events including legal risk but excluding strategic and reputation risk. It also includes, among other things, technology risk, 
model risk and outsourcing risk. 

The way operational risk is managed has the potential to positively or negatively impact our customers, our employees, our 
financial performance and our reputation. 

Compliance risk is the risk of legal or regulatory sanction, financial or reputational loss, arising from our failure to abide by the 
compliance obligations required of us. 

Compliance is focused on meeting our legal and regulatory obligations in each of the jurisdictions in which we operate by 
proactively managing compliance risk. Refer to ‘Corporate governance’ in Section 1 for information on our management of 
operational and compliance risk. 

The Group’s Operational Risk Management Framework and Compliance Management Framework assist all divisions to 
achieve their objectives through the effective identification, assessment, measurement, management, monitoring, reporting, 
control and mitigation of their risks. The Operational Risk Management Framework defines the organisational and governance 
structures, roles and responsibilities, principles, policies, processes and systems that we use to manage operational risk. The 
Compliance Management Framework defines the principles, policies and processes, systems, and roles and responsibilities 
that we use to meet our obligations under the law, based on the letter and spirit of the regulatory standards that apply to the 
Group. The Frameworks are underpinned by a culture of individual accountability and responsibility, based on a Three Lines of 
Defence model. This is discussed in further detail in Note 27 to the financial statements. 

Other risks 
Business risk and risks arising from our strategic objectives and business plans 
The risk associated with the vulnerability of a line of business to changes in the business environment, strategic risk and risks 
specific to our business plans and objectives. 

Sustainability risks 
The risk of damage to Westpac’s reputation or financial performance due to failure to recognise or address material existing or 
emerging sustainability-related environmental, social or governance issues. 

The Group has in place a Sustainability Risk Management Framework that is supported by a suite of key supporting policies 
and position statements. These include the Principles for Doing Business, Principles for Responsible Lending, ESG Credit Risk 
Policy, Climate Change and Environment Position Statement and Action Plan and sensitive sector position statements, and 
Sustainable Supply Chain Management Code of Conduct and Framework, many of which are publicly available. The 
Sustainability Risk Management Framework was reviewed and updated in 2014. 

Westpac is also a signatory to a number of voluntary principles-based frameworks that guide the integration of ESG-related 
issues into investment analysis. These include the Equator Principles covering project finance activities and the Principles for 
Responsible Investment covering investment analysis. 

Equity risk 
The potential for financial loss arising from adverse movements in equity values. Equity risk can be direct, indirect 
or contingent. 

The Group’s direct equity risk arises from principal investments or net trading or underwriting positions in listed or unlisted 
equities. It also includes seed funding, debt for equity swaps, equity derivatives and other situations where the value of 
Westpac’s investment is directly affected by the change in value of the equity instrument to the full extent of that change. Our 
indirect equity risk is primarily related to the potential for equity market volatility to impact on fee income that is based on the 
size of funds under management and administration. Our contingent equity risk arises from normal lending activities secured by 
or with recourse to listed and/or unlisted equities and the borrower, or to another equity like source of risk protection. 
Contingent risk materialises when there is a default, and a subsequent shortfall from the realisation of equity related assets that 
is not covered from other sources of recourse. 

The Group has in place various policies, limits and controls to manage these risks and the conflicts of interest that can 
potentially arise. 

Insurance risk 
The risk of misestimation of the expected cost of insured events, volatility in the number or severity of insured events, and 
misestimation of the cost of incurred claims. 

Subsidiaries within the Group’s BT Financial Group undertake life insurance, general insurance and lenders mortgage 
insurance. They are governed by independent boards and are subject to separate regulatory oversight and controls. These 
subsidiaries have comprehensive reinsurance arrangements in place to transfer risk and protect against catastrophic events. 
They are capitalised to a level that exceeds the minimum required by the relevant regulator. 

2014 Westpac Group Annual Report 

121 

 
Related entity (contagion) risk 
The risk that problems arising in other Westpac Group members compromise the financial and operational position of the ADI 
in the Westpac Group. 

The Group has in place a Risk Management Framework and a suite of supporting policies and procedures governing the 
control of dealings with, and activities that may be undertaken by, Group members. Controls include the measurement, 
approval and monitoring of, and limitations on, the extent of intra-group credit exposures and other forms of parent entity 
support, plus requirements related to control of Group badging, product distribution, promotional material, service-level 
agreements and managing potential conflicts of interest. 

Reputation risk 
The risk to earnings or capital arising from negative public opinion resulting from the loss of reputation or public trust 
and standing. 

Reputation risk can arise from gaps between current and/or emerging stakeholder perceptions and expectations relative to our 
current or planned activities, performance or behaviours. It can affect the Group’s brands and businesses positively or 
negatively. Stakeholder perceptions can include (but are not limited to) views on financial performance, quality of products or 
services, quality of management, leadership and governance, history and heritage and our approach to sustainability, social 
responsibility and ethical behaviour. 

We have a Reputation Risk Management Framework and key supporting policies in place covering the way we manage 
reputation risk as one of our key risks across the Group, including the setting of risk appetite and roles and responsibilities for 
risk identification, measurement and management, monitoring and reporting. 

Structured entities 
We are associated with a number of structured entities in the ordinary course of business, primarily to provide funding and 
financial services products to our customers. 

Structured entities are typically set up for a single, pre-defined purpose, have a limited life and generally are not operating 
entities nor do they have employees. The most common form of structured entity involves the acquisition of financial assets by 
the structured entity that are funded by the issuance of securities to external investors (securitisation). Repayment of the 
securities is determined by the performance of the assets acquired by the structured entity. 

Under AAS, a structured entity is consolidated and reported as part of the Group if it is controlled by the parent entity in line 
with AASB 10 Consolidated Financial Statements. The definition of control is based on the substance rather than the legal 
form. Refer to Note 1 to the financial statements for a description of how we apply the requirements to evaluate whether to 
consolidate structured entities. Refer to Note 41 to the financial statements for further information. 

In the ordinary course of business, we have established or sponsored the establishment of structured entities in relation to 
securitisation, as detailed below. Capital is held, as appropriate, against all structured entity-related transactions 
and exposures. 

Covered bond guarantors 
Through our covered bond programs we assign our equitable interests in residential mortgage loans to a structured entity 
covered bond guarantor which guarantees the obligations of our covered bonds. We provide arm’s length swaps to the covered 
bond guarantor in accordance with relevant prudential guidelines. We have no obligation to repurchase any assets from the 
covered bond guarantor, other than in certain circumstances where there is a breach of representation or warranty. We may 
repurchase loans from the covered bond guarantor at our discretion, subject to the conditions set out in the transaction 
documents. 

As at 30 September 2014, the carrying value of assets pledged for the covered bond programs for the Group was $39.3 billion 
(2013: $34.2 billion). 

Refer to Note 32 to the financial statements for further details. 

Securitisation structured entities 
Through our securitisation programs we assign our equitable interests in assets (in respect of RMBS, principally residential 
mortgage loans, and in respect of ABS, principally auto receivables) to structured entities which issue securities to investors. 
We provide arm’s length interest rate swaps and liquidity facilities to the structured entities in accordance with relevant 
prudential guidelines. We have no obligation to repurchase any securitisation securities, other than in certain circumstances 
(excluding impaired assets) where there is a breach of representation or warranty within 120 days of the initial sale (except in 
respect of our program in New Zealand which imposes no such time limitation). We may remove assets from the program 
where they cease to conform with the terms and conditions of the securitisation programs or through a program’s  
clean-up features. 

As at 30 September 2014, own assets securitised through a combination of privately or publicly placed issues to Australian, 
New Zealand, European and United States investors was $11.6 billion (2013: $10.8 billion). 

122 

2014 Westpac Group Annual Report 

 
Risk and risk management 

Under AAS substantially all of the structured entities involved in our loan securitisation programs are consolidated by 
the Group. 

Refer to Note 32 to the financial statements for further details. 

Customer funding conduits 
We arrange financing for certain customer transactions through a commercial paper conduit that provides customers with 
access to the commercial paper market. As at 30 September 2014, we administered one significant conduit (2013: one), that 
was created prior to 1 February 2003, with commercial paper outstanding of $1.4 billion (2013: $1.8 billion). We provide a letter 
of credit facility as credit support to the commercial paper issued by the conduit. This facility is a variable interest in the conduit 
that we administer and represents a maximum exposure to loss of $147 million as at 30 September 2014 (2013: $186 million). 
The conduit is consolidated by the Group. 

Refer to Note 32 to the financial statements for further details. 

Structured finance transactions 
We have entered into transactions with structured entities to provide financing to customers or to provide financing to the 
Group. Any financing arrangements to customers are entered into under normal lending criteria and are subject to our normal 
credit approval processes. The assets arising from these financing activities are generally included in receivables due from 
other financial institutions or available-for-sale securities. The liabilities arising from these financing activities are generally 
included in payables due to other financial institutions, debt issues or financial liabilities designated at fair value. Exposures in 
the form of guarantees or undrawn credit lines are included within contingent liabilities and credit-related commitments. 

Off-balance sheet arrangements 
Wealth management activity 
Refer to Note 38 to the financial statements for details of our wealth management activities. 

Other off-balance sheet arrangements 
Refer to Note 36 to the financial statements for details of our superannuation plans and Note 37 for details of our contingent 
liabilities, contingent assets and credit commitments. 

Financial reporting 
Internal control over financial reporting 
The US Congress passed the Public Company Accounting Reform and Investor Protection Act in July 2002, which is commonly 
known as the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (SOX). SOX is a wide ranging piece of US legislation concerned largely with 
financial reporting and corporate governance. We are obligated to comply with SOX by virtue of being a foreign registrant with 
the SEC and we have established procedures designed to comply with all applicable requirements of SOX. 

Disclosure controls and procedures 
Our management, with the participation of our CEO and CFO, evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of our 
disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) under the US Securities Exchange Act of 1934) as of 
30 September 2014. 

Based upon this evaluation, our CEO and CFO have concluded that the design and operation of our disclosure controls and 
procedures were effective as of 30 September 2014. 

Management’s Report on internal control over financial reporting 
Rule 13a-15(a) under the US Securities Exchange Act of 1934 requires us to maintain an effective system of internal control 
over financial reporting. Refer to the sections headed ‘Management’s report on internal control over financial reporting’ and 
‘Report of independent registered public accounting firm’ in Section 3 for those reports. 

Changes in our internal control over financial reporting 
There has been no change in our internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) of the US Securities 
Exchange Act of 1934) for the year ended 30 September 2014 that has been identified that has materially affected, or is 
reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting. 

2014 Westpac Group Annual Report 

123 

 
 
Other Westpac business information 

Employees 
The number of employees in each area of business as at 
30 September1: 

2014

2013

2012

AFS

Westpac RBB
St.George
BTFG

9,882
5,629
4,169
1,872
4,342
10,479
36,373

9,847
5,149
4,164
1,793
4,481
10,163
35,597

10,171
5,106
3,898
1,751
4,691
10,058
35,675

WIB
Westpac New Zealand
Other
Total employees
1  Total employees includes full-time, pro-rata part-time, overtime, 

temporary and contract staff. 

2014 v 2013 
Total FTE increased by 776 compared to 
30 September 2013. This increase was driven by the 
acquisition of Lloyds (554 FTE) and investment in Bank of 
Melbourne (149 FTE), further expansion in Asia (91 FTE) 
and simplification programs (61 FTE). These were partly 
offset by productivity program benefits. 

Property 
We occupy premises primarily in Australia, New Zealand 
and the Pacific Islands including 1,534 branches, 
(2013: 1,544) as at 30 September 2014. As at 
30 September 2014, we owned approximately 2.0% 
(2013: 2.0%) of the premises we occupied in Australia, none 
(2013: none) in New Zealand and 54% (2013: 53%) in the 
Pacific Islands. The remainder of premises are held under 
commercial lease with the terms generally averaging five 
years. As at 30 September 2014, the carrying value of our 
directly owned premises and sites was approximately 
$228 million (2013: $182 million). 
Westpac Place in the Sydney CBD is the Group’s head 
office and has a 6,414 seat capacity. In 2008 we signed a 
10 year 9 month lease, which commenced in 
November 2008 and contains three six-year options to 
extend. 
60 Martin Place in the Sydney CBD is the next largest 
corporate site. The Martin Place office has a 2,379 seat 
capacity. A lease commitment at this site extends to 2015. 
We have retained a corporate presence in Kogarah, in the 
Sydney metro area, which is a key corporate office of 
St.George. The Kogarah head office has a 2,319 seat 
capacity. A lease commitment at this site extends to 2021 
with five five-year options to extend. 
In July 2010, Westpac entered into a lease and services 
agreement for a purpose built data centre in Western 
Sydney. This agreement relates to the design, construction 
and operation of the data centre and is for a period of 
15 years with two further five year option periods. The site 
was handed over on 28 September 2011. 
In November 2011, an Agreement for Lease for part of 
150 Collins Street, Melbourne, was executed between the 
following parties: Westpac Banking Corporation (Tenant), 
APN (Lessor), and APN and Grocon (Developers). The term 
of the lease is 12 years. Construction is near completion, 
with occupancy expected to commence late-2014. 

In June 2012, an Agreement for Lease between Westpac 
Banking Corporation and Lend Lease (Millers Point) Pty Ltd 
(Developer) was executed with Westpac as anchor tenant 
for the T2 Tower at the Barangaroo South development. The 
term of the lease is 15 years. Design and construction is 
progressing in line with project milestones, with occupancy 
on track for mid- to late-2015 
In February 2014, Westpac exercised its contractual right to 
purchase 100% of the units in the North Ryde Office Trust. 
The assets acquired consist of a data centre and the land on 
which it resides. Prior to this acquisition, Westpac had a long 
term lease for the data centre. 
‘Westpac on Takutai Square’ is Westpac New Zealand’s 
head office, located at the Eastern end of Britomart Precinct 
near Customs Street in Auckland, contains 24,510 square 
metres of office space across two buildings and has a 
capacity of approximately 2,110 seats. A lease commitment 
at this site extends to 2021, with two six-year options to 
extend. 

Significant long term agreements 
Westpac’s significant long term agreements are summarised 
in Note 35 to the financial statements. 

Related party disclosures 
Details of our related party disclosures are set out in Note 42 
to the financial statements and details of Directors’ interests 
in securities are set out in the Remuneration Report included 
in the Directors’ Report. The related party disclosures relate 
principally to transactions with our Directors and Director-
related parties as we do not have individually significant 
shareholders and our transactions with other related parties 
are not significant. 
Other than as disclosed in Note 42 to the financial 
statements and the Remuneration Report, if applicable, 
loans made to parties related to Directors and other key 
management personnel of Westpac are made in the ordinary 
course of business on normal terms and conditions 
(including interest rates and collateral). Loans are made on 
the same terms and conditions (including interest rates and 
collateral) as apply to other employees and certain 
customers in accordance with established policy. These 
loans do not involve more than the normal risk of 
collectability or present any other unfavourable features. 

Auditor’s remuneration 
Auditor’s remuneration, including goods and services tax, to 
the external auditor for the years ended 30 September 2014 
and 2013 is provided in Note 34 to the financial statements. 

Audit related services 
Westpac Group Secretariat monitors the application of the 
pre-approval process in respect of audit, audit-related and 
non-audit services provided by PricewaterhouseCoopers 
(PwC) and promptly brings to the attention of the BAC any 
exceptions that need to be approved pursuant to paragraph 
(c)(7)(i)(C) of Rule 2-01 of Regulation S-X. The pre-approval 
guidelines are communicated to Westpac’s divisions through 
publication on the Westpac intranet. 
During the year ended 30 September 2014, there were no 
fees paid by Westpac to PwC that required approval by the 
BAC pursuant to paragraph (c)(7)(i)(C) of Rule 2-01 of 
Regulation S-X. 

124 

2014 Westpac Group Annual Report 

 
     
     
   
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
   
   
   
   
   
   
 
 
03 

Note 25  Share-based payments 
Note 26  Average balance sheet and interest rates 
Note 27  Financial risk 
  Note 27.1  Approach to risk management 
  Note 27.2  Credit risk management 
  Note 27.3  Funding and liquidity risk 
management 

  Note 27.4  Market risk 
Note 28  Fair values of financial assets and 

liabilities 

Note 29  Derivative financial instruments 
Note 30  Offsetting financial assets and financial 

liabilities 
Note 31  Capital adequacy 
Note 32  Securitisation and covered bonds 
Note 33  Group segment information 
Note 34  Auditor’s remuneration 
Note 35  Expenditure commitments 
Note 36  Superannuation commitments 
Note 37  Contingent liabilities, contingent assets 

and credit commitments 

Note 38  Fiduciary activities 
Note 39  Group entities 
Note 40  Other group investments 
Note 41  Structured entities 
Note 42  Related party disclosures 
Note 43  Notes to the cash flow statements 
Note 44  Subsequent events 

Financial statements 

Income statements 
Statements of comprehensive income 
Balance sheets 
Statements of changes in equity 
Cash flow statements 

Notes to the financial statements

Note 1  Summary of significant accounting policies 
Note 2  Net interest income 
Note 3  Non-interest income 
Note 4  Operating expenses 
Note 5 
Income tax 
Note 6  Dividends 
Note 7  Earnings per share 
Note 8  Receivables due from other financial 

Note 9 

institutions 
Trading securities and other financial 
assets designated at fair value 

Note 10  Available-for-sale securities 
Note 11  Loans 
Note 12  Provisions for impairment charges 
Note 13  Property, plant and equipment 
Note 14  Deferred tax assets and deferred tax 

liabilities 

Note 15  Goodwill and other intangible assets 
Note 16  Other assets 
Note 17  Payables due to other financial institutions 
Note 18  Deposits and other borrowings 
Note 19  Other financial liabilities at fair value 
through income statement 

Note 20  Provisions 
Note 21  Other liabilities 
Note 22  Debt issues 
Note 23  Loan capital 
Note 24  Shareholders’ equity and non-controlling 

interests 

Statutory statements 

Directors’ declaration 
Management’s report on internal control over financial reporting 
Independent Auditor’s report to the members of Westpac Banking Corporation 
Report of independent registered public accounting firm 

Financial statements 

Income statements for the years ended 30 September 
Westpac Banking Corporation 

Consolidated

Parent Entity

Note
2
2

2014
$m
32,248
(18,706)
13,542
6,395

20131
$m
33,009
(20,188)
12,821
5,774

20121
$m
36,873
(24,371)
12,502
5,481

2014
$m
32,076
(21,012)
11,064
5,905

20131
$m
32,942
(22,123)
10,819
5,375

3

Interest income 
Interest expense 
Net interest income
Non-interest income
Net operating income before operating expenses and 
impairment charges
Operating expenses
Impairment charges
Profit before income tax
Income tax expense
Net profit for the year
Profit attributable to non-controlling interests
Net profit attributable to owners of Westpac 
Banking Corporation
Earnings per share (cents)
Basic
Diluted
1  Prior period comparatives have been restated for the effects of new and amended Accounting Standards that are effective this financial year. Refer to 

16,194
(6,499)
(662)
9,033
(2,228)
6,805
-

16,969
(6,939)
(561)
9,469
(2,235)
7,234
-

17,983
(7,957)
(1,212)
8,814
(2,812)
6,002
(66)

18,595
(7,976)
(847)
9,772
(2,947)
6,825
(74)

19,937
(8,547)
(650)
10,740
(3,115)
7,625
(64)

218.3
213.5

194.7
189.4

243.7
238.7

4
12

6,805

7,561

6,751

7,234

5,936

7
7

5

‘Summary of quantitative impacts’ in Note 1 for further details. 

The above income statements should be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes. 

126 

2014 Westpac Group Annual Report 

 
   
   
   
   
   
  
  
  
  
  
   
   
   
   
   
     
     
     
     
     
   
   
   
   
   
    
    
    
    
    
       
       
    
       
       
   
     
     
     
     
    
    
    
    
    
     
     
     
     
     
         
         
         
             
             
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
 
 
 
Financial statements 

Statements of comprehensive income for the years ended 30 September 
Westpac Banking Corporation 

Net profit for the year
Other comprehensive income
Items that may be reclassified subsequently to profit or loss
Gains/(losses) on available-for-sale securities:

Recognised in equity
Transferred to income statements

Gains/(losses) on cash flow hedging instruments:

Recognised in equity
Transferred to income statements

Exchange differences on translation of foreign operations
Income tax on items taken directly to or transferred directly from equity:

Available-for-sale securities reserve
Cash flow hedging reserve
Foreign currency translation reserve

Items that will not be reclassified subsequently to profit or loss

Own credit adjustment on financial liabilities designated at fair value
Remeasurement of defined benefit obligation recognised in equity
(net of tax)

Other comprehensive income for the year (net of tax)
Total comprehensive income for the year
Attributable to:

Note

10

Consolidated

Parent Entity

2014
$m
7,625

20131
$m
6,825

20121
$m
6,002

2014
$m
7,234

20131
$m
6,805

263
(94)

41
(197)
61

(52)
47
-

57
(104)

(51)
(234)
114

15
85
(11)

139
(127)

519
-
(64)

(1)
(160)
4

222
9

90
(239)
14

(48)
45
-

7
(88)

(68)
(260)
125

16
98
(11)

11

44

-

11

44

(47)
33
7,658

247
162
6,987

57
367
6,369

(49)
55
7,289

225
88
6,893

Owners of Westpac Banking Corporation
Non-controlling interests

6,893
-
6,893
Total comprehensive income for the year
1  Prior period comparatives have been restated for the effects of new and amended Accounting Standards that are effective this financial year. Refer to 

7,289
-
7,289

6,913
74
6,987

7,594
64
7,658

6,303
66
6,369

‘Summary of quantitative impacts’ in Note 1 for further details. 

The above statements of comprehensive income should be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes. 

2014 Westpac Group Annual Report 

127 

 
 
 
 
Balance sheets as at 30 September 
Westpac Banking Corporation 

Assets
Cash and balances with central banks
Receivables due from other financial institutions
Trading securities and other financial assets designated at fair value
Derivative financial instruments
Available-for-sale securities
Loans
Life insurance assets
Regulatory deposits with central banks overseas
Due from subsidiaries
Investments in subsidiaries
Property, plant and equipment
Deferred tax assets
Goodwill and other intangible assets
Other assets
Total assets
Liabilities
Payables due to other financial institutions
Deposits and other borrowings
Other financial liabilities at fair value through income statement
Derivative financial instruments
Debt issues
Current tax liabilities
Life insurance liabilities
Due to subsidiaries
Provisions
Deferred tax liabilities
Other liabilities 
Total liabilities excluding loan capital
Loan capital
Total liabilities
Net assets
Shareholders’ equity
Share capital:

Consolidated

Parent Entity

Note

2014
$m

20131
$m

2014
$m

20131
$m

23,400
5,483
44,324
41,307
32,009

25,760
7,424
45,909
41,404
36,024

11,699
11,210
49,089
28,356
30,011

9,509
43
9,317
8
47,018
9
28,405
29
10
26,394
11 580,343 536,164 505,604 471,657
-
1,463
- 140,098 119,038
4,880
-
971
1,174
1,632
1,773
9,725
12,341
3,697
4,560
770,842 701,097 815,468 733,706

11,007
1,528
-
-
1,452
1,397
12,606
5,988

4,687
1,113
1,322
9,715
5,017

13,149
1,571

-
1,389

13
14
15
16

8,836

18,636

18,411

19,155
39,141

10,302
32,990

19,236
39,539

17
8,738
18 460,822 424,482 414,183 380,208
10,302
19
32,438
29
22 152,251 144,133 127,846 121,555
840
895
614
-
11,938
-
- 135,066 120,553
1,395
-
7,395
710,647 644,230 762,228 683,424
9,330
721,505 653,560 773,086 692,754
40,952

662
9,637
-
1,618
55
8,191

1,403
-
6,409

1,576
22
9,056

20
14
21

42,382

49,337

10,858

10,858

47,537

9,330

23

Ordinary share capital
Treasury shares and RSP treasury shares

27,021
(181)
691
Reserves
12,666
Retained profits
755
Convertible debentures
40,952
Total equity attributable to owners of Westpac Banking Corporation
-
Non-controlling interests
40,952
Total shareholders’ equity and non-controlling interests
1  Prior period comparatives have been restated for the effects of new and amended Accounting Standards that are effective this financial year. Refer to 

26,943
(304)
1,176
20,641
-
48,456
881
49,337

27,021
(253)
953
18,953
-
46,674
863
47,537

26,943
(239)
921
14,002
755
42,382
-
42,382

24
24

24

24

‘Summary of quantitative impacts’ in Note 1 for further details. 

The above balance sheets should be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes. 

128 

2014 Westpac Group Annual Report 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
        
          
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Statements of changes in equity as at 30 September 
Westpac Banking Corporation 

Share capital
Balance as at beginning of the year
Shares issued:

Dividend reinvestment plan
Exercise of employee share options and rights
Redemption of Westpac SPS

Shares purchased for delivery upon exercise of options and share rights (net of tax)
Shares purchased for delivery of employee share plan
Acquisition of RSP treasury shares
Disposal/(acquisition) of other treasury shares
Balance as at end of the year
Available-for-sale securities reserve
Balance as at beginning of the year
Current period movement due to changes in other comprehensive income:

Net gains/(losses) from changes in fair value 
Exchange differences
Income tax effect
Transferred to income statements
Income tax effect

Balance as at end of the year
Share-based payment reserve
Balance as at beginning of the year
Current period movement due to transactions with employees
Balance as at end of the year
Cash flow hedging reserve
Balance as at beginning of the year
Current period movement due to changes in other comprehensive income:

Net gains/(losses) from changes in fair value 
Income tax effect
Transferred to income statements
Income tax effect

Balance as at end of the year
Foreign currency translation reserve
Balance as at beginning of the year
Current period movement due to changes in other comprehensive income:

Exchange differences on translation of foreign operations
Tax on foreign currency translation adjustment

Balance as at end of the year
Other reserves
Balance as at beginning of the year
Transactions with owners
Balance as at end of the year
Total reserves
Movements in retained profits were as follows
Balance as at beginning of the year
Current period movement due to changes in other comprehensive income:

Profit attributable to owners of Westpac Banking Corporation
Own credit adjustment on financial liabilities designated at fair value
Remeasurement of defined benefit obligation recognised in equity (net of tax)

Transaction with owners:

Financial statements 

Consolidated
20131
$m

2014
$m

Parent Entity

20121
$m

2014
$m

20131
$m

26,768

26,163

25,269

26,840

26,241

-
49
-
(100)
(27)
(59)
8
26,639

531
124
173
(162)
-
(68)
7
26,768

873
26
-
-
-
(8)
3
26,163

-
49
-
(100)
(27)
(59)
1
26,704

531
124
173
(162)
-
(68)
1
26,840

12

44

31

(104)

(39)

263
-
(79)
(94)
27
129

920
156
1,076

271

41
(12)
(197)
59
162

57
-
(17)
(104)
32
12

790
130
920

471

(51)
14
(234)
71
271

139
2
(39)
(127)
38
44

648
142
790

112

519
(160)
-
-
471

222
-
(69)
9
21
79

846
137
983

254

90
(27)
(239)
72
150

7
-
(10)
(88)
26
(104)

727
119
846

484

(68)
20
(260)
78
254

(251)

(354)

(294)

(346)

(460)

61
-
(190)

1
(2)
(1)
1,176

114
(11)
(251)

7
(6)
1
953

(64)
4
(354)

1
6
7
958

14
-
(332)

41
-
41
921

125
(11)
(346)

41
-
41
691

18,953

17,174

16,105

12,666

10,911

7,561
11
(47)

6,751
44
247

5,936
-
57

7,234
11
(49)

6,805
44
225

Ordinary dividends paid
Special dividends paid
Distributions on convertible debentures
Realised gain on redemption of 2003 TPS

(5,258)
(310)
(47)
296
12,666
Balance as at end of the year
6,893
Total comprehensive income attributable to owners of Westpac Banking Corporation
-
Total comprehensive income attributable to non-controlling interests
6,893  
Total comprehensive income for the year
1  Prior period comparatives have been restated for the effects of new and amended Accounting Standards that are effective this financial year. Refer to 

(5,534)
(310)
(16)
-
14,002
7,289
-
7,289

(5,527)
(310)
-
-
20,641
7,594
64
7,658

(5,249)
(310)
-
296
18,953
6,913
74
6,987

(4,924)
-
-
-
17,174
6,303
66
6,369

‘Summary of quantitative impacts’ in Note 1 for further details. 

The above statements of changes in equity should be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes. 

2014 Westpac Group Annual Report 

129 

 
 
 
 
Cash flow statements for the years ended 30 September 
Westpac Banking Corporation 

Cash flows from operating activities
Interest received
Interest paid
Dividends received excluding life business
Other non-interest income received
Operating expenses paid
Income tax paid excluding life business
Life business:

Receipts from policyholders and customers
Interest and other items of similar nature
Dividends received
Payments to policyholders and suppliers
Income tax paid

Cash flows from operating activities before changes in operating assets 
and liabilities
Net (increase)/decrease in:

Trading and other financial assets designated at fair value
Loans
Due from other financial institutions
Life insurance assets and liabilities
Regulatory deposits with central banks overseas
Derivative financial instruments

Net increase/(decrease) in:

Other financial liabilities at fair value through income statement
Deposits and other borrowings
Due to other financial institutions

Consolidated

Note

2014
$m

2013
$m

2012
$m

Parent Entity
2014
$m

2013
$m

32,136
(18,743)
11
5,732
(7,588)
(2,660)

33,048
(20,520)
10
6,618
(6,717)
(2,691)

36,966
(24,317)
12
5,081
(6,514)
(1,897)

32,029
(21,051)
1,651
2,766
(5,604)
(2,456)

33,032
(22,457)
1,820
3,844
(4,975)
(2,437)

1,694
48
297
(1,723)
(123)

1,759
45
301
(1,912)
(109)

1,789
41
387
(1,898)
(95)

-
-
-
-
-

-
-
-
-
-

9,081

9,832

9,555

7,335

8,827

1,724
(35,734)
3,932
(156)
126
(3,329)

(319)
(15,667)
(511)
(154)
489
9,126

4,271
(18,893)
(2,418)
(115)
(263)
3,679

1,083
(33,659)
3,966
-
145
(3,028)

(811)
(13,372)
(1,544)
-
490
8,972

9,079
34,229
9,419
28,371

266
22,155
363
25,580

155
26,381
(6,807)
15,545

8,992
32,244
9,280
26,358

266
17,646
345
20,819

43

43

3,651
(8,783)
-
-
(603)
(252)
7
(270)
(6,250)

3,328
(9,791)
(17)
1,541
(644)
(251)
4
-
(5,830)

5,043
(11,802)
-
-
(738)
(304)
7
-
(7,794)

6,768
(12,443)
-
-
(664)
(515)
17
(7,744)
(14,581)

4,910
(10,299)
173
(5,341)
(594)
(397)
11
-
(11,537)

Net cash provided by/(used in) operating activities
Cash flows from investing activities
Proceeds from available-for-sale securities
Purchase of available-for-sale securities
Net (increase)/decrease in investments in controlled entities
Net movement in amounts due to/from controlled entities
Purchase of intangible assets
Purchase of property, plant and equipment
Proceeds from disposal of property, plant and equipment
Purchase of controlled entity, net of cash acquired
Net cash (used in)/provided by investing activities
Cash flows from financing activities
Issue of loan capital (net of issue costs)
Redemption of loan capital
Net increase/(decrease) in debt issues
Proceeds from exercise of employee options
Purchase of shares on exercise of employee options and rights
Shares purchased for delivery of employee share plan
Purchase of RSP treasury shares
Net sale/(purchase) of other treasury shares
Payment of dividends
Payment of distributions to non-controlling interests
Redemption of 2003 Trust Preferred Securities
Net cash (used in)/provided by financing activities
Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents as at the beginning of the year
Cash and cash equivalents as at the end of the year
The above cash flow statements should be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes. Details of the reconciliation of net 
cash provided by operating activities to net profit attributable to owners of Westpac Banking Corporation are provided in 
Note 43. 

1,958
(2,244)
(11,747)
124
(174)
-
(68)
1
(5,084)
-
(805)
(18,039)
(3,050)
1,566
10,993
9,509

4,124
(2,631)
(9,955)
25
-
-
(8)
3
(4,050)
(72)
-
(12,564)
(3,269)
(466)
16,258
12,523

1,958
(2,244)
(14,005)
124
(174)
-
(68)
7
(5,028)
(50)
(805)
(20,285)
(2,499)
1,675
12,523
11,699

1,768
(385)
2,519
49
(113)
(27)
(59)
1
(5,860)
-
-
(2,107)
12,714
1,177
9,509
23,400

1,768
(385)
3,678
49
(113)
(27)
(59)
8
(5,837)
(48)
-
(966)
12,824
1,237
11,699
25,760

43

130 

2014 Westpac Group Annual Report 

 
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
   
   
   
  
  
  
  
  
          
          
          
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
     
     
     
             
             
          
          
          
             
             
        
        
        
             
             
    
    
    
             
             
       
       
         
             
             
     
     
     
     
     
     
       
     
     
       
  
  
  
  
  
     
       
    
     
    
       
       
       
             
             
        
        
       
        
        
    
     
     
    
     
     
        
        
     
        
   
   
   
   
   
     
        
    
     
        
   
   
   
   
   
     
     
     
     
     
  
  
    
  
    
             
             
             
        
         
             
             
             
    
     
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
          
            
            
          
            
    
             
       
             
             
  
    
    
  
    
     
     
     
     
     
       
    
    
       
    
     
  
    
     
  
          
        
          
          
        
       
       
             
       
       
         
             
             
         
             
         
         
           
         
         
            
            
            
            
            
    
    
    
    
    
         
         
         
             
             
             
       
             
             
       
       
  
  
    
  
   
    
    
   
    
     
     
       
     
     
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
     
 
Notes to the financial statements 

Note 1. Summary of significant accounting policies 
This financial report of Westpac Banking Corporation (the Parent Entity), together with its controlled entities (the Group or 
Westpac), for the year ended 30 September 2014 was authorised for issue by the Board of Directors on 3 November 2014. The 
Directors have the power to amend and reissue the financial report. 

The principal accounting policies adopted in the preparation of the financial report are set out below. These policies have been 
consistently applied to all the financial years presented, unless otherwise stated. 

a.  Basis of preparation 
(i)  Basis of accounting 
This financial report is a general purpose financial report prepared in accordance with the requirements for an authorised 
deposit-taking institution under the Banking Act 1959 (as amended), Australian Accounting Standards (AAS) and 
Interpretations as issued by the Australian Accounting Standards Board (AASB) and the Corporations Act 2001. Westpac 
Banking Corporation is a for-profit entity for the purposes of preparing this financial report. 

Compliance with AAS ensures that this financial report also complies with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) 
as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB) and Interpretations as issued by the IFRS Interpretations 
Committee (IFRIC). References to standards and interpretations under AAS in this financial report have similar references in 
the standards and interpretations of IFRS. 

This financial report also includes additional disclosures required for foreign registrants by the United States Securities and 
Exchange Commission. 

(ii)  Historical cost convention 
The financial report has been prepared under the historical cost convention, as modified by applying fair value accounting to 
available-for-sale securities, and financial assets and liabilities (including derivative instruments) classified at fair value through 
income statement. 

(iii)  Comparative revisions 
Comparative information has been revised where appropriate to enhance comparability. Where necessary, comparative figures 
have been adjusted to conform to changes in presentation in the current year. 

(iv)  Rounding of amounts 
In accordance with ASIC Class Order 98/100, all amounts have been rounded to the nearest million dollars unless 
otherwise stated. 

(v)  Changes in accounting standards 
The following standards, interpretations and amendments have been adopted in the 2014 financial year as a result of the new 
and revised accounting standards which became operative for the annual reporting period commencing 1 October 2013: 

a.  AASB 9 Financial Instruments 

AASB 9 was issued by the Australian Accounting Standards Board in December 2009. Unless early adopted the standard is 
effective for the 30 September 2019 financial year. 

The Group has early adopted the recognition of the changes in the fair value of financial liabilities designated at fair value 
attributable to Westpac’s own credit risk in other comprehensive income except where it would create an accounting mismatch. 
Where an accounting mismatch occurs, all changes in fair value are recognised in the income statement. 

The impact of the change on individual line items in the financial statements is summarised under ‘Summary of 
quantitative impacts’. 

b.  AASB 10 Consolidated Financial Statements, AASB 11 Joint Arrangements and AASB 12 Disclosure of Interests in 

Other Entities 

AASB 10 was applied by the Group from 1 October 2013 and replaces the guidance on control and consolidation in AASB 127 
Consolidated and Separate Financial Statements and in Interpretation 112 Consolidation - Special Purpose Entities. Under the 
new principles, the Parent Entity controls an entity when it is exposed to, or has rights to, variable returns from its involvement 
with the entity and has the ability to affect those returns through its power over the entity. 

The Group has reviewed its investments in other entities to assess whether the consolidation conclusion in relation to these 
entities is different under AASB 10 than under AASB 127 and Interpretation 112. 

In accordance with the transitional provisions of AASB 10, the Group has consolidated a number of funds managed by the 
Group for the first time. The impact on individual line items in the financial statements is summarised under ‘Summary of 
quantitative impacts’. 

2014 Westpac Group Annual Report 

131 

 
 
Note 1. Summary of significant accounting policies (continued) 
Under AASB 11 investments in joint arrangements are classified as either joint operations or joint ventures depending on the 
contractual rights and obligations each investor has, rather than the legal structure of the joint arrangement. The initial 
application of AASB 11 has not resulted in any material impact to the Group. 

AASB 12 sets out disclosures for interests in entities that are subsidiaries, associates, joint ventures and unconsolidated 
structured entities. The application of AASB 12 has not affected any of the amounts recognised in the financial statements but 
has resulted in additional disclosures as set out in note 41. The Group has applied the transitional relief from disclosing 
comparatives for interests in unconsolidated structured entities when AASB 12 is applied for the first time. 

c.  AASB 13 Fair Value 

AASB 13 provides a single unified definition of fair value and a framework for measuring and disclosing fair value. In 
accordance with the transitional provisions, AASB 13 was applied prospectively from 1 October 2013 and the Group has not 
provided any comparative information for new disclosures. The application of AASB 13 in the current financial year has not had 
a material impact on the financial position nor performance of the Group, however has resulted in additional fair value 
disclosures provided in Note 28. 

d.  AASB 119 Employee Benefits 

The amended AASB 119 was applied by the Group from 1 October 2013 and resulted in two changes to the Group’s 
accounting policy which affected items recognised in the financial statements: 

  the replacement of the expected return on plan assets and separate interest expense with a net interest amount. As a result 
the net defined benefit expense in the income statement is higher with an equal and opposite change to the amount that is 
recognised as remeasurement in other comprehensive income. The net impact on total comprehensive income is nil and 
there is no adjustment to the amounts recognised in the balance sheet from this change. 

  the discount rate used in calculating the defined benefit liability relating to active members no longer includes an investment 

tax adjustment. This resulted in a one-off decrease in defined benefit liability recognised through retained earnings. 

The impact of these adjustments on individual line items in the financial statements is summarised under ‘Summary of 
quantitative impacts’. 

e.  AASB 2011-4 Amendments to Australian Accounting Standards to Remove Individual Key Management Personnel 

Disclosure Requirements 

The amendments remove all the individual key management personnel (KMP) disclosures in AASB 124 Related Party 
Disclosures that were specific to Australian entities. These disclosures are included in the remuneration report for the year 
ended 30 September 2014. 

f.  AASB 2012-2 Amendments to Australian Accounting Standards – Disclosures – Offsetting Financial Assets and 

Financial Liabilities 

AASB 2012-2 requires additional disclosure of the effect or potential effect of netting arrangements on the Group’s financial 
position. The amendment requires disclosure of recognised financial instruments that are subject to enforceable master netting 
agreements or similar arrangements, including associated cash and financial instrument collateral, even if assets and liabilities 
are not offset on the balance sheet. 

The retrospective application of AASB 2012-2 has not affected any of the amounts recognised in the financial statements but 
has resulted in additional disclosure of certain netting arrangements as set out in Note 30. 

132 

2014 Westpac Group Annual Report 

 
 
Notes to the financial statements 

Note 1. Summary of significant accounting policies (continued) 
Summary of quantitative impacts 
The following tables summarise the line items that have been impacted by the above changes to accounting policies on the 
Group’s financial statements. Line items that were not affected by the change are not disclosed. As a result, the sub-totals and 
totals disclosed cannot be recalculated from the numbers provided. 

Consolidated income statement 

Change

AASB 9 AASB 119
$m
-
-

$m
(44)
(44)

Interest expense 
Net interest income
Net operating income before operating expenses and 
impairment charges
Operating expenses

Profit before income tax
Income tax expense

Net profit for the year
Net profit attributable to owners of Westpac 
Banking Corporation
Earnings per share (cents)
Basic
Diluted

30 Sep
2013
$m
(20,144)
12,865

18,639
(7,927)
9,865
(2,975)
6,890

6,816

220.4
215.5

Consolidated statement of other comprehensive income 

(44)
-
(44)
13
(31)

(31)

(1.0)
(1.0)

30 Sep
2013
Restated
$m
(20,188)
12,821

18,595
(7,976)
9,772
(2,947)
6,825

30 Sep

Change
2012 AASB 119
$m
-
-

$m
(24,371)
12,502

17,983
(7,909)
8,862
(2,826)
6,036

-
(48)
(48)
14
(34)

30 Sep
2012
Restated
$m
(24,371)
12,502

17,983
(7,957)
8,814
(2,812)
6,002

-
(49)
(49)
15
(34)

(34)

6,751

5,970

(34)

5,936

(1.1)
(1.1)

218.3
213.5

195.8
190.5

(1.1)
(1.1)

194.7
189.4  

Net profit for the year
Other comprehensive income
Items that will not be reclassified subsequently to 
profit or loss
Own credit adjustment on financial liabilities 
designated at fair value
Remeasurement of defined benefit obligation 
recognised in equity (net of tax)
Other comprehensive income for the year (net 
of tax)
Total comprehensive income for the year
Attributable to:

Owners of Westpac Banking Corporation

Total comprehensive income for the year

30 Sep
2013
$m
6,890

Change

AASB 9 AASB 119
$m
(34)

$m
(31)

30 Sep
2013
Restated
$m
6,825

30 Sep

Change
2012 AASB 119
$m
(34)

$m
6,036

30 Sep
2012
Restated
$m
6,002

-

216

87
6,977

6,903
6,977

44

-

44
13

13
13

-

31

31
(3)

(3)
(3)

44

247

162
6,987

6,913
6,987

-

23

333
6,369

6,303
6,369

-

34

34
-

-
-

-

57

367
6,369

6,303
6,369  

2014 Westpac Group Annual Report 

133 

 
 
 
 
 
 
Note 1. Summary of significant accounting policies (continued) 
Consolidated balance sheet 

Change

AASB 9 AASB 10 AASB 119
$m

$m

$m

30 Sep
2013
Restated
$m

30 Sep

Change

2012 AASB 10 AASB 119
$m
$m

$m

Assets
Life insurance assets
Deferred tax assets

Total assets
Liabilities
Current tax liabilities
Life insurance liabilities
Other liabilities 

Total liabilities excluding loan 
capital
Total liabilities
Net assets
Shareholders’ equity
Share capital:

Retained profits

Total equity attributable to 
owners of Westpac Banking 
Corporation
Total shareholders’ equity and 
non-controlling interests

30 Sep
2013
$m

8,637
1,791
696,603

908
7,426
9,117

639,792

649,122
47,481

18,897

46,618

47,481

-
-
-

(13)
-
-

(13)

(13)
13

13

13

13

4,512
-
4,512

-
4,512
-

4,512

4,512
-

-

-

-

-
(18)
(18)

-
-
(61)

13,149
1,773
701,097

8,240
2,176
674,965

895
11,938
9,056

1,022
7,208
9,710

(61)

644,230

619,209

(61)
43

653,560
47,537

628,746
46,219

43

18,953

17,128

43

43

46,674

44,249

47,537

46,219

3,667
-
3,667

-
3,667
-

3,667

3,667
-

-

-

-

30 Sep
2012
Restated
$m

11,907
2,156
678,612

1,022
10,875
9,644

-
(20)
(20)

-
-
(66)

(66)

622,810

(66)
46

632,347
46,265

46

17,174

46

46

44,295

46,265  

Consolidated statement of changes in equity 

30 Sep
2013
$m

Change

AASB 9 AASB 119
$m

$m

30 Sep
2013
Restated
$m

30 Sep

Change
2012 AASB 119
$m

$m

30 Sep
2012
Restated
$m

Share capital
Movements in retained profits
Balance as at beginning of the year
Current year movement due to changes in other 
comprehensive income:

Profit attributable to owners of Westpac 
Banking Corporation
Own credit adjustment on financial liabilities 
designated at fair value
Remeasurement of defined benefit obligation 
recognised in equity (net of tax)

Balance as at end of the year
Total comprehensive income attributable to 
owners of Westpac Banking Corporation
Total comprehensive income for the year

17,128

-

46

17,174

16,059

46

16,105

6,816

(31)

(34)

6,751

5,970

(34)

5,936

-

216
18,897

6,903
6,977

44

-
13

13
13

-

31
43

(3)
(3)

44

-

247
18,953

23
17,128

6,913
6,987

6,303
6,369

-

34
46

-
-

-

57
17,174

6,303
6,369  

134 

2014 Westpac Group Annual Report 

 
 
 
 
 
 
Note 1. Summary of significant accounting policies (continued) 
Parent Entity income statement 

Notes to the financial statements 

Interest expense 
Net interest income
Net operating income before operating expenses and impairment charges
Operating expenses

Profit before income tax
Income tax expense

Net profit for the year
Net profit attributable to owners of Westpac Banking Corporation
Earnings per share (cents)
Basic
Diluted

Parent Entity statement of other comprehensive income 

Net profit for the year
Other comprehensive income
Items that will not be reclassified subsequently to profit or loss

Own credit adjustment on financial liabilities designated at fair value
Remeasurement of defined benefit obligation recognised in equity (net of tax)

Other comprehensive income for the year (net of tax)
Total comprehensive income for the year
Attributable to owners of Westpac Banking Corporation

Total comprehensive income for the year

30 Sep
2013
$m
(22,079)
10,863
16,238
(6,450)
9,126
(2,256)
6,870
6,870

Change

AASB 9 AASB 119
$m
-
-
-
(49)
(49)
15
(34)
(34)

$m
(44)
(44)
(44)
-
(44)
13
(31)
(31)

30 Sep
2013
Restated
$m
(22,123)
10,819
16,194
(6,499)
9,033
(2,228)
6,805
6,805

n/a
n/a

n/a
n/a

n/a
n/a

n/a
n/a  

30 Sep
2013
$m
6,870

Change

AASB 9 AASB 119
$m
(34)

$m
(31)

30 Sep
2013
Restated
$m
6,805

-
194
13
6,883
6,883
6,883

44
-
44
13
13
13

-
31
31
(3)
(3)
(3)

44
225
88
6,893
6,893
6,893

2014 Westpac Group Annual Report 

135 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Note 1. Summary of significant accounting policies (continued) 
Parent Entity balance sheet 

30 Sep
2013
$m

Change

AASB 9
$m

AASB 119
$m

30 Sep
2013
Restated
$m

30 Sep

Change
2012 AASB 119
$m

$m

Assets
Deferred tax assets

Total assets
Liabilities
Current tax liabilities
Other liabilities 

Total liabilities excluding loan capital
Total liabilities
Net assets
Shareholders’ equity
Share capital:

Retained profits

Total equity attributable to owners of Westpac 
Banking Corporation
Total shareholders’ equity and non-controlling 
interests

Parent Entity statement of changes in equity 

1,646
733,720

853
7,440
683,482
692,812
40,908

12,622

40,908

40,908

-
-

(13)
-
(13)
(13)
13

13

13

13

(14)
(14)

-
(45)
(45)
(45)
31

31

31

31

1,632
733,706

2,032
692,605

840
7,395
683,424
692,754
40,952

937
7,940
643,305
652,842
39,763

12,666

10,877

40,952

39,763

40,952

39,763

(16)
(16)

-
(50)
(50)
(50)
34

34

34

34

30 Sep
2012
Restated
$m

2,016
692,589

937
7,890
643,255
652,792
39,797

10,911

39,797

39,797  

Share capital
Movements in retained profits
Balance as at beginning of the year
Current year movement due to changes in other comprehensive income:

Profit attributable to owners of Westpac Banking Corporation
Own credit adjustment on financial liabilities designated at fair value
Remeasurement of defined benefit obligation recognised in equity (net of tax)

Balance as at end of the year
Total comprehensive income attributable to owners of Westpac 
Banking Corporation
Total comprehensive income for the year

30 Sep
2013
$m

Change

AASB 9 AASB 119
$m

$m

30 Sep
2013
Restated
$m

10,877

-

34

10,911

6,870
-
194
12,622

6,883
6,883

(31)
44
-
13

13
13

(34)
-
31
31

(3)
(3)

6,805
44
225
12,666

6,893
6,893

136 

2014 Westpac Group Annual Report 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the financial statements 

Note 1. Summary of significant accounting policies (continued) 
b.  Principles of consolidation 
The consolidated financial statements of the Group comprise the financial statements of the Parent Entity and all its 
subsidiaries (including structured entities). Subsidiaries are those entities over which the Parent Entity has control. Control 
exists when the Parent Entity is exposed to, or has rights, to variable returns from its involvement with an entity, and has the 
ability to affect those returns through its power over that entity. The effects of all transactions between entities in the Group are 
eliminated. Non-controlling interests in the results and equity of non-wholly-owned subsidiaries are shown separately in the 
consolidated Income Statement, Statement of Comprehensive Income, Balance Sheet and Statement of Changes in Equity. 
Subsidiaries are fully consolidated from the date on which control commences and they are de-consolidated from the date that 
control ceases. 

Changes in the Group’s ownership interest in a subsidiary after control is obtained which do not result in a loss of control are 
accounted for as transactions with equity holders in their capacity as equity holders. Any difference between the amount by 
which the non-controlling interest is adjusted and the fair value of the consideration paid or received is recognised directly 
in other reserves. 

When the Group ceases to control a subsidiary any retained interest in the entity is remeasured to its fair value, with any 
resulting gain or loss recognised in the income statement. 

In the Parent Entity’s financial statements, investments in subsidiaries are initially recorded at cost and are subsequently held 
at the lower of cost and recoverable amount. 

(i)  Business combinations 
The acquisition method of accounting is used for all business combinations (except common control transactions). Cost is 
measured as the aggregate of the fair value of the assets given, equity instruments issued or liabilities incurred or assumed at 
the date of acquisition. Acquisition-related costs are expensed as incurred. Where equity instruments are issued in an 
acquisition, the value of the instruments is their published market price as at the acquisition date. Transaction costs arising on 
the issue of equity instruments are recognised directly in equity. 

Identifiable assets acquired and liabilities and contingent liabilities assumed in a business combination are measured initially at 
their fair value on acquisition date. For each business combination, the non-controlling interest is measured either at fair value 
or at the proportionate share of the acquiree’s identifiable net assets. The excess of the total consideration transferred, the 
amount of any non-controlling interest in the acquiree and the acquisition date fair value of any previous equity interest in the 
acquiree, over the fair value of the identifiable net assets acquired, is recorded as goodwill. 

Where settlement of any part of cash consideration is deferred, amounts payable in the future are discounted to their present 
value as at the date of acquisition. The discount rate used is the Group’s incremental borrowing rate. 

Common control transactions 
The predecessor method of accounting is used to account for business combinations between entities in the Group. Assets 
acquired and liabilities assumed in a common control transaction are measured initially at the acquisition date at the carrying 
value from the Group’s perspective. The excess of the cost of acquisition over the initial carrying values of the entity’s share of 
the net assets acquired is recorded as part of a common control reserve. 

(ii)  Foreign currency translation 
Functional and presentation currency 
Items included in the financial statements of each of the Group’s entities are measured using the currency of the primary 
economic environment in which the entity operates (the functional currency). The consolidated financial statements are 
presented in Australian dollars which is the Parent Entity’s functional and presentation currency. All amounts are expressed in 
Australian dollars except where otherwise indicated. 

Transactions and balances 
Foreign currency transactions are translated into the functional currency using the exchange rates prevailing at the dates of the 
transactions. Foreign exchange gains and losses resulting from the settlement of such transactions and from the translation at 
year-end exchange rates of monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are recognised in the income 
statement, except when deferred in other comprehensive income for qualifying cash flow hedges and qualifying net 
investment hedges. 

Foreign operations 
Assets and liabilities of overseas branches and subsidiaries that have a functional currency other than the Australian dollar are 
translated at exchange rates prevailing on the balance date. Income and expenses are translated at average exchange rates 
prevailing during the period. Other equity balances are translated at historical exchange rates. The resulting exchange 
differences are recognised in the foreign currency translation reserve. 

2014 Westpac Group Annual Report 

137 

 
Note 1. Summary of significant accounting policies (continued) 
On consolidation, exchange differences arising from the translation of borrowings and other foreign currency instruments 
designated as hedges of the net investment in foreign operations are reflected in the foreign currency translation reserve. When 
all or part of a foreign operation is disposed or borrowings that are part of the net investments are repaid, a proportionate share 
of such exchange differences are recognised in the income statement as part of the gain or loss on disposal or repayment 
of borrowing. 

Income Statement 

c. 
Revenue is measured at the fair value of the consideration received or receivable. Operating expenses are recognised as the 
relevant service is rendered or once a liability is incurred. Revenue and expenses are recognised for each major stream 
as follows: 

(i)  Net interest income 
Interest income and expense for all interest bearing financial assets and liabilities (including those instruments measured at fair 
value) is recognised using the effective interest rate method. Interest expense also includes the net result of treasury’s interest 
rate and liquidity management activities. 

The effective interest rate method is a method of calculating the amortised cost of a financial asset or a financial liability and of 
allocating the interest income or interest expense over the relevant period. The effective interest rate is the rate that exactly 
discounts estimated future cash payments or receipts through the expected life of the financial instrument, or when appropriate, 
a shorter period, to the net carrying amount of the financial asset or financial liability. When calculating the effective interest 
rate, cash flows are estimated based upon all contractual terms of the financial instrument (for example, prepayment options) 
but do not consider future credit losses. The calculation includes all fees and other amounts paid or received between parties to 
the contract that are an integral part of the effective interest rate (e.g. loan establishment fees), transaction costs and all other 
premiums or discounts. 

Interest relating to impaired loans is recognised using the loan’s original effective interest rate based on the net carrying value 
of the impaired loan after giving effect to impairment charges or for a variable rate loan, the current effective interest rate 
determined under the contract. This rate is also used to discount the future cash flows for the purpose of measuring impairment 
charges. For loans that have been impaired this method results in cash receipts being apportioned between interest 
and principal. 

Interest income on finance leases is brought to account progressively over the life of the lease, consistent with the outstanding 
investment and unearned income balance. 

(ii)  Non-interest income 
Fee and commission income 
Fees and commissions (except where included as an adjustment to the effective interest calculation on a financial instrument) 
are generally recognised on an accrual basis over the period during which the service is performed. Portfolio and other 
management advisory and service fees are recognised based on the applicable service contracts, usually on a time 
proportionate basis. Asset management fees related to investment funds are recognised over the period the service is 
provided. The same principle is applied for wealth management, financial planning and custody services that are continuously 
provided over an extended period of time. 

Trading income 
Realised and unrealised gains or losses arising from changes in the fair value of trading assets, liabilities and derivatives are 
recognised in the period in which they arise except day one profits or losses which are deferred where certain valuation inputs 
are unobservable. Dividend income on the trading portfolio is recorded as part of trading income. Net income related to 
treasury’s interest rate and liquidity management activities is included in net interest income. 

Operating lease 
Operating lease rentals are recognised in the Income Statement on a straight line basis over the lease term. 

Dividend income 
Dividends on quoted shares are recognised on the ex-dividend date. Dividends on unquoted shares are recognised when the 
company’s right to receive payment is established. 

138 

2014 Westpac Group Annual Report 

 
Notes to the financial statements 

Note 1. Summary of significant accounting policies (continued) 
(iii)  Operating expenses 
Share-based compensation expense 
Certain employees are entitled to participate in option and share ownership schemes. 

  Options and share rights 

The fair value of options and share rights provided to employees as share-based payments is recognised as an expense 
with a corresponding increase in equity. The fair value is measured at grant date and is recognised over the period the 
services are received which is the expected vesting period during which the employees would become entitled to exercise 
the option or share right. 

The fair value of options and share rights is estimated at grant date using a Binomial/Monte Carlo simulation pricing model 
incorporating the vesting and market-related hurdle features of the grants. The fair value of the options and share rights 
excludes the impact of any non-market vesting conditions such as participants’ continued employment by the Group. The 
non-market vesting conditions are included in assumptions used when determining the number of options and share rights 
expected to become exercisable for which an expense is recognised. At each reporting date these assumptions are revised 
and the expense recognised each year takes into account the most recent estimates. 

  Employee share plan 

The value of shares expected to be issued to employees for nil consideration under the Employee Share Plan (ESP) is 
recognised as an expense over the financial year and provided for as other employee benefits. The fair value of any ordinary 
shares issued to satisfy the obligation to employees is recognised within equity, or if purchased on market, the obligation to 
employees is satisfied by delivering shares that have been purchased on market. 

  Restricted share plan 

The fair value of shares allocated to employees for nil consideration under the Restricted Share Plan (RSP) is recognised as 
an expense over the vesting period. The fair value of ordinary shares issued to satisfy the obligation to employees is 
measured at grant date and is recognised as a separate component of equity. 

Westpac has formed a trust to hold any shares forfeited by employees until they are reallocated to employees in subsequent 
grants in the Group’s RSP. Shares allocated to employees under the RSP, which have not yet vested, are treated as 
treasury shares and deducted from shareholders’ equity. 

Leasing 
Operating lease payments are recognised in the income statement as an expense on a straight-line basis over the lease term 
unless another systematic basis is more representative of the time pattern of the benefit received. Incentives received on 
entering into operating leases are recorded as liabilities and amortised as a reduction of rental expense on a straight-line basis 
over the lease term. 

Wealth management acquisition costs 
Deferred acquisition costs are the variable costs that are directly related to and incremental to the acquisition of new business 
principally in relation to the Group’s life insurance and retail funds management business. These costs are recorded as an 
asset and are amortised in the income statement on the same basis as the recognition of related revenue. 

Income tax 

d.  Taxation 
(i) 
The tax expense for the period comprises current and deferred tax. Tax is recognised in the income statement, except to the 
extent that it relates to items recognised directly in other comprehensive income, in which case it is recognised in other 
comprehensive income. 

Current tax is the expected tax payable on the taxable income for the financial year using tax rates that have been enacted or 
substantively enacted for each jurisdiction at the balance date, and any adjustment to tax payable in respect of previous years. 

Deferred tax is accounted for using the balance sheet method, providing for temporary differences between the carrying 
amounts of assets and liabilities in the financial statements and the corresponding amounts used for taxation purposes. Except 
as noted below, deferred tax liabilities are recognised for all taxable temporary differences and deferred tax assets are 
recognised to the extent that it is probable that future taxable profits will be available against which the asset can be utilised. 

Deferred tax assets and liabilities are not recognised if they arise from goodwill or other intangible assets with indefinite 
expected life, the initial recognition of assets and liabilities that affect neither accounting nor taxable profit (other than in a 
business combination), or differences relating to investments in subsidiaries to the extent that they will probably not reverse in 
the foreseeable future. The amount of deferred tax provided is based on the expected manner of realisation or settlement of the 
carrying amount of assets and liabilities, using tax rates that have been enacted or substantively enacted for each jurisdiction at 
the balance date that are expected to apply when the liability is settled or the asset is realised. 

For presentation purposes deferred tax assets and liabilities have been offset where they relate to the same taxation authority 
on the same taxable entity or different entities in the same taxable group. 

2014 Westpac Group Annual Report 

139 

 
Note 1. Summary of significant accounting policies (continued) 
(ii)  Tax consolidated group 
For members of Westpac’s Australian tax consolidated group, tax expense/income, deferred tax liabilities and assets arising 
from temporary differences are recognised in the separate financial statements of the members of the tax-consolidated group 
using a ‘group allocation basis’ that removes the tax impact of certain transactions between members of the tax-consolidated 
group. Deferred tax liabilities and assets are recognised by reference to the carrying amounts in the separate financial 
statements of each entity and the tax values applying under tax consolidation. Current tax liabilities and assets and deferred tax 
assets arising from unused tax losses and relevant tax credits of the members of the tax-consolidated group are recognised by 
the Parent Entity (as head entity in the tax-consolidated group). 

e.  Assets 
(i)  Cash and balances with central banks 
Cash and balances with central banks include cash at branches, Reserve Bank settlement account balances and nostro 
balances. They are brought to account at the face value or the gross value of the outstanding balance, where appropriate. 
These balances have a maturity of less than three months. 

(ii)  Financial assets 
The Group classifies its financial assets in the following categories: financial assets at fair value through income statement, 
derivatives financial instruments, loans and receivables and available-for-sale securities. Management determines the 
classification of its financial assets at initial recognition based on the purpose for which they were acquired. The Group has not 
classified any of its financial assets as held-to-maturity investments. 

Purchases and sales of financial assets, except for loans and receivables, are recognised on trade-date, the date on which the 
Group commits to purchase or sell the asset. Loans and receivables are recognised on settlement date, when cash is 
advanced to the borrowers. 

Financial assets at fair value through income statement are recognised initially at fair value. All other financial assets are 
recognised initially at fair value plus directly attributable transaction costs. The best evidence of fair value at initial recognition is 
the transaction price, unless the fair value of that instrument is evidenced by comparison with other observable current market 
transactions in the same instrument, or based on a valuation technique whose variables include only data from 
observable markets. 

The Group has entered into transactions where fair value is determined using valuation models for which not all significant 
inputs are market observable. Such a financial instrument is initially recognised at the transaction price which is the best 
indicator of fair value. The difference between the transaction price and the model value, commonly referred to as ‘day one 
profit or loss’, is deferred and subsequently recognised in profit or loss over the life of the transaction or at the point when the 
instrument’s fair value can be determined using market observable inputs. Subsequent changes in fair value are recognised 
immediately in the income statement without reversal of deferred day one profits or losses. 

Financial assets are derecognised when the rights to receive cash flows from the asset have expired, or when the Group has 
either transferred its rights to receive cash flows from the asset or has assumed an obligation to pay the received cash flows in 
full under a ‘pass through’ arrangement together with the transfer of substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership. 

Where the Group has neither transferred nor retained substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership but has retained 
control, the asset continues to be recognised on the balance sheet to the extent of the Group’s continuing involvement in 
the asset. 

Financial assets and liabilities are offset and the net amount reported in the balance sheet when there is a legally enforceable 
right to set off the recognised amounts and there is an intention to settle on a net basis, or to realise the asset and settle the 
liability simultaneously. 

Repurchase and reverse repurchase agreements (including securities borrowed and lent) 
Where securities are sold subject to an agreement to repurchase at a predetermined price (‘repos’), they remain recognised on 
balance sheet in their original category (i.e. ‘Trading securities’ or ‘Available for sale’). A liability (‘Securities sold under 
agreement to repurchase’) is recognised in respect of the cash consideration received. Where the underlying securities are part 
of a trading portfolio, the associated liability is recognised as part of ‘Other financial liabilities at fair value through income 
statement’. Where the underlying securities are classified as Available for sale, the associated liability is recognised in either 
‘Payables due to other financial institutions’, or ‘Deposits and other borrowings’, depending on the counterparty. 

Securities purchased under agreements to resell (‘reverse repos’) are not recognised on the balance sheet and the cash 
consideration paid is recorded as part of ‘Trading securities and other financial assets designated at fair value’. 

As part of its trading activities, the Group also lends and borrows securities on a collateralised basis. The securities subject to 
these arrangements are not reflected on the balance sheet, as the risks and rewards of ownership remain with the initial holder. 
Where cash is provided as collateral, the amount advanced to or received from third parties is recognised as a receivable or 
borrowing respectively. 

140 

2014 Westpac Group Annual Report 

 
Notes to the financial statements 

Note 1. Summary of significant accounting policies (continued) 
Fees and interest relating to these transactions are recognised in interest income and interest expense using the effective 
interest rate method, over the expected life of the agreements. Any fair value movements are recorded in trading income. 

Financial assets at fair value through income statement 
This category has two sub-categories: trading securities and other financial assets designated at fair value at inception. 

Trading securities are those assets acquired principally for the purpose of selling in the near term or are part of a portfolio of 
financial instruments that are managed together and for which there is evidence of a recent pattern of short-term profit taking. It 
includes debt and equity instruments which are actively traded and securities purchased under agreement to resell that are part 
of a trading portfolio. 

Other financial assets designated at fair value at inception include certain non-trading bonds, notes, loans with embedded 
derivatives and commercial bills. This designation is only made if the financial asset contains an embedded derivative, it is 
managed on a fair value basis in accordance with a documented strategy, or if designating it at fair value reduces or eliminates 
an accounting mismatch. A portfolio of retail fixed rate bills which have been designated at fair value to reduce an accounting 
mismatch have, due to their nature, been presented within the loans category in the Balance sheet although they are measured 
at fair value. 

Subsequent to initial recognition, these financial assets are measured at fair value with changes in fair value recognised 
through the income statement in the period in which they arise. 

Derivative financial instruments 
Derivative financial instruments including forwards, futures, swaps and options and are entered into by the Group for trading 
purposes (primarily customer-related activity) or for hedging purposes. In certain instances a derivative may be embedded in a 
host contract. If the host contract is not carried at fair value through income statement, the embedded derivative is separated 
from the host contract and accounted for as a standalone derivative instrument where the economic characteristics and risks of 
the embedded derivative are not closely related to the economic characteristics and risks of the host contract. 

Derivatives are measured, subsequent to initial recognition, at fair value with gains or losses recognised through the income 
statement in the period in which they arise, unless the derivative is designated into a cashflow or net investment hedge 
relationship. Derivatives are presented as an asset where they have a positive fair value at balance date or as a liability where 
the fair value at balance date is negative. 

The Group uses derivative instruments as part of its asset and liability management activities, mainly to hedge its exposures to 
interest rates, foreign currency and credit risk, including exposures arising from forecast transactions. Where certain criteria are 
met, the Group designates these derivatives into one of three hedge accounting relationships: fair value hedge, cash flow 
hedge or a hedge of a net investment in a foreign operation. These hedging designations and associated accounting are as 
follows: 

  Fair value hedges 

Changes in the fair value of derivatives that are designated and qualify as fair value hedges are recorded in the income 
statement, together with any changes in the fair value of the hedged asset or liability that are attributable to the hedged risk. 
The changes in the fair value of the hedged asset and liability are adjusted against their carrying value. 

If the hedge no longer meets the criteria for hedge accounting, it is discontinued and any previous adjustment to the carrying 
value of a hedged item is amortised to the income statement over the period to maturity. If the hedged item is sold or repaid, 
the unamortised fair value adjustment is recognised immediately in the income statement. 

  Cash flow hedges 

The effective portion of changes in the fair value of derivatives that are designated and qualify as cash flow hedges are 
recognised in the cash flow hedge reserve through other comprehensive income. The gain or loss relating to any ineffective 
portion is recognised immediately in the income statement. 

When a hedging instrument expires or is sold, terminated or exercised, or when the hedge no longer meets the criteria for 
hedge accounting, any cumulative gain or loss existing in other comprehensive income at that time remains in other 
comprehensive income and is recognised in profit or loss in the period in which the hedged item affects profit or loss. When 
a forecast transaction is no longer expected to occur, the cumulative gain or loss that was reported in other comprehensive 
income is immediately transferred to the income statement. 

  Hedges of a net investment in a foreign operation 

Hedges of net investments in overseas branches and subsidiaries are accounted for in a manner similar to cash flow 
hedges. Any gain or loss on the hedging instrument relating to the effective portion of the hedge is recognised in the foreign 
currency translation reserve through other comprehensive income and the gain or loss relating to the ineffective portion is 
recognised immediately in the income statement. Gains and losses accumulated in other comprehensive income are 
included in the income statement when the overseas branch or subsidiary is disposed. 

2014 Westpac Group Annual Report 

141 

 
Note 1. Summary of significant accounting policies (continued) 
Loans and receivables 
Loans and receivables are non-derivative financial assets with fixed or determinable payments that are not quoted in an active 
market. The Group presents loans and receivables in the following categories on the balance sheet: 

  Loans 

Loans includes advances, overdrafts, home loans, credit card and other personal lending, term loans, leasing receivables, 
bill financing and acceptances. 

Loan products that have both a mortgage and deposit facility are presented on a gross basis in the balance sheet, 
segregating the loan and deposit component into the respective balance sheet line items. Interest earned on this product is 
presented on a net basis in the income statement as this reflects how the customer is charged. 

  Receivables due from other financial institutions 

Receivables due from other financial institutions include conduit assets, collateral placed and interbank lending. 

  Regulatory deposits with central banks overseas 

In several countries in which the Group operates, the law requires that regulatory deposits be lodged with the local central 
bank at a rate of interest generally below that prevailing in the market. The amount of the deposit and the interest rate 
receivable is determined in accordance with the requirements of the local central bank. Regulatory deposits are required to 
be held to continue operating in those countries and thus are not available to meet other obligations of the Group. 

Impairment of loans and receivables 
Subsequent to initial recognition, loans and receivables are measured at amortised cost using the effective interest rate method 
and are presented net of any provisions for impairment. 

The Group assesses at each balance date whether there is any objective evidence of impairment. An impairment charge is 
incurred if there is objective evidence of impairment as a result of one or more loss events which have an impact on the 
estimated cash flows of the financial asset that can be reliably estimated. Objective evidence includes significant financial 
difficulties of an obligor, adverse changes in the payment status of borrowers or national, local economic conditions that 
correlate with defaults on a group of financial assets. The amount of the charge is measured as the difference between the 
asset’s carrying amount and the present value of estimated future cash flows (excluding future credit losses that have not been 
incurred) discounted at the financial asset’s original effective interest rate. The carrying amount of the asset is reduced through 
the use of a provision account and the amount of the loss is recognised in the income statement. If a loan or receivable has a 
variable interest rate, the discount rate for measuring any impairment is the current effective interest rate determined under 
the contract. 

The Group has individually assessed provisions and collectively assessed provisions. Individually assessed provisions are 
made against financial assets that exceed specified thresholds or which have been individually assessed as impaired. If the 
Group determines that no objective evidence of impairment exists for an individually assessed financial asset, it includes that 
asset in a group of financial assets with similar credit risk characteristics and collectively assesses them for impairment. Assets 
that are individually assessed and for which an impairment loss is, or continues to be, recognised are not included in a 
collective assessment of impairment. 

When a loan or a part of a loan is uncollectable, it is written off against the related provision for loan impairment. Such loans are 
written off after all the necessary procedures have been completed and the amount of the loss has been determined. 
Subsequent recoveries of amounts previously written off decrease the amount of the charge for loan impairment in the income 
statement. If, in a subsequent period, the amount of the impairment charge 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 charge is reversed by adjusting the provision account. The amount of the reversal is 
recognised in the income statement. 

Available-for-sale securities 
Available-for-sale securities are those debt or equity securities that are designated as available-for-sale or that are not 
classified as financial assets at fair value through income statement, or loans and receivables. 

Subsequent to initial recognition, available-for-sale investments are measured at fair value. Gains and losses arising from 
changes in fair value are recognised in the available-for-sale reserve in other comprehensive income until the financial asset is 
derecognised or impaired, at which time the cumulative gain or loss is recognised in the income statement. Dividends on 
available-for-sale equity instruments are recognised in the income statement when the right to receive payment is established. 
Foreign exchange gains or losses and interest, calculated using the effective interest rate method, on available-for-sale debt 
instruments are also recognised in the income statement. 

Certain unlisted equity securities that do not have a quoted price in an active market and where fair value cannot be estimated 
within a reasonable range of probable outcomes are carried at cost. 

142 

2014 Westpac Group Annual Report 

 
Notes to the financial statements 

Note 1. Summary of significant accounting policies (continued) 
The Group assesses at each reporting date whether there is objective evidence of impairment. Impairment exists if there is 
objective evidence of impairment as a result of one or more loss events which have an impact on the estimated cash flows of 
the available-for-sale security that can be reliably estimated. For debt instruments classified as available-for-sale, evidence of 
impairment includes significant financial difficulties or adverse changes in the payment status of an issuer or national, local 
economic conditions that correlate with defaults on a group of financial assets. For equity investments classified as available-
for-sale, a significant or prolonged decline in the fair value of the security below its cost is also considered in determining 
whether the assets are impaired. If any such evidence exists for available-for-sale financial assets, the cumulative loss – 
measured as the difference between the acquisition cost and the current fair value, less any impairment charge previously 
recognised in profit or loss – is removed from other comprehensive income and recognised in the income statement. If, in a 
subsequent period, the fair value of an available-for-sale debt increases and the increase can be objectively related to an event 
occurring after the impairment event, the impairment charge is reversed through the income statement. Subsequent reversal of 
impairment charges on equity instruments are not recognised in the income statement until the instrument is disposed of. 

(iii)  Life insurance assets 
Assets held by the life insurance companies and their subsidiaries, including investments in funds managed by the Group, are 
designated at fair value through income statement as required by AASB 1038 Life Insurance Contracts. Changes in fair value 
are included in the income statement. Most assets are held in the life insurance statutory funds and can only be used within the 
restrictions imposed under the Life Insurance Act 1995. The main restrictions are that the assets in a fund can only be used to 
meet the liabilities and expenses of that fund, to acquire investments to further the business of the fund or as distribution when 
solvency and capital adequacy requirements are met. Therefore they are not as liquid as other financial assets. 

(iv)  Property, plant and equipment 
Property, plant and equipment are carried at cost less accumulated depreciation and impairment. Cost is the fair value of the 
consideration provided plus incidental costs directly attributable to the acquisition. Other subsequent expenditure is capitalised 
only when it increases the future economic benefits embodied in the item of property, plant and equipment. All other 
expenditure is expensed as incurred. 

Computer software is capitalised at cost and classified as property, plant and equipment where it is integral to the operation of 
associated hardware. 

Depreciation is calculated using the straight-line method to allocate the cost of assets less any residual value over their 
estimated useful lives, as follows: 

  Premises and sites 
  Leasehold improvements 
  Furniture and equipment 
  Technology 
  Assets under lease 

Up to 50 years 

Up to 10 years 

3 to 15 years 

3 to 5 years 

Up to 7 years 

Property, plant and equipment are reviewed at each balance date to determine whether there is any indication of impairment. If 
such an indication exists, the asset’s recoverable amount, being the higher of fair value less cost to sell and value-in-use, is 
estimated. An impairment charge is recognised as part of operating expenses whenever the carrying amount of the asset 
exceeds its recoverable amount. 

The gain or loss arising on the disposal or retirement of an asset is determined as the difference between the sale proceeds 
less costs of disposal, and the carrying amount of the asset, and is recognised as non-interest income. 

(v)  Goodwill and other intangible assets 
Goodwill 
Goodwill arises on the acquisition of businesses and represents the excess of the purchase consideration, the amount of any 
non-controlling interest in the acquiree and the acquisition date fair value of any previous equity interest in the acquiree, over 
the fair value of the net identifiable assets acquired. 

All goodwill is considered to have an indefinite life. Goodwill is allocated to Cash Generating Units (CGUs) based on 
management’s analysis of where the synergies resulting from an acquisition are expected to arise. It is tested for impairment 
annually and whenever there is an indication of impairment, and is carried at cost or deemed cost less accumulated 
impairment. An impairment charge is recognised whenever the carrying amount of a CGU to which goodwill is allocated 
exceeds its recoverable amount, which is determined on a value-in-use basis (refer Note 15). 

Gains or losses on the disposal of an entity include the carrying amount of goodwill relating to the entity sold. 

2014 Westpac Group Annual Report 

143 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Note 1. Summary of significant accounting policies (continued) 
Computer software 
Internal and external costs directly incurred in the purchase or development of computer software, including subsequent 
upgrades and enhancements, are recognised as intangible assets when it is probable that they will generate future economic 
benefits attributable to the Group. These assets are amortised using the straight-line method over their estimated useful lives of 
between three and ten years. 

Brands 
Brands are recognised on the acquisition of businesses and represent the value attributed to brand names associated with 
those businesses. The useful life of brands is estimated to be indefinite as there is no foreseeable limit to the period over which 
they are expected to generate net cash flows. Brands are not amortised but tested for impairment annually or more frequently 
when indicators of impairment are identified. 

Core deposits intangibles 
Core deposits were recognised as part of the merger with St.George and represent the value, or avoided cost, of the deposit 
base acquired that provides a valuable source of funding. Core deposits are amortised using the straight-line method over a 
period of nine years and are stated at cost less accumulated amortisation and impairment. Core deposits are assessed for 
impairment at each reporting date and whenever there is an indicator of impairment. 

Other intangibles 
Other intangibles primarily consist of financial planner distribution relationships, credit card customer relationships, dealer 
networks, value in force business and service contracts. They are stated at cost less accumulated amortisation (where 
relevant) and impairment. Other intangibles are assessed for impairment at each reporting date and whenever there is an 
indicator of impairment. An impairment charge is recognised whenever the carrying amount of the intangible exceeds its 
recoverable amount, which is determined on a value-in-use basis. 

Financial planner distribution relationships, credit card customer relationships and dealer networks were recognised as part of 
business acquisitions and represent the value attributable to future revenue from these relationships. They are amortised using 
the straight-line method over their estimated useful lives of eight, five and three years respectively. 

Liabilities 

f. 
(i)  Financial liabilities 
The Group classifies significant financial liabilities in the following categories: payables due to other financial institutions, 
deposits and other borrowings, other financial liabilities at fair value through income statement, derivative financial instruments, 
debt issues and loan capital. Financial liabilities are recognised when an obligation arises. 

Financial liabilities measured at fair value through income statement are recognised initially at fair value. All other financial 
liabilities are recognised initially at fair value plus directly attributable transaction costs. 

Financial liabilities are derecognised when the obligation is discharged, cancelled or expires. Where an existing financial liability 
is replaced by another from the same lender on substantially different terms, or the terms of an existing liability are substantially 
modified, the exchange or modification is treated as a derecognition of the original liability and the recognition of a new liability, 
with the difference in the respective carrying amounts recognised in profit or loss. 

a.  Payables due to other financial institutions 

Payables due to other financial institutions include interbank lending, securities sold under agreements to repurchase, cash 
collateral and deposits (including vostro, settlement and clearing account balances) due to central and other banks. 
Subsequent to initial recognition, they are measured at amortised cost using the effective interest rate method. 

b.  Deposits and other borrowings 

Deposits and other borrowings include certificates of deposit, at-call and term deposits, and other related interest-bearing 
financial instruments. Subsequent to initial recognition, deposits and other borrowings are measured at either amortised cost 
using the effective interest rate method or at fair value through income statement where they are designated as such on 
initial recognition. 

The Group designates certain deposits and other borrowings at fair value when those liabilities are managed on a fair value 
basis (as part of a trading portfolio), where an accounting mismatch is eliminated or reduced (which arises from associated 
derivatives executed for risk management purposes), or where the instrument contains an embedded derivative. These 
liabilities are measured at fair value with changes in fair value (except own credit) recognised through the income statement in 
the period in which they arise. The change in the portion of the fair value that is attributable to Westpac’s own credit risk is 
recognised in other comprehensive income except where it would create an accounting mismatch, in which case it is also 
recognised through the income statement. 

Interest expense incurred is recorded within net interest income using the effective interest rate method. 

144 

2014 Westpac Group Annual Report 

 
Notes to the financial statements 

Note 1. Summary of significant accounting policies (continued) 
c.  Other financial liabilities at fair value through income statement 

Other financial liabilities at fair value through income statement includes trading securities sold short, securities sold under 
repurchase agreements included as part of a trading portfolio and other financial liabilities designated at fair value on initial 
recognition. Subsequent to initial recognition, these liabilities are measured at fair value with changes in fair value (except as 
noted below) recognised through the income statement in the period in which they arise. For financial liabilities that have been 
designated at fair value, the change in the portion of the fair value that is attributable to Westpac’s own credit risk is recognised 
in other comprehensive income except where it would create an accounting mismatch, in which case it is recognised through 
the income statement. 

Interest expense incurred is recorded within net interest income using the effective interest rate method. 

d.  Derivative financial instruments 

Refer to previous discussion on derivative financial instruments in Note 1(e)(ii). 

e.  Debt issues 

These are bonds, notes, commercial paper and debentures that have been issued by entities in the Westpac Group. Debt 
issues also include acceptances, which are bills of exchange initially accepted and discounted by Westpac that have been 
subsequently rediscounted into the market. Bill financing provided to customers by accepting and discounting of bills of 
exchanges is reported as part of loans. 

Subsequent to initial recognition, debt issues are measured at either amortised cost using the effective interest rate method or 
at fair value through income statement where they are designated as such on initial recognition. The Group designates certain 
debt issues at fair value to reduce or eliminate an accounting mismatch which arises from associated derivatives executed for 
risk management purposes, or where the instrument contains an embedded derivative. These liabilities are measured at fair 
value with changes in fair value (except own credit) recognised through the income statement in the period in which they arise. 
The change in the fair value that is attributable to Westpac’s own credit risk is recognised in other comprehensive income 
except where it would create an accounting mismatch, in which case it is also recognised through the income statement. 

Interest expense incurred is recorded within net interest income using the effective interest rate method. 

f.  Loan capital 

Loan capital is debt issued by the Group recognised as a liability with terms and conditions that qualify for inclusion as 
regulatory capital under APRA Prudential Standards. Subsequent to initial recognition loan capital is measured at amortised 
cost using the effective interest rate method. 

g.  Financial guarantees 

Financial guarantee contracts are recognised as financial liabilities (recorded in provisions) at the time the guarantee is issued. 
The liability is initially measured at fair value and subsequently at the higher of the amount determined in accordance with 
AASB 137 Provisions, Contingent Liabilities and Contingent Assets and the amount initially recognised less cumulative 
amortisation, where appropriate. 

The fair value of a financial guarantee contract is determined as the present value of the difference in net cash flows between 
the contractual payments under the debt instrument and the payments that would be required without the guarantee, or the 
estimated amount that would be payable to a third party for assuming the obligation. 

(ii)  Provisions 
Employee benefits 
Provisions for wages and salaries, including non-monetary benefits, annual leave, accumulating sick leave and any associated 
on-costs (i.e. payroll tax) expected to be settled within 12 months of the balance date are recognised in respect of employees’ 
services up to the balance date and are measured at the amounts expected to be paid when the liabilities are settled. 

Provisions for long service leave expected to be settled within 12 months of the balance date are measured at the amounts 
expected to be paid when the liabilities are settled. Provisions for long service leave expected to be settled more than 
12 months from the balance date are measured at the present value of future payments expected to be made in respect of 
services provided by employees up to the balance date. Consideration is given to expected future wage and salary levels, 
experience of employee departure and periods of service. Expected future payments are discounted to their net present value 
using market yields at the balance date on government bonds with terms that match as closely as possible the estimated timing 
of future cash flows. 

Provision for impairment on credit commitments 
A provision for impairment is recognised on undrawn contractually committed facilities and guarantees provided. The amount is 
calculated using the same methodology as the provision for impairment charges on loans (refer to Note 1(e)(ii)). 

2014 Westpac Group Annual Report 

145 

 
Note 1. Summary of significant accounting policies (continued) 
Provision for restructuring 
A provision for restructuring (including termination benefits) is recognised where there is a demonstrable commitment and a 
detailed plan such that there is little or no discretion to avoid payments to other parties and the amount can be reliably 
estimated. The majority of restructuring provisions are expected to be settled within 12 months and are measured at amounts 
expected to be paid when they are settled. Amounts expected to be settled more than 12 months from the balance date are 
measured at the present value of the estimated cash outflows, where the effect of discounting is material. 

Provision for dividends 
A provision for dividends is recognised when dividends are declared, determined or publicly recommended by the Directors but 
not distributed as at the balance date. 

Provision for litigation and non-lending losses 
A provision for litigation is recognised where it is probable that there will be an outflow of economic resources. Non-lending 
losses are any losses that have not arisen as a consequence of an impaired credit decision. Those provisions include litigation 
and associated costs, frauds and the correction of operational issues. 

Provision for leasehold premises 
The provision for leasehold premises covers unavoidable costs in relation to making good property to the same or similar state 
as when the lease was entered into at the end of the lease period or net outgoings on certain unoccupied leased premises or 
sub-let premises where projected rental income falls short of rental expense. The liability is determined on the basis of the 
present value of net future cash flows. 

(iii)  Life insurance liabilities 
Life insurance liabilities consist of life insurance contract liabilities, life investment contract liabilities and external liabilities of 
managed investment schemes controlled by statutory life funds. 

Life insurance contract liabilities 
The value of life insurance contract liabilities is calculated using the margin on services methodology. The methodology takes 
into account the risks and uncertainties of the particular classes of the life insurance business written. Deferred policy 
acquisition costs are included in the measurement basis of life insurance contract liabilities and are therefore equally sensitive 
to the factors that are considered in the liabilities measurement. This methodology is in accordance with Prudential Standard 
LPS 340 Valuation of Policy Liabilities. 

Under this methodology, planned profit margins and an estimate of future liabilities are calculated separately for each related 
product group using applied assumptions at each reporting date. Profit margins are released over each reporting period in line 
with the service that has been provided. The balance of the planned profit is deferred by including them in the value of 
policy liabilities. 

Life investment contract liabilities 
Life investment contract liabilities are designated at fair value through income statement. Fair value is based on the higher of 
the valuation of linked assets, or the minimum current surrender value. 

External liabilities of managed investment schemes controlled by statutory life funds 
External liabilities of managed investment schemes controlled by statutory life funds are designated at fair value through 
income statement. 

g.  Equity 
(i)  Share capital 
Ordinary shares are recognised at the amount paid up per ordinary share net of directly attributable issue costs. Where the 
Parent Entity or other members of the consolidated Group purchases shares in the Parent Entity, the consideration paid is 
deducted from ordinary share capital and the shares are treated as treasury shares until they are subsequently sold, reissued 
or cancelled. Where such shares are sold or reissued, any consideration received is included in shareholders’ equity. 

(ii)  Other equity instruments 
Convertible debentures issued by the parent entity in respect of the 2006 Trust Preferred Securities (2006 TPS) are recognised 
in the balance sheet at the amount of consideration received net of issue costs. They are translated into Australian currency 
using the rate of exchange on issue date and distributions on them are recognised when entitlements are determined in 
accordance with the terms of the convertible debentures. 

(iii)  Non-controlling interests 
Non-controlling interests represents the share in the net assets of subsidiaries attributable to equity interests that are not owned 
directly or indirectly by the Parent Entity. The Group also has on issue 2006 TPS that are hybrid instruments and are classified 
as non-controlling interests. 

146 

2014 Westpac Group Annual Report 

 
Notes to the financial statements 

Note 1. Summary of significant accounting policies (continued) 
(iv)  Reserves 
Foreign currency translation reserve 
As noted in Note 1(b)(ii), exchange differences arising on translation of the Group’s foreign operations, any offsetting gains or 
losses on hedging the net investment and any associated tax effect are reflected in the foreign currency translation reserve. A 
cumulative credit balance in this reserve would not normally be regarded as being available for payment of dividends until such 
gains are realised on sale or disposal of the foreign operation. 

Available-for-sale securities reserve 
This comprises the changes in the fair value of available-for-sale financial securities, net of tax. These changes are transferred 
to the income statement in non-interest income when the asset is either derecognised or impaired. 

Cash flow hedging reserve 
This comprises the fair value gains and losses associated with the effective portion of designated cash flow 
hedging instruments. 

Share-based payment reserve 
This comprises the fair value of share-based payments recognised as an expense. 

Other reserves 
Other reserves for the Parent Entity consists of the common control reserve (refer Note 1(b)(i)). Other reserves for the Group 
consist of transactions relating to change in the parent entity’s ownership of a subsidiary that do not result in a loss of control. 

The amount recorded in other reserves reflects the difference between the amount by which non-controlling interests are 
adjusted and the fair value of any consideration paid or received. 

h.  Other 
(i)  Loan securitisation 
The Group, through its loan securitisation program, packages and sells loans (principally housing mortgage loans) as securities 
to investors. The program includes the securitisation of the Group’s own assets as well as assets from customer funding 
conduits. In such transactions, the Group provides an equitable interest in the loans to investors who provide funding to the 
Group. Securitised loans that do not qualify for derecognition and the associated funding are included in loans and debt 
issues respectively. 

(ii)  Fiduciary activities 
Certain controlled entities within the Group conduct investment management and other fiduciary activities as responsible entity 
or manager on behalf of individuals, trusts, retirement benefit plans and other institutions. These activities involve the 
management of assets in investment schemes and superannuation funds, and the holding or placing of assets on behalf of 
third parties. 

Where controlled entities, as responsible entities, incur liabilities in respect of these activities, a right of indemnity exists against 
the assets of the applicable trusts. As these assets are sufficient to cover liabilities, and it is not probable that the controlled 
entities will be required to settle them, the assets and liabilities are not included in the consolidated financial statements. 

The Group also manages life insurance statutory fund assets that are included in the consolidated financial statements. 

(iii)  Superannuation obligations 
Obligations for contributions to the defined contribution superannuation plan are recognised as an expense in the income 
statement as incurred. 

The asset or liability recognised in the balance sheet in respect of the defined benefit superannuation plan is the present value 
of the defined benefit obligation as at the reporting date less the fair value of the plan’s assets. The present value of the defined 
benefit obligation is determined by discounting the estimated pre-tax future cash flows using blended interest rates of 
government bonds that have terms to maturity approximating to the terms of the related superannuation liability. 

The superannuation expense relating to the defined benefit superannuation plan comprises of service cost (including current 
and past service cost and gains and losses on curtailments and settlements) and net interest expense (income). 
Remeasurements (including actuarial gains and losses and the difference between the interest income and the return on plan 
assets) is recognised in other comprehensive income. 

(iv)  Earnings per share 
Basic earnings per share (EPS) is determined by dividing the net profit after tax attributable to equity holders, excluding costs of 
servicing other equity instruments, by the weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding during the financial year, 
excluding the number of ordinary shares purchased and held as treasury shares. 

Diluted EPS is calculated by adjusting the earnings and number of shares used in the determination of the basic EPS for the 
effects of dilutive options, share rights and other dilutive potential ordinary shares. 

2014 Westpac Group Annual Report 

147 

 
Note 1. Summary of significant accounting policies (continued) 
In relation to options, share rights and restricted shares, the weighted average number of shares is adjusted to take into 
account the weighted average number of shares assumed to have been issued for nil consideration in determining diluted EPS. 
The number of ordinary shares assumed to be issued for nil consideration represents the difference between the number that 
would have been issued at the exercise price and the number that would have been issued at the average market price over 
the reporting period. 

In relation to instruments convertible into ordinary shares under certain conditions, the weighted average number of shares is 
adjusted to determine the number of ordinary shares that may arise on conversion, by dividing the face value of the instruments 
by the average market price over the reporting period, taking into account any applicable discount on conversion weighted by 
the number of instruments on issue. 

(v)  Leases 
Leases are classified as either finance leases or operating leases. Under a finance lease, substantially all the risks and rewards 
incidental to legal ownership are transferred to the lessee. In contrast, an operating lease exists where the leased assets are 
allocated to the lessor. 

In its capacity as a lessor, the Group primarily offers finance leases. The Group recognises the assets held under finance lease 
in the balance sheet as loans at an amount equal to the net investment in the lease. The recognition of finance income is based 
on a pattern reflecting a constant periodic return on the Group’s net investment in the finance lease. Finance lease income is 
included within interest income in the income statement (refer to Note 1(c)(i)). Where the Group offers operating leases, the 
assets are recognised in the balance sheet as property, plant and equipment at cost, and depreciated to their residual value on 
a straight-line basis over their estimated useful life. Operating lease rentals are recognised in the income statement on a 
straight line basis over the lease term (refer to Note 1(c)(ii). 

In its capacity as a lessee, the Group mainly uses property and equipment under operating leases. Payments due to the lessor 
under operating leases are charged to equipment and occupancy expense on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease 
(refer to Note 1(c)(iii)). 

(vi)  Segment reporting 
Operating segments are presented on a basis that is consistent with information provided internally to Westpac’s key decision 
makers. In assessing the financial performance of its divisions internally, Westpac uses a measure of performance it refers to 
as ‘cash earnings’. To calculate cash earnings, Westpac adjusts the statutory result for material items that key decision makers 
believe do not reflect ongoing operations, items that are not considered when dividends are recommended and accounting 
reclassifications between individual line items that do not impact statutory results, such as policyholder tax recoveries. Details 
of the specific adjustments made to the statutory result in arriving at cash earnings are included in Note 33. 

(vii)  Critical accounting assumptions and estimates 
The application of the Group’s accounting policies necessarily requires the use of judgment, estimates and assumptions. 
Should different assumptions or estimates be applied, the resulting values would change, impacting the net assets and income 
of the Group. The nature of significant assumptions and estimates used are noted below. 

Fair value of financial instruments 
Financial instruments classified as held-for-trading (including derivatives) or designated at fair value through income statement 
and financial assets classified as available-for-sale are recognised in the financial statements at fair value. 

The fair value of a financial instrument is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an 
orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date. 

Fair value is obtained from quoted market prices, independent dealer price quotations, discounted cash flow models and option 
pricing models, which incorporate current market and contractual prices for the underlying instrument, time to expiry, yield 
curves and volatility of the underlying. The calculation of fair value for any financial instrument may also require adjustment of 
the quoted price or model value to reflect the cost of credit risk (where not embedded in underlying models or prices used). The 
process of calculating fair value on illiquid instruments or from a valuation model may require estimation of certain pricing 
parameters, assumptions or model characteristics. These estimates are calibrated against industry standards, economic 
models and observed transaction prices. 

The fair value of financial instruments is provided in Note 28 as well as the mechanism by which fair value has been derived. 

Provisions for impairment charges on loans and credit commitments 
Provisions for credit impairment represent management’s estimate of the impairment charges incurred in the loan portfolios and 
on undrawn contractually committed credit facilities and guarantees provided as at the balance date. Changes to the provisions 
are reported in the income statement as part of impairment charges on loans. The methodology and assumptions used for 
estimating future cash flows are reviewed regularly by the Group to reduce any differences between loss estimates and actual 
loss experience. 

148 

2014 Westpac Group Annual Report 

 
Notes to the financial statements 

Note 1. Summary of significant accounting policies (continued) 
  Individual component 

All impaired loans that exceed specified thresholds are individually assessed for impairment. Individually assessed loans 
principally comprise the Group’s portfolio of commercial loans to medium and large businesses. Impairment is recognised as 
the difference between the carrying value of the loan and the discounted value of management’s best estimate of future cash 
repayments and proceeds from any security held (discounted at the loan’s original effective interest rate for fixed rate loans and 
the loan’s current effective interest rate for variable rate loans). Relevant considerations that have a bearing on the expected 
future cash flows are taken into account, including the business prospects for the customer, the realisable value of collateral, 
the Group’s position relative to other claimants, the reliability of customer information and the likely cost and duration of the 
work-out process. Subjective judgments are made in this process. Furthermore, judgments can change with time as new 
information becomes available or as work-out strategies evolve, resulting in revisions to the impairment provision as individual 
decisions are taken. 

  Collective component 

This is made up of two elements: loan impairment provisions for impaired loans that are below individual assessment 
thresholds (collective impaired loan provisions) and for loan impairments that have been incurred but have not been separately 
identified at the balance sheet date (incurred but not reported provisions). These are established on a portfolio basis taking into 
account the level of arrears, collateral, past loss experience and defaults based on portfolio trends. The most significant factors 
in establishing these provisions are the estimated loss rates and the related emergence periods. The emergence period for 
each loan product type is determined through studies of loss emergence patterns. Loan files where losses have emerged were 
reviewed to identify the average time period between observable loss indicator events and the loss becoming identifiable. The 
future credit quality of these portfolios is subject to uncertainties that could cause actual credit losses to differ materially from 
reported loan impairment provisions. These uncertainties include the economic environment, notably interest rates and their 
effect on customer spending, unemployment levels, payment behaviour and bankruptcy rates. 

Details on the group’s impairment charges are provided in Note 12. 

Goodwill 
The determination of the fair value of assets and liabilities of the acquired businesses requires the exercise of management 
judgment. Different fair values would result in changes to the goodwill balance and to the post-acquisition performance of 
the acquisition. 

To determine if goodwill is impaired, the carrying value of the identified CGU to which the goodwill is allocated, is compared to 
its recoverable amount. Value in use is the present value of expected future cash flows from the CGU, and the determination of 
the appropriate cash flows and discount rates to use is subjective. The key assumptions applied to determine if any impairment 
exists are outlined in Note 15. 

Superannuation obligations 
The Group operates a number of defined benefit plans as described in Note 36. For each of these plans, independent actuarial 
valuations of the plan’s obligations using the projected unit credit method and the fair value measurements of the plan’s assets 
are performed at least annually. The actuarial valuation of plan obligations is dependent upon a series of assumptions, the key 
ones being price inflation, salaries growth, mortality, morbidity, investment returns and discount rate assumptions. Different 
assumptions could significantly alter the amount of the difference between plan assets and obligations, and the superannuation 
cost charged to the income statement. 

Provisions (other than loan impairment) 
Provisions are held in respect of a range of obligations such as employee entitlements, restructuring costs, litigation provisions 
and non-lending losses and onerous contracts (for example leases with surplus space). Provisions carried for long service 
leave are supported by an independent actuarial report. Some of the provisions involve significant judgment about the likely 
outcome of various events and estimated future cash flows. The deferral of these benefits involves the exercise of management 
judgments about the ultimate outcomes of the transactions. Payments that are expected to be incurred after more than one 
year are discounted at a rate which reflects both current interest rates and the risks specific to that provision. 

Income taxes 
The Group is subject to income taxes in Australia and jurisdictions where it has foreign operations. Significant judgment is 
required in determining the worldwide provision for income taxes, based on the Group’s understanding of the relevant tax law. 
There are many transactions and calculations undertaken during the ordinary course of business for which the ultimate tax 
outcome is unclear. Provisions for tax are held to reflect these tax uncertainties. Where the final outcome of these matters is 
different from the amounts that were initially recorded, such differences will impact the current and deferred tax provisions in 
the period where such determination is made. Refer to Note 14 for details of the Group’s deferred tax balances. 

2014 Westpac Group Annual Report 

149 

 
Note 1. Summary of significant accounting policies (continued) 
Life insurance contract liabilities 
Life insurance contract liabilities are computed using statistical or mathematical methods, which are expected to give 
approximately the same results as if an individual liability was calculated for each contract. These computations are made by 
suitably qualified personnel on the basis of recognised actuarial methods, with due regard to relevant actuarial principles. The 
methodology takes into account the risks and uncertainties of the particular classes of the life insurance business written. 
Deferred policy acquisition costs are connected with the measurement basis of life insurance contract liabilities and are equally 
sensitive to the factors that are considered in the liability measurement. 

The key factors that affect the estimation of these liabilities and related assets are: 

  the cost of providing benefits and administrating the contracts; 
  mortality and morbidity experience, including enhancements to policyholder benefits; 
  discontinuance experience, which affects the Group’s ability to recover the cost of acquiring new business over the life of the 

contracts; and 

  the rate at which projected future cash flows are discounted. 
In addition, factors such as regulation, competition, interest rates, taxes, securities market conditions and general economic 
conditions affect the level of these liabilities. In some contracts, the Group shares experience on investment results with its 
customers, which can offset the impacts of these factors on the profitability of these products. 

Consolidation of structured entities 
The Group assesses at inception and periodically whether an entity (particularly a structured entity) should be consolidated. 
The determination of control of structured entities will involve significant judgment as voting rights are often not the decisive 
factor in decisions over the relevant activities. Judgment may involve assessing the purpose and design of the entity, and 
consideration as to whether the Group, or another involved party with power over the relevant activities, is acting as a principal 
in its own right or as an agent on behalf of others. Refer to Note 41 for information about structured entities. 

(viii) Future developments in accounting standards 
The following new standards and interpretations which may have a material impact on the Group have been issued, but are not 
yet effective and have not been early adopted by the Group: 

AASB 9 Financial Instruments was issued by the Australian Accounting Standards Board in December 2009. Unless early 
adopted, the standard will be effective for the 30 September 2019 financial year. The major changes under the standard are: 

  the multiple classification and measurement models are replaced in AASB 139 Financial Instruments: Recognition and 

Measurement with a single model that has two classification categories: amortised cost and fair value; 

  a financial asset is measured at amortised cost if two criteria are met: a) the objective of the business model is to hold the 

financial asset for the collection of the contractual cash flows, and b) the contractual cash flows under the instrument solely 
represent the payment of principal and interest; 

  if a financial asset is eligible for amortised cost measurement, an entity can elect to measure it at fair value if it eliminates or 

significantly reduces an accounting mismatch; 

  an embedded derivative will not be separated where the instrument is a financial asset; 
  equity instruments must be measured at fair value however, an entity can elect on initial recognition to present the fair value 
changes on non-trading equity investments directly in other comprehensive income. There is no subsequent recycling of fair 
value gains and losses to profit or loss; however dividends from such investments will continue to be recognised in profit 
or loss; 

  if an entity holds an investment in asset-backed securities (ABS) it must determine the classification of that investment by 
looking through to the underlying assets and assess the credit quality of the investment compared with the underlying 
portfolio of assets. If an entity is unable to look through to the underlying assets, then the investment must be measured at 
fair value; 

  the portion of a change of fair value relating to the entity’s own credit risk for financial liabilities designated at fair value is 
presented in other comprehensive income, except when that would create an accounting mismatch. If such a mismatch 
would be created or enlarged, all changes in fair value (including the effects of changes in the credit risk) is recognised in 
profit or loss. The Group early adopted this amendment from 1 October 2013; and 

  hedge accounting is more closely aligned with risk management activities by increasing the eligibility of both hedged items 

and hedging instruments and introducing a more principles-based approach to assessing hedge effectiveness. 

The IASB recently released a final version of IFRS 9 Financial Instruments. This final standard includes a new expected credit 
loss impairment model which will replace the current incurred loss impairment model. The Australian Accounting Standards 
Board is expected to release a final version of AASB 9 equivalent to IFRS 9 shortly. We are yet to determine the impact of this 
revised standard on the Group. 

The IASB also has a separate active project on accounting for macro hedging which it continues to work on. 

150 

2014 Westpac Group Annual Report 

 
Notes to the financial statements 

Note 1. Summary of significant accounting policies (continued) 
As a result of the issuance and reissuance of AASB 9, two further standards have been issued by the AASB which give effect 
to consequential changes to a number of Australian Accounting Standards and Interpretations. These standards are 
AASB 2009-11 Amendments to Australian Accounting Standards arising from AASB 9 which was issued in December 2009 
and AASB 2010-7 Amendments to Australian Accounting Standards arising from AASB 9 (December 2010) which was issued 
in December 2010. These standards will be applicable when AASB 9 is adopted by the Group. 

AASB 9 will impact the classification and measurement of the Group’s financial instruments when the remainder of the standard 
is adopted. 

AASB 2012-3 Amendments to Australian Accounting Standards – Offsetting Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities was 
issued in June 2012 and will be effective for the 30 September 2015 financial year. The amendment provides application 
guidance to addressing inconsistencies applied to offsetting criteria provided in AASB 132 Financial Instruments: Presentation, 
including clarifying the meaning of current legal enforceable right of set-off is legally enforceable in all circumstances and that 
some gross settlement systems (such as through a clearing house) may be considered as the equivalent to net settlement. The 
amendment is not expected to have a material impact on the Group. 

AASB 15 Revenue from Contracts with Customers was issued on 28 May 2014 and will be effective for the 30 September 2018 
financial year. The standard provides a single comprehensive model for revenue recognition. It supersedes current recognition 
and related Interpretations. The application of AASB 15 is not expected to have a material impact on the Group. 

Note 2. Net interest income 

Consolidated

2014
$m

2013
$m

2012
$m

Parent Entity
2014
$m

2013
$m

102
113
31
1,665
67
1,226
29,781
23
-
1
33,009

99
188
8
2,091
108
1,116
33,238
24
-
1
36,873

225
84
(58)
1,407
75
1,386
29,104
18
-
7
32,248

Interest income
Cash
Receivables due from other financial institutions
Net ineffectiveness on qualifying hedges
Trading securities
Other financial assets designated at fair value
Available-for-sale securities
Loans
Regulatory deposits with central banks overseas
Due from subsidiaries
Other interest income
Total interest income1
Interest expense
Payables due to other financial institutions
Certificates of deposit
At call and term deposits
Trading liabilities
Debt issues
Due to subsidiaries
Loan capital
Other interest expense
Total interest expense2
Net interest income
1  Total interest income for financial assets that are not at fair value through income statement is $30,824 million (2013: $31,246 million, 

(300)
(921)
(10,578)
(2,523)
(3,813)
-
(490)
(81)
(18,706)
13,542

(190)
(1,009)
(11,546)
(2,806)
(4,008)
-
(529)
(100)
(20,188)
12,821

(244)
(1,619)
(12,983)
(4,500)
(4,388)
-
(454)
(183)
(24,371)
12,502

182
35
(61)
1,340
73
1,231
24,666
18
4,585
7
32,076

(299)
(881)
(9,148)
(2,268)
(3,096)
(4,791)
(458)
(71)
(21,012)
11,064

67
38
29
1,603
64
1,085
26,125
23
3,907
1
32,942

(189)
(978)
(10,352)
(2,569)
(3,407)
(4,064)
(494)
(70)
(22,123)
10,819  

2012: $34,666 million) for the Group and $30,724 million (2013: $31,246 million) for the Parent Entity. 

2  Total interest expense for financial liabilities that are not at fair value through income statement is $14,996 million (2013: $16,116 million, 

2012: $17,990 million) for the Group and $17,636 million (2013: $18,357 million) for the Parent Entity. 

2014 Westpac Group Annual Report 

151 

 
 
 
 
Note 3. Non-interest income 

Consolidated

2014
$m

2013
$m

2012
$m

Parent Entity
2014
$m

2013
$m

-

-

-
-

-
-

1,738

1,613

2,000

254
2,254

206
1,944

178
1,791

476
374
850

407
520
927

440
629
1,069

530
487
1,017

1,265
1,030
312
514
3,121

1,206
946
285
299
2,736

1,253
1,160
310
-
2,723

1,179
1,185
266
-
2,630

1,329
1,254
343
-
2,926

Fees and commissions
Facility fees
Transaction fees and commissions received
Other non-risk fee income
Transactions with subsidiaries
Total fees and commissions 
Wealth management and insurance income
Life insurance and funds management net operating income
General insurance and lenders mortgage insurance net
operating income
Total wealth management and insurance income
Trading income
Foreign exchange income
Other trading securities
Total trading income
Other income
Dividends received from subsidiaries
Dividends received from other entities
Net gain on disposal of assets
Net gain/(loss) on ineffective hedges
Net gain/(loss) on hedging overseas operations
Net gain/(loss) on derivatives held for risk management purposes1
Net gain/(loss) on financial instruments designated at fair value
Rental income on operating leases
Other
Total other income
Total non-interest income
Wealth management and insurance income comprised
Funds management income
Life insurance premium income
Life insurance commissions, investment income and other income
Life insurance claims and changes in life insurance liabilities
General insurance and lenders mortgage insurance 
net premiums earned
General insurance and lenders mortgage insurance investment, commissions 
and other income
General insurance and lenders mortgage insurance claims incurred, 
underwriting and commission expenses
-
-
Total wealth management and insurance income
1  Income from derivatives held for risk management purposes reflects impact of economic hedge of foreign currency capital and earnings where hedge 

-
11
97
-
12
(27)
(14)
32
87
198
6,395

-
10
67
(1)
(6)
(118)
32
-
54
38
5,774

1,643
8
127
-
18
(27)
18
1
69
1,857
5,905

-
12
46
3
78
(36)
27
-
80
210
5,481

1,813
7
62
(1)
(253)
(114)
65
-
54
1,633
5,375

1,149
761
1,125
(1,297)

1,337
881
639
(857)

1,037
637
836
(897)

343
663
1,006

(222)
1,791

(221)
1,944

(194)
2,254

-
-
-
-

-
-
-
-

426

370

402

25

22

30

-
-

-

-

-

-

accounting is not achieved. 

152 

2014 Westpac Group Annual Report 

 
 
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
        
        
        
        
        
        
             
             
             
        
        
 
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
             
             
        
        
        
             
             
     
     
     
             
             
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
 
     
     
        
        
     
             
             
             
     
     
          
          
          
            
            
          
          
          
        
          
             
           
            
             
           
          
           
          
          
       
         
       
         
         
       
         
          
          
          
          
          
             
             
            
             
          
          
          
          
          
        
          
        
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
             
             
        
        
        
             
             
        
     
        
             
             
       
    
       
             
             
        
        
        
             
             
          
          
          
             
             
       
       
       
             
             
 
     
     
     
             
             
 
 
Note 4. Operating expenses 

Salaries and other staff expenses
Salaries and wages
Employee entitlements
Employee related taxes
Superannuation expense:

Defined contribution plans
Defined benefit plans (Note 36)

Equity based compensation
Restructuring costs
Other
Total salaries and other staff expenses
Equipment and occupancy expenses
Operating lease rentals
Depreciation, amortisation and impairment:

Premises
Leasehold improvements
Furniture and equipment
Technology
Software
Assets under lease

Equipment repairs and maintenance
Electricity, water and rates
Land tax
Other
Total equipment and occupancy expenses
Other expenses
Amortisation of deferred expenditure
Amortisation and impairment of intangible assets
Impairment on investments in subsidiaries
Non-lending losses
Purchased services:

Technology and information services
Legal
Other professional services
Credit card loyalty programs

Stationery
Postage and freight
Outsourcing costs
Insurance
Advertising
Training
Travel
Westpac Bicentennial Foundation grant
Other expenses
Total other expenses
Operating expenses

Notes to the financial statements 

Consolidated

2014
$m

2013
$m

2012
$m

Parent Entity
2014
$m

2013
$m

3,544
316
210

279
57
184
61
16
4,667

3,264
325
223

254
70
155
28
17
4,336

3,113
326
209

237
87
155
159
20
4,306

2,761
272
174

216
56
133
57
1
3,670

2,588
282
190

198
70
113
18
3
3,462

565

565

535

481

487

10
109
64
105
493
16
85
12
8
35
1,502

6
217
-
(23)

392
33
423
136
75
130
610
21
159
18
67
100
14
2,378
8,547

13
108
62
94
403
-
78
12
8
27
1,370

3
221
-
43

350
26
380
135
76
146
587
20
164
21
64
-
34
2,270
7,976

14
106
62
85
352
-
76
12
8
28
1,278

6
225
-
172

278
29
402
133
78
151
620
16
147
20
66
-
30
2,373
7,957

9
92
54
91
413
1
71
8
7
25
1,252

16
191
22
(33)

291
25
293
136
57
101
488
13
114
13
49
100
141
2,017
6,939

12
94
54
82
336
-
67
8
8
15
1,163

17
208
-
30

245
15
284
135
57
117
478
13
110
15
47
-
103
1,874
6,499

2014 Westpac Group Annual Report 

153 

 
     
     
     
     
     
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
          
          
          
          
          
        
        
        
        
        
          
          
        
          
          
 
          
          
          
            
            
 
     
     
     
     
     
        
        
        
        
        
          
          
          
            
          
        
        
        
          
          
          
          
          
          
          
        
          
          
          
          
        
        
        
        
        
          
             
             
            
             
          
          
          
          
          
          
          
          
            
            
            
            
            
            
            
 
          
          
          
          
          
 
     
     
     
     
     
            
            
            
          
          
        
        
        
        
        
             
             
             
          
             
         
          
        
         
          
        
        
        
        
        
          
          
          
          
          
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
          
          
          
          
          
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
          
          
          
          
          
        
        
        
        
        
          
          
          
          
          
          
          
          
          
          
        
             
             
        
             
 
          
          
          
        
        
 
     
     
     
     
     
 
     
     
     
     
     
 
 
 
 
Note 5. Income tax 

The income tax expense for the year is reconciled to the profit before 
income tax as follows
Profit before income tax
Prima facie income tax based on the Australian company tax rate of 30%
The effect of amounts which are not deductible (assessable) in 
calculating taxable income
Change in tax rate1
Dividend adjustments
Life insurance:

Tax adjustment on policyholders’ earnings2
Adjustment for life business tax rates

Hybrid capital distributions3
Other non-assessable items
Other non-deductible items
Adjustment for overseas tax rates
Income tax (over)/under provided in prior years
TOFA tax consolidation adjustment4
Other items5
Total income tax expense in the income statement
Income tax analysis
Income tax expense attributable to profit from ordinary activities comprised:
Current income tax:

Australia
Overseas

Deferred income tax:

Australia
Overseas

Under/(over) provision in prior years:

Consolidated

2014
$m

2013
$m

2012
$m

Parent Entity
2014
$m

2013
$m

10,740
3,222

9,772
2,932

8,814
2,644

9,469
2,841

9,033
2,710

1
7

(2)
(2)

1
(1)

1
(493)

-
(544)

3
(4)
36
(22)
46
(22)
(14)
-
(138)
3,115

2,303
401
2,704

389
36
425

24
(8)
26
(18)
37
-
(7)
-
(35)
2,947

2,209
357
2,566

387
1
388

8
(6)
10
(29)
53
3
(10)
165
(26)
2,812

2,160
344
2,504

320
(2)
318

-
1
36
(22)
39
10
(15)
-
(163)
2,235

1,844
79
1,923

325
2
327

-
1
26
(16)
31
16
(9)
-
13
2,228

1,723
102
1,825

405
7
412

Australia
Overseas

(2)
(7)
(9)
Total Australia
2,126
Total overseas
102
2,228  
Total income tax expense attributable to profit from ordinary activities
1  During 2014 the company tax rate in the UK reduced from 23% to 21% (2013: from 24% to 23%, 2012 from 26% to 24%). The impact of this change 
has been taken to account in the measurement of deferred tax at the end of the reporting period. The impact of the change in the Fiji company tax 
rates from 28% to 20% was included in 2012. 
In accordance with the requirements of AASB 1038, tax expense for 2014 includes a $4 million tax expense on policyholders’ investment earnings 
(2013: $35 million tax expense, 2012: $12 million tax expense) of which $1 million (2013: $11 million tax expense, 2012: $4 million tax expense) is 
included in the prima facie tax expense and the balance of $3 million tax expense (2013: $24 million tax expense, 2012: $8 million tax expense) is 
shown here. 

2
(16)
(14)
2,694
421
3,115

3
(18)
(15)
2,172
63
2,235

(8)
(2)
(10)
2,472
340
2,812

(1)
(6)
(7)
2,595
352
2,947

2 

3  Reflects distributions on Westpac Convertible Preference Shares, Westpac Capital Notes and Westpac Capital Notes 2 which are non-tax deductible. 
4  New legislation that included retrospective amendments to the income tax law as it applies to TOFA and tax consolidated groups was introduced 
during the 2012 financial year. The amendments had an adverse application to certain liabilities that were consolidated as part of the St.George 
merger. This gave rise to an additional income tax expense of $165 million for the 2012 financial year. 
Includes the release of provisions no longer required following the finalisation of prior period taxation matters. 

5 

154 

2014 Westpac Group Annual Report 

 
 
Notes to the financial statements 

Note 5. Income tax (continued) 
Tax consolidation 
The Parent Entity and its wholly owned, Australian-controlled entities implemented the tax consolidation legislation as of 
1 October 2002. All entities in the tax consolidated group have entered into a tax sharing agreement which, in the opinion of the 
Directors, limits the joint and several liabilities of the wholly owned entities in the case of a default by the head entity, Westpac 
Banking Corporation. 

The entities have also entered into a tax funding agreement under which the wholly owned entities fully compensate the Parent 
Entity for any current tax payable assumed and are compensated by the Parent Entity for any current tax receivable and 
deferred tax assets relating to unused tax losses or unused tax credits that are transferred to the Parent Entity under the tax 
consolidation legislation. The funding amounts are determined by reference to the amounts recognised in the wholly owned 
entities’ financial statements. 

The amounts receivable/payable under the tax funding agreement are settled on a quarterly basis in line with the Parent 
Entity’s obligations to pay tax instalments. Any unpaid amounts at balance date are recognised as current intercompany 
receivables or payables. 

Taxation of financial arrangements (TOFA) 
TOFA applies to all entities in the Australian tax consolidation group from 1 October 2010. Subject to certain elections being 
made, TOFA improves the alignment of the tax treatment of gains and losses from financial arrangements with the accounting 
treatment adopted in the financial statements. The transitional rules require deferred tax balances impacted by TOFA to be 
amortised to taxable income over a four year period. 

Note 6. Dividends 

Recognised amounts
Ordinary dividends
2013 final dividend paid 88 cents per share (2012: 84 cents per share, 
2011: 80 cents per share) all fully franked at 30%
2014 interim dividend paid 90 cents per share (2013: 86 cents per share, 
2012: 82 cents per share) all fully franked at 30%
Total ordinary dividends
Special dividends
Special dividend paid 10 cents per share determined 4 November 2013
(2013: 10 cents per share determined 3 May 2013, 2012: nil) fully franked 
at 30%
Total special dividends
Distributions on other equity instruments
Convertible debentures
Total distributions on other equity instruments
Dividends not recognised at year end
Since year end the Directors have recommended the payment of the following 
dividends on ordinary shares:

Ordinary shares 92 cents per share (2013: 88 cents per share, 
2012: 84 cents per share) all fully franked at 30%
Special dividend nil (2013: 10 cents per share, 2012: nil) fully franked 
at 30%

Total dividends not recognised at year end

Consolidated

2014
$m

2013
$m

2012
$m

Parent Entity
2014
$m

2013
$m

2,733

2,584

2,423

2,736

2,588

2,794
5,527

2,665
5,249

2,501
4,924

2,798
5,534

2,670
5,258

310
310

-
-

310
310

-
-

-
-

-
-

310
310

16
16

310
310

47
47

2,856

2,733

2,584

2,860

2,736

-
2,856

310
3,043

-
2,584

-
2,860

310
3,046

The Board has determined to satisfy the DRP for the 2014 final dividend by issuing Westpac ordinary shares. The DRP will not 
include a discount. 

Dividend franking account 
Australian franking credits available to the Parent Entity for subsequent financial years is $565 million (2013: $585 million, 
2012: $1,029 million). This is based on the franking account of the Parent Entity at 30 September 2014, adjusted for franking 
credits that will arise from the payment of income tax payable on Australian profits for the 2014 financial year, and franking 
debits of $1,226 million that will arise from the payment of proposed 2014 final dividends. 

2014 Westpac Group Annual Report 

155 

     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
        
        
             
        
        
        
        
             
        
        
             
             
             
          
          
             
             
             
          
          
     
     
     
     
     
             
        
             
             
        
     
     
     
     
     
 
 
 
Note 7. Earnings per share 
Basic earnings per share (EPS) is calculated by dividing the net profit attributable to equity holders of Westpac by the weighted 
average number of ordinary shares on issue during the year, excluding the number of ordinary shares purchased by the Group 
and held as Treasury shares. Diluted EPS is calculated by adjusting the earnings and the weighted average number of ordinary 
shares outstanding to assume conversion of all dilutive potential ordinary shares. 

Refer to Note 23 Loan Capital and Note 25 Share-based Payments for further information on the potential dilutive instruments. 

Reconciliation of earnings used in the calculation of earnings per 
ordinary share ($m)
Net profit attributable to owners of Westpac Banking Corporation
Restricted Share Plan (RSP) treasury shares distributions1
2004 TPS distributions
2007 convertible notes distributions
Westpac SPS distributions
Westpac SPS II distributions
Westpac CPS dividends
Westpac CN distributions
Westpac CN 2 distributions

Net profit attributable to owners of Westpac Banking Corporation 
adjusted for the effect of dilution

Weighted average number of ordinary shares (millions)
Weighted average number of ordinary shares
Effect of own shares held
Potential dilutive adjustment:

2014

Consolidated
2013

2012

Basic

Diluted

Basic

Diluted

Basic

Diluted

7,561
(10)
-
-
-
-
-
-
-

7,561
-
22
-
-
24
49
56
14

6,751
(12)
-
-
-
-
-
-
-

6,751
-
21
-
27
30
53
30
-

5,936
(11)
-
-
-
-
-
-
-

5,936
-
18
16
34
36
34
-
-

7,551

7,726

6,739

6,912

5,925

6,074

3,109
(11)

3,109
(11)

3,100
(13)

3,100
(13)

3,056
(13)

3,056
(13)

Exercise of options and share rights and vesting of 
restricted shares
Conversion of 2004 TPS
Conversion of 2007 convertible notes
Conversion of Westpac SPS
Conversion of Westpac SPS II
Conversion of Westpac CPS
Conversion of Westpac CN
Conversion of Westpac CN 2

13
21
23
43
38
26
-
-
3,207
Total weighted average number of ordinary shares
189.4
Earnings per ordinary share (cents)
1  While the equity granted to employees remains unvested, RSP treasury shares are deducted from ordinary shares on issue in arriving at the weighted 
average number of ordinary shares outstanding. Despite the shares being unvested, employees are entitled to dividends and to voting rights on the 
shares. Consequently, a portion of the profit for the period is allocated to RSP treasury shares to arrive at earnings attributed to ordinary shareholders. 

-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
3,043
194.7

-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
3,087
218.3

-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
3,098
243.7

9
18
-
-
23
36
42
11
3,237
238.7

14
17
-
31
28
37
24
-
3,238
213.5

Note 8. Receivables due from other financial institutions 

Conduit assets1
Cash collateral
Interbank lending
Total receivables due from other financial institutions
1  Further information on conduit assets is disclosed in Note 32. Conduit assets are only available to meet associated conduit liabilities disclosed in 

Consolidated
2014
$m
1,417
3,830
2,177
7,424

2013
$m
1,710
7,137
2,363
11,210

Parent Entity
2014
$m
-
3,686
1,797
5,483

2013
$m
-
6,987
2,330
9,317  

Note 22. 

156 

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Note 9. Trading securities and other financial assets designated at fair value 

Notes to the financial statements 

Securities
Securities purchased under agreement to resell
Other financial assets designated at fair value
Total trading securities and other financial assets designated at 
fair value

Securities include the following: 

Australian public securities
Commonwealth securities
State government securities

Australian equity securities
Australian debt securities
Overseas public securities
Overseas debt securities
Other securities
Total securities

Other financial assets designated at fair value include: 

Australian debt securities
Overseas debt securities
Australian equity securities
Total other financial assets designated at fair value 

Consolidated

2014
$m
36,881
6,275
2,753

2013
$m
39,448
6,882
2,759

2012
$m
34,455
10,148
2,664

Parent Entity
2014
$m
35,794
6,275
2,255

2013
$m
38,046
6,882
2,090

45,909

49,089

47,267

44,324

47,018

Consolidated

2014
$m

2013
$m

2012
$m

Parent Entity
2014
$m

2013
$m

7,146
12,521
44
8,033
5,608
3,486
43
36,881

4,501
9,865
22
14,647
6,152
4,236
25
39,448

3,172
6,249
44
20,952
826
3,164
48
34,455

7,146
12,490
44
8,032
5,608
2,431
43
35,794

4,501
9,740
22
14,645
6,151
2,962
25
38,046

Consolidated

2014
$m
1,595
852
306
2,753

2013
$m
1,928
543
288
2,759

2012
$m
1,840
545
279
2,664

Parent Entity
2014
$m
1,265
852
138
2,255

2013
$m
1,444
543
103
2,090

The Group has total holdings of debt securities from the Australian Commonwealth Government of $7,146 million and three 
Australian State Governments (Queensland Treasury Corporation: $12,220 million; NSW Treasury Corporation: $7,881 million; 
Western Australian Treasury Corporation: $5,776 million), the aggregate book and market value, each of which exceeded 10% 
of the Group total shareholders’ equity at 30 September 2014. 

The Group holds $4,559 million of US Government treasury notes (2013: $4,978 million, 2012: $573 million1). 

Both of the above are recognised in the categories trading securities, other financial assets designated at fair value and 
available-for-sale securities (Note 10) at 30 September 2014. 

1  The 2012 comparative has been restated from the $37 million previously reported. 

2014 Westpac Group Annual Report 

157 

 
   
   
   
   
   
     
     
   
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
   
   
   
   
   
 
 
 
 
 
     
     
     
     
     
 
   
     
     
   
     
 
          
          
          
          
          
 
     
   
   
     
   
 
     
     
        
     
     
 
     
     
     
     
     
          
          
          
          
          
 
   
   
   
   
   
 
 
 
     
     
     
     
     
 
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
 
     
     
     
     
     
 
 
 
                                                           
Note 10. Available-for-sale securities 

Available-for-sale securities – at fair value
Australian public securities (State Government securities)
Australian debt securities
Overseas public securities
Overseas debt securities
Australian equity securities
Overseas equity securities

Consolidated

2014
$m

2013
$m

2012
$m

Parent Entity
2014
$m

2013
$m

19,490
12,062
3,083
1,179
9
185
36,008

17,464
9,071
2,477
797
10
180
29,999

18,342
2,667
2,427
801
106
122
24,465

19,490
11,712
368
415
8
-
31,993

17,464
8,692
5
221
8
-
26,390

Available-for-sale securities – at cost1
Unlisted securities
Total available-for-sale securities
1  Investments in certain unlisted securities are measured at cost because the fair value cannot be reliably measured. These investments represent non-

12
30,011

16
36,024

16
32,009

4
26,394

7
24,472

controlling interests in companies for which active markets do not exist and quoted prices are not available. 

Available-for-sale securities change in fair value resulted in a gain of $263 million for the Group (2013: $57 million gain, 
2012: $139 million gain) and a gain of $222 million for the Parent Entity (2013: $7 million gain) being recognised in other 
comprehensive income. 

The following table shows the maturities of the Group’s available-for-sale securities and their weighted-average yield as at 
30 September 2014. There are no tax-exempt securities. 

Carrying amount
Australian public securities
Australian debt securities
Overseas public securities
Overseas debt securities
Australian equity securities
Overseas equity securities
Unlisted securities at cost
Total by maturity

Within
1 Year
% 

$m

Over 1 Year
to 5 Years
$m
% 

Over 5 Years
to 10 Years
$m
% 

Over
10 Years
% 

$m

No Specific
Maturity
% 

$m

Weighted
Average
%

 Total
$m

2014

100
567
1,050
384
-
-
-
2,101

2.9
3.2
3.7
1.6
-
-
-

8,861
9,645
1,673
761
-
-
-
20,940

4.4
3.6
5.1
3.4
-
-
-

10,108
1,850
360
34
-
-
-
12,352

4.7
3.9
4.7
5.6
-
-
-

4.5
-
-
-
-
-
-

421
-
-
-
-
-
-
421

-
-
-
-
9
185
16
210

-
-
-
-
-
-
-

19,490
12,062
3,083
1,179
9
185
16
36,024

4.6
3.6
4.6
2.8
-
-
-

The maturity profile is determined based upon contractual terms for available-for-sale instruments. 

158 

2014 Westpac Group Annual Report 

 
 
   
   
   
   
   
   
     
     
   
     
     
     
     
        
            
     
        
        
        
        
            
          
        
            
            
        
        
        
             
             
   
   
   
   
   
          
          
            
          
            
   
   
   
   
   
 
 
 
 
 
      
   
   
   
  
   
      
   
         
       
  
         
      
   
   
   
    
   
           
       
         
       
  
         
   
   
   
   
       
   
           
       
         
       
    
         
      
   
      
   
         
   
           
       
         
       
    
         
           
       
           
       
            
       
           
       
         
       
           
             
           
       
           
       
            
       
           
       
     
       
       
             
           
       
           
       
            
       
           
       
       
       
         
             
   
 
  
      
     
  
 
 
Note 11. Loans 
The following table shows loans disaggregated by type of product. Loans are classified based on the location of the 
booking office: 

Notes to the financial statements 

Consolidated
2014
$m

2013
$m

Parent Entity
2014
$m

2013
$m

2,965
9,560
112
36,191

2,965
9,560
112
36,191

2,589
10,032
26
33,137

2,589
10,032
26
33,137

323,940
27,097
351,037
104,556
5,458
1,960
1,790
670
511,255

298,967
29,565
328,532
87,240
4,976
2,041
1,670
857
474,144

323,912
27,097
351,009
91,762
2,428
1,984
1,790
670
495,427

298,931
29,565
328,496
80,469
3,011
2,082
1,670
857
465,413

Australia
Overdrafts
Credit card outstandings
Overnight and at call money market loans
Acceptance of finance
Term loans:1
Housing
Housing – line of credit
Total housing
Non-housing
Finance leases1
Margin lending
Trade finance2
Other
Total Australia
New Zealand
Overdrafts
Credit card outstandings
Overnight and at call money market loans
Term loans:
Housing
Non-housing
Trade finance2
Other
Total New Zealand
Other overseas
Overdrafts
Term loans:
Housing
Non-housing
Trade finance2
Other
Total other overseas
Total loans
Provisions on loans (refer to Note 12)
Total net loans3
Net loans classification4
382,702
Loans – housing and personal
Loans – business
153,462
Total net loans3
536,164
1  Securitised loans are included in term loans and finance leases. Further detail on securitised assets is disclosed in Note 32. 
2  Trade finance was previously presented as part of Other. Comparatives have been revised to conform to presentation with the current year. 
3  Included in net loans is $9 billion (2013: $11 billion) of loans designated at fair value to reduce an accounting mismatch. The cumulative change in fair 
value of the loans attributable to credit risk is a decrease of $62 million (2013: $98 million decrease) for the Group and Parent Entity. The change in fair 
value of loans attributable to credit risk recognised during the period is $36 million (2013: $27 million) for the Group and Parent Entity. 

335
5,840
6,146
22
12,461
508,193
(2,589)
505,604

357
3,717
4,706
18
8,892
474,613
(2,956)
471,657

885
4,260
4,706
77
10,077
539,806
(3,642)
536,164

881
6,515
6,147
87
13,791
583,516
(3,173)
580,343

33,389
18,242
256
142
55,585

35,465
18,888
289
160
58,470

343,407
128,250
471,657  

366,897
138,707
505,604

411,583
168,760
580,343

-
21
256
31
308

-
-
289
16
305

1,013
1,255
1,400

1,125
1,201
1,230

161

149

118

-
-
-

-
-
-

94

4  Loans – housing and personal include products of a retail nature including mortgages, personal loans, credit cards and customer overdrafts. 

Loans – business include corporate funding, working capital, trade and overdraft facilities. 

2014 Westpac Group Annual Report 

159 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Note 11. Loans (continued) 
The following table shows loans presented based on their industry classification: 

2014
$m

Consolidated

2013
$m

2012
$m

2011
$m

2010
$m

7,108
7,304
6,049
13,259
881
9,415
2,339
49,030
9,715
14,619
8,868
3,002
340,139
2,416
474,144

7,447
7,224
6,416
14,644
784
9,269
3,293
55,150
10,874
15,616
9,330
3,272
365,822
2,114
511,255

7,106
7,549
6,313
13,101
930
10,663
1,836
47,184
9,467
15,868
9,351
3,239
328,109
2,298
463,014

Australia
Accommodation, cafes and restaurants
Agriculture, forestry and fishing
Construction
Finance and insurance
Government, administration and defence
Manufacturing 
Mining
Property, property services and business services
Services1
Trade2
Transport and storage
Utilities3
Retail lending
Other
Total Australia
Overseas
Accommodation, cafes and restaurants
Agriculture, forestry and fishing
Construction
Finance and insurance
Government, administration and defence
Manufacturing 
Mining
Property, property services and business services
Services1
Trade2
Transport and storage
Utilities3
Retail lending
Other
Total overseas
Total loans
Provisions on loans
Total net loans
1  Services includes education, health and community services, cultural and recreational services and personal and other services. 
2  Trade includes wholesale trade and retail trade. 
3  Utilities includes electricity, gas and water and communication services. 

562
6,938
1,184
3,880
389
4,026
4,585
12,448
2,486
4,617
1,730
1,764
27,462
190
72,261
583,516
(3,173)
580,343

585
6,506
1,367
2,960
639
3,319
2,921
11,225
2,651
5,014
1,528
1,476
25,363
108
65,662
539,806
(3,642)
536,164

594
5,345
1,220
2,406
533
3,682
640
9,620
2,174
4,411
1,589
1,212
21,766
73
55,265
518,279
(3,834)
514,445

7,121
7,790
6,084
15,925
781
11,339
1,488
45,559
8,936
16,094
6,677
2,581
316,777
1,330
448,482

580
4,975
1,180
1,998
464
2,925
368
9,659
2,149
4,047
1,928
1,010
20,723
166
52,172
500,654
(4,045)
496,609

7,195
7,797
5,968
13,643
806
10,958
1,337
48,398
9,408
16,240
7,351
2,421
301,150
1,282
433,954

570
4,699
1,180
1,886
474
2,143
363
9,156
2,026
3,289
1,800
1,104
19,574
148
48,412
482,366
(4,711)
477,655  

160 

2014 Westpac Group Annual Report 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Note 11. Loans (continued) 
The following table shows the consolidated contractual maturity distribution of all loans by type of customer as at 
30 September 2014: 

Notes to the financial statements 

Up to 1 Year
$m

1 to 5 Years
$m

Over 5 Years
$m

2014

Loans by type of customer in Australia
772
Accommodation, cafes and restaurants
868
Agriculture, forestry and fishing
1,502
Construction
3,750
Finance and insurance
409
Government, administration and defence
1,275
Manufacturing 
1,019
Mining
7,594
Property, property services and business services
Services1
2,309
Trade2
2,095
1,447
Transport and storage
Utilities3
860
302,115
Retail lending
360
Other
326,375
Total Australia
36,859
Total overseas
363,234
Total loans
1  Services includes education, health and community services, cultural and recreational services and personal and other services. 
2  Trade includes wholesale trade and retail trade. 
3  Utilities includes electricity, gas and water and communication services. 

4,174
3,638
3,483
6,313
261
4,438
1,823
29,516
6,137
7,645
6,728
2,107
44,504
799
121,566
14,131
135,697

2,501
2,718
1,431
4,581
114
3,556
451
18,040
2,428
5,876
1,155
305
19,203
955
63,314
21,271
84,585

Total
$m

7,447
7,224
6,416
14,644
784
9,269
3,293
55,150
10,874
15,616
9,330
3,272
365,822
2,114
511,255
72,261
583,516

Interest rate segmentation of Group loans 
maturing after one year
By offices in Australia
By offices overseas
Total loans maturing after one year

 Loans at
 Variable
Interest
Rates
 $m

2014
 Loans at 
Fixed 
Interest 
Rates 
 $m 

Consolidated

 Loans at 
Variable 
Interest 
Rates 
 $m 

2013
 Loans at 
 Fixed 
Interest 
Rates 
 $m 

 Total 
 $m 

 Total 
 $m 

353,625
16,244
369,869

94,316
34,746
129,062

447,941
50,990
498,931

332,738
18,079
350,817

75,804
29,130
104,934

408,542
47,209
455,751

2014 Westpac Group Annual Report 

161 

 
              
              
                 
              
              
              
                 
              
              
              
              
              
              
              
              
            
                 
                 
                 
                 
              
              
              
              
                 
              
              
              
            
            
              
            
              
              
              
            
              
              
              
            
              
              
              
              
                 
              
                 
              
            
            
          
          
                 
                 
                 
              
            
          
          
          
            
            
            
            
            
          
          
          
 
 
 
 
 
 
Note 11. Loans (continued) 
Loans include the following finance receivables: 

Gross investment in finance leases, receivable:

Due within one year
Due after one year but not later than five years
Due after five years
Unearned future finance income on finance leases

Net investment in finance leases
Accumulated allowance for uncollectible minimum lease payments
Net investment in finance leases after accumulated allowance
The net investment in finance leases may be analysed as follows:

Due within one year
Due after one year but not later than five years
Due after five years

Total net investment in finance leases

Note 12. Provisions for impairment charges 

Collectively assessed provisions
Balance as at beginning of the year
Provisions raised/(released)
Write-offs 
Interest adjustment
Exchange rate and other adjustments
Balance as at end of the year
Individually assessed provisions
Balance as at beginning of the year
Provisions raised
Write-backs
Write-offs 
Interest adjustment
Exchange rate and other adjustments
Balance as at end of the year
Total provisions for impairment charges on loans and credit commitments
Less provisions for credit commitments (refer to Note 20)
Total provisions for impairment charges on loans

Reconciliation of impairment charges
Individually assessed provisions raised
Write-backs
Recoveries
Collectively assessed provisions raised/(released)
Impairment charges 

Consolidated
2014
$m

2013
$m

Parent Entity
2014
$m

2013
$m

904
5,039
689
(958)
5,674
(26)
5,648

868
4,305
501
5,674

737
4,742
647
(948)
5,178
(21)
5,157

705
4,026
447
5,178

416
2,059
312
(327)
2,460
(9)
2,451

402
1,822
236
2,460

409
2,739
358
(456)
3,050
(13)
3,037

395
2,393
262
3,050

Consolidated

2014
$m

2013
$m

2012
$m

Parent Entity
2014
$m

2013
$m

2,585
505
(702)
189
37
2,614

1,364
684
(433)
(706)
(34)
(8)
867
3,481
(308)
3,173

2,771
290
(708)
196
36
2,585

1,470
1,112
(479)
(691)
(75)
27
1,364
3,949
(307)
3,642

2,953
342
(756)
229
3
2,771

1,461
1,442
(468)
(952)
(38)
25
1,470
4,241
(407)
3,834

2,107
457
(585)
151
18
2,148

1,123
550
(373)
(532)
(36)
(13)
719
2,867
(278)
2,589

2,336
181
(581)
162
9
2,107

1,227
946
(412)
(571)
(78)
11
1,123
3,230
(274)
2,956

Consolidated

2014
$m

684
(433)
(106)
505
650

2013
$m

2012
$m

1,112
(479)
(76)
290
847

1,442
(468)
(104)
342
1,212

Parent Entity
2014
$m

2013
$m

550
(373)
(73)
457
561

946
(412)
(53)
181
662

162 

2014 Westpac Group Annual Report 

 
 
           
           
           
           
        
        
        
        
           
           
           
           
          
          
          
          
        
        
        
        
            
            
              
            
        
        
        
        
           
           
           
           
        
        
        
        
           
           
           
           
        
        
        
        
 
 
 
     
     
     
     
     
        
        
        
        
        
       
       
       
       
       
        
        
        
        
        
          
          
            
          
            
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
        
     
     
        
        
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
         
         
         
         
         
           
          
          
         
          
        
     
     
        
     
     
     
     
     
     
       
       
       
       
       
     
     
     
     
     
 
 
        
     
     
        
        
       
       
       
       
       
       
         
       
         
         
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
     
        
        
 
 
Note 12. Provisions for impairment charges (continued) 
The following table presents provisions for impairment charges on loans by industry classification for the past five years: 

Notes to the financial statements 

2014

$m

2013

Consolidated
2012

2011

2010

%

$m

%

$m

%

$m

%

$m

%

47
47
61
24
36
15
283
32
70
12
2
60
2
691

1.0
0.6
1.4
1.3
2.0
-
12.7
2.2
2.2
0.9
0.5
1.7
0.2
26.7

1.2
1.1
1.7
0.9
2.7
0.1
12.2
2.9
2.1
1.1
0.5
1.6
0.2
28.3

1.5
2.0
1.7
0.6
2.7
0.1
10.9
1.2
2.9
1.1
0.8
1.9
0.2
27.6

1.4
1.4
1.8
0.7
1.0
0.4
8.1
0.9
2.0
0.3
0.1
1.7
0.1
19.9

45
28
63
58
90
2
559
96
97
38
23
74
7
1,180

53
46
73
38
116
2
518
121
87
47
22
67
7
1,197

59
80
66
24
108
4
428
48
116
45
29
76
6
1,089

Individually assessed provisions by industry
Australia
Accommodation, cafes and restaurants
Agriculture, forestry and fishing
Construction
Finance and insurance
Manufacturing 
Mining
Property, property services and business services
Services1
Trade2
Transport and storage
Utilities3
Retail lending
Other
Total Australia
New Zealand
Accommodation, cafes and restaurants
Agriculture, forestry and fishing
Construction
Finance and insurance
Manufacturing 
Mining
Property, property services and business services
Services1
Trade2
Transport and storage
Utilities3
Retail lending
Total New Zealand
Other overseas
Accommodation, cafes and restaurants
Agriculture, forestry and fishing
Construction
Finance and insurance
Manufacturing 
Mining
Property, property services and business services
Services1
Trade2
Transport and storage
Retail lending
Total other overseas
Total overseas
Total individually assessed provisions
Total collectively assessed provisions
Total provisions for impairment charges and 
credit commitments
100.0
1  Services includes education, health and community services, cultural and recreational services and personal and other services. 
2  Trade includes wholesale trade and retail trade. 
3  Utilities includes electricity, gas and water and communication services. 

4
3
2
33
2
-
13
3
4
2
2
68
275
1,364
2,585

2
2
7
23
2
-
9
2
1
1
4
53
273
1,470
2,771

2
-
-
17
2
-
19
1
2
17
10
70
281
1,461
2,953

7
2
1
20
1
1
2
1
4
6
3
48
176
867
2,614

0.2
0.1
-
0.6
-
-
0.1
-
0.1
0.2
0.1
1.4
5.0
24.9
75.1

0.1
0.1
0.1
0.7
0.1
-
0.2
0.1
0.1
0.1
0.1
1.7
6.9
34.5
65.5

0.1
0.1
0.2
0.5
-
-
0.2
-
-
-
0.1
1.2
6.4
34.7
65.3

-
-
-
0.6
-
-
0.4
-
-
0.4
0.2
1.6
6.4
33.1
66.9

2
20
4
3
29
1
112
6
7
-
-
27
211

1
17
6
9
6
37
71
40
2
-
1
17
207

-
6
1
-
33
36
38
1
2
1
-
10
128

5
20
2
9
16
-
116
35
3
-
-
14
220

-
0.4
0.2
0.2
0.2
0.9
1.8
1.0
0.1
-
-
0.4
5.2

0.1
0.5
0.1
0.2
0.4
-
2.7
0.8
0.1
-
-
0.3
5.2

-
0.5
0.1
0.1
0.7
-
2.5
0.1
0.2
-
-
0.6
4.8

-
0.2
-
-
0.9
1.0
1.1
-
0.1
-
-
0.3
3.6

3,481

100.0

3,949

100.0

4,241

100.0

4,414

44
27
32
60
143
31
595
51
47
80
27
137
26
1,300

2
46
2
1
10
-
143
5
13
-
12
36
270

1
1
-
-
-
-
6
16
-
19
9
52
322
1,622
3,439

0.9
0.5
0.6
1.2
2.8
0.6
11.8
1.0
0.9
1.6
0.5
2.7
0.5
25.6

-
0.9
-
-
0.2
-
2.9
0.1
0.3
-
0.2
0.8
5.4

-
-
-
-
-
-
0.1
0.3
-
0.4
0.2
1.0
6.4
32.0
68.0

5,061

100.0

2014 Westpac Group Annual Report 

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Note 12. Provisions for impairment charges (continued) 
The following table shows details of loan write-offs by industry classifications for the past five years: 

Write-offs
Australia
Accommodation, cafes and restaurants
Agriculture, forestry and fishing
Construction
Finance and insurance
Manufacturing 
Mining
Property, property services and business services
Services1
Trade2
Transport and storage
Utilities3
Retail lending
Other
Total Australia
New Zealand
Accommodation, cafes and restaurants
Agriculture, forestry and fishing
Construction
Finance and insurance
Manufacturing 
Mining
Property, property services and business services
Services1
Trade2
Transport and storage
Utilities3
Retail lending
Other
Total New Zealand
Other overseas
Accommodation, cafes and restaurants
Agriculture, forestry and fishing
Construction
Finance and insurance
Manufacturing 
Property, property services and business services
Services1
Trade2
Transport and storage
Utilities3
Retail lending
Other
Total other overseas
Total write-offs
Write-offs in relation to:

Collectively assessed provisions
Individually assessed provisions

2014
$m

(26)
(60)
(37)
(10)
(85)
(4)
(232)
(22)
(70)
(43)
(3)
(603)
(14)
(1,209)

(2)
(10)
(5)
(10)
(1)
(10)
(41)
(37)
(3)
-
-
(49)
-
(168)

(3)
-
-
(16)
(1)
-
(3)
(3)
(1)
(2)
-
(2)
(31)
(1,408)

(702)
(706)
(1,408)

Consolidated

2013
$m

2012
$m

2011
$m

2010
$m

(31)
(30)
(46)
(14)
(50)
(5)
(340)
(58)
(69)
(18)
(2)
(545)
(9)
(1,217)

(1)
(7)
(4)
(13)
(3)
-
(94)
(5)
(4)
(1)
-
(46)
-
(178)

(1)
-
-
-
(2)
-
(1)
-
-
-
-
-
(4)
(1,399)

(24)
(11)
(106)
(11)
(45)
(1)
(453)
(41)
(53)
(37)
(33)
(597)
(11)
(1,423)

(2)
(23)
(9)
(2)
(17)
(1)
(105)
(5)
(3)
(1)
-
(59)
(1)
(228)

(3)
(1)
(3)
(12)
(1)
(7)
(2)
(2)
(19)
-
(7)
-
(57)
(1,708)

(708)
(691)
(1,399)

(756)
(952)
(1,708)

(34)
(23)
(27)
(5)
(134)
(15)
(507)
(28)
(57)
(60)
(7)
(661)
(21)
(1,579)

(3)
(59)
(24)
(1)
(12)
-
(126)
(4)
(15)
-
(13)
(84)
(1)
(342)

-
-
-
-
(3)
(1)
-
-
-
-
-
(2)
(6)
(1,927)

(739)
(1,188)
(1,927)

(47)
(9)
(68)
(30)
(45)
(14)
(272)
(32)
(51)
(25)
(4)
(566)
(39)
(1,202)

(2)
(4)
(4)
(1)
(15)
-
(29)
(4)
(3)
(2)
-
(79)
(3)
(146)

-
-
-
-
-
(3)
-
-
-
-
-
-
(3)
(1,351)

(667)
(684)
(1,351)

Total write-offs
1  Services includes education, health and community services, cultural and recreational services and personal and other services. 
2  Trade includes wholesale trade and retail trade. 
3  Utilities includes electricity, gas and water and communication services. 

164 

2014 Westpac Group Annual Report 

 
          
          
          
          
          
          
          
          
          
            
          
          
        
          
          
          
          
          
            
          
          
          
          
        
          
            
            
            
          
          
        
        
        
        
        
          
          
          
          
          
          
          
          
          
          
          
          
          
          
          
            
            
          
            
            
        
        
        
        
        
          
            
          
          
          
     
     
     
     
     
            
            
            
            
            
          
            
          
          
            
            
            
            
          
            
          
          
            
            
            
            
            
          
          
          
          
              
            
              
              
          
          
        
        
          
          
            
            
            
            
            
            
            
          
            
              
            
            
              
            
              
              
              
          
              
          
          
          
          
          
              
              
            
            
            
        
        
        
        
        
            
            
            
              
              
              
              
            
              
              
              
              
            
              
              
          
              
          
              
              
            
            
            
            
              
              
              
            
            
            
            
            
            
              
              
            
              
            
              
              
            
              
          
              
              
            
              
              
              
              
              
              
            
              
              
            
              
              
            
              
          
            
          
            
            
     
     
     
     
     
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
     
        
     
     
     
     
     
 
Note 12. Provisions for impairment charges (continued) 
The following table shows details of recoveries of loans by industry classifications for the past five years: 

Notes to the financial statements 

2014
$m

Consolidated

2013
$m

2012
$m

2011
$m

2010
$m

Recoveries
Australia
Accommodation, cafes and restaurants
Agriculture, forestry and fishing
Construction
Finance and insurance
Manufacturing 
Property, property services and business services
Services1
Trade2
Transport and storage
Utilities3
Retail lending
Other
Total Australia
Total New Zealand
Total other overseas
Total recoveries
Total write-offs
Net write-offs and recoveries
1  Services includes education, health and community services, cultural and recreational services and personal and other services. 
2  Trade includes wholesale trade and retail trade. 
3  Utilities includes electricity, gas and water and communication services. 

-
-
2
8
3
12
-
1
-
2
62
2
92
14
-
106
(1,408)
(1,302)

1
1
1
3
8
11
-
1
1
-
41
-
68
8
-
76
(1,399)
(1,323)

-
-
1
2
5
23
1
1
1
-
61
1
96
8
-
104
(1,708)
(1,604)

-
-
-
-
-
9
-
-
-
-
46
-
55
5
-
60
(1,927)
(1,867)

1
-
2
-
2
3
1
1
1
-
31
2
44
4
3
51
(1,351)
(1,300)

2014 Westpac Group Annual Report 

165 

 
             
            
             
             
            
             
            
             
             
             
            
            
            
             
            
            
            
            
             
             
            
            
            
             
            
          
          
          
            
            
             
             
            
             
            
            
            
            
             
            
             
            
            
             
            
            
             
             
             
             
          
          
          
          
          
            
             
            
             
            
          
          
          
          
          
          
            
            
            
            
             
             
             
             
            
        
          
        
          
          
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
 
 
 
 
Note 13. Property, plant and equipment 

Premises and sites
Cost
Accumulated depreciation
Net carrying amount
Leasehold improvements
Cost
Accumulated amortisation
Net carrying amount
Furniture and equipment
Cost
Accumulated depreciation
Net carrying amount
Technology
Cost
Accumulated depreciation
Net carrying amount
Assets under lease
Cost
Accumulated depreciation
Net carrying amount
Total property, plant and equipment

Consolidated
2014
$m

2013
$m

Parent Entity
2014
$m

2013
$m

381
(153)
228

1,206
(629)
577

748
(558)
190

751
(383)
368

129
(40)
89
1,452

320
(138)
182

1,138
(586)
552

737
(563)
174

569
(303)
266

-
-
-
1,174

212
(64)
148

1,012
(547)
465

591
(438)
153

473
(147)
326

22
(1)
21
1,113

208
(51)
157

886
(456)
430

521
(379)
142

301
(59)
242

-
-
-
971

166 

2014 Westpac Group Annual Report 

 
 
        
        
        
        
       
       
         
         
        
        
        
        
     
     
     
        
       
       
       
       
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
       
       
       
       
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
       
       
       
         
        
        
        
        
        
             
          
             
         
             
           
             
          
             
          
             
     
     
     
        
 
 
 
Note 13. Property, plant and equipment (continued) 
Reconciliations of the carrying amount for each class of property, plant and equipment are set out below: 

Notes to the financial statements 

Consolidated
2014
$m

2013
$m

Parent Entity
2014
$m

2013
$m

182
56
(1)
(10)
1
-
228

552
137
(1)
(109)
1
(3)
577

Premises and sites
Balance as at beginning of the year
Additions
Disposals
Depreciation
Exchange rate adjustments
Other1
Balance as at end of the year
Leasehold improvements
Balance as at beginning of the year
Additions
Disposals
Amortisation
Exchange rate adjustments
Other1
Balance as at end of the year
Furniture and equipment
Balance as at beginning of the year
Additions
Disposals
Depreciation
Exchange rate adjustments
Balance as at end of the year
Technology
Balance as at beginning of the year
Additions
Disposals
Depreciation
Impairments
Exchange rate adjustments
Other
Balance as at end of the year
Assets under lease
Addition through business combinations2
80
27
Additions
(5)
Disposals
(16)
Depreciation
3
Other
89
Balance as at end of the year
1  During the previous financial year, assets were reclassified from premises and sites to leasehold improvements. 
2  Attributable to the acquisition of select businesses of Lloyds Banking Group. 

266
213
(7)
(105)
-
1
-
368

174
82
(3)
(64)
1
190

223
4
(1)
(13)
-
(31)
182

517
103
(2)
(108)
9
33
552

182
53
(1)
(62)
2
174

215
144
(2)
(90)
(4)
1
2
266

-
-
-
-
-
-

157
-
(1)
(9)
-
1
148

430
126
-
(92)
-
1
465

142
67
(2)
(54)
-
153

242
182
(7)
(91)
-
-
-
326

-
22
-
(1)
-
21

199
2
(1)
(12)
1
(32)
157

413
78
(1)
(94)
1
33
430

155
41
(1)
(54)
1
142

193
130
(2)
(78)
(4)
1
2
242

-
-
-
-
-
-

2014 Westpac Group Annual Report 

167 

        
        
        
        
          
            
             
            
           
           
           
           
         
         
           
         
            
             
             
            
             
         
            
         
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
          
           
           
             
           
       
       
         
         
            
            
             
            
           
          
            
          
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
          
          
          
          
           
           
           
           
         
         
         
         
            
            
             
            
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
           
           
           
           
       
         
         
         
             
           
             
           
            
            
             
            
             
            
             
            
        
        
        
        
          
             
             
             
          
             
          
             
           
             
             
             
         
             
           
             
            
             
             
             
          
             
          
             
 
 
 
 
Note 14. Deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities 
Deferred tax assets 

The balance comprises temporary differences attributable to:
Amounts recognised in income statements
Provisions for impairment charges on loans
Provision for employee benefits
Treasury/financial market products
Property, plant and equipment
Provision for litigation and non-lending losses
Provision for credit commitments
Provision for restructuring
Provision for lease liabilities
Other provisions
Other liabilities

Amounts recognised directly in other comprehensive income
Available-for-sale securities
Retirement benefit deficit

Consolidated
2014
$m

2013
$m

Parent Entity
2014
$m

2013
$m

926
311
180
227
5
78
6
34
61
340
2,168

1,064
308
150
217
8
79
16
31
50
572
2,495

756
271
163
217
4
78
6
27
54
324
1,900

860
267
145
205
7
79
16
26
44
560
2,209

(55)
113
58
(829)
1,397
376
1,021

(4)
93
89
(811)
1,773
516
1,257

(35)
113
78
(656)
1,322
349
973

13
93
106
(683)
1,632
477
1,155

Set-off of deferred tax liabilities pursuant to set-off provisions1
Net deferred tax assets
Net deferred tax assets to be recovered within 12 months
Net deferred tax assets to be recovered after more than 12 months
Movement
2,032
Opening balance as at beginning of the year
369
Credited to income statements
(86)
Recognised in other comprehensive income
Set-off of deferred tax liabilities pursuant to set-off provisions1
(683)
1,632
Closing balance as at end of the year
1  Deferred tax assets and liabilities are set-off where they relate to income tax levied by the same taxation authority on either the same taxable entity or 

1,632
374
(28)
(656)
1,322

2,176
499
(91)
(811)
1,773

1,773
484
(31)
(829)
1,397

different taxable entities within the same taxable group. 

168 

2014 Westpac Group Annual Report 

 
 
        
     
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
            
            
            
            
          
          
          
          
            
          
            
          
          
          
          
          
          
          
          
          
        
        
        
        
     
     
     
     
         
           
         
          
        
          
        
          
          
          
          
        
       
       
       
       
     
     
     
     
        
        
        
        
     
     
        
     
     
     
     
     
        
        
        
        
         
         
         
         
       
       
       
       
     
     
     
     
 
 
 
Note 14. Deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities (continued) 
Unrecognised deferred tax assets 
Deferred tax assets have not been recognised in respect of these items because it is not considered probable that future 
taxable profit will be available against which they can be realised. 

Notes to the financial statements 

Tax losses on revenue account

Deferred tax liabilities 

The balance comprises temporary differences attributable to:
Amounts recognised in income statements
Treasury/financial market products
Finance lease transactions
Property, plant and equipment
Life insurance assets
Other assets

Amounts recognised directly in other comprehensive income
Cash flow hedges

Consolidated
2014
$m
82

2013
$m
81

Parent Entity
2014
$m
73

2013
$m
76

Consolidated
2014
$m

2013
$m

Parent Entity
2014
$m

2013
$m

135
142
223
53
262
815

100
117
166
19
315
717

156
34
217
-
185
592

121
20
168
-
265
574

109
109
(683)
-
-
-

-
781
(98)
(683)
-

69
69
(829)
55
24
31

116
116
(811)
22
10
12

64
64
(656)
-
-
-

Set-off of deferred tax liabilities pursuant to set-off provisions1
Net deferred tax liabilities
Net deferred tax liabilities to be recovered within 12 months
Net deferred tax liabilities to be recovered after more than 12 months
Movements
Opening balance as at beginning of the year
Charged to income statements
Recognised in other comprehensive income
Set-off of deferred tax assets pursuant to set-off provisions1
Closing balance as at end of the year
1  Deferred tax assets and liabilities are set-off where they relate to the same taxation authority on either the same taxable entity or different entities 

-
701
(45)
(656)
-

22
909
(47)
(829)
55

33
887
(87)
(811)
22

within the same taxable group. 

Deferred tax liabilities relating to aggregate temporary differences of $44 million (2013: $35 million) associated with investments 
in subsidiaries have not been recognised because the Parent Entity controls whether the liability will be incurred and it is 
satisfied that the liability will not be incurred in the foreseeable future. 

2014 Westpac Group Annual Report 

169 

 
 
 
          
          
          
          
 
 
 
        
        
        
        
        
        
          
          
        
        
        
        
          
          
             
             
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
          
        
          
        
          
        
          
        
       
       
       
       
          
          
             
             
          
          
             
             
          
          
             
             
          
          
             
             
        
        
        
        
         
         
         
         
       
       
       
       
          
          
             
             
 
 
 
Note 15. Goodwill and other intangible assets 

2014
$m

2013
$m

2014
$m

2013
$m

8,797
-
71
8,868

1,551
738
(15)
(388)
14
(3)
1,897
3,033
(1,136)
1,897

8,868
225
19
9,112

1,897
664
(28)
(465)
2
-
2,070
3,671
(1,601)
2,070

Goodwill
Balance as at beginning of the year
Additions through business combination1
Exchange rate and other adjustments
Balance as at end of the year
Computer software
Balance as at beginning of the year
Additions
Impairment
Amortisation
Exchange rate adjustments
Other
Balance as at end of the year
Cost
Accumulated amortisation
Carrying amount
Brand names
Balance as at beginning of the year
Balance as at end of the year
Carrying amount
Core deposit intangibles
Balance as at beginning of the year
Amortisation
Balance as at end of the year
Cost
Accumulated amortisation
Carrying amount
Other intangible assets
Balance as at beginning of the year
Additions through business combination1
Impairment
Amortisation
Exchange rate and other adjustments
Balance as at end of the year
Cost
Accumulated amortisation
Carrying amount
Total goodwill and other intangible assets
1  Attributable to the acquisition of select businesses of Lloyds Banking Group. Further information is disclosed in Note 43. 

221
56
(2)
(49)
9
235
622
(387)
235
12,606

685
(166)
519
1,494
(975)
519

670
670
670

265
-
(3)
(52)
11
221
557
(336)
221
12,341

670
670
670

851
(166)
685
1,494
(809)
685

6,653
-
-
6,653

1,675
594
(28)
(385)
-
-
1,856
2,733
(877)
1,856

636
636
636

685
(166)
519
1,279
(760)
519

76
-
-
(25)
-
51
226
(175)
51
9,715

6,653
-
-
6,653

1,351
643
(15)
(321)
1
16
1,675
2,168
(493)
1,675

636
636
636

851
(166)
685
1,279
(594)
685

118
-
-
(42)
-
76
226
(150)
76
9,725

170 

2014 Westpac Group Annual Report 

 
 
     
     
     
     
        
             
             
             
          
          
             
             
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
        
        
        
        
         
         
         
         
       
       
       
       
            
          
             
            
             
           
             
          
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
    
    
       
       
     
     
     
     
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
       
       
       
       
        
        
        
        
     
     
     
     
       
       
       
       
        
        
        
        
        
        
          
        
          
             
             
             
           
           
             
             
         
         
         
         
            
          
             
             
        
        
          
          
        
        
        
        
       
       
       
       
        
        
          
          
   
   
     
     
 
 
 
Note 15. Goodwill and other intangible assets (continued) 
Goodwill has been allocated to the following Cash Generating Units (CGUs): 

Notes to the financial statements 

Consolidated
2014
$m

Parent Entity
2014
$m

2013
$m

Westpac Retail & Business Banking
St.George Banking Group1
Westpac Institutional Bank
BT Financial Group (Australia)
Hambro
New Zealand Retail Banking
BT New Zealand
Hastings
Bank of Tonga
Total goodwill
1  During 2014, $225 million of goodwill from acquisition of selected Lloyds Australian business has been allocated to St.George Banking Group CGU. 

2013
$m
        980          980          980          980 
     4,689       4,464       4,351       4,351 
        487          487          487          487 
     2,103       2,103          835          835 
        249          232               -               - 
        459          457               -               - 
          12            12               -               - 
        120          120               -               - 
          13            13               -               - 
     9,112       8,868       6,653       6,653   

Impairment tests for goodwill 
To assess whether goodwill is impaired, the carrying amount of each CGU is compared to their recoverable amount determined 
on a value in use basis. 

Key assumptions used in recoverable amount calculations 
The recoverable amount of each significant CGU is determined based on the Group’s projections of future pre-tax cash flows 
discounted by the Group’s after tax return on equity rate of 11.0% (2013: 11.0%), adjusted to a pre-tax rate of 15.7% for 
Australia, 15.3% for New Zealand and 13.8% for the United Kingdom (2013: 15.7% for Australia, 15.3% for New Zealand, 
14.5% for the United Kingdom). All future cash flows are based on approved two year forecasts (2013: two years). All cash 
flows beyond the two year period have an assumed growth rate of zero for all significant CGUs for the purpose of goodwill 
impairment testing. The strategic business plan assumes certain economic conditions and business performance, which are 
considered appropriate as they are consistent with observable historical information and current market expectations of the 
future. The forecasts applied by management are not reliant on any one particular assumption and no impairment would arise 
in significant CGUs even if zero growth is achieved over the two year forecast period. 

Sensitivity to changes in assumptions 
Management consider alternative key assumptions including, for example, increasing the discount rate by 1% or reducing 
future cash flows by 10%. Under these scenarios the recoverable amount of each significant CGU would continue to exceed its 
carrying value. This is illustrated in the table below: 

Westpac Retail & Business Banking
St.George Banking Group
BT Financial Group (Australia)

Excess of Recoverable Amount over the Carrying Value
Decrease
Increase
Cash Flows by 10%
Discount Rate by 1%
2013
2013
$m
$m
7,712
8,341
268
658
2,046  
2,268

Base Case
2014
$m
13,332
2,694
4,114

2014
$m
10,766
1,111
3,189

2014
$m
11,492
1,558
3,448

2013
$m
9,917
1,639
2,834

2014 Westpac Group Annual Report 

171 

 
 
 
 
 
Note 16. Other assets 

Accrued interest receivable
Securities sold not delivered
Deferred expenditure
Deferred acquisition costs
Trade debtors
Prepayments
Accrued fees and commissions
Other
Total other assets

Note 17. Payables due to other financial institutions 

Consolidated
2014
$m
1,258
2,768
11
129
716
177
210
719
5,988

2013
$m
1,194
1,416
24
126
533
135
164
968
4,560

Parent Entity
2014
$m
1,065
2,765
-
-
363
146
95
583
5,017

2013
$m
1,018
1,383
1
-
205
116
66
908
3,697

Cash collateral
Offshore central bank deposits
Interbank borrowing
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase1
Total payables due to other financial institutions
1  Securities sold under agreements to repurchase are not derecognised from the balance sheet, as set out in Note 1(e)(ii). The carrying value of 

Consolidated
2014
$m
3,876
3,039
5,478
6,243
18,636

2013
$m
1,285
2,936
4,615
-
8,836

Parent Entity
2014
$m
3,842
3,039
5,287
6,243
18,411

2013
$m
1,285
2,936
4,517
-
8,738  

securities pledged under repurchase agreements for the Group and the Parent Entity is $8,099 million (2013: nil). 

172 

2014 Westpac Group Annual Report 

 
 
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
          
          
             
            
        
        
             
             
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
          
          
        
        
        
        
     
     
     
     
 
 
 
Note 18. Deposits and other borrowings 

Notes to the financial statements 

Australia
Certificates of deposit
At call and term deposits
Non-interest bearing, repayable at call
Other interest bearing:

At call
Term

Total at call and term deposits
Total Australia
New Zealand
Certificates of deposit
At call and term deposits
Non-interest bearing, repayable at call
Other interest bearing:

At call
Term

Total at call and term deposits
Total New Zealand
Other overseas
Certificates of deposit
At call and term deposits
Non-interest bearing, repayable at call
Other interest bearing:

At call
Term

Consolidated
2014
$m

2013
$m

Parent Entity
2014
$m

2013
$m

35,481

29,286

35,538

29,286

25,773

20,464

25,773

20,464

187,904 175,102 187,876 175,106
133,972 132,028 133,972 132,028
347,649 327,594 347,621 327,598
383,130 356,880 383,159 356,884

1,031

1,362

3,217

2,905

18,418
22,500
44,135
45,166

16,419
22,104
41,428
42,790

-

-

-
-
-
-

-

-

-
-
-
-

15,065

11,202

15,065

11,202

914

766

355

294

Total at call and term deposits
Total other overseas
Total deposits and other borrowings
Deposits and other borrowings at fair value1
Deposits and other borrowings at amortised cost
Total deposits and other borrowings
1  The amount that would be contractually required to be paid at maturity to the holders of the financial liabilities designated at fair value through income 

1,437
10,391
12,122
23,324
460,822 424,482 414,183 380,208
40,653
411,186 382,467 365,522 339,555
460,822 424,482 414,183 380,208

1,914
10,930
13,610
24,812

1,694
14,853
17,461
32,526

1,204
14,400
15,959
31,024

49,636

42,015

48,661

statement for the Group is $49,614 million (2013: $42,157 million) and for the Parent Entity is $48,632 million (2013: $40,801 million). 

2014 Westpac Group Annual Report 

173 

 
 
 
 
Note 18. Deposits and other borrowings (continued) 
The following table shows average balances and average rates in each of the past three years for major categories of deposits: 

Australia
Non-interest bearing
Certificates of deposit
Other interest bearing at call
Other interest bearing term
Total Australia
Overseas
Non-interest bearing
Certificates of deposit
Other interest bearing at call
Other interest bearing term
Total overseas

2014

Average
Balance
$m

Average
Rate
%

Consolidated
2013

2012

Average
Balance
$m

Average
Rate
%

Average
Balance
$m

Average
Rate
%

23,082
31,793
182,046
128,546
365,467

3,926
15,717
20,354
35,720
75,717

2.7%
2.5%
3.5%

0.5%
3.1%
2.6%

18,399
29,352
162,748
133,534
344,033

3,345
15,259
16,483
29,300
64,387

3.1%
3.1%
3.9%

0.6%
2.9%
2.9%

15,101
34,401
143,130
124,881
317,513

2,875
18,478
14,260
24,953
60,566

4.4%
3.8%
5.1%

0.6%
2.7%
3.2%

Certificates of deposit and term deposits 
All certificates of deposit issued by foreign offices were greater than US$100,000. 

The maturity profile of certificates of deposit and term deposits greater than US$100,000 issued by Australian operations is set 
out below: 

Certificates of deposit greater than US$100,000
Term deposits greater than US$100,000

Consolidated 2014

Between
3 and
6 Months
$m
6,719
27,408

Between
6 Months
 and 1 Year
$m
170
16,053

Less Than
3 Months
$m
28,464
63,008

Over
1 Year
$m
128
8,759

 Total
$m
35,481
115,228

Note 19. Other financial liabilities at fair value through income statement 

Securities sold under agreements to repurchase1
Securities sold short
Total other financial liabilities at fair value through income statement
1  Securities sold under agreements to repurchase are not derecognised from the balance sheet, as set out in Note 1(e)(ii). The carrying value of 

Consolidated
2014
$m
17,277
1,959
19,236

2013
$m
7,967
2,335
10,302

Parent Entity
2014
$m
17,196
1,959
19,155

2013
$m
7,967
2,335
10,302

securities pledged under repurchase agreements for the Group is $17,879 million and for the Parent Entity is $17,798 million (2013: both Group and 
Parent Entity were $8,101 million). 

The amount that would be contractually required to be paid at maturity to the holders of other financial liabilities at fair value for 
the Group is $19,111 million (2013: $10,277 million) and for the Parent Entity is $19,030 million (2013: $10,277 million). 

174 

2014 Westpac Group Annual Report 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
    
  
    
    
    
    
    
  
  
  
  
 
 
 
Note 20. Provisions 

Long service leave
Annual leave and other employee benefits
Litigation and non-lending losses
Provision for impairment on credit commitments (refer to Note 12)
Leasehold premises 
Restructuring provisions
Total provisions

Notes to the financial statements 

Consolidated
2014
$m
357
852
18
308
62
21
1,618

2013
$m
340
802
28
307
46
53
1,576

Parent Entity
2014
$m
328
699
15
278
62
21
1,403

2013
$m
311
687
24
274
46
53
1,395

Long
Service
Leave
$m

Annual Leave
 and Other
Employee
Benefits
$m

Litigation
and Non-
Lending
Losses
$m

Provision for
Impairment
on Credit
Commitments
$m

Leasehold
Premises
$m

Restructuring
Provisions
$m

Total
$m

340

802

5
61
(36)
(13)
-
-
-
357

Consolidated
Balance as at beginning of the year
Additions through business 
combination1
Additions
Utilised
Unutilised reversed
Exchange differences
Increase on unwinding of discount
Other
Balance as at end of the year
Parent Entity
Balance as at beginning of the year
Additions
Utilised
Unutilised reversed
Increase on unwinding of discount
Other
Balance as at end of the year
1  Attributable to the acquisition of select businesses of Lloyds Banking Group. 

12
1,034
(987)
(12)
3
-
-
852

687
870
(846)
(12)
-
-
699

311
62
(32)
(13)
-
-
328

28

-
17
(16)
(11)
-
-
-
18

24
14
(12)
(11)
-
-
15

307

-
-
-
-
-
11
(10)
308

274
-
-
-
10
(6)
278

46

-
20
(4)
-
-
-
-
62

46
20
(4)
-
-
-
62

53

1,576

-
39
(69)
(2)
-
-
-
21

53
39
(69)
(2)
-
-
21

17
1,171
(1,112)
(38)
3
11
(10)
1,618

1,395
1,005
(963)
(38)
10
(6)
1,403  

2014 Westpac Group Annual Report 

175 

 
 
 
 
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
             
             
             
             
           
           
           
           
             
             
             
             
             
             
             
             
        
        
        
        
 
 
 
 
 
 
Note 21. Other liabilities 

Unearned general insurance premiums
Outstanding general insurance claims
Defined benefit deficit1
Accrued interest payable
Credit card loyalty program
Securities purchased not delivered
Trade creditors and other accrued expenses
Other 
Total other liabilities
1  Refer to Note 36 for more details. 

Consolidated
2014
$m
341
225
315
2,917
299
1,164
1,030
1,900
8,191

2013
$m
347
234
245
2,970
328
1,714
1,019
2,199
9,056

Parent Entity
2014
$m
-
-
306
2,602
-
1,057
761
1,683
6,409

2013
$m
-
-
233
2,657
-
1,714
776
2,015
7,395

Note 22. Debt issues 
Presented below are the Group and Parent Entity’s debt issues at 30 September 2014 and 2013. The distinction between 
short-term and long-term debt is based on the maturity of the underlying security at origination. 

Consolidated
2014
$m

2013
$m

Parent Entity
2014
$m

2013
$m

Debt issues
Short-term debt:
Own issuances
Customer conduits1
Acceptances

30,302
1,418
101
31,821

29,350
1,772
102
31,224

27,562
-
101
27,663

26,842
-
102
26,944

Total short-term debt
Long-term debt:
Covered bonds
Senior
Securitisation
Convertible notes
Structured notes
Total long-term debt
Total debt issues
Debt issues at fair value2
Debt issues at amortised cost
Total debt issues
1  Further information on customer conduits is disclosed in Note 32. 
2  The amount that would be contractually required to be paid at maturity to the holders of the financial liabilities designated at fair value through profit or 
loss for the Group is $9,529 million (2013: $14,400 million) and for the Parent Entity is $6,324 million (2013: $11,422 million). Included in the carrying 
value of debt issues at fair value is a decrease for change in own credit spreads of $58 million (2013: $44 million) for the Group and Parent Entity. 

23,167
77,016
-
-
-
100,183
127,846
6,315
121,531
127,846

16,229
78,382
-
-
-
94,611
121,555
11,151
110,404
121,555

18,140
83,860
10,372
30
507
112,909
144,133
14,140
129,993
144,133

26,168
82,377
11,277
27
581
120,430
152,251
9,542
142,709
152,251

176 

2014 Westpac Group Annual Report 

  
 
 
 
 
 
 
Note 22. Debt issues (continued) 

Short-term debt
US commercial paper
Euro commercial paper (by currency):

EUR
GBP 
USD 

Total euro commercial paper
Asset backed commercial paper (by currency):

AUD 
USD 

Total asset backed commercial paper
NZD promissory notes
Acceptances
Total short-term debt
Long-term debt (by currency):

AUD
CAD
CHF
EUR
GBP
HKD
JPY
NOK
NZD
SGD
TRY
USD

Total long-term debt

(in $millions unless otherwise stated)
Short-term borrowings
US commercial paper
Maximum amount outstanding at any month end 
Approximate average amount outstanding  
Approximate weighted average interest rate on:
    Average amount outstanding
    Outstanding as at end of the year

Notes to the financial statements 

Consolidated
2014
$m

2013
$m

30,259

28,867

-
-
-
-

1,301
117
1,418
43
101
31,821

39,356
798
2,130
20,522
3,785
655
7,557
589
2,969
128
133
41,808
120,430

29
358
54
441

1,048
724
1,772
42
102
31,224

36,099
723
2,048
15,876
3,609
751
11,619
560
3,353
166
-
38,105
112,909

Consolidated

2014

2013

2012

35,173
31,130

35,727
30,158

43,842
35,969

0.3%
0.3%

0.4%
0.4%

0.5%
0.7%  

2014 Westpac Group Annual Report 

177 

 
 
 
 
 
 
Note 23. Loan capital 

Loan capital
Subordinated notes
Subordinated perpetual notes
Convertible debentures and Trust preferred securities
Stapled preferred securities
Convertible preference shares
Capital notes
Total loan capital

Details of loan capital are as follows: 

Basel III transitional subordinated notes
USD 75 million subordinated notes due 2015
USD 400 million subordinated notes due 2015
USD 350 million subordinated notes due 2018
AUD 500 million subordinated notes due 2022
AUD 1,676 million subordinated notes due 2022
USD 800 million subordinated notes due 2023

Basel III fully compliant subordinated notes
AUD 925 million subordinated notes due 2023
AUD 1,000 million subordinated notes due 2024
Total subordinated notes

Consolidated
2014
$m

2013
$m

Parent Entity
2014
$m

2013
$m

5,974
402
633
-
1,180
2,669
10,858

4,886
378
616
906
1,177
1,367
9,330

5,974
402
633
-
1,180
2,669
10,858

4,886
378
616
906
1,177
1,367
9,330

Consolidated
2014
$m

2013
$m

Parent Entity
2014
$m

2013
$m

89
476
436
500
1,667
898

916
992
5,974

88
450
421
499
1,664
848

916
-
4,886

89
476
436
500
1,667
898

916
992
5,974

88
450
421
499
1,664
848

916
-
4,886

Basel III fully compliant subordinated notes 
Subordinated notes qualify as Tier 2 capital of Westpac under APRA’s Basel III capital adequacy framework. Westpac may be 
required to convert some or all subordinated notes into a variable number of Westpac ordinary shares upon the occurrence of a 
non-viability trigger event. A non-viability trigger event will occur if APRA determines Westpac is, or would become, non-viable. 
For each subordinated note, holders will receive a number of Westpac ordinary shares calculated using the formula described 
in the terms and conditions of the subordinated notes, but subject to a maximum conversion number. The maximum conversion 
number is set using a Westpac ordinary share price which is broadly equivalent to 20% of the Westpac ordinary share price at 
the time of issue of the subordinated notes. The price at which Westpac ordinary shares will be issued is based on the Westpac 
ordinary share price determined over the five business day period prior to the non-viability trigger event and includes a 
1% discount. 

If Westpac is unable to convert the subordinated notes for any reason, holder’s rights in relation to the notes will be terminated. 

178 

2014 Westpac Group Annual Report 

  
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the financial statements 

Note 23. Loan capital (continued) 
Further details regarding Basel III fully compliant subordinated notes which have been issued by Westpac are as follows: 

  AUD925 million Westpac SN II due 2023 

Westpac issued 9,252,850 Westpac Subordinated Notes II (Westpac SN II) at a face value of $100 each on 22 August 2013. 
Westpac SN II are expected to pay non-discretionary, cumulative, floating rate quarterly interest payments (22 February, 
22 May, 22 August and 22 November) subject to Westpac being solvent at the time of the interest payment and immediately 
following the interest payment. The interest rate is calculated as the Australian 90-day bank bill rate plus the margin of 
2.30% per annum. If Westpac SN II are converted into Westpac ordinary shares upon the occurrence of a non-viability 
trigger event, the maximum conversion number is 16.1551 Westpac ordinary shares per Westpac SN II. 

  AUD1,000 million Westpac subordinated notes due 2024 

Westpac issued 10,000 Westpac subordinated notes at a face value of $100,000 each on 14 March 2014. Westpac 
subordinated notes are expected to pay non-discretionary, cumulative, floating rate quarterly interest payments (14 March, 
14 June, 14 September and 14 December) subject to Westpac being solvent at the time of the interest payment and 
immediately following the interest payment. The interest rate is calculated as the Australian 90-day bank bill rate plus the 
margin of 2.05% per annum. If Westpac subordinated notes are converted into Westpac ordinary shares upon the 
occurrence of a non-viability trigger event, the maximum conversion number is 14,938.75112 Westpac ordinary shares per 
Westpac subordinated note. 

Subordinated perpetual notes
US$352.1million (2013: US$352.1 million) subordinated perpetual
floating rate notes

Convertible debentures and Trust preferred securities
Convertible debentures issued on 5 April 2004 US$525,000,000
525,000 2004 TPS of US$1,000 each
Total convertible debentures and Trust preferred securities

Stapled preferred securities
9,083,278 Westpac SPS II of A$100 each

Convertible preference shares
11,893,605 Westpac CPS of A$100 each

Convertible notes
13,835,690 Westpac CN of A$100 each
13,105,705 Westpac CN 2 of A$100 each
Total convertible notes

Consolidated
2014
$m

2013
$m

Parent Entity
2014
$m

2013
$m

402

-
633
633

-

378

-
616
616

906

402

633
-
633

-

378

616
-
616

906

1,180

1,177

1,180

1,177

1,369
1,300
2,669

1,367
-
1,367

1,369
1,300
2,669

1,367
-
1,367

Subordinated perpetual notes 
These notes have no final maturity but may, subject to the approval of APRA and subject to certain other conditions, be 
redeemed at par at the option of Westpac. Interest is cumulative and is payable on the notes semi-annually, subject to Westpac 
being solvent immediately after making the payment and having paid any dividend on any class of share capital of Westpac 
within the prior 12 month period. The notes qualify for transitional treatment as Tier 2 capital of Westpac under APRA’s Basel III 
capital adequacy framework. 

The rights of the noteholders and coupon holders are subordinated to the claims of all creditors (including depositors) of 
Westpac other than those creditors whose claims against Westpac are expressed to rank equally with or after the claims of the 
noteholders and coupon holders. 

Convertible debentures and 2004 TPS 
A wholly owned entity Westpac Capital Trust IV (Capital Trust IV) issued 525,000 2004 TPS in the United States of America at 
US$1,000 each on 5 April 2004, with non-cumulative semi-annual distributions (31 March and 30 September) in arrears at the 
annual rate of 5.256% up to but excluding 31 March 2016. From, and including 31 March 2016 the 2004 TPS will pay non-
cumulative quarterly distributions (30 June, 30 September, 31 December and 31 March) in arrears at a floating rate equal to the 
London InterBank Offer Rate (LIBOR) plus 1.7675% per year. Capital Trust IV has also issued common securities with a total 
price of US$1,000 to Westpac Capital Holdings Inc. 2004 TPS qualify for transitional treatment as Additional Tier 1 capital of 
Westpac under APRA’s Basel III capital adequacy framework. 

2014 Westpac Group Annual Report 

179 

 
 
 
 
Note 23. Loan capital (continued) 
The sole assets of the Capital Trust IV comprise 525,001 2004 Funding TPS issued by a wholly owned entity, Tavarua Funding 
Trust IV (Funding Trust IV) totalling US$525,001,000. The 2004 Funding TPS have an issue price of US$1,000 each with 
non-cumulative semi-annual distributions in arrears at the annual rate of 5.256% up to but excluding 31 March 2016. From and 
including 31 March 2016, the 2004 Funding TPS will pay non-cumulative quarterly distributions (30 June, 30 September, 
31 December and 31 March) in arrears at a floating rate equal to LIBOR plus 1.7675% per year. 

Funding Trust IV has issued common securities with a total price of US$1,000 to Westpac. The assets of Funding Trust IV 
comprise convertible debentures issued by Westpac in aggregate amount of US$525,001,000 and US Government securities 
purchased with the proceeds of the common securities. 

The convertible debentures are unsecured, junior subordinated obligations of Westpac and will rank subordinate and junior in 
right of payment of principal and distributions to Westpac’s obligations to its depositors and creditors. 

The convertible debentures will only pay distributions to the extent they are declared by the Board of Directors of Westpac, or 
an authorised committee of the Board. Any distribution is subject to the satisfaction that no deferral conditions exist. If certain 
deferral conditions exist a distribution is not permitted to be declared unless approved by APRA. 

Westpac has guaranteed, on a subordinated basis, the payment in full of distributions or redemption amounts, the delivery of 
ADRs and other payments on the 2004 TPS and the 2004 Funding TPS to the extent that the Capital Trust IV and the Funding 
Trust IV have funds available. 

Conversion 
The convertible debentures have no stated maturity, but will automatically convert into American Depositary Receipts (ADRs) 
each representing 40 Westpac preference shares (non-cumulative preference shares in Westpac with a liquidation amount of 
US$25) on 31 March 2053, or earlier in the event that a distribution is not made or certain other events occur. Upon issue the 
amount paid up on each Westpac preference share will be deemed to be US$25. The 2004 TPS will then be redeemed for 
ADRs. The dividend payment dates and distribution rates on Westpac preference shares will be the same as those otherwise 
applicable to 2004 TPS. 

The holders of the ADRs will, in certain circumstances, have the right to convert their Westpac preference shares represented 
by ADRs into a variable number of Westpac ordinary shares on 31 March 2054 by giving notice to Westpac. For each 
preference share converted, holders will receive a number of Westpac ordinary shares calculated using the formula described 
in the preference share terms. The price at which Westpac ordinary shares will be issued is based on the Westpac ordinary 
share price determined over the 20 trading day period prior to the optional conversion date and includes a 5% discount. 

Redemption 
With the prior written consent of APRA, if required, Westpac may elect to redeem the convertible debentures for cash before 
31 March 2016 in whole upon the occurrence of certain specific events, and in whole or in part on 31 March 2016 or any 
distribution date thereafter. The proceeds received by Funding Trust IV from the redemption of the convertible debentures must 
be used to redeem the 2004 Funding TPS and ultimately the 2004 TPS. The redemption price of the 2004 TPS will equal 
US$1,000 per 2004 TPS plus the accrued and unpaid distribution for the then current semi-annual or quarterly period to the 
date of redemption or, if the date of redemption is a distribution date, the accrued and unpaid distribution for the most recent 
semi-annual or quarterly period. 

The holders of the convertible debentures, 2004 Funding TPS and 2004 TPS do not have an option to require redemption of 
these instruments. 

Westpac SPS II 
Westpac issued 9,083,278 Westpac SPS II at a face value of $100 each on 31 March 2009. Westpac SPS II were stapled 
securities, each consisting of a perpetual, unsecured, non-cumulative subordinated note issued by Westpac’s New York branch 
stapled to a preference share issued by Westpac. 

On 18 June 2014, $529 million of Westpac SPS II were bought back on-market and subsequently cancelled. All remaining 
Westpac SPS II were transferred to a nominated third party on 30 September 2014 and were subsequently bought back off-
market by Westpac and cancelled. 

Westpac CPS 
Westpac issued 11,893,605 Westpac Convertible Preference Shares (Westpac CPS) at a face value of $100 each on 
23 March 2012. Westpac CPS are fully paid, perpetual, non-cumulative, convertible, unguaranteed and unsecured preference 
shares which rank in priority to ordinary shares. Westpac CPS qualify for transitional treatment as Additional Tier 1 capital of 
Westpac under APRA’s Basel III capital adequacy framework. 

180 

2014 Westpac Group Annual Report 

  
Notes to the financial statements 

Note 23. Loan capital (continued) 
Westpac CPS are expected to pay preferred, non-cumulative, floating rate semi-annual dividends (30 September and 
31 March) which are expected to be fully franked. The dividend rate is calculated as the Australian 180-day bank bill rate per 
annum plus the margin of 3.25% per annum, together multiplied by one minus the Australian corporate tax rate (30% during the 
year ended 30 September 2014). Westpac CPS dividends are discretionary and only payable subject to a dividend payment 
test, being that dividends will not be paid if the Westpac directors determine not to pay a dividend, the dividend payment 
exceeds the distributable profits of Westpac (unless APRA otherwise gives its prior written approval), or APRA objects to the 
payment of the dividend. 

Westpac CPS rank for payment in a winding up of Westpac ahead of ordinary shares and equally with equal ranking capital 
securities but are subordinated to claims of Westpac deposit holders and other senior creditors. Holders of Westpac CPS are 
entitled to vote at a general meeting of Westpac in limited circumstances only. 

Scheduled conversion 
On the scheduled conversion date, it is expected that the Westpac CPS will either be converted into a variable number of 
Westpac ordinary shares provided certain conversion conditions are satisfied, or transferred to a nominated party at the 
election of Westpac for cash equal to their face value. The scheduled conversion date will be the earlier of 31 March 2020 and 
the first dividend payment date after 31 March 2020 on which the conversion conditions are satisfied. For each Westpac CPS 
converted, holders will receive a number of Westpac ordinary shares calculated using the formula described in the Westpac 
CPS terms. The price at which Westpac ordinary shares will be issued is based on the Westpac ordinary share price 
determined over the 20 business day period prior to the scheduled conversion date and includes a 1% discount. If Westpac 
CPS are not converted or transferred on the initial scheduled conversion date, they will remain on issue and may either be 
converted or transferred on the next dividend payment date, providing the conversion conditions are satisfied. 

Early conversion 
The Westpac CPS will be converted earlier upon a capital trigger event. A capital trigger event will occur when Westpac’s 
Common Equity Tier 1 Capital ratio is equal to or less than 5.125% (on a level 2 basis1). Westpac must convert all Westpac 
CPS into a variable number of ordinary shares following a capital trigger event. No conversion conditions apply in these 
circumstances. For each Westpac CPS, holders will receive a number of Westpac ordinary shares calculated using the formula 
described in the Westpac CPS terms, but subject to a maximum conversion number, which is 24.0038 Westpac ordinary 
shares. The maximum conversion number is set using a Westpac ordinary share price which is broadly equivalent to 20% of 
the Westpac ordinary share price at the time of issue. For each Westpac CPS, holders will receive a number of Westpac 
ordinary shares as described above under ‘Scheduled conversion’, except that the price at which Westpac ordinary shares will 
be issued is based on the Westpac ordinary share price determined over a five business day period prior the capital 
trigger event. 

Conversion may also occur early following an acquisition event, on broadly similar terms to scheduled conversion, 
described above. 

In certain other limited circumstances (such as for tax, regulatory or change of control reasons) Westpac may elect to convert, 
transfer or redeem Westpac CPS. Conversion or redemption at Westpac’s election are subject to APRA’s prior written approval 
and, in respect of conversion, to satisfaction of the conversion conditions. 

Westpac CN and Westpac CN 2 
Westpac issued 13,835,690 Westpac Capital Notes (Westpac CN) at a face value of $100 each on 8 March 2013 and 
13,105,705 Westpac Capital Notes 2 (Westpac CN 2) at a face value of $100 each on 23 June 2014. Westpac CN and 
Westpac CN 2 are fully paid, perpetual, non-cumulative, convertible, transferrable, redeemable, subordinated and unsecured 
notes which rank in priority to ordinary shares and equally with equal ranking capital securities but behind all senior creditors 
and depositors. Westpac CN and Westpac CN 2 qualify as Additional Tier 1 capital of Westpac under APRA’s Basel III capital 
adequacy framework. 

Westpac CN are expected to pay non-cumulative, floating rate quarterly distributions (8 March, 8 June, 8 September and 
8 December) which are expected to be fully franked. The distribution rate on Westpac CN is calculated as the Australian 90-day 
bank bill rate plus the margin of 3.20% per annum, together multiplied by one minus the Australian corporate tax rate (30% 
during the year ended 30 September 2014).  

Westpac CN 2 are expected to pay non-cumulative, floating rate quarterly distributions (23 March, 23 June, 23 September and 
23 December) which are expected to be fully franked. The distribution rate on Westpac CN 2 is calculated as the Australian 90-
day bank bill rate plus the margin of 3.05% per annum, together multiplied by one minus the Australian corporate tax rate (30% 
during the year ended 30 September 2014).  

1

   Level 1 comprises Westpac Banking Corporation and its subsidiary entities that have been approved by APRA as being part of a single ‘Extended 

Licenced Entity’ for the purposes of measuring capital adequacy. Level 2 includes all subsidiary entities except those entities specifically excluded by 
APRA regulations for the purposes of measuring capital adequacy. 

2014 Westpac Group Annual Report 

181 

 
                                                           
Note 23. Loan capital (continued) 
Distributions on Westpac CN and Westpac CN 2 are discretionary, and are only payable subject to satisfaction of the 
distribution payment conditions, being Westpac’s absolute discretion; the distribution payment not resulting in a breach of 
Westpac’s capital requirements under APRA’s prudential standards; the distribution payment not resulting in Westpac 
becoming, or likely to become, insolvent; and APRA not otherwise objecting to the payment of the distribution. 

In the event of a winding-up, and assuming Westpac CN and Westpac CN 2 remain on issue and have not been converted or 
otherwise had their rights terminated following a capital trigger event or non-viability trigger event, Westpac CN and 
Westpac CN 2 rank in priority to ordinary shares and equally with equal ranking capital securities but behind all senior creditors 
(including depositors and all holders of Westpac’s senior or less subordinated debt). If conversion occurs prior to a winding-up, 
Westpac CN and Westpac CN 2 holders will hold ordinary shares and rank equally with other holders of ordinary shares. 

Westpac may redeem or transfer the Westpac CN on 8 March 2019 and Westpac CN 2 on 23 September 2022, being the 
optional redemption or transfer dates. In certain other limited circumstances (such as for tax and regulatory reasons) Westpac 
may elect to redeem Westpac CN or Westpac CN 2. Redemptions at Westpac’s election are subject to APRA’s prior 
written approval. 

The Westpac CN and Westpac CN 2 convert into Westpac ordinary shares in the following circumstances: 

Scheduled conversion 
On 8 March 2021 (in respect of Westpac CN) and 23 September 2024 (in respect of Westpac CN 2), it is expected 
Westpac CN and Westpac CN 2 will be converted into a variable number of Westpac ordinary shares, provided certain 
conversion conditions are satisfied. For each Westpac CN and Westpac CN 2, holders will receive a number of Westpac 
ordinary shares calculated using the formula described in the Westpac CN terms and Westpac CN 2 terms. The price at which 
Westpac ordinary shares will be issued is based on the share price determined over the 20 business day period prior to the 
scheduled conversion date and includes a 1% discount. If the Westpac CN and Westpac CN 2 conversion conditions are not 
satisfied conversion will not occur and conversion will occur on the next distribution payment date, provided the conversion 
conditions are satisfied. 

Early conversion 
The Westpac CN and Westpac CN 2 will be converted earlier upon a capital trigger event or non-viability trigger event. A capital 
trigger event will occur when Westpac’s Common Equity Tier 1 Capital ratio is equal to or less than 5.125% (on a level 1 or 
level 2 basis1). A non-viability trigger event will occur if APRA determines Westpac is, or would become, non-viable. No 
conversion conditions apply in these circumstances. For each Westpac CN and Westpac CN 2, holders will receive a number 
of Westpac ordinary shares calculated using the formula described in the Westpac CN terms and Westpac CN 2 terms, but 
subject to a maximum conversion number, which is 16.7280 Westpac ordinary shares per Westpac CN and 14.5476 Westpac 
ordinary shares per Westpac CN 2. For each Westpac CN and Westpac CN 2, the maximum conversion number is set using 
the face value divided by 20% of the Westpac ordinary share price at the time of issue. The price at which Westpac ordinary 
shares will be issued is based on the share price determined over the five business day period prior to the capital trigger event 
or non-viability trigger event. Following the occurrence of a capital trigger event or non-viability trigger event, if Westpac is 
unable to convert the Westpac CN and Westpac CN 2 for any reason within five business days, holder’s rights in relation to 
Westpac CN and Westpac CN 2 will be terminated. 

Conversion of Westpac CN or Westpac CN 2 may also occur early following an acquisition event, on broadly similar terms to 
scheduled conversion, described above. 

Westpac may elect to convert Westpac CN 2 on 23 September 2022, being the optional conversion date or in certain other 
limited circumstances (such as for tax or regulatory reasons) on broadly similar terms to scheduled conversion, 
described above. 

Holders of Westpac CN and Westpac CN 2 have no right to vote at a general meeting of Westpac before conversion. Holders 
have certain voting rights which can be exercised at a meeting of holders. 

1

   Level 1 comprises Westpac Banking Corporation and its subsidiary entities that have been approved by APRA as being part of a single ‘Extended 

Licenced Entity’ for the purposes of measuring capital adequacy. Level 2 includes all subsidiary entities except those entities specifically excluded by 
APRA regulations for the purposes of measuring capital adequacy 

182 

2014 Westpac Group Annual Report 

  
                                                           
Note 24. Shareholders’ equity and non-controlling interests 

Notes to the financial statements 

Contributed equity
Ordinary shares 3,109,048,309 (2013: 3,109,048,309) each fully paid
Restricted Share Plan (RSP) treasury shares 6,327,116 (2013: 7,855,661)
Other treasury shares 5,121,966 (2013: 5,422,506)

Share capital
Other equity instruments
Convertible notes issued on 21 June 2006 A$762,737,500 (with net issue 
costs of A$8 million)
Non-controlling interests1
Trust preferred securities 7,627,375 2006 TPS of A$100 each (with net issue 
costs of A$8 million)
Other   
Total non-controlling interests
1  Total distributions to Non-controlling interests were $48 million (2013: $50 million). 

Consolidated
2014
$m

2013
$m

Parent Entity
2014
$m

2013
$m

26,943
(235)
(69)
(304)
26,639

27,021
(176)
(77)
(253)
26,768

26,943
(235)
(4)
(239)
26,704

27,021
(176)
(5)
(181)
26,840

-

-

755

755

755
126
881

755
108
863

-
-
-

-
-
-

Ordinary shares 
In accordance with the Corporations Act Westpac does not have authorised capital and all ordinary shares issued have no 
par value. 

Ordinary shares entitle the holder to participate in dividends as declared and in the event of winding up of Westpac, to 
participate in the proceeds in proportion to the number of and amounts paid on the shares held. 

Ordinary shares entitle the holder to one vote per share, either in person or by proxy, at a meeting of Westpac shareholders. 

During the year ended 30 September 2014, 36,837,785 existing ordinary shares were purchased: 

  the Dividend Reinvestment Plan (DRP) for the 2013 final and special dividends and 2014 interim dividend had no impact on 
the number of ordinary shares on issue as Westpac arranged for the purchase of the necessary shares from the market and 
transfer to participants, 30,782,829 ordinary shares at an average price of $33.21; 

  806,310 ordinary shares at an average price of $32.93 and delivered to eligible staff under the Employee Share Plan (ESP); 
  1,879,686 ordinary shares at an average price of $31.13 and allocated to employees under the RSP for nil consideration; 
  1,434,941 ordinary shares at an average price of $33.67 and delivered to employees upon the exercise of options under the 

WPP at an average exercise price of $20.86; 

  401,170 ordinary shares at an average price of $33.22 and delivered to employees upon the exercise of share rights and 

performance share rights under the WPP for nil consideration; 

  707,446 ordinary shares at an average price of $33.66 and delivered to employees upon the exercise of options under the 

WRP at an average exercise price of $27.35; 

  666,890 ordinary shares at an average price of $32.54 and delivered to employees upon the exercise of share rights under 

the WRP for nil consideration; 

  158,513 ordinary shares at an average price of $34.28 and delivered to CEO upon exercise of share rights under the 

CEOPP for nil consideration; and 

  the purchase of existing ordinary shares in respect of employee share plans resulted in a tax benefit of $12.3 million being 

recognised as contributed equity. 

Restricted Share Plan treasury shares 
Ordinary shares allocated to eligible employees under the RSP are classified as treasury shares until unconditional ownership 
of the shares vest at the end of the restriction period. 

Other treasury shares 
Other treasury shares includes ordinary shares held by statutory life funds and managed investment schemes and ordinary 
shares held by Westpac in respect of equity derivatives sold to customers. 

During the year 99,342 treasury shares were purchased at an average price of $33.38 and 399,882 treasury shares were sold 
at an average price of $33.24. 

2014 Westpac Group Annual Report 

183 

 
 
 
 
Note 24. Shareholders’ equity and non-controlling interests (continued) 
Convertible notes and 2006 TPS 
A Westpac controlled entity, Westpac TPS Trust, issued 7,627,375 2006 TPS in Australia at $100 each on 21 June 2006. The 
2006 TPS are preferred units in the Westpac TPS Trust, with non-cumulative floating rate distributions which are expected to 
be fully franked. Westpac TPS Trust also issued one ordinary unit with an issue price of $100 to Westpac. Westpac, as holder 
of the ordinary unit, is entitled to any residual income or assets of the Westpac TPS Trust not distributed to holders of 
2006 TPS. The principal assets of Westpac TPS Trust are 7,627,375 convertible notes (the notes) issued by Westpac in an 
aggregate amount of $762,737,500. The notes qualify for transitional treatment as Additional Tier 1 capital of Westpac under 
APRA’s Basel III capital adequacy framework. 

The 2006 TPS are scheduled to pay quarterly distributions (30 September, 31 December, 31 March and 30 June) in arrears, 
subject to certain conditions being satisfied. The distribution rate on 2006 TPS, until 30 June 2016 (the step-up date), is 
calculated as the Australian 90 day bank bill rate plus 1% per annum (the initial margin), together multiplied by one minus the 
Australian corporate tax rate (30% during the year ended 30 September 2014). After the step-up date, the initial margin will 
increase by a one time step-up of 1% per annum. 

Distributions on the 2006 TPS will only be made if Westpac pays interest on the notes and certain other conditions (which 
broadly correspond to the interest payment conditions on the notes) are satisfied. Interest on the notes is subject to an interest 
payment test and interest will not be paid if Westpac directors have not resolved to make the interest payment, the payment of 
interest exceeds distributable profits (unless APRA gives its prior approval) and APRA does not otherwise object to the 
payment. The interest payments on the notes are expected to exceed the aggregate amount of the distributions to be made on 
2006 TPS. The excess will be distributed to Westpac, as holder of the ordinary unit in the Westpac TPS Trust, on each 
distribution payment date. 

The notes are unsecured obligations of Westpac and rank subordinate and junior in right of payment of principal and interest to 
Westpac’s obligations to depositors and creditors, other than subordinated creditors holding subordinated indebtedness that is 
stated to rank equally with, or junior to the notes. 

Conversion, exchange and redemption 
Westpac can redeem 2006 TPS for cash with APRA approval or convert into a variable number of Westpac ordinary shares 
calculated in accordance with the Westpac TPS terms, on the step-up date or any distribution payment date after the step-up 
date, for certain tax, regulatory or change of control reasons and in certain other circumstances. If Westpac elects to redeem 
2006 TPS, holders will receive cash equal to their face value. If Westpac elects to convert 2006 TPS, for each 2006 TPS, 
holders will receive a number of ordinary shares calculated using the formula described in the 2006 TPS terms subject to a 
maximum conversion number which is 50 Westpac ordinary shares. The price at which Westpac ordinary shares will be issued 
is based on the Westpac ordinary share price determined over the 20 business day period prior to the elected conversion date 
and includes a 2.5% discount. If Westpac redeems or converts 2006 TPS, Westpac must also redeem or convert the notes in a 
corresponding manner. 

The 2006 TPS will automatically exchange into Westpac preference shares upon the occurrence of an automatic exchange 
event, that is, if the 2006 TPS are still on issue on 30 September 2055 or in certain other limited circumstances, including the 
occurrence of an event of default or an APRA event (unless APRA determines otherwise). On exchange, all 2006 TPS on issue 
will exchange into preference shares directly issued by Westpac and the notes and the 2006 TPS will be redeemed 
simultaneously. On exchange, 2006 TPS holders will receive one preference share for each 2006 TPS. 

Note 25. Share-based payments  
Executive and Senior Officer equity plans 
Options, restricted shares and/or share rights are granted to the CEO, selected executives and key senior employees under the 
following schemes. 
(i)  Westpac Reward Plan1 
The Westpac Reward Plan (WRP) was introduced in 2006. It provides a mechanism for rewarding superior long-term 
performance from the most senior management in Australia and overseas. 

Under the WRP senior managers may be invited to receive an award of performance options or performance share rights. An 
option or share right under the WRP is the right to acquire a share in the future provided all conditions are met, with an exercise 
price for options set at the commencement of the performance period. The exercise price for options is based on the prevailing 
market price of Westpac ordinary shares at the commencement of the performance period. The exercise price for share rights 
is nil. No performance options have been awarded since October 2009. 

1

  The Westpac Reward Plan (WRP) has now been renamed the Westpac Long Term Incentive Plan (LTI Plan). 

184 

2014 Westpac Group Annual Report 

  
                                                           
Notes to the financial statements 

Note 25. Share-based payments (continued) 
Awards made from October 2011 are subject to two performance measures each applying to 50% of the value of the award. 
The two hurdles are Westpac’s relative Total Shareholder Return (TSR)1 and Compound Annual Growth Rate in Cash EPS 
(Cash EPS CAGR). 

Full vesting of TSR hurdled performance share rights occurs when Westpac’s TSR is at (or exceeds) the 75th percentile 
relative to the comparator group, scaling down to 50% vesting on a straight-line basis for median performance. Below median 
performance, no vesting occurs. The comparator group for TSR comparisons focuses on the top 10 financial sector peers. Full 
vesting of Cash EPS CAGR hurdled share rights occurs when a maximum target Cash EPS CAGR is achieved, scaling down 
to 50% vesting at a threshold Cash EPS CAGR target. Below the threshold target Cash EPS CAGR, no vesting occurs. These 
awards are subject to a single test at the end of the three year performance period. Any securities remaining unvested after the 
performance period lapse immediately. 

For awards made prior to October 2011 all awards were subject to a TSR hurdle and the initial TSR performance is tested at 
the third anniversary of the commencement of the performance period, with subsequent performance testing possible at the 
fourth and fifth anniversaries of the commencement of the performance period. At subsequent performance test dates (where 
they exist) further vesting may occur only if the TSR ranking has improved. 

Upon exercising vested performance options and performance share rights, the executive has the right to take up his or her 
entitlement in whole or in part as fully paid ordinary shares. The exercise price is payable at that time. A performance option or 
performance share right lapses if it is not exercised prior to the end of its term. 

WRP – outstanding performance options and performance share rights 
The following table sets out details of outstanding performance options and performance share rights under the WRP: 

Commencement
Date

Latest Date for 
Exercise 

Exercise 
Price

 Outstanding 
at 1 October 
2013 

 Granted 
During 
the Year 

 Exercised 
During 
the Year 

 Lapsed 
During 
the Year 

 Outstanding 
at
30 September 

 Outstanding 
and 
Exercisable at 
30 September 

2014    

2014    

17 December 2017
1 October 2018

Performance options
17 December 2007
1 October 2008
Total 2014
Weighted average exercise price
Performance share rights
1 October 2009
1 October 2010
1 October 2011
1 October 2012
1 October 2013
Total 2014
Total 2013
Performance options
Weighted average exercise price
Performance share rights

1 October 2019
1 October 2020
1 October 2021
1 October 2022
1 October 2023

$30.10
$23.40

1,036,773
662,363
1,699,136
$27.49

-
-
-
-

nil
nil
nil
nil
nil

68,473
740,209
1,234,972
1,132,587

-
-
-
-
- 1,004,234
3,176,241 1,004,234

417,452
289,994
707,446
$27.35

1,499
665,391
-
-
-
666,890

-
-
-
-

       619,321           619,321  
       372,369           372,369  

991,690
$27.58

991,690
$27.58

3,175
3,653
66,511
65,608
55,888
194,835

         63,799                       -  
         71,165                  802  
    1,168,461                       -  
    1,066,979                       -  
       948,346                       -  

3,318,750

802

2,992,750
$26.97

- 1,293,614
$26.29
-
606,053
2,701,908 1,132,587

-
-
52,201

1,699,136
$27.49
3,176,241

1,699,136
$27.49
1,499  

The weighted average remaining contractual life of outstanding performance options at 30 September 2014 was 3.5 years 
(2013: 4.5 years). The weighted average remaining contractual life of outstanding performance share rights at 
30 September 2014 was 7.8 years (2013: 8.1 years). The weighted average fair value at grant date of WRP performance share 
rights issued during the year was $19.82 (2013: $15.79). 

1

  TSR measures a company’s share price movement and assumes that dividends over the period have been reinvested (i.e. the change in value of an 

investment in that company’s shares) and excluding tax effects. 

2014 Westpac Group Annual Report 

185 

 
 
 
                                                           
Note 25. Share-based payments (continued) 
(ii)  Westpac Performance Plan 
The Westpac Performance Plan (WPP) was introduced in 2002 and was used to provide awards of performance options and/or 
performance share rights to senior executives and other key employees. Currently the WPP is primarily used for employees 
based in New Zealand to provide long-term incentive awards or as a mechanism for the mandatory deferral of a portion of their 
short-term incentives. 

An option or share right under the WPP is the right to acquire a share in the future provided all conditions are met, with an 
exercise price for options generally set at the time the invitation is made. The exercise price for options is equal to the average 
market price of Westpac ordinary shares traded on the ASX over the five trading days up to the time the invitation is made. The 
exercise price for share rights is nil. 

Performance options and performance share rights 
Performance options and performance share rights under the WPP have all vested. Upon exercising vested performance 
options or performance share rights, the executive has the right to take up his or her entitlement in whole or in part as fully paid 
ordinary shares. The exercise price is payable at that time. A performance option or performance share right lapses if it is not 
exercised prior to the end of its term. 

WPP – outstanding performance options 
No performance options were granted under the WPP during the year. The following table sets out details of outstanding 
performance options granted under the WPP in previous years: 

Latest Date for 
Exercise 
21 January 2014
20 January 2015
20 December 2015
20 December 2015
15 December 2016

Commencement
Date
21 January 2004
20 January 2005
20 December 2005
20 December 2005
15 December 2006
Total 2014
Weighted average exercise price
Total 2013
Weighted average exercise price

Exercise 
Price
$16.34
$18.98
$20.53
$22.53
$23.98

 Outstanding 
at 1 October 
2013 
103,004
453,112
526,646
56,592
613,339
1,752,693
$21.15
3,853,681
$20.90

 Exercised 
 Granted 
During 
During 
the Year 
the Year 
103,004
-
444,123
-
413,122
-
29,834
-
-
426,142
- 1,416,225
-
$20.82
- 2,093,714
$20.71
-

 Lapsed 
During 
the Year 
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
7,274
$13.59

 Outstanding 
at
30 September 

 Outstanding 
and 
Exercisable at 
30 September 

2014    

2014    
                  -                       -  
           8,989               8,989  
       113,524           113,524  
         26,758             26,758  
       187,197           187,197  
       336,468           336,468  

$22.57
1,752,693
$21.15

$22.57
1,752,693
$21.15  

The weighted average remaining contractual life of outstanding performance options at 30 September 2014 was 1.7 years 
(2013: 2.2 years). 

186 

2014 Westpac Group Annual Report 

  
 
 
Note 25. Share-based payments (continued) 
WPP – outstanding performance share rights 
No performance share rights were granted under the WPP during the year. The following table sets out details of outstanding 
vested performance share rights granted under the WPP: 

Notes to the financial statements 

Latest Dates for Exercise

Commencement
Dates
Two-year initial testing period
3 November 2003 to
3 August 2004
5 November 2004 to
1 August 2005
1 November 2005 to
3 August 2006
1 November 2006 to
15 December 2006

3 November 2013 to
3 August 2014
5 November 2014 to
1 August 2015
1 November 2015 to
3 August 2016
1 November 2016 to
15 December 2016

Three-year initial testing period
3 November 2003 to
3 August 2004
5 November 2004 to
1 August 2005
1 November 2005 to
3 August 2006
Total 2014
Total 2013

3 November 2013 to
3 August 2014
5 November 2014 to
1 August 2015
1 November 2015 to
3 August 2016

 Outstanding at
 1 October 
2013 

 Granted 
During 
the Year 

 Exercised 
During 
the Year 

 Lapsed 
During 
the Year 

 Outstanding 
and 
Exercisable at 
30 September 

 Outstanding at 
30 September 

2014    

2014    

16,222

44,113

62,685

3,490

22,154

48,535

111,466
308,665
650,696

 -

 -

 -

 -

 -

 -

 -
 -
 -

16,222

20,909

25,878

 -

22,154

24,317

29,804
139,284
342,031

 -

 -

 -

 -

 -

 -

 -
 -
 -

 -

 -

23,204

23,204

36,807

36,807

3,490

3,490

 -

 -

24,218

24,218

81,662
169,381
308,665

81,662
169,381
308,665

The weighted average remaining contractual life of outstanding performance share rights at 30 September 2014 was 1.0 years 
(2013: 1.7 years). 

Unhurdled options and unhurdled share rights 
The WPP is also used for key employees based outside Australia, who received unhurdled share rights restricted for one to 
three years. No unhurdled options were granted under the WPP during the year. After the restriction period applying to them 
has passed, vested unhurdled options and unhurdled share rights can be exercised to receive the underlying fully paid 
ordinary shares. 

2014 Westpac Group Annual Report 

187 

 
           
    
           
    
           
          
           
    
           
          
             
             
            
           
    
           
    
           
          
         
    
           
          
         
  
         
        
         
  
         
        
 
 
 
Note 25. Share-based payments (continued) 
WPP – outstanding unhurdled options and unhurdled share rights 
The following table sets out details of outstanding unhurdled options and unhurdled share rights granted under the WPP: 

Latest Date for
Exercise 

Exercise 
Price

 Outstanding at
1 October 
2013 

 Granted 
During 
the Year 

 Exercised 
During 
the Year 

 Lapsed
 During 
the Year 

Commencement
Date
Options
15 December 2006
Total 2014
Share rights
One-year vesting period
1 December 2008 to
1 June 2009
1 November 2010 to
1 April 2011
1 October 2011 to 
1 August 2012
1 September 2012 to 
1 December 2012
1 October 2013 to 
1 May 2014
Two-year vesting period
1 November 2007 to
1 September 2008
1 October 2008 to
1 April 2009
1 October 2009 to
1 April 2010
1 October 2010 to
1 August 2011
1 October 2011 to 
1 August 2012
1 September 2012 to 
1 October 2012
1 October 2013 to 
1 May 2014
Three-year vesting period
15 December 2006 to
1 June 2007
17 December 2007 to
1 September 2008
1 October 2008 to
1 April 2009
1 October 2009 to
1 April 2010
1 October 2010 to
1 August 2011
1 October 2011 to 
1 June 2012
1 October 2012 to 
1 September 2013
1 October 2013 to 
1 May 2014
Total 2014
Total 2013
Options
Share rights

15 December 2016

$23.98

1 December 2018 to
1 June 2019
1 November 2020 to
1 April 2021
1 October 2021 to 
1 August 2022
1 September 2022 to 
1 December 2022
1 October 2023 to 
1 May 2024

1 November 2017 to
1 September 2018
1 October 2018 to
1 April 2019
1 October 2019 to
1 April 2020
1 October 2020 to
1 August 2021
1 October 2021 to 
1 August 2022
1 September 2022 to 
1 October 2022
1 October 2023 to 
1 May 2024

15 December 2016 to
1 June 2017
17 December 2017 to
1 September 2018
1 October 2018 to
1 April 2019
1 October 2019 to
1 April 2020
1 October 2020 to
1 August 2021
1 October 2021 to 
1 June 2022
1 October 2022 to 
1 September 2023
1 October 2023 to 
1 May 2024

nil

nil

nil

nil

nil

nil

nil

nil

nil

nil

nil

nil

nil

nil

nil

nil

nil

nil

nil

nil

 Outstanding 
at
30 September 
2014 

 Outstanding 
and 
Excercisable at
30 September 
2014 

24,063
24,063

24,063
24,063

 -

 -

 -

 -

11,193

11,193

8,973

8,973

51,819

 -

7,859

2,569

4,698

6,551

7,859

2,569

4,698

6,551

13,288

13,288

 -
 -

 -

 -

 -

 -

 -

 -

 -

 -

 -

 -

534

72,803

2,341

 -

 -

 -

 -

 -

 -

53,907

 -

23,524

23,524

11,934

11,934

7,614

7,614

18,420

18,420

31,279

31,279

42,779
42,779

5,681

8,573

16,789

37,155

 -
 -

 -

 -

 -

 -

18,716
18,716

5,681

8,573

5,596

28,182

 -

51,819

 -

3,578

759

1,689

12,919

49,608

 -

 -

1,886

3,129

3,511

7,797

128,978

11,437

3,328

6,387

19,470

62,896

73,337

 -

 -

 -

 -

 -

 -

 -

53,907

25,410

15,063

11,125

26,217

160,257

148,879

124,107

 -

 -

 -

 -

 -

 -

 -

 -

 -

4,590

144,289

5,999

118,108

 -
756,111

15,115
120,841

 -
261,886

 -
11,123

$23.98
nil

42,779
806,610

 -
243,201

 -
246,104

 -
47,596

15,115
603,943

42,779
756,111

 -

 -

 -
150,243

42,779
149,480

The weighted average fair value at grant date of unhurdled share rights issued during the year was $29.89 per right 
(2013: $21.88 per right). The weighted average remaining contractual life of outstanding unhurdled options and unhurdled 
share rights at 30 September 2014 was 7.1 years (2013: 7.4 years). 

188 

2014 Westpac Group Annual Report 

  
 
            
      
           
             
            
      
           
             
              
        
              
        
            
        
           
             
            
      
             
               
     
           
            
        
             
               
              
           
             
               
              
        
             
               
            
      
             
               
            
      
           
             
            
        
           
               
     
           
            
        
           
             
            
        
           
             
            
        
             
               
            
        
           
             
          
    
           
             
          
     
         
          
     
         
     
           
          
    
    
   
         
           
            
           
             
          
    
    
   
         
           
 
 
Notes to the financial statements 

Note 25. Share-based payments (continued) 
(iii)  Chief Executive Officer Performance Plan (Gail Kelly) 
Gail Kelly currently holds performance share rights under the Chief Executive Officer Performance Plan (CEOPP). Performance 
share rights have a nil exercise price. No performance options have been awarded since December 2008. Grants to Mrs Kelly 
under the CEOPP were approved by shareholders at Westpac’s AGM on 13 December 2007, 16 December 2009, 
15 December 2010 and 13 December 2013. 

Awards made from October 2011 are subject to two performance measures each applying to 50% of the value of the award. 
The two hurdles are Westpac’s relative TSR and Cash EPS CAGR. The vesting conditions for these awards are the same as 
set out above for awards made under the WRP from October 2011. 

For awards made prior to October 2011, all awards were subject to a TSR hurdle. The vesting conditions for these awards are 
also the same as awards made under the WRP prior to October 2011. 

CEOPP – outstanding performance share rights 
The following table sets out details of outstanding awards of performance share rights granted under the CEOPP: 

Commencement
Date

Latest Date for
Exercise 

21 December 2019
1 October 2020
1 October 2021
1 October 2022
1 October 2023

Performance share rights
21 December 2009
1 October 2010
1 October 2011
1 October 2012
1 October 2013
Total 2014
Total 2013
Performance options
Weighted average exercise price
Performance share rights

Exercise 
Price

 Outstanding at
1 October 
2013 

 Granted 
During 
the Year 

 Exercised 
During 
the Year 

 Lapsed
 During 
the Year 

 Outstanding at
30 September 
2014 

nil
nil
nil
nil
nil

nil

49,801
176,125
272,929
213,101
 -
711,956

400,043
$25.08
627,029

 -
 -
 -
 -
159,821
159,821

 -
-
213,101

 -
158,513
 -
 -
 -
158,513

400,043
$25.08
128,174

 -
 -
 -
 -
 -
 -

 -
 -
 -

49,801
17,612
272,929
213,101
159,821
713,264

 -
-
711,956

The weighted average fair value at grant date of performance share rights granted during the year was $20.67 per right 
(2013: $16.29 per right). As at 30 September 2014, no outstanding share rights issued to Mrs Kelly were exercisable. The 
remaining weighted average contractual life of outstanding performance share rights was 7.6 years (2013: 7.9 years). 

(iv)  Fair value assumptions 
The fair values of share rights granted during the year included in the tables above have been independently calculated at their 
respective grant dates based on the requirements of Australian Accounting Standard AASB 2 Share-based Payments. 

The fair values of rights without TSR based hurdles, including rights with Cash EPS CAGR hurdles, have been assessed with 
reference to the share price at grant date and a discount rate reflecting the expected dividend yield over their vesting periods. 

The fair value of rights with hurdles based on TSR performance relative to a group of comparator companies also takes into 
account the average TSR outcome determined using a Monte Carlo simulation pricing model. 

Other key assumptions include: 

  the assumptions included in the valuation of the awards of performance share rights to Gail Kelly include a risk free interest 
rate of 3.0%, a dividend yield on Westpac ordinary shares of 5.5% and a volatility in the Westpac share price of 20.4%; 
  the assumptions included in the valuation of the awards of share rights under the WRP and WPP include a risk free interest 
rate of 3.0%, a dividend yield on Westpac ordinary shares of 5.6% and a volatility in the Westpac share price of 20.4%; 

  volatility has been assessed by considering the historic volatility of the market price of Westpac shares; and 
  other assumptions include volatilities of, and correlation factors between, share price movements of the comparator group 
members and Westpac which are used to assess the impact of the TSR performance hurdles and have been derived from 
the historic volatilities and correlations. 

2014 Westpac Group Annual Report 

189 

 
            
             
          
     
             
          
           
          
           
       
           
          
       
     
           
          
     
          
       
     
           
 
 
 
Note 25. Share-based payments (continued) 
(v)  Chief Executive Officer Restricted Share Plan 
Gail Kelly received awards of Westpac ordinary shares under the Chief Executive Officer Restricted Share Plan (CEO RSP) in 
relation to her employment agreement. The awards were approved by Westpac shareholders at Westpac’s AGM on 
13 December 2007, 16 December 2009, 15 December 2010 and 13 December 2013. 

Like the general RSP, Westpac ordinary shares are allocated under the CEO RSP at no cost to Mrs Kelly, with vesting subject 
to remaining employed with Westpac for a set period. Shares in the CEO RSP are held in Mrs Kelly’s name and are restricted 
until satisfaction of the vesting conditions. Shares in the CEO RSP rank equally with Westpac ordinary shares for dividends and 
voting rights. For awards made from October 2009, shares are released from the CEO RSP on vesting. 

The following table details outstanding awards of shares issued under the CEO RSP: 

Allocation date
22 December 2011
21 December 2012
18 December 2013
Total 2014
Total 2013

Outstanding at
1 October 2013
51,866
58,400
 -
110,266
118,850

Granted During
 the Year
 -
 -
57,358
57,358
58,400

 Released 
25,933
29,200
 -
55,133
66,984

 Forfeited During 
the Year 

 Outstanding at
30 September 2014 

 -
 -
 -
 -
 -

25,933
29,200
57,358
112,491
110,266

190 

2014 Westpac Group Annual Report 

  
 
                   
            
                       
                   
            
                       
                   
                       
                 
                   
            
                     
                 
                   
            
                     
 
 
Notes to the financial statements 

Note 25. Share-based payments (continued) 
(vi)  Restricted Share Plan 
The Restricted Share Plan (RSP) provides Westpac with an instrument for attracting and rewarding key employees. Under the 
RSP, Westpac shares may be allocated to eligible employees at no cost with vesting subject to remaining employed with 
Westpac for a period determined by the Board. The fair value of the shares allocated is the share price on the date of the grant. 
Shares in the RSP are held in the name of the employee and are restricted until satisfaction of the vesting conditions. Shares in 
the RSP rank equally with Westpac ordinary shares for dividends and voting rights. For awards made prior to October 2009, 
shares may be held in the RSP for up to 10 years from the date they are granted. For awards made from October 2009, shares 
are released from the RSP on vesting. 

Outstanding RSP awards 
The following table details outstanding awards of shares issued under the RSP: 

Allocation date

 Outstanding at
 1 October 2013 

October – December 2006
January – March 2007
April – June 2007
July – September 2007
October – December 2007
January – March 2008
April – June 2008
July – September 2008
October – December 2008
January – March 2009
April – June 2009
October – December 2010
January – March 2011
April – June 2011
July – September 2011
October – December 2011
January – March 2012
April – June 2012
July – September 2012
October – December 2012
January – March 2013
April – June 2013
July – September 2013
October – December 2013
January – March 2014
April – June 2014
July – September 2014

Total 2014
Total 2013

272,095
598
15,161
2,453
438,069
8,263
17,416
8,412
876,756
75,955
8,734
1,747,662
1,692
2,187
21,612
3,002,817
7,616
30,781
226,615
2,490,359
66,074
76,497
40,967
 -
 -
 -
 -
9,438,791
10,583,524

Granted During
the Year
 -
 -
 -
 -
 -
 -
 -
 -
 -
 -
 -
 -
 -
 -
 -
 -
 -
 -
 -
 -
 -
 -
 -
1,949,492
21,976
53,749
45,095
2,070,312
2,742,017

Released
39,001
 -
1,838
1,867
62,759
1,782
2,203
1,705
124,553
 -
562
1,747,662
1,692
2,187
21,612
921,188
6,136
14,228
192,760
421,395
30,501
25,894
4,046
22,093
 -
 -
 -
3,647,664
3,666,622

Forfeited During
the Year
 -
 -
 -
 -
 -
 -
 -
 -
 -
 -
 -
 -
 -
 -
 -
67,032
 -
 -
1,008
47,048
 -
2,332
 -
65,858
 -
 -
 -
183,278
220,128

 Outstanding at
30 September 2014 

233,094
598
13,323
586
375,310
6,481
15,213
6,707
752,203
75,955
8,172
 -
 -
 -
 -
2,014,597
1,480
16,553
32,847
2,021,916
35,573
48,271
36,921
1,861,541
21,976
53,749
45,095
7,678,161
9,438,791

(vii)  Other Group share-based plans 
Westpac also provides plans for small, specialised parts of the Group. The benefits under these plans are directly linked to 
growth and performance of the relevant part of the business. The plans individually and in aggregate are not material to 
the Group. 

2014 Westpac Group Annual Report 

191 

 
              
                 
                    
                     
                           
                
                   
                      
                  
                   
                           
              
                 
                    
                  
                   
                        
                
                   
                      
                  
                   
                        
              
               
                    
                
                      
                  
                      
                        
           
            
                  
                   
                  
                   
                
                 
           
               
                   
                 
                  
                   
                        
                
                 
                      
              
               
                     
                      
           
               
                   
                 
                
                 
                      
                
                 
                     
                      
                
                   
                      
            
                 
                   
                 
                 
                      
                 
                      
                 
                      
           
            
            
                 
                 
         
            
            
                 
                 
 
 
 
Note 25. Share-based payments (continued) 
General information on Executive and Senior Officer share plans 
The market price of Westpac’s ordinary shares as at the close of business on 30 September 2014 was $32.14 (2013: $32.73). 
Details of the shares issued on exercise of options and share rights under each of the Executive and Senior Officer share plans 
during the year ended 30 September 2014 are set out below: 

Total Number of 
Shares Issued/
Allocated

Weighted 
Average Share 
Price at Date of 
Exercise
$

Consideration 
Received  
($’000)

Dates on which Options or
 Share Rights Were Exercised

Exercise Price
$

October – December 2013 16.34 - 30.10
January – March 2014 16.34 - 30.10
April – June 2014 18.98 - 30.10
July – September 2014 18.98 - 30.10

October – December 2013
January – March 2014
April – June 2014
July – September 2014

October - December 2013

-
-
-
-

-

634,317
477,322
732,040
298,708

918,685
44,210
65,301
39,864

32.61
32.61
34.70
34.33

32.76
32.95
34.22
34.35

158,513

34.27

October – December 2012 13.59 - 23.98
January – March 2013 16.34 - 23.98
April – June 2013 16.34 - 30.10
July – September 2013 16.34 - 30.10

October – December 2012
January – March 2013
April – June 2013
July – September 2013

-
-
-
-

384,428
1,136,987
1,655,486
210,427

816,804
72,518
197,001
107,865

April – June 2013 16.80 - 25.89

April – June 2013

-

400,043

128,174

25.40
28.02
32.76
30.81

25.36
27.54
31.92
30.96

33.09

33.09

13,888
11,507
17,201
6,689

-
-
-
-

-

7,225
24,740
40,826
4,576

-
-
-
-

10,033

-

Plan/Agreement
2014 WRP and WPP

Options

Share rights

Chief Executive Officer 
Performance Plan
Share rights

2013 WRP and WPP

Options

Share rights

Chief Executive Officer 
Performance Plan

Options

Share rights

Chief Executive Securities 
Agreement 2003 (David 
Morgan)

Options

October 2012 – June 2013 19.17 - 24.18

1,649,407

29.44

36,519  

Shares allotted to satisfy the exercise of options or share rights under the employee equity plans will rank equally with all other 
issued Westpac ordinary shares and qualify for the payment of dividends and shareholder voting rights from the day 
of allotment. 

The employee equity plans are operated in compliance with ASIC Regulatory Guide 49 which provides relief from the 
disclosure and licensing provisions of the Corporations Act. Included in the ASIC regulatory guide is a five percent limit on the 
number of shares that can be issued under an employee equity plan without issuing a prospectus. 

192 

2014 Westpac Group Annual Report 

  
 
 
Notes to the financial statements 

Note 25. Share-based payments (continued) 
Under the regulatory guide, the number of shares (including shares that are the subject of options and share rights) to be 
offered to employees at any particular time cannot, at the time the offer is made and when aggregated with the number of 
shares the subject of previously issued unexercised options and share rights issued to employees under those plans and with 
the number of shares issued during the previous five years under all employee share schemes, exceed 5% of the total number 
of shares on issue at the time that offer is made. 

The names of all persons who hold options and/or share rights currently on issue are entered in Westpac’s register of option 
holders which may be inspected at Link Market Services, Level 12, 680 George Street, Sydney, New South Wales. 

Employee Share Plan 
Under the Employee Share Plan (ESP), Westpac ordinary shares may be allocated at no cost to employees to recognise their 
contribution to Westpac’s financial performance over the previous financial year. The maximum annual award value under the 
ESP is $1,000 per employee per year. However, the number of shares employees receive (if any) depends on Westpac’s share 
price performance over the 12 months to 30 September or a combination of customer-centric measures, and is subject to 
Board discretion. 

The shares must normally remain within the ESP for three years unless the employee leaves Westpac. Participants are entitled 
to receive any dividend or other distribution attaching to shares held under the ESP. Participants are also entitled to exercise 
voting rights attaching to the shares. 

Westpac’s Australian permanent employees (including part-time employees) who have been in six months continuous 
employment as at 30 September each year are eligible to participate in the ESP. Executives and senior management who 
participate in any Westpac long-term incentive plan or deferred short-term incentive plan are not eligible to participate in the 
ESP during the same year. The number of shares employees receive is calculated by dividing the award value by the prevailing 
market price of Westpac’s ordinary shares when the shares are granted. 

The 2013 ESP award was satisfied through the purchase of shares on market. The following table provides details of shares 
issued under the ESP during the years ended 30 September: 

Allocation
Date
5 December 2013
4 December 2012

Number of 
Participants
26,877
26,990

2014
2013

Average Number
of Shares Allocated
per Participant
30
39

Total Number
of Shares
Allocated
806,310
1,052,610

Market 
Price per Share
$32.93
$25.23

Total
Fair Value
$26,551,788
$26,557,350  

The liability accrued in respect of the ESP at 30 September 2014 is $28 million (2013: $28 million) and is provided for as other 
employee benefits. 

2014 Westpac Group Annual Report 

193 

 
 
 
Note 26. Average balance sheet and interest rates 
The following table lists the average balances and related interest for the major categories of the Group’s interest earning 
assets and interest bearing liabilities. Averages used are predominantly daily averages: 

Year Ended
30 September 2014
Interest
Income
$m

Average
Balance
$m

Average
 Rate
%

Consolidated
Year Ended
30 September 2013

Year Ended
30 September 2012

Average
Balance
$m

Interest
Income
$m

Average
 Rate
%

Average
Balance
$m

Interest
Income
$m

Average
 Rate
%

Assets
Interest earning assets
Receivables due from other 
financial institutions:

Australia
New Zealand
Other overseas

Trading securities and other 
financial assets designated at fair 
value:

Australia
New Zealand
Other overseas

Available-for-sale securities:

Australia
New Zealand
Other overseas
Regulatory deposits:
Other overseas

Loans and other receivables1:

Australia
New Zealand
Other overseas

2,433
294
5,151

60
5
19

2.5%
1.7%
0.4%

2,852
338
5,959

86
5
22

3.0%
1.5%
0.4%

3,215
220
4,935

135
4
49

4.2%
1.8%
1.0%

32,877
4,358
10,134

27,222
2,384
1,351

1,226
132
124

1,230
107
49

3.7%
3.0%
1.2%

4.5%
4.5%
3.6%

38,506
3,309
6,262

21,475
2,085
1,089

1,560
88
84

1,107
93
26

4.1%
2.7%
1.3%

5.2%
4.5%
2.4%

37,790
4,538
5,383

16,240
1,784
1,062

1,973
123
103

1,006
80
30

5.2%
2.7%
1.9%

6.2%
4.5%
2.8%

1,369

18

1.3%

1,512

23

1.5%

1,460

24

1.6%

474,570
59,240
25,979

25,498
3,449
331

5.4% 449,405
50,801
5.8%
16,276
1.3%

26,712
2,924
279

5.9% 440,416
46,416
5.8%
14,286
1.7%

30,202
2,870
274

32,248

33,009

647,362

5.0% 599,869

Total interest earning assets 
and interest income
Non-interest earning assets 
Cash, receivables due from other 
financial institutions and regulatory 
deposits
Derivative financial instruments
Life insurance assets
All other assets2
Total non-interest earning 
assets
Total assets
1  Loans and receivables are stated net of provisions for impairment charges on loans. Other receivables include other assets and cash with 

2,745
36,688
11,694
36,932

723
33,967
12,713
41,023

1,513
28,866
13,687
45,696

88,426
688,295

88,059
665,804

89,762
737,124

5.5% 577,745

36,873

6.9%
6.2%
1.9%

6.4%

2 

central banks that are interest earning. 
Includes property, plant and equipment, goodwill and intangibles, other assets, deferred tax and non-interest bearing loans relating to mortgage offset 
accounts. 

194 

2014 Westpac Group Annual Report 

  
 
 
 
 
      
         
      
    
      
      
    
      
      
      
  
    
    
  
 
Note 26. Average balance sheet and interest rates (continued) 

Notes to the financial statements 

Year Ended
30 September 2014

Consolidated
Year Ended
30 September 2013

Year Ended
30 September 2012

Average
Balance
$m

Interest Average
 Rate
Expense
%
$m

Average
Balance
$m

Interest
Expense
$m

Average
 Rate
%

Average
Balance
$m

Interest
Expense
$m

Average
 Rate
%

Liabilities
Interest bearing liabilities
Payables due to other financial 
institutions:
Australia
New Zealand
Other overseas

Deposits and other borrowings:

Australia
New Zealand
Other overseas

Loan capital:
Australia
Other overseas

Other interest bearing liabilities1:

Australia
New Zealand
Other overseas

Total interest bearing liabilities 
and interest expense
Non-interest bearing liabilities
Deposits and payables due to 
other financial institutions:

Australia
New Zealand
Other overseas

Derivative financial instruments
Life insurance policy liabilities
All other liabilities2
Total non-interest bearing 
liabilities
Total liabilities
Shareholders’ equity
Non-controlling interests
Total equity
Total liabilities and equity
1 
2 

10,253
547
4,767

342,385
42,444
29,347

250
11
39

9,850
1,453
196

2.4%
2.0%
0.8%

4,218
458
4,648

131
7
52

3.1%
1.5%
1.1%

4,072
336
4,837

186
6
52

2.9% 325,634
35,674
3.4%
25,368
0.7%

11,141
1,214
200

3.4% 302,412
30,324
3.4%
27,367
0.8%

13,301
1,066
235

8,729
1,358

424
66

4.9%
4.9%

7,183
2,436

414
115

5.8%
4.7%

5,129
2,455

151,742
12,364
2,617

5,824
552
41

n/a
n/a
n/a

144,777
10,073
1

6,353
561
-

n/a
n/a
n/a

151,204
11,841
550

327
127

8,426
616
29

4.6%
1.8%
1.1%

4.4%
3.5%
0.9%

6.4%
5.2%

n/a
n/a
n/a

606,553

18,706

3.1% 560,470

20,188

3.6% 540,527

24,371

4.5%

23,826
3,169
812
31,172
12,359
11,894

83,232
689,785
46,477
862
47,339
737,124

19,173
2,578
783
35,542
11,574
11,853

81,503
641,973
44,350
1,972
46,322
688,295

15,920
2,237
657
37,788
10,586
13,520

80,708
621,235
42,605
1,964
44,569
665,804

Includes net impact of Treasury balance sheet management activities. 
Includes other liabilities, provisions, current and deferred tax liabilities. 

2014 Westpac Group Annual Report 

195 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Note 26. Average balance sheet and interest rates (continued) 
The following table allocates changes in net interest income between changes in volume and changes in rate for the last two 
fiscal years. Volume and rate variances have been calculated on the movement in average balances and the change in the 
interest rates on average interest earning assets and average interest bearing liabilities. The variance caused by change in 
both volume and rate has been allocated in proportion to the relationship of the absolute dollar amount of each change to 
the total. 

Interest earning assets
Receivables due from other financial institutions:

Australia
New Zealand
Other overseas

Trading securities and other financial assets designated at fair 
value:

Australia
New Zealand
Other overseas

Available-for-sale securities:

Australia
New Zealand
Other overseas
Regulatory deposits:
Other overseas

Loans and other receivables:

Australia
New Zealand
Other overseas

Total change in interest income
Interest bearing liabilities
Payables due to other financial institutions:

Australia
New Zealand
Other overseas

Deposits and other borrowings:

Australia
New Zealand
Other overseas

Loan capital:
Australia
Other overseas

Other interest bearing liabilities:

Australia
New Zealand
Other overseas

Total change in interest expense
Change in net interest income:

Australia
New Zealand
Other overseas

Total change in net interest income

Consolidated

2014
Change Due to

2013
Change Due to

Volume
$m

Rate
$m

Total
$m

Volume
$m

Rate
$m

Total
$m

(13)
(1)
(3)

(229)
28
54

296
13
6

(13)
1
 -

(105)
16
(14)

(173)
1
17

(26)
 -
(3)

(334)
44
40

123
14
23

(15)
2
10

36
(33)
16

324
13
1

(34)
(1)
(37)

(449)
(2)
(35)

(223)
 -
(5)

(49)
1
(27)

(413)
(35)
(19)

101
13
(4)

(2)

(3)

(5)

1

(2)

(1)

1,496
486
166
2,297

(2,710)
39
(114)
(3,058)

(1,214)
525
52
(761)

616
271
38
1,280

(4,106)
(217)
(33)
(5,144)

(3,490)
54
5
(3,864)

187
1
1

573
230
31

(68)
3
(14)

119
4
(13)

7
2
(2)

(62)
(1)
2

(55)
1
 -

(1,864)
9
(35)

(1,291)
239
(4)

1,021
188
(17)

(3,181)
(40)
(18)

(2,160)
148
(35)

89
(51)

(79)
2

10
(49)

306
128
 -
1,495

395
167
240
802

(835)
(137)
41
(2,977)

(529)
(9)
41
(1,482)

(155)
182
(108)
(81)

240
349
132
721

131
(1)

(358)
(92)
(29)
850

160
155
115
430

(44)
(11)

87
(12)

(1,715)
37
 -
(5,033)

(2,073)
(55)
(29)
(4,183)

190
(216)
(85)
(111)

350
(61)
30
319

196 

2014 Westpac Group Annual Report 

  
 
         
         
         
         
         
         
           
            
            
           
            
           
           
          
         
         
       
       
       
          
       
       
          
          
          
         
           
         
          
         
          
          
         
         
        
       
        
        
       
        
          
            
          
          
          
            
          
          
            
           
           
           
           
           
            
           
           
     
    
    
        
    
    
        
          
        
        
       
          
        
       
          
          
         
            
     
    
       
     
    
    
        
         
        
            
         
         
            
            
            
            
           
            
            
         
         
           
            
        
    
    
     
    
    
        
            
        
        
         
        
          
         
           
         
         
         
          
         
          
        
         
          
         
            
         
           
         
         
        
       
       
       
    
    
        
       
           
         
          
         
          
          
         
         
     
    
    
        
    
    
        
       
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
       
         
        
       
        
        
         
          
        
         
        
        
       
        
 
Notes to the financial statements 

Note 27. Financial risk 
Westpac’s risk appetite is set by the Board. The risk appetite cannot be defined by a single metric. It has many dimensions and 
is an amalgam of top-down requirements (including Westpac’s target debt rating and complying with regulatory requirements) 
and bottom-up aggregates (such as risk concentration limits). Westpac uses an economic capital model as the basis of risk 
measurement, calibrated to its target debt rating. 

Westpac’s appetite for risk is influenced by a range of factors, including whether a risk is considered consistent with its strategy 
(core risk) and whether an appropriate return can be achieved from taking that risk. Westpac has a lower appetite for risks that 
are not part of its core strategy. Westpac seeks to achieve an appropriate return on risk and prices its products accordingly. 

Westpac seeks to maximise total shareholder returns over the longer term by achieving an appropriate balance between 
growth and volatility of returns and by ultimately returning that value to shareholders. 

Westpac distinguishes the following types of risk, and takes an integrated approach towards managing them. These risks are: 

Type of risk 

Key risks 

Description 

  credit risk – the risk of financial loss where a customer or counterparty fails to meet their financial 

obligations to Westpac; 

  liquidity risk – the risk that the Group will be unable to fund assets and meet obligations as they 

become due; 

  market risk – the risk of an adverse impact on earnings resulting from changes in market factors, 
such as foreign exchange rates, interest rates, commodity prices and equity prices. This includes 
interest rate risk in the banking book – the risk to interest income from a mismatch between the 
duration of assets and liabilities that arises in the normal course of business activities; 

  operational risk – operational risk is the risk of loss resulting from inadequate or failed internal 

processes, people and systems or from external events. The definition is aligned to the regulatory 
(Basel II) definition, including legal and regulatory risk but excluding strategic and reputation 
risk; and 

  compliance risk – the risk of legal or regulatory sanction, financial or reputation loss, arising from 

our failure to abide by the compliance obligations required of us. 

Other related risks 

  business risk – the risk associated with the vulnerability of a line of business to changes in the 

business environment; 

  environmental, social and governance risks – the risk that the Group damages its reputation or 
financial performance due to failure to recognise or address material existing or emerging 
sustainability related environmental, social or governance issues; 

  equity risk – the potential for financial loss arising from movements in equity values. Equity risk 

may be direct, indirect or contingent; 

  insurance risk – the risk of mis-estimation of the expected cost of insured events, volatility in the 

number or severity of insured events, and mis-estimation of the cost of incurred claims; 

  related entity (contagion) risk – the risk that problems arising in other Westpac Group members 
compromise the financial and operational position of the authorised deposit-taking institutions in 
the Westpac Group; and 

  reputation risk – the risk to earnings or capital arising from negative public opinion resulting from 

the loss of reputation or public trust and standing. 

2014 Westpac Group Annual Report 

197 

 
 
 
 
Note 27. Financial risk (continued) 
Note 27 provides a summary of Westpac’s risk management framework, as well as a discussion of Westpac’s financial risk 
management policies and practices and quantitative information on some of its principal financial risk exposures. The 
information contained in Note 27 comprises the following: 

27.1  Approach to risk management 

27.2  Credit risk management 

27.2.1 Credit risk management policy 
27.2.2 Provision and impairment policy 
27.2.3 Internal credit risk ratings system 
27.2.4 Credit risk mitigation, collateral and other credit enhancements 
27.2.5 Credit risk concentrations 
27.2.6 Credit quality of financial assets 
27.2.7 Financial assets that are neither past due nor impaired  
27.2.8 Financial assets that are past due, but not impaired 
27.2.9 Items 90 days past due, or otherwise in default, but well secured and not impaired 
27.2.10 Impaired loans 

27.3  Funding and Liquidity Risk Management 

27.3.1 Sources of liquidity 
27.3.2 Liquidity reporting 
27.3.3 Market developments 
27.3.4 Contractual maturity of financial liabilities 
27.3.5 Expected maturity 

27.4  Market risk 

27.4.1 Traded market risk 
27.4.2 Non-traded market risk 

27.1 Approach to risk management 
The Board is responsible for reviewing and approving our overall risk management strategy, including determining our appetite 
for risk. The Board has delegated to the BRCC responsibility for providing recommendations to the Board on the Westpac 
Group’s risk-reward strategy, setting risk appetite, approving frameworks, policies and processes for managing risk, and 
determining whether to accept risks beyond management’s approval discretion. 

The BRCC monitors the alignment of our risk profile with our risk appetite, which is defined in the Board Statement of Risk 
Appetite, and with our current and future capital requirements. The BRCC receives regular reports from management on the 
effectiveness of our management of Westpac’s material business risks. More detail about the role of the BRCC is set out in the 
Westpac risk management governance structure table. 

The CEO and Executive Team are responsible for implementing our risk management strategy and frameworks, and for 
developing policies, controls, processes and procedures for identifying and managing risk in all of Westpac’s activities. 

Westpac manages the risks that affect our business as they influence our performance, reputation and future success. Effective 
risk management involves taking an integrated approach to risk and reward, and enables us to both increase financial growth 
opportunities and mitigate potential loss or damage. We adopt a Three Lines of Defence approach to risk management which 
reflects our culture of ‘risk is everyone’s business’ and that all employees are responsible for identifying and managing risk and 
operating within the Group’s desired risk profile. We embed risk culture and maintain an awareness of risk management 
responsibilities through regular communication, training and other targeted approaches that support our risk 
management framework. 

The 1st Line of Defence – risk identification, risk management and self-assurance 
Divisional business units are responsible for identifying, evaluating and managing the risks that they originate within approved 
risk appetite and policies. They are required to establish and maintain appropriate risk management controls, resources and 
self-assurance processes. 

The 2nd Line of Defence – establishment of risk management frameworks and policies and risk management oversight 
Our 2nd Line of Defence is a separate risk advisory, control and monitoring function which establishes frameworks, policies, 
limits and processes for the management, monitoring and reporting of risk. It also evaluates and opines on the adequacy and 
effectiveness of 1st Line controls and application of frameworks and policies and, where necessary, requires improvement and 
monitors the 1st Line’s progress toward remediation of identified deficiencies. 

198 

2014 Westpac Group Annual Report 

  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the financial statements 

Note 27. Financial risk (continued) 
Our 2nd Line of Defence has three layers: 
  our executive risk committees lead the optimisation of risk-reward by overseeing the development of risk appetite 

statements, risk management frameworks, policies and risk concentration controls, and monitoring Westpac’s risk profile for 
alignment with approved appetites and strategies; 

  our Group Risk function is independent from the business divisions, reports to the CRO, and establishes and maintains the 
Group-wide risk management frameworks, policies and concentration limits that are approved by the BRCC. It also reports 
on Westpac’s risk profile to executive risk committees and the BRCC; and 

  divisional risk areas are responsible for developing division-specific risk appetite statements, policies, controls, procedures, 

monitoring and reporting capability, which align to the Board’s Statement of Risk Appetite and the risk management 
frameworks approved by the BRCC. These risk areas are independent of the Divisions’ 1st Line business areas, with each 
divisional CRO having a direct reporting line to the CRO, as well as to their Division’s Group Executive. 

The 3rd Line of Defence – independent assurance 
Our Group Assurance function independently evaluates the adequacy and effectiveness of the Group’s overall risk 
management framework and controls. 
This approach allows risks within our risk appetite to be balanced against appropriate rewards. 
Westpac’s risk management governance structure is set out in more detail in the following table: 

Board 

  reviews and approves our overall risk management strategy. 

Board Risk & Compliance Committee (BRCC) 

  provides recommendations to the Board on the Westpac Group’s risk-reward strategy; 
  sets risk appetite; 
  approves frameworks and key policies for managing risk; 
  monitors our risk profile, performance, capital levels, exposures against limits and management and control of our risks; 
  monitors changes anticipated in the economic and business environment and other factors relevant to our risk profile; 
  oversees the development and ongoing review of key policies that support our frameworks for managing risk; and 
  determines whether to accept risks beyond the approval discretion provided to management. 

Other Board Committees with a risk focus 

Board Audit Committee 
  oversees the integrity of financial statements and financial reporting systems, and matters relating to taxation risks. 

Board Remuneration Committee 
  reviews any matters raised by the BRCC with respect to risk-adjusted remuneration. 

Board Technology Committee 
  oversees the technology strategy, implementation, and risks associated with major technology programs. 

Executive Team 

  executes the Board-approved strategy; 
  assists with the development of the Board Statement of Risk Appetite; 
  delivers the Group’s various strategic and performance goals within the approved risk appetite; and 
  monitors key risks within each business unit, capital adequacy and the Group’s reputation. 

Executive risk committees 

Westpac Group Executive Risk Committee 
  leads the optimisation of credit, operational, compliance, and market risk-reward across the Group; 
  oversees the embedding of the Risk Management Strategy in the Group’s approach to risk governance; 
  oversees risk-related management frameworks and key supporting policies; 
  oversees the Group’s credit, operational, compliance, and market risk profiles; 
  oversees reputation risk and Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) risk management frameworks and key 

supporting policies; and 

  identifies emerging credit, operational, compliance and market risks and allocates responsibility for assessing impacts and 

implementing appropriate actions to address these. 

2014 Westpac Group Annual Report 

199 

 
Note 27. Financial risk (continued) 

Executive risk committees (continued) 

Westpac Group Asset & Liability Committee 
  leads the optimisation of funding and liquidity risk-reward across the Group; 
  reviews the level and quality of capital to ensure that it is commensurate with the Group’s risk profile, business strategy and 

risk appetite; 

  oversees the Liquidity Risk Management Framework and key policies; 
  oversees the funding and liquidity risk profile and balance sheet risk profile; and 
  identifies emerging funding and liquidity risks and appropriate actions to address these. 

Westpac Group Remuneration Oversight Committee  
  provides assurance that the remuneration arrangements across the Group have been examined from a People, Risk and 

Finance perspective; 

  responsible for ensuring that risk is embedded in all key steps in our remuneration framework; 
  reviews and makes recommendations to the CEO for recommendation to the Board Remuneration Committee on the 
Group Remuneration Policy and provides assurance that remuneration arrangements across the Group encourage 
behaviour that supports Westpac’s long-term financial soundness and the risk management framework; 

  reviews and monitors the remuneration arrangements (other than for Group Executives) for Responsible Persons (as 
defined in the Group’s Statutory Officers Fit and Proper Policy), risk and financial control personnel, and all other 
employees for whom a significant portion of total remuneration is based on performance and whose activities, either 
individually or collectively, may affect the financial soundness of Westpac; and 

  reviews and recommends to the CEO for recommendation to the Board Remuneration Committee the criteria and rationale 

for determining the total quantum of the Group variable reward pool. 

Group and divisional risk management 

Group Risk 
  develops the Group-level risk management frameworks for approval by the BRCC; 
  directs the review and development of key policies supporting the risk management frameworks; 
  establishes risk concentration limits and monitors risk concentrations; and 
  monitors emerging risk issues. 

Compliance Function 
  develops the Group-level compliance framework for approval by the BRCC; 
  directs the review and development of compliance policies, compliance plans, controls and procedures; 
  monitors compliance and regulatory obligations and emerging regulatory developments; and 
  reports on compliance standards. 

Divisional risk management 
  develops division-specific policies, risk appetite statements, controls, procedures, and monitoring and reporting capability 

that align to the frameworks approved by the BRCC. 

Independent internal review 

Group Assurance 
  reviews the adequacy and effectiveness of management controls for risk. 

Divisional business units 

Business Units 
  responsible for identifying, evaluating and managing the risks that they originate within approved risk appetite policies; and 
  establish and maintain appropriate risk management controls, resources and self-assurance processes. 

200 

2014 Westpac Group Annual Report 

  
Notes to the financial statements 

Note 27. Financial risk (continued) 
27.2 Credit risk management 
Credit risk is the potential for financial loss where a customer or counterparty fails to meet their financial obligations. 

27.2.1 Credit risk management policy 
Westpac maintains a credit risk management framework and a number of supporting policies that define roles and 
responsibilities, acceptable practices, limits and key controls: 

  the Credit Risk Management Framework describes the principles, methodologies, systems, roles and responsibilities, 

reports and key controls that exist for managing credit risk in Westpac; 

  the Credit Risk Rating System policy describes the credit risk rating system philosophy, design, key features and uses of 

rating outcomes; and 

  Westpac has established policies governing the management of three key types of concentration risk: 

–  individual customers or groups of related customers; 

–  specific industries (e.g. property); and 

–  individual countries. 

Westpac has an established policy governing the delegation of credit approval authorities and a set of formal limits for the 
extension of credit. These limits represent the delegation of credit approval authority to responsible individuals throughout 
the organisation. 

Credit manuals exist in each business unit to govern the extension of credit. These manuals include general policies covering 
the origination, evaluation, approval, documentation, settlement and ongoing management of credit risks including 
management of problem loans. These manuals are regularly updated by the business units, with significant changes approved 
by Enterprise Risk. 

Sector policies exist to guide the extension of credit where industry-specific guidelines are considered necessary 
(e.g. acceptable financial ratios or types of collateral). These policies are maintained by the business unit risk 
management teams. 

Westpac has a related entity risk management framework and supporting policies, which include governance of credit 
exposures to related entities, so as to minimise contagion risk for the extended licensed entity and to ensure compliance with 
the prudential requirements prescribed by APRA. 

27.2.2 Provision and impairment policy 
Provisions for loan impairment represent management’s best estimate of the losses incurred in the loan portfolios as at the 
balance date. There are two components of Westpac’s loan impairment provisions: individually assessed provisions and 
collectively assessed provisions. In determining the individually assessed provisions, relevant considerations that have a 
bearing on the expected future cash flows are taken into account, for example, the business prospects of the customer, the 
realisable value of collateral, Westpac’s position relative to other claimants, the reliability of customer information and the likely 
cost and duration of the work-out process. These judgments and estimates can change with time as new information becomes 
available or as work-out strategies evolve, resulting in revisions to the impairment provision as individual decisions are made. 

The collectively assessed provisions are established on a portfolio basis taking into account the level of arrears, collateral, past 
loss experience and expected defaults based on portfolio trends. The most significant factors in establishing these provisions 
are estimated loss rates and related emergence periods. The provisions also take into account management’s assessment of 
changes or events that have recently occurred in sectors of the economy or in the economy as a whole that are not yet 
reflected in underlying provisioning factors. The future credit quality of these portfolios is subject to uncertainties that could 
cause actual credit losses to differ from reported loan impairment provisions. These uncertainties include the economic 
environment, notably interest rates, unemployment levels, repayment behaviour and bankruptcy rates. 

2014 Westpac Group Annual Report 

201 

 
Note 27. Financial risk (continued) 
27.2.3 Internal credit risk ratings system 
The principal objective of the credit risk rating system is to produce a reliable assessment of the credit risk to which the Group 
is exposed. 

Westpac’s internal credit risk rating system for transaction-managed customers assigns a Customer Risk Grade (CRG) to each 
customer, corresponding to their expected probability of default (PD). Each facility is assigned a loss given default (LGD). The 
Westpac risk rating system has a tiered scale of risk grades for both non-defaulted customers and defaulted customers.  
Non-defaulted CRGs are mapped to Moody’s and Standard & Poor’s (S&P) external senior ranking unsecured ratings.  

Customers that are not transaction-managed (referred to as the program-managed portfolio) are segmented into pools of 
similar risk. Segments are created by analysing characteristics that have historically proven predictive in determining if an 
account is likely to go into default. Customers are then grouped according to these predictive characteristics and each segment 
assigned a PD and LGD. 

The table below shows the current alignment between Westpac’s CRGs and the corresponding external rating. Note that only 
high-level CRG groupings are shown. 

Financial Statement Disclosure 

Westpac CRG 

Moody’s Rating 

Strong 

Good/satisfactory 

A 

B 

C 

D 

Aaa – Aa3 

A1 – A3 

S&P Rating 

AAA – AA– 

A+ – A– 

Baa1 – Baa3 

BBB+ – BBB– 

Ba1 – B1 

BB+ – B+ 

Financial Statement Disclosure 

Westpac CRG 

Weak 

Weak/default/non-performing 

E 

F 

G – H 

Definitions 

Watchlist 

Special Mention 

Substandard/Default 

Control mechanisms for the credit risk rating system 
Westpac’s credit risk rating system is reviewed annually to confirm that the rating criteria and procedures are appropriate given 
the current portfolio and external conditions. The BRCC and RISKCO monitor the risk profile, performance and management of 
Westpac’s credit portfolio and development and review of key credit risk policies. All models materially impacting the risk rating 
process are periodically reviewed in accordance with Westpac’s model risk policies. Specific credit risk estimates (including PD, 
LGD and exposure at default (EAD) levels) are overseen, reviewed annually and approved by the Credit Risk Estimates 
Committee (a subcommittee of RISKCO). 

202 

2014 Westpac Group Annual Report 

  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the financial statements 

Note 27. Financial risk (continued) 
27.2.4 Credit risk mitigation, collateral and other credit enhancements 
Westpac uses a variety of techniques to reduce the credit risk arising from its lending activities. Enforceable legal 
documentation establishes Westpac’s direct, irrevocable and unconditional recourse to any collateral, security or other credit 
enhancements provided. 

The table below describes the nature of collateral held for financial asset classes: 

Cash and other balances held 
with central banks, including 
regulatory deposits 

These exposures are generally considered to be low risk due to the nature of the 
counterparties. Collateral is generally not sought on these balances. 

Receivables due from other 
financial institutions 

These exposures are mainly to relatively low risk banks (Rated A+, AA– or better). Collateral 
is generally not sought on these balances. 

Derivative financial instruments  Master netting agreements are typically used to enable the effects of derivative assets and 

liabilities with the same counterparty to be offset when measuring these exposures. 
Additionally, collateralisation agreements are also typically entered into with major 
institutional counterparties to avoid the potential build up of excessive mark-to-market 
positions. Derivative transactions are increasingly being performed through clearing houses. 

Trading securities and other 
financial assets designated at 
fair value 

These exposures are carried at fair value which reflects the credit risk. No collateral is sought 
directly from the issuer or counterparty; however this may be implicit in the terms of 
the instrument (such as an asset-backed security). The terms of debt securities may include 
collateralisation. 

Available-for-sale securities 

Collateral is not sought directly with respect to these exposures; however collateralisation 
may be implicit in the structure of the asset. 

Loans – housing and personal1  Housing loans are secured by a mortgage over property, and additional security may take 

Loans – business1 

Life insurance assets 

the form of guarantees and deposits. Personal lending (including credit cards and overdrafts) 
is predominantly unsecured. Where security is taken, it is restricted to eligible motor vehicles. 

Loans – business may be secured, partially secured or unsecured. Security is typically taken 
by way of a mortgage over property and/or a general security agreement over business 
assets, or other assets. Other forms of credit protection may also be sought or taken out if 
warranted. 

These assets are carried at fair value, which reflects the credit risk. Collateral is typically not 
held other than for investments in Australian mortgages where recourse to a charge over the 
underlying properties is held. 

Due from subsidiaries 

These exposures are generally considered to be low risk due to the nature of the 
counterparties. Collateral is generally not sought on these balances. 

1  This includes collateral held in relation to associated credit commitments. 

Risk reduction 
Westpac recognises the following as eligible collateral for credit risk mitigation: 

  cash, primarily in Australian dollars (AUD), New Zealand dollars (NZD), US dollars (USD), Canadian dollars (CAD), British 

pounds (GBP) or European Union euro (EUR); 

  bonds issued by Australian Commonwealth, State and Territory governments or their Public Sector Enterprises, provided 

these attract a zero risk-weighting under Australian Prudential Standard (APS) 112; 

  securities issued by other specified AA– / Aa3 or better rated sovereign governments; and 
  credit-linked notes (provided the proceeds are invested in cash or other eligible collateral described above). 

2014 Westpac Group Annual Report 

203 

 
 
 
Note 27. Financial risk (continued) 
Risk transfer 
For mitigation by way of risk transfer, Westpac only recognises unconditional irrevocable guarantees or standby letters of credit 
issued by, or eligible credit derivative protection bought from, the following entities provided they are not related to the 
underlying obligor: 

  sovereign entities; 
  public sector entities in Australia and New Zealand; 
  ADIs and overseas banks; and 
  other entities with a minimum risk grade equivalent of A3 / A–. 

Management of risk mitigation 
Westpac facilitates the management of these risks through controls covering: 

  collateral valuation and management; 
  credit portfolio management; and 
  netting. 

Collateral valuation and management 
Westpac revalues collateral related to financial markets positions on a daily basis to monitor the net risk position, and has 
formal processes in place so that calls for collateral top-up or exposure reduction are made promptly. An independent 
operational unit has responsibility for monitoring these positions. The collaterisation arrangements are documented via the 
Credit Support Annex of the International Swaps and Derivatives Association (ISDA) dealing agreements. 

Credit Portfolio Management 
Credit Portfolio Management (CPM) is a division that manages the overall risk in Westpac’s corporate, sovereign and bank 
credit portfolios. CPM includes a dedicated portfolio trading desk with the specific mandate of actively monitoring the underlying 
exposure and any offsetting hedge positions. Specific reporting is maintained and monitored on the matching of hedges with 
underlying facilities, with any adjustments to hedges (including unwinds or extensions) managed dynamically. CPM purchases 
credit protection from entities meeting our acceptability criteria as described under the Risk reduction and Risk transfer sections 
above. CPM also sells protection to diversify risk. 

Netting 
Risk reduction by way of current account set-off is recognised for exposures to creditworthy customers domiciled in Australia 
and New Zealand only. Customers are required to enter into formal agreements giving Westpac the unfettered right to set-off 
gross credit and debit balances in their nominated accounts to determine Westpac’s net exposure within each of these two 
jurisdictions. Cross-border set-offs are not permitted. 

Close-out netting is undertaken for off balance sheet financial market transactions with counterparties with whom Westpac has 
entered into a single bilateral master netting agreement which allows such netting in specified jurisdictions, and is supported by 
a written and reasoned legal opinion on the enforceability of that agreement. Close-out netting effectively aggregates pre-
settlement risk exposure at time of default, thus reducing overall exposure. 

27.2.5 Credit risk concentrations 
A concentration of credit risk exists when a number of counterparties are engaged in similar activities and have similar 
economic characteristics that would cause their ability to meet contractual obligations to be similarly affected by changes in 
economic or other conditions. 

Westpac monitors its credit portfolio to manage risk concentrations. Exposures are actively managed from a portfolio 
perspective, with risk mitigation techniques used to rebalance the portfolio. 

Individual customers or groups of related customers 
Westpac has large exposure limits governing the aggregate size of credit exposure normally acceptable to individual customers 
and groups of related customers. These limits are tiered by customer risk grade. 

Specific industries 
Exposures to businesses, governments and other financial institutions are classified into a number of industry clusters based 
on groupings of related Australian and New Zealand Standard Industrial Classification (ANZSIC) codes and are monitored 
against industry risk appetite limits. The level of industry risk is measured on a dynamic basis. 

Individual countries 
Westpac has limits governing risks related to individual countries, such as political situations, government policies, economic 
conditions or other country-specific events, that may adversely affect either a customer’s ability to purchase or transfer currency 
to meet its obligations to Westpac, or Westpac’s ability to realise its assets in a particular country. Such risks include, but are 
not limited to, exchange control events, nationalisation, war, disaster, economic meltdown or government failure. 

204 

2014 Westpac Group Annual Report 

  
Notes to the financial statements 

Note 27. Financial risk (continued) 
The table below sets out the maximum exposure to credit risk (excluding any collateral received) and the credit risk 
concentrations to which the Group and the Parent Entity are exposed. The total will not reconcile to the Group or Parent Entity’s 
total assets on the balance sheet as cash, non-financial assets and other financial assets have been excluded from the table 
below. Investments in subsidiaries and amounts due from subsidiaries have also been excluded from the Parent 
Entity’s disclosure. 

Consolidated 2014

Trading
Securities and 
Other Financial 
Assets 
Designated at 
Fair Value
 $m 

Available-
For-Sale 
Securities
 $m 

Loans - 
Housing and 
Personal
 $m 

Loans - 

Business Derivatives1
 $m 

 $m 

Life 
Insurance 
Assets
 $m 

Total (On 
Balance 
Sheet)
 $m 

Credit 
Commit-
ments
 $m 

1,081
1,699
3,648
11,838
1,366
7,114
2,948

17,149
6,162
8,241
4,824
3,744
75,427
1,077
146,318

185
124
474
2,295
4
189
39

69
-
31
7,143
-
1,185
599

-
-
-
11,746
19,492
-
-

-
-
3
10,824
24,126
73
81

7,262
7,100
5,942
12,349
780
9,080
3,254

11
19
31
33,883
371
484
168

7,527
7,243
6,481
78,240
44,773
11,011
4,141

54
187
114
47
427
140
-
36,076

2
9
-
191
125
-
8
31,573

4,178
841
562
91
36
365,334
-
374,352

50,972
10,033
15,054
9,239
3,236
488
2,114
136,903

Australia
Accommodation, cafes and restaurants
Agriculture, forestry and fishing
Construction
Finance and insurance
Government, administration and defence
Manufacturing 
Mining
Property, property services and business 
services
Services2
Trade3
Transport and storage
Utilities4
Retail lending
Other
Total Australia
New Zealand
Accommodation, cafes and restaurants
Agriculture, forestry and fishing
Construction
Finance and insurance
Government, administration and defence
Manufacturing 
Mining
Property, property services and business 
services
Services2
Trade3
Transport and storage
Utilities4
Retail lending
Other
Total New Zealand
1  Derivatives give rise to credit risk where there is a positive current fair value. Credit derivatives also expose the writer of the contract to the risk of 

56,386
11,604
16,159
10,175
5,080
366,005
2,243
627,068

12,184
2,087
2,889
1,079
1,412
26,351
177
68,287

5,984
998
1,878
868
1,004
51
135
21,279

477
131
223
544
867
43
115
37,367

703
403
206
63
389
-
6
10,797

6,034
1,075
1,001
173
59
26,300
3
37,191

3
8
-
12
60
-
1
3,141

163
4
10
26
241
-
1
3,735

-
-
-
-
39
-
37
2,731

436
6,504
1,067
7,284
4,046
2,268
503

160
5,999
362
1,159
349
1,848
484

-
27
2
3,059
147
55
-

-
2
-
1,659
1,392
4
-

-
-
-
555
2,100
-
-

-
2
-
-
9
-
-
210

275
474
702
715
5
357
18

1
2
1
137
53
4
1

80
685
452
1,754
916
1,611
60

2,340
799
1,363
415
1,473
6,982
248
19,178  

default of the referenced entity. See Note 29 for further details regarding credit derivative exposures. 

2  Services includes education, health and community services, cultural and recreational services and personal and other services. 
3  Trade includes wholesale trade and retail trade. 
4  Utilities includes electricity, gas and water and communication services. 

2014 Westpac Group Annual Report 

205 

 
 
 
Note 27. Financial risk (continued) 

Consolidated 2014

Trading
Securities and 
Other Financial 
Assets 
Designated at 
Fair Value
 $m 

Available-
For-Sale 
Securities
 $m 

Loans - 
Housing and 
Personal
 $m 

Loans - 

Business Derivatives1
 $m 

 $m 

Life 
Insurance 
Assets
 $m 

Total (On 
Balance 
Sheet)
 $m 

Credit 
Commit-
ments
 $m 

-
-
-
-
-
-
-

3
1
8
1
1
3
-

-
-
-
717
986
-
-

-
-
-
285
4
11
2

-
-
-
2,188
4,418
31
43

124
464
112
2,005
34
1,818
4,083

127
465
120
5,196
5,443
1,863
4,128

Other overseas
Accommodation, cafes and restaurants
Agriculture, forestry and fishing
Construction
Finance and insurance
Government, administration and defence
Manufacturing 
Mining
Property, property services and business 
services
Services2
Trade3
Transport and storage
Utilities4
Retail lending
Other
Total other overseas
Other risk concentrations
Amounts due from financial institutions
Regulatory deposits
Total gross credit risk
1  Derivatives give rise to credit risk where there is a positive current fair value. Credit derivatives also expose the writer of the contract to the risk of 

372
407
1,730
685
701
59
40
12,634

430
413
1,738
689
730
1,111
52
22,505

58
6
8
4
-
1,052
12
1,157

-
-
-
-
12
-
-
6,692

-
-
-
-
17
-
-
1,720

-
-
-
-
-
-
-
302

7,424
1,528
726,812

-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-

412,700

170,816

45,909

36,024

11,007

41,404

368
21
1,455
187
203
38
76
10,656

32
179
157
2,437
51
4,264
1,188

176,152

default of the referenced entity. See Note 29 for further details regarding credit derivative exposures. 

2  Services includes education, health and community services, cultural and recreational services and personal and other services. 
3  Trade includes wholesale trade and retail trade. 
4  Utilities includes electricity, gas and water and communication services. 

206 

2014 Westpac Group Annual Report 

  
 
 
 
 
Note 27. Financial risk (continued) 

Notes to the financial statements 

Consolidated 2013

Trading
Securities and 
Other Financial 
Assets 
Designated at 
Fair Value
 $m 

Available-
For-Sale 
Securities
 $m 

Loans - 
Housing and 
Personal
 $m 

Loans - 

Business Derivatives1
 $m 

 $m 

Life 
Insurance 
Assets2
 $m 

Total (On 
Balance 
Sheet)
 $m 

Credit 
Commit-
ments
 $m 

1,218
1,615
3,980
16,151
1,483
8,005
3,006

13,698
5,291
7,078
3,186
2,979
70,435
288
138,413

157
115
442
1,944
3
198
39

-
-
-
15,043
20,513
51
34

-
-
-
8,725
17,464
-
-

38
-
-
10,771
-
159
513

6,951
7,189
5,607
11,315
878
9,217
2,300

19
29
26
21,568
192
423
232

7,165
7,333
6,075
69,366
39,050
10,048
3,118

49
327
53
46
304
106
-
36,526

3
9
-
188
123
-
-
26,512

45,672
8,938
14,095
8,774
2,968
-
2,416
126,320

3,358
777
524
94
34
340,139
-
347,824

Australia
Accommodation, cafes and restaurants
Agriculture, forestry and fishing
Construction
Finance and insurance
Government, administration and defence
Manufacturing 
Mining
Property, property services and business 
services
Services3
Trade4
Transport and storage
Utilities5
Retail lending
Other
Total Australia
New Zealand
Accommodation, cafes and restaurants
Agriculture, forestry and fishing
Construction
Finance and insurance
Government, administration and defence
Manufacturing 
Mining
Property, property services and business 
services
Services3
Trade4
Transport and storage
Utilities5
Retail lending
Other
Total New Zealand
1  Derivatives give rise to credit risk where there is a positive current fair value. Credit derivatives also expose the writer of the contract to the risk of 

50,156
10,455
15,288
9,741
4,499
340,278
2,507
575,079

10,992
2,506
2,842
1,160
1,522
24,463
45
65,403

5,225
1,261
1,118
203
74
24,417
1
35,033

489
121
255
593
891
33
88
24,959

5,638
1,218
1,706
885
1,103
46
44
20,552

585
283
361
46
179
-
3
12,938

7
-
1
37
39
-
-
3,893

122
23
17
35
299
-
-
3,260

-
-
-
-
-
-
-
2,454

456
6,181
1,197
7,654
3,787
2,118
480

148
5,602
411
1,033
602
1,661
455

-
30
1
2,564
119
48
2

-
1
-
590
1,863
-
-

-
16
-
2,624
1,169
-
-

-
4
-
-
7
-
-
211

1
4
1
162
28
4
-

307
528
784
681
6
405
23

78
635
364
1,496
917
1,369
145

1,936
868
1,162
501
1,324
6,376
257
17,428  

default of the referenced entity. See Note 29 for further details regarding credit derivative exposures. 

2  Comparative information has been revised to conform to presentation with the current year. 
3  Services includes education, health and community services, cultural and recreational services and personal and other services. 
4  Trade includes wholesale trade and retail trade. 
5  Utilities includes electricity, gas and water and communication services. 

2014 Westpac Group Annual Report 

207 

 
 
 
 
Note 27. Financial risk (continued) 

Consolidated 2013

Trading
Securities and 
Other Financial 
Assets 
Designated at 
Fair Value
 $m 

Available-
For-Sale 
Securities
 $m 

Loans - 
Housing and 
Personal
 $m 

Loans - 

Business Derivatives1
 $m 

 $m 

Life 
Insurance 
Assets2
 $m 

Total (On 
Balance 
Sheet)
 $m 

Credit 
Commit-
ments
 $m 

-
-
-
-
-
-
-

6
1
6
1
1
4
-

-
-
-
428
608
-
-

-
-
-
128
9
-
-

-
-
-
3,857
4,813
-
-

130
376
172
5,659
5,461
1,253
2,443

124
375
166
1,245
30
1,249
2,443

Other overseas
Accommodation, cafes and restaurants
Agriculture, forestry and fishing
Construction
Finance and insurance
Government, administration and defence
Manufacturing 
Mining
Property, property services and business 
services
Services3
Trade4
Transport and storage
Utilities5
Retail lending
Other
Total other overseas
Other risk concentrations
Amounts due from financial institutions
Regulatory deposits
Total gross credit risk
1  Derivatives give rise to credit risk where there is a positive current fair value. Credit derivatives also expose the writer of the contract to the risk of 

362
172
2,190
440
308
900
63
19,929

310
168
2,180
436
299
52
54
9,131

-
-
-
-
9
-
-
1,045

-
-
-
-
-
-
-
8,670

52
4
10
4
-
848
9
946

-
-
-
-
-
-
-
137

11,210
1,571
673,192

-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-

156,003

383,803

49,089

30,011

28,356

13,149

34
164
112
1,297
3
3,512
1,817

217
20
1,544
160
170
127
-
9,177

165,018

default of the referenced entity. See Note 29 for further details regarding credit derivative exposures. 

2  Comparative information has been revised to conform to presentation with the current year. 
3  Services includes education, health and community services, cultural and recreational services and personal and other services. 
4  Trade includes wholesale trade and retail trade. 
5  Utilities includes electricity, gas and water and communication services. 

208 

2014 Westpac Group Annual Report 

  
 
 
 
 
Note 27. Financial risk (continued) 

Parent Entity 2014

Notes to the financial statements 

Trading
Securities and 
Other Financial 
Assets 
Designated at 
Fair Value
 $m 

Available-
For-Sale 
Securities
 $m 

Loans - 
Housing and 
Personal
 $m 

Loans - 

Business Derivatives1
 $m 

 $m 

Life 
Insurance 
Assets
 $m 

Total (On 
Balance 
Sheet)
 $m 

Credit 
Commit-
ments
 $m 

1,080
1,699
3,647
11,838
1,366
7,114
2,947

17,144
6,156
8,095
4,819
3,744
75,427
1,071
146,147

-
-
-
-
-
-
-

185
124
474
2,295
4
189
40

7,051
6,729
5,474
70,337
44,693
9,341
3,386

-
-
-
11,736
19,491
-
-

-
-
3
10,373
24,119
73
65

6,855
6,586
4,966
12,054
708
8,595
3,113

11
19
31
33,879
371
484
168

54
187
114
23
427
140
-
35,578

2
9
-
15
-
-
8
31,261

48,605
9,137
14,004
8,553
3,199
462
1,404
128,241

4,177
841
562
91
37
358,167
-
367,186

Australia
Accommodation, cafes and restaurants
Agriculture, forestry and fishing
Construction
Finance and insurance
Government, administration and defence
Manufacturing 
Mining
Property, property services and business 
services
Services2
Trade3
Transport and storage
Utilities4
Retail Lending
Other
Total Australia
New Zealand
Accommodation, cafes and restaurants
Agriculture, forestry and fishing
Construction
Finance and insurance
Government, administration and defence
Manufacturing 
Mining
Property, property services and business 
-
services
Services2
-
Trade3
-
-
Transport and storage
Utilities4
-
-
Retail lending
-
Other
-
Total New Zealand
1  Derivatives give rise to credit risk where there is a positive current fair value. Credit derivatives also expose the writer of the contract to the risk of 

53,315
10,304
14,903
9,226
4,530
358,812
1,527
599,628

477
130
223
544
867
43
115
37,362

3
8
-
12
22
-
1
2,054

170
17
206
42
263
-
2
6,027

163
4
10
26
241
-
1
3,668

-
27
2
2,992
147
55
-

-
2
-
873
1,129
4
-

-
35
6
3,866
1,280
140
-

4
5
196
4
-
-
-
305

-
6
4
1
4
81
-

-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-

-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-

-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-

-
-
-
-
-
-
-

-
-
-
-
-
-
-

-
-
-
-
-
-
-

-
14
11
74
113
120
-

30
5
231
43
226
13
1
881

default of the referenced entity. See Note 29 for further details regarding credit derivative exposures. 

2  Services includes education, health and community services, cultural and recreational services and personal and other services. 
3  Trade includes wholesale trade and retail trade. 
4  Utilities includes electricity, gas and water and communication services. 

2014 Westpac Group Annual Report 

209 

 
 
 
 
 
Note 27. Financial risk (continued) 

Parent Entity 2014

Trading
Securities and 
Other Financial 
Assets 
Designated at 
Fair Value
 $m 

Available-
For-Sale 
Securities
 $m 

Loans - 
Housing and 
Personal
 $m 

Loans - 

Business Derivatives1
 $m 

 $m 

Life 
Insurance 
Assets
 $m 

Total (On 
Balance 
Sheet)
 $m 

Credit 
Commit-
ments
 $m 

-
-
-
-
-
-
-

3
1
5
1
-
2
-

-
-
-
377
371
-
-

-
-
-
271
4
-
2

-
-
-
2,188
4,418
31
43

92
461
84
1,970
34
1,752
4,076

95
462
89
4,807
4,827
1,785
4,121

Other overseas
Accommodation, cafes and restaurants
Agriculture, forestry and fishing
Construction
Finance and insurance
Government, administration and defence
Manufacturing 
Mining
Property, property services and business 
services
Services2
Trade3
Transport and storage
Utilities4
Retail lending
Other
Total other overseas
Other risk concentrations
Amounts due from financial institutions
Regulatory deposits
Total gross credit risk
1  Derivatives give rise to credit risk where there is a positive current fair value. Credit derivatives also expose the writer of the contract to the risk of 

178
373
1,602
509
665
28
37
11,861

203
376
1,607
512
677
571
46
20,178

-
-
-
-
12
-
-
6,692

25
3
5
3
-
543
9
600

-
-
-
-
-
-
-
748

-
-
-
-
-
-
-
277

5,483
1,389
632,705

-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-

367,786

140,407

44,324

32,009

41,307

-

349
20
1,325
166
202
30
3
10,262

32
178
150
2,436
51
4,147
1,173

157,290

default of the referenced entity. See Note 29 for further details regarding credit derivative exposures. 

2  Services includes education, health and community services, cultural and recreational services and personal and other services. 
3  Trade includes wholesale trade and retail trade. 
4  Utilities includes electricity, gas and water and communication services. 

210 

2014 Westpac Group Annual Report 

  
 
 
 
 
Note 27. Financial risk (continued) 

Parent Entity 2013

Notes to the financial statements 

Trading
Securities and 
Other Financial 
Assets 
Designated at 
Fair Value
 $m 

Available-
For-Sale 
Securities
 $m 

Loans - 
Housing and 
Personal
 $m 

Loans - 

Business Derivatives1
 $m 

 $m 

Life 
Insurance 
Assets
 $m 

Total (On 
Balance 
Sheet)
 $m 

Credit 
Commit-
ments
 $m 

1,218
1,615
3,978
16,151
1,483
8,005
3,005

13,697
5,290
7,056
3,184
2,980
70,434
288
138,384

-
-
-
-
-
-
-

155
114
437
1,924
3
196
38

7,031
7,150
5,340
57,799
38,961
9,590
2,449

-
-
-
14,451
20,501
51
4

-
-
-
8,713
17,464
-
-

6,857
7,007
4,877
11,088
801
8,920
2,175

19
29
26
21,623
192
423
232

39
327
53
21
304
106
-
35,857

2
9
-
15
-
-
-
26,203

44,801
8,215
13,601
8,217
2,944
-
2,046
121,549

3,328
770
519
93
34
336,253
-
343,864

Australia
Accommodation, cafes and restaurants
Agriculture, forestry and fishing
Construction
Finance and insurance
Government, administration and defence
Manufacturing 
Mining
Property, property services and business 
services
Services2
Trade3
Transport and storage
Utilities4
Retail Lending
Other
Total Australia
New Zealand
Accommodation, cafes and restaurants
Agriculture, forestry and fishing
Construction
Finance and insurance
Government, administration and defence
Manufacturing 
Mining
Property, property services and business 
-
services
Services2
-
Trade3
-
-
Transport and storage
Utilities4
-
-
Retail lending
-
Other
-
Total New Zealand
1  Derivatives give rise to credit risk where there is a positive current fair value. Credit derivatives also expose the writer of the contract to the risk of 

48,659
9,442
14,428
8,939
4,173
336,392
2,132
552,485

489
121
255
593
891
33
86
25,012

132
209
18
83
338
-
2
6,059

7
-
1
37
39
-
-
2,492

122
23
17
35
299
-
2
3,259

-
16
-
1,468
924
-
-

-
30
1
2,561
119
48
2

-
54
4
4,051
1,116
50
2

3
186
-
11
-
-
-
308

-
8
3
22
73
2
-

-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-

-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-

-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-

-
-
-
-
-
-
-

-
-
-
-
-
-
-

-
-
-
-
-
-
-

-
14
11
60
118
103
-

23
11
202
39
253
1
-
835

default of the referenced entity. See Note 29 for further details regarding credit derivative exposures. 

2  Services includes education, health and community services, cultural and recreational services and personal and other services. 
3  Trade includes wholesale trade and retail trade. 
4  Utilities includes electricity, gas and water and communication services. 

2014 Westpac Group Annual Report 

211 

 
 
 
 
 
Note 27. Financial risk (continued) 

Parent Entity 2013

Trading
Securities and 
Other Financial 
Assets 
Designated at 
Fair Value
 $m 

Available-
For-Sale 
Securities
 $m 

Loans - 
Housing and 
Personal
 $m 

Loans - 

Business Derivatives1
 $m 

 $m 

Life 
Insurance 
Assets
 $m 

Total (On 
Balance 
Sheet)
 $m 

Credit 
Commit-
ments
 $m 

-
-
-
-
-
-
-

6
1
3
1
-
3
-

-
-
-
186
5
-
-

-
-
-
125
9
-
-

-
-
-
3,857
4,812
-
-

99
370
146
1,241
30
1,184
2,427

105
371
149
5,410
4,856
1,187
2,427

Other overseas
Accommodation, cafes and restaurants
Agriculture, forestry and fishing
Construction
Finance and insurance
Government, administration and defence
Manufacturing 
Mining
Property, property services and business 
services
Services2
Trade3
Transport and storage
Utilities4
Retail lending
Other
Total other overseas
Other risk concentrations
Amounts due from financial institutions
Regulatory deposits
Total gross credit risk
1  Derivatives give rise to credit risk where there is a positive current fair value. Credit derivatives also expose the writer of the contract to the risk of 

186
158
2,033
286
271
392
55
17,886

166
156
2,028
283
271
34
47
8,482

-
-
-
-
-
-
-
8,669

20
2
5
3
-
358
8
410

-
-
-
-
-
-
-
191

-
-
-
-
-
-
-
134

9,317
1,463
587,210

-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-

344,274

130,339

47,018

26,394

28,405

-

33
162
108
1,297
3
3,366
1,803

205
19
1,493
144
169
35
-
8,837

148,056

default of the referenced entity. See Note 29 for further details regarding credit derivative exposures. 

2  Services includes education, health and community services, cultural and recreational services and personal and other services. 
3  Trade includes wholesale trade and retail trade. 
4  Utilities includes electricity, gas and water and communication services. 

212 

2014 Westpac Group Annual Report 

  
 
 
 
 
Notes to the financial statements 

Note 27. Financial risk (continued) 
27.2.6 Credit quality of financial assets 
The tables below segregate the financial assets of the Group and Parent Entity between financial assets that are neither past 
due nor impaired, past due but not impaired and impaired. Non-financial assets of the Group and Parent Entity are excluded 
from the tables below and therefore the total will not reconcile to total assets on the balance sheets. 

An asset is considered to be past due when any payment under the contractual terms has been missed. The amount included 
as past due is the entire contractual balance, rather than the overdue portion. The breakdown in the tables below does not 
always align with the underlying basis by which credit risk is managed within Westpac. 

Financial assets of the Group at 30 September can be disaggregated as follows: 

Cash and balances with central banks
Receivables due from other financial 
institutions
Trading securities and other financial assets 
designated at fair value
Derivative financial instruments
Available-for-sale securities
Loans:

Loans – housing and personal
Loans – business
Life insurance assets
Regulatory deposits with central banks 
overseas
Other financial assets
Total

Cash and balances with central banks
Receivables due from other financial 
institutions
Trading securities and other financial assets 
designated at fair value
Derivative financial instruments
Available-for-sale securities
Loans:

Loans – housing and personal
Loans – business
Life insurance assets
Regulatory deposits with central banks 
overseas
Other financial assets
Total

Neither Past
Due Nor
Impaired
 $m
25,760

Past Due
But Not
Impaired
 $m
-

7,424

45,908
41,404
36,024

397,583
165,458
11,002

1,528
5,049
737,140

-

-
-
-

14,649
3,486
5

-
39
18,179

Neither Past
Due Nor
Impaired
 $m
11,699

Past Due
But Not
Impaired
 $m
-

11,210

49,087
28,356
30,010

369,740
149,272
13,144

1,571
3,697
667,786

-

-
-
-

13,455
3,739
5

-
44
17,243

Consolidated 2014

Impaired
 $m
-

-

1
-
-

468
1,872
-

-
5
2,346

Total
 $m
25,760

7,424

45,909
41,404
36,024

412,700
170,816
11,007

1,528
5,093
757,665

Consolidated 2013

Impaired
 $m
-

-

2
-
1

608
2,992
-

-
9
3,612

Total
 $m
11,699

11,210

49,089
28,356
30,011

383,803
156,003
13,149

1,571
3,750
688,641

Impairment
Provision
 $m
-

-

-
-
-

(1,117)
(2,056)
-

-
-
(3,173)

Impairment
Provision
 $m
-

-

-
-
-

(1,101)
(2,541)
-

-
-
(3,642)

Total
Carrying
Value
 $m
25,760

7,424

45,909
41,404
36,024

411,583
168,760
11,007

1,528
5,093
754,492

Total
Carrying
Value
 $m
11,699

11,210

49,089
28,356
30,011

382,702
153,462
13,149

1,571
3,750
684,999

2014 Westpac Group Annual Report 

213 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Note 27. Financial risk (continued) 
Financial assets of the Parent Entity at 30 September can be disaggregated as follows: 

Cash and balances with central banks
Receivables due from other financial 
institutions
Trading securities and other financial assets 
designated at fair value
Derivative financial instruments
Available-for-sale securities
Loans:

Loans – housing and personal
Loans – business

Regulatory deposits with central banks 
overseas
Due from subsidiaries
Other financial assets
Total

Cash and balances with central banks
Receivables due from other financial 
institutions
Trading securities and other financial assets 
designated at fair value
Derivative financial instruments
Available-for-sale securities
Loans:

Loans – housing and personal
Loans – business

Regulatory deposits with central banks 
overseas
Due from subsidiaries
Other financial assets
Total

Neither Past
Due Nor
Impaired
 $m
23,400

Past Due
But Not
Impaired
 $m
-

5,483

44,323
41,307
32,009

354,597
135,897

1,389
140,098
4,490
782,993

-

-
-
-

12,809
2,994

-
-
33
15,836

Neither Past
Due Nor
Impaired
 $m
9,509

Past Due
But Not
Impaired
 $m
-

9,317

47,016
28,405
26,394

332,173
124,650

1,463
119,038
3,179
701,144

-

-
-
-

11,649
3,271

-
-
38
14,958

Parent Entity 2014

Impaired
 $m
-

-

1
-
-

380
1,516

-
-
4
1,901

Total
 $m
23,400

5,483

44,324
41,307
32,009

367,786
140,407

1,389
140,098
4,527
800,730

Parent Entity 2013

Impaired
 $m
-

-

2
-
-

452
2,418

-
-
7
2,879

Total
 $m
9,509

9,317

47,018
28,405
26,394

344,274
130,339

1,463
119,038
3,224
718,981

Impairment
Provision
 $m
-

-

-
-
-

(889)
(1,700)

-
-
-
(2,589)

Impairment
Provision
 $m
-

-

-
-
-

(867)
(2,089)

-
-
-
(2,956)

Total
Carrying
Value
 $m
23,400

5,483

44,324
41,307
32,009

366,897
138,707

1,389
140,098
4,527
798,141

Total
Carrying
Value
 $m
9,509

9,317

47,018
28,405
26,394

343,407
128,250

1,463
119,038
3,224
716,025

214 

2014 Westpac Group Annual Report 

  
 
 
 
 
 
 
Note 27. Financial risk (continued) 
27.2.7 Financial assets that are neither past due nor impaired 
The credit quality of financial assets of the Group that are neither past due nor impaired have been assessed by reference to 
the credit risk rating system adopted internally: 

Notes to the financial statements 

Cash and balances with central 
banks
Receivables due from other financial 
institutions

Trading securities and other financial 
assets designated at 
fair value
Derivative financial instruments
Available-for-sale securities
Loans:

Strong
 $m 

25,760

7,380

45,684
40,105
35,355

Consolidated

2014
Good/
Satisfactory
 $m 

Weak
 $m 

Total
$m

Strong
 $m 

2013
Good/
Satisfactory
 $m 

-

44

222
1,253
652

-

-

2
46
17

25,760

11,699

7,424

11,210

-

-

45,908
41,404
36,024

48,941
27,246
29,403

145
1,060
606

Weak
 $m 

Total
$m

-

-

1
50
1

11,699

11,210

49,087
28,356
30,010

83,672
86,438
68

312,648
74,323
10,934

Loans – housing and personal
Loans – business
Life insurance assets1
Regulatory deposits with central 
banks overseas
1,571
Other financial assets2
3,697
667,786
Total financial assets
1  Life insurance assets include $8,951 million (2013: $9,296 million) of unit linked investment contract assets and $170 million (2013: $183 million) of 
unrated investments in managed schemes and mortgages. The Group has no direct exposure to unit linked investments as the liability to policy 
holders is directly linked to the performance of these assets. The investments in managed schemes and mortgages are predominantly managed by 
the BT Financial Group. 

288,940
63,197
13,072

397,583
165,458
11,002

369,740
149,272
13,144

116
410
162,537

1,303
4,665
558,157

142
371
172,862

1,378
3,270
498,356

1,528
5,049
737,140

79,425
80,703
72

1,263
4,697
-

1,375
5,372
-

77
17
6,893

83
13
6,121

2  Other financial assets includes accrued interest of $1,214 million (2013: $1,325 million) which is allocated to the relevant credit quality classifications 
in proportion to the loan balances to which it relates. Securities sold not yet delivered of $2,768 million (2013: $1,416 million) is also included in this 
balance which is allocated proportionately based on the trading securities balance classifications. 

2014 Westpac Group Annual Report 

215 

 
    
                  
            
     
     
                 
            
    
      
               
            
       
     
                 
            
    
    
             
           
     
     
            
           
    
    
          
         
     
     
         
         
    
    
             
         
     
     
            
           
    
  
        
    
   
   
       
    
  
    
        
    
   
     
       
    
  
    
               
            
     
     
              
            
    
      
             
         
       
       
            
         
      
      
             
         
       
       
            
         
      
  
      
    
   
   
     
    
  
 
 
 
Note 27. Financial risk (continued) 

Parent Entity

2014
Good/
Satisfactory
 $m 

Weak
 $m 

Total
$m

Strong
 $m 

2013
Good/
Satisfactory
 $m 

Weak
 $m 

-

44

187
1,253
18

-

-

2
46
17

23,400

9,509

5,483

9,317

-

-

44,323
41,307
32,009

46,912
27,295
26,377

103
1,060
16

-

-

1
50
1

Strong
 $m 

23,400

5,439

44,134
40,008
31,974

Total
$m

9,509

9,317

47,016
28,405
26,394

298,686
66,898

54,892
65,217

1,019
3,782

354,597
135,897

278,576
55,752

52,498
64,569

1,099
4,329

332,173
124,650

Cash and balances with central 
banks
Receivables due from other financial 
institutions

Trading securities and other financial 
assets designated at 
fair value

Derivative financial instruments
Available-for-sale securities
Loans:

Loans – housing and personal
Loans – business

Regulatory deposits with central 
banks overseas
1,463
Due from subsidiaries
119,038
Other financial assets1
3,179
701,144
Total financial assets
1  Other financial assets includes accrued interest of $1,029 million (2013: $1,159 million) which is allocated to the relevant credit quality classifications 
in proportionate to the loan balances to which it relates. Securities sold not yet delivered of $2,765 million (2013: $1,383 million) is also included in 
this balance which is allocated proportionately based on the trading securities balance classifications. 

6
-
255
121,872

7
-
297
118,550

1,389
140,098
4,490
782,993

1,379
119,038
2,868
577,023

1,300
140,098
4,225
656,162

83
-
10
4,959

77
-
14
5,571

The following analysis shows our assessment of the coverage provided by collateral held in support of financial assets that are 
neither past due nor impaired. The estimated realisable value of collateral held is based on a combination of: 

  formal valuations currently held in respect of such collateral; and 
  management’s assessment of the estimated realisable value of all collateral held given its experience with similar types of 

assets in similar situations and the circumstances peculiar to the subject collateral. 

This analysis also takes into consideration any other relevant knowledge available to management at the time. It is our practice 
to obtain updated valuations when either management considers that it cannot satisfactorily estimate a realisable value or when 
it is determined to be necessary to move to a forced sale of the collateral. 

In the table below, a financial asset that is neither past due nor impaired is deemed to be ‘fully secured’ where the ratio of the 
asset amount to our current estimated net present value of the realisable collateral is less than or equal to 100%. Such assets 
are deemed to be ‘partially secured’ when this ratio exceeds 100% but not more than 150%, and ‘unsecured’ when either no 
security is held (e.g. can include credit cards, personal loans, and exposure to highly rated corporate entities) or where the 
secured loan to estimated recoverable value exceeds 150%. 

Loans –
Housing and
Personal
%
95.5
1.8
2.7
100.0

2014

Loans –
Business
%
52.3
24.5
23.2
100.0

Consolidated

Loans –
Housing and
Personal
%
95.8
1.3
2.9
100.0

Total
%
82.8
8.5
8.7
100.0

2013

Loans –
Business
%
54.3
24.3
21.4
100.0

Total
%
83.8
7.9
8.3
100.0  

Fully secured
Partially secured
Unsecured
Total

216 

2014 Westpac Group Annual Report 

  
 
    
                  
            
     
       
                 
            
      
      
               
            
       
       
                 
            
      
    
             
           
     
     
            
           
    
    
          
         
     
     
         
         
    
    
               
         
     
     
              
           
    
  
        
    
   
   
       
    
  
    
        
    
   
     
       
    
  
      
                 
         
       
       
                
         
      
  
                  
            
   
   
                 
            
  
      
             
         
       
       
            
         
      
  
      
    
   
   
     
    
  
 
 
 
 
Notes to the financial statements 

Note 27. Financial risk (continued) 

Loans –
Housing and
Personal
%
97.3
0.4
2.3
100.0

2014

Loans –
Business
%
52.5
23.5
24.0
100.0

Parent Entity

Loans –
Housing and
Personal
%
97.3
0.4
2.3
100.0

Total
%
84.9
6.8
8.3
100.0

2013

Loans –
Business
%
54.0
25.2
20.8
100.0

Total
%
85.5
7.2
7.3
100.0  

Fully secured
Partially secured
Unsecured
Total

27.2.8 Financial assets that are past due, but not impaired 
An age analysis of financial assets that are past due, but not impaired is set out in the table below. For the purposes of this 
analysis an asset is considered to be past due when any payment under the contractual terms has been missed. The amount 
included is the entire contractual amount, rather than the overdue amount. 

The Group expends considerable effort in monitoring overdue assets. Assets may be overdue for a number of reasons, 
including late payments or incomplete documentation. Late payment may be influenced by factors such as the holiday periods 
and the timing of weekends. 

Financial assets that were past due, but not impaired can be disaggregated based on days overdue at 30 September 
as follows: 

Loans 

Loans – housing and personal
Loans – business
Life insurance assets
Other financial assets
Total

Loans 

Loans – housing and personal
Loans – business
Other financial assets
Total

2014

2013

Consolidated

1–5 days
 $m 

6–89 days
 $m 

90+ days
 $m 

Total
$m

1–5 days
 $m 

6–89 days
 $m 

90+ days
 $m 

Total
 $m 

4,253
780
-
11
5,044

8,872
2,274
5
24
11,175

1,524
432
-
4
1,960

14,649
3,486
5
39
18,179

3,919
760
-
12
4,691

8,028
2,289
5
26
10,348

1,508
690
-
6
2,204

13,455
3,739
5
44
17,243  

2014

2013

Parent Entity

1–5 days
 $m 

6–89 days
 $m 

90+ days
 $m 

Total
$m

1–5 days
 $m 

6–89 days
 $m 

90+ days
 $m 

Total
 $m 

3,797
570
9
4,376

7,557
2,052
20
9,629

1,455
372
4
1,831

12,809
2,994
33
15,836

3,403
605
10
4,018

6,811
2,071
23
8,905

1,435
595
5
2,035

11,649
3,271
38
14,958  

The following analysis shows our assessment of the coverage provided by collateral held in support of financial assets that are 
past due but not impaired. The estimated realisable value of collateral held is based on a combination of: 

  formal valuations currently held in respect of such collateral; and 
  management’s assessment of the estimated realisable value of all collateral held given its experience with similar types of 

assets in similar situations and the circumstances peculiar to the subject collateral. 

This analysis also takes into consideration any other relevant knowledge available to management at the time. It is our practice 
to obtain updated valuations when either management considers that it cannot satisfactorily estimate a realisable value or when 
it is determined to be necessary to move to a forced sale of the collateral. 

2014 Westpac Group Annual Report 

217 

 
 
 
 
 
 
Note 27. Financial risk (continued) 
In the table below, a financial asset that is past due but not impaired is deemed to be ‘fully secured’ where the ratio of the asset 
amount to our current estimated net present value of the realisable collateral is less than or equal to 100%. Such assets are 
deemed to be ‘partially secured’ when this ratio exceeds 100% but not more than 150%, and ‘unsecured’ when either no 
security is held (e.g. can include credit cards, personal loans, and exposure to highly rated corporate entities) or where the 
secured loan to estimated recoverable value exceeds 150%. 

Loans –
Housing and
Personal
%
91.2
3.1
5.7
100.0

Loans –
Housing and
Personal
%
95.3
0.7
4.0
100.0

2014

Loans –
Business
%
52.1
27.2
20.7
100.0

2014

Loans –
Business
%
51.0
27.8
21.2
100.0

Consolidated

Loans –
Housing and
Personal
%
90.7
2.3
7.0
100.0

Total
%
83.8
7.7
8.5
100.0

Parent Entity

Loans –
Housing and
Personal
%
94.9
0.9
4.2
100.0

Total
%
87.0
5.8
7.2
100.0

2013

Loans –
Business
%
51.2
25.7
23.1
100.0

2013

Loans –
Business
%
48.2
27.7
24.1
100.0

Total
%
82.1
7.4
10.5
100.0  

Total
%
84.7
6.8
8.5
100.0  

Fully secured
Partially secured
Unsecured
Total

Fully secured
Partially secured
Unsecured
Total

27.2.9 Items 90 days past due, or otherwise in default, but well secured and not impaired 
These include financial assets that are: 

  currently 90 days or more past due but well secured; 
  assets that were, but are no longer 90 days past due however are yet to satisfactorily demonstrate sustained improvement 

to allow reclassification; and 

  other assets in default, but well secured and not impaired, such as where an order for bankruptcy or similar legal action has 

been instituted in respect of credit obligations (e.g. appointment of an Administrator or Receiver). 

Australia
2013
 $m
2,329

2014
 $m
2,134

2012
 $m
2,528

New Zealand
2013
 $m
136

2014
 $m
85

2012
 $m
121

Other Overseas
2013
 $m
22

2014
 $m
22

2012
 $m
37

2014
 $m
2,241

Total
2013
 $m
2,487

2012
 $m
2,686

Consolidated

Gross amount

218 

2014 Westpac Group Annual Report 

  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Note 27. Financial risk (continued) 
27.2.10 Impaired loans 
Financial assets assessed as impaired 
The gross amount of impaired loans, along with the provision for impairment, by class of asset at 30 September, is summarised 
in the tables below: 

Notes to the financial statements 

Loans –
Housing and
Personal
$m

2014

Loans –
Business
$m

202
(96)
106

266
(150)
116
468
(246)
222

1,785
(771)
1,014

87
(30)
57
1,872
(801)
1,071

Loans –
Housing and
Personal
$m

2014

Loans –
Business
$m

153
(72)
81

227
(127)
100
380
(199)
181

1,430
(647)
783

86
(24)
62
1,516
(671)
845

Consolidated

Loans –
Housing and
Personal
$m

2013

Loans –
Business
$m

266
(124)
142

342
(156)
186
608
(280)
328

2,887
(1,240)
1,647

105
(34)
71
2,992
(1,274)
1,718

Total
$m

1,987
(867)
1,120

353
(180)
173
2,340
(1,047)
1,293

Parent Entity

Loans –
Housing and
Personal
$m

2013

Loans –
Business
$m

173
(87)
86

279
(127)
152
452
(214)
238

2,324
(1,036)
1,288

94
(29)
65
2,418
(1,065)
1,353

Total
$m

1,583
(719)
864

313
(151)
162
1,896
(870)
1,026

Total
$m

3,153
(1,364)
1,789

447
(190)
257
3,600
(1,554)
2,046

Total
$m

2,497
(1,123)
1,374

373
(156)
217
2,870
(1,279)
1,591

Individually impaired
Gross amount
Impairment provision
Carrying amount
Collectively impaired
Gross amount
Impairment provision
Carrying amount
Total gross amount
Total impairment provision
Total carrying amount

Individually impaired
Gross amount
Impairment provision
Carrying amount
Collectively impaired
Gross amount
Impairment provision
Carrying amount
Total gross amount
Total impairment provision
Total carrying amount

2014 Westpac Group Annual Report 

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Note 27. Financial risk (continued) 
The following analysis shows our assessment of the coverage provided by collateral held in support of impaired financial 
assets. The estimated realisable value of collateral held is based on a combination of: 

  formal valuations currently held in respect of such collateral; and 
  management’s assessment of the estimated realisable value of all collateral held given its experience with similar types of 

assets in similar situations and the circumstances peculiar to the subject collateral. 

This analysis also takes into consideration any other relevant knowledge available to management at the time. It is our practice 
to obtain updated valuations when either management considers that it cannot satisfactorily estimate a realisable value or when 
it is determined to be necessary to move to a forced sale of the collateral. 

In the table below, an individually impaired financial asset is deemed to be ‘fully secured’ where the ratio of the impaired asset 
amount to our current estimated net present value of realisable collateral is less than or equal to 100%. Such assets are 
deemed to be ‘partially secured’ when this ratio exceeds 100% but not more than 150%, and ‘unsecured’ when either no 
security is held (e.g. can include credit cards, personal loans and exposure to corporate entities) or where the secured loan to 
recoverable value exceeds 150%. 

Loans –
Housing and
Personal
%
61.1
10.9
28.0
100.0

Loans –
Housing and
Personal
%
66.2
8.6
25.2
100.0

2014

Loans –
Business
%
25.1
24.8
50.1
100.0

2014

Loans –
Business
%
25.9
23.3
50.8
100.0

Consolidated

Loans –
Housing and
Personal
%
63.3
11.2
25.5
100.0

Total
%
32.3
22.0
45.7
100.0

Parent Entity

Loans –
Housing and
Personal
%
73.3
7.1
19.6
100.0

Total
%
33.6
20.5
45.9
100.0

2013

Loans –
Business
%
24.8
24.4
50.8
100.0

2013

Loans –
Business
%
23.4
23.9
52.7
100.0

Total
%
31.3
22.2
46.5
100.0  

Total
%
31.3
21.3
47.4
100.0  

Fully secured
Partially secured
Unsecured
Total

Fully secured
Partially secured
Unsecured
Total

Impaired loans comprise non-performing loans, overdrafts, personal loans, revolving credit facilities greater than 90 days past 
due and restructured loans. 

Non-performing loans 
Non-performing loans are loans with an impaired internal risk grade, excluding restructured assets. These were attributed to the 
following geographical segments: 

Consolidated

Australia
2013
 $m 
2,574
(1,099)
1,475

2014
 $m 
1,580
(697)
883

2012
 $m 
3,212
(1,199)
2,013

New Zealand
2013
 $m 
586
(210)
376

2014
 $m 
397
(130)
267

2012
 $m 
743
(224)
519

Other Overseas
2013
 $m 
89
(54)
35

2014
 $m 
53
(35)
18

2012
 $m 
79
(40)
39

2014
 $m 
2,030
(862)
1,168

Total
2013
 $m 
3,249
(1,363)
1,886

2012
 $m 
4,034
(1,463)
2,571

Gross amount
Impairment provision
Net

220 

2014 Westpac Group Annual Report 

  
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
  
     
     
     
       
       
       
  
  
  
    
 
 
    
    
    
      
      
      
    
 
 
     
  
  
     
     
     
       
       
       
  
  
  
 
 
Notes to the financial statements 

Note 27. Financial risk (continued) 
Overdrafts, personal loans and revolving credit facilities greater than 90 days past due 
Overdrafts, personal loans and revolving credit facilities greater than 90 days past due for the Group were attributed to the 
following geographical segments: 

Consolidated

Australia
2013
 $m 
181
(126)
55

2014
$m
203
(132)
71

2012
 $m 
186
(126)
60

New Zealand
2013
 $m 
14
(9)
5

2014
 $m 
13
(9)
4

2012
 $m 
12
(7)
5

Other Overseas
2013
 $m 
-
-
-

2014
 $m 
1
-
1

2012
 $m 
1
(1)
-

2014
 $m 
217
(141)
76

Total
2013
 $m 
195
(135)
60

2012
 $m 
199
(134)
65

Gross amount
Impairment provision
Net

Restructured financial assets 
Assets are deemed to be restructured financial assets when the original contractual terms have been formally modified to 
provide for concessions of interest or principal for reasons related to the financial difficulties of the customer. 

Restructured financial assets for the Group were attributed to the following geographical segments: 

Consolidated

Australia
2013
$m
34
(23)
11

2014
$m
34
(23)
11

2012
$m
43
(19)
24

New Zealand
2013
$m
-
-
-

2014
$m
-
-
-

2012
$m
-
-
-

Other Overseas
2013
$m
122
(33)
89

2014
$m
59
(21)
38

2012
$m
110
(25)
85

Total
2013
$m
156
(56)
100

2014
$m
93
(44)
49

2012
$m
153
(44)
109

Gross amount
Impairment provision
Net

Restructured financial assets of the Parent Entity as at 30 September were: 

Gross amount
Impairment provision
Net

2014
$m
92
(44)
48

2013
$m
153
(56)
97  

The following table summarises the interest received and forgone on impaired and restructured financial assets: 

Interest received
Interest forgone

Consolidated 2014

Australia
 $m
13
165

Overseas
 $m
16
5

Total
 $m
29
170

27.3 Funding and liquidity risk management 
Liquidity risk is the risk that the Group will be unable to fund assets and meet obligations as they become due. This risk could 
potentially arise as a result of: 

  an inability to meet both expected and unexpected current and future cashflows and collateral needs without affecting either 

daily operations or the financial condition of the bank; and/or 

  inadequate market depth or market disruption impacting the ability to offset or eliminate a position at the market price. 

Liquidity risk is managed through our BRCC-approved Liquidity Risk Management Framework. 

Responsibility for liquidity management is delegated to Treasury, under the oversight of ALCO. Daily liquidity risk reports are 
circulated to, and reviewed by, local and senior staff in both Treasury and the independent Liquidity Risk team. Summary 
liquidity reports are submitted to senior staff weekly, ALCO and APRA monthly, and to BRCC quarterly. Treasury is also 
responsible for monitoring and managing our funding base so that it is prudently maintained, stable and adequately diversified. 

2014 Westpac Group Annual Report 

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Note 27. Financial risk (continued) 
We model our ability to fund under both normal conditions and during a crisis situation, with models run globally and for specific 
geographical regions. This approach is designed to ensure that our funding framework is sufficiently flexible to accommodate a 
wide range of market conditions. The annual review of the Liquidity Risk Management Framework encompasses the funding 
scenarios modelled, the modelling approach, wholesale funding capacity, limit determination and minimum holdings of liquid 
assets. The Liquidity Risk Management Framework is reviewed by ALCO prior to approval by the BRCC. 

Treasury also undertakes an annual funding review that outlines the funding strategy for the coming year. This review 
encompasses trends in global markets, peer analysis, wholesale funding capacity, expected funding requirements and a 
funding risk analysis. This strategy is continuously reviewed to take account of changing market conditions, investor sentiment 
and estimations of asset and liability growth rates. The annual funding strategy is reviewed and supported by ALCO prior to 
approval by the BRCC. 

We maintain a contingency funding plan that details the broad actions to be taken in response to severe disruptions in our 
ability to fund some or all of our activities in a timely manner and at a reasonable cost. This document is reviewed annually by 
the BRCC and defines a committee of senior executives to manage a crisis and allocates responsibility to individuals for 
key tasks. 

27.3.1 Sources of liquidity 
Sources of liquidity are regularly reviewed to maintain a wide diversification by currency, geography, product and term. Sources 
include, but are not limited to: 

  deposits; 
  debt issues; 
  proceeds from sale of marketable securities; 
  repurchase agreements with central banks; 
  principal repayments on loans; 
  interest income; 
  fee income; and 
  an interbank deposit agreement. 

The Group does not rely on committed funding lines as a source of liquidity. 

Wholesale funding 
The Group monitors the composition and stability of its funding base so it is maintained within the Group’s funding and liquidity 
risk appetite. This includes a target of greater than 75% for the Stable Funding Ratio (SFR). Stable funding includes customer 
deposits, wholesale term funding with residual maturity greater than 12 months, equity and securitisation. 

At 30 September 2014, the Group’s SFR was 83% (30 September 2013: 84%). Asset growth over the 12 month period, 
including the acquisition of the Lloyds business in December 2013, was funded primarily through customer deposits and new 
term wholesale funding. An increase in short term funding was used to fund an increase in short term assets, mainly trade 
finance in Asia. 

The Group’s funding composition has remained relatively stable over recent periods. Customer deposits represented 60% of 
the Group’s total funding at 30 September 2014, little changed from 30 September 2013 (61%). A further 2% of total funding 
came from securitisation, 14% from long term funding with a residual maturity greater than one year and 7% from equity. The 
proportion of total funding from wholesale sources maturing within one year was 17%. These components were little changed 
over 2014. 

In 2014, customer deposits increased by 7.0% or $26.6 billion. At the same time, net loans increased by 8.2% or $44.2 billion, 
with the acquisition of the Lloyds business adding $7.9 billion in lending but little in deposit balances. As a result, the Group’s 
customer deposit to loan ratio was 70.5% at 30 September 2014, 85bps lower than at 30 September 2013. 

Maintaining a diverse funding base and ensuring the Group has capacity and flexibility to access a wide range of funding 
markets, debt investors and products is an important part of managing liquidity risk. Stronger loan growth during the year saw 
the Group more active in wholesale funding markets compared to 2013. The Group raised $33 billion in wholesale term funding 
in 2014, with a weighted average maturity of 4.7 years, excluding securitisation. This included $2.3 billion in Basel III compliant 
Additional Tier 1 and Tier 2 capital securities. 

The Group continued to benefit from its broad wholesale funding capabilities which provide access to a range of debt 
instruments, currencies and investors. Westpac is the only major Australian bank with an active Auto ABS capability, the only 
Australian bank with access to the US SEC registered market and one of only two major Australian banks active in RMBS. The 
Group has taken advantage of these capabilities, issuing successful ABS, RMBS and SEC registered trades in 2014, as well as 
transactions in senior unsecured and covered bond format. 

222 

2014 Westpac Group Annual Report 

  
Notes to the financial statements 

Note 27. Financial risk (continued) 
Borrowings and outstandings from existing debt programs and issuing shelves at 30 September 2014 can be found in various 
notes to the financial statements including Note 17, Note 18, Note 22 and Note 23. 

Credit ratings 
As at 30 September 2014 the Parent Entity’s credit ratings were: 

Standard & Poor’s
Moody’s Investors Services
Fitch Ratings

Short-term
A–1+
P–1
F1+

2014
Long-term
AA–
Aa2
AA–

Outlook
Stable
Stable
Stable

As of 30 September 2014, approximately 33% of the Group’s total funding originated from wholesale funding markets, 
principally in Australia, the United States, Europe and Japan. Investors in these markets have historically relied significantly 
upon credit ratings issued by independent credit rating organisations in making their investment decisions. If Westpac’s credit 
ratings were to be lowered from current levels, the Group’s borrowing costs and capacity may be adversely affected. A 
downgrade in Westpac’s credit ratings from current levels is likely to require the Group to pay higher interest rates than we do 
currently on our wholesale borrowings. This would increase the Group’s funding costs and could reduce net interest margins. In 
addition, the Group’s borrowing capacity could be diminished, which may adversely affect the Group’s ability to fund the growth 
of our balance sheet or reduce our liquidity. 

A credit rating is not a recommendation to buy, sell or hold Westpac securities. Such ratings are subject to revision or 
withdrawal at any time by the assigning rating agency. Investors are cautioned to evaluate each rating independently of any 
other rating. 

Liquid assets 
Treasury holds a portfolio of high-quality liquid assets as a buffer against unforeseen funding requirements. These assets are 
100% eligible for repurchase agreements with the Reserve Bank of Australia or another central bank and are held in cash, 
Government, State Government and highly rated investment grade paper. The level of liquid asset holdings is reviewed 
frequently and is consistent with both the requirements of the balance sheet and market conditions. 

Liquid assets that qualify as eligible collateral for repurchase agreements with an applicable central bank (including internal 
securitisation) have increased by $8.8 billion to $134.4 billion over the last 12 months, as the Group prepares for the 
introduction of the Liquidity Coverage Ratio (LCR). The LCR requires banks to hold sufficient high-quality liquid assets, as 
defined, to withstand 30 days under a regulator-defined acute stress scenario. The Group is required to meet a LCR of at least 
100% when it comes into effect from 1 January 2015. In preparation for the LCR, Westpac has received approval from APRA 
for a Committed Liquidity Facility (CLF) of $66 billion in 2015. At 30 September 2014, the Group’s pro-forma LCR, including the 
CLF of $66 billion for 2015, was 103%. As the Group transitions towards LCR implementation, it plans to implement further 
initiatives designed to deliver a suitable buffer above 100%. 

WIB also has holdings of trading securities which arise from its daily business operations. These assets are typically high 
quality investment grade names and stock is generally very liquid. While these assets are excluded from the Group’s liquidity 
portfolio, we do consider them as a source of funds in our crisis scenario analysis. 

A summary of liquid asset holdings is as follows: 

2014

2013

Actual
$m
22,497
655

Average
$m
19,017
1,090

Actual
$m
8,522
1,370

Average
$m
9,047
1,308

Cash
Receivables due from other financial institutions
Trading securities and other financial assets designated at 
35,142
fair value 
Available-for-sale securities
24,947
Loans1
45,542
Regulatory deposits with central banks
627
116,613
Total liquid assets
1  Loans are self-originated AAA rated mortgage backed securities which are eligible for repurchase with the Reserve Bank of Australia and Reserve 

32,711
27,845
54,536
663
125,647

18,272
34,205
58,448
368
134,445

24,317
31,097
55,650
449
131,620

Bank of New Zealand. 

2014 Westpac Group Annual Report 

223 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Note 27. Financial risk (continued) 
27.3.2 Liquidity reporting 
Scenario analysis 
In fulfilling our obligations under APRA’s liquidity prudential standard, the Group performs scenario analysis on a daily basis. 
The ‘going concern’ and ‘crisis’ scenarios present the maturity profiles of cash flows, based on assumptions agreed with APRA. 

The ‘going concern’ model measures our liquidity requirements under normal business conditions. Wholesale debt maturities 
are added to planned net asset growth to provide an estimate of the wholesale funding task across a range of time horizons. 
The cumulative liquidity mismatch is managed within a Board approved limit structure; with limits set at intervals from one 
week, to 15 months. 

The ‘crisis’ scenario measures liquidity requirements during the first week of a name-specific crisis. The crisis model reflects 
normal model flows plus expected sources and applications of funds under crisis conditions. Under a crisis scenario Westpac is 
expected to experience large customer and wholesale outflows against which liquid assets are held to ensure continued 
solvency. In this scenario, the cumulative mismatch must be positive out to five business days. 

Liquidity review 
The table below outlines the review performed in managing our liquidity: 

Frequency 

Daily 

Monthly 

Quarterly 

Liquidity report 

  Produced by WIB Finance 

  Reviewed by Group Risk 

  Monitored within Treasury 

  Submitted to ALCO 

  Submitted to APRA 

  Submitted to the BRCC 

27.3.3 Market developments 
APRA released a revised liquidity standard in December 2013 which includes the Liquidity Coverage Ratio (LCR) requirement. 
The LCR requires banks to hold sufficient high-quality liquid assets, as defined, to withstand 30 days under a regulator-defined 
acute stress scenario. Given the limited amount of government debt in Australia, the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) has 
announced, jointly with the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA), that it will make available to Australian 
institutions a Committed Liquidity Facility (CLF) that subject to satisfaction of qualifying conditions, can be accessed to help 
meet the LCR requirement. In order to access the CLF, Australian banks are required to pay a fee of 15 basis points (0.15%) 
per annum to the RBA on the approved facility from 1 January 2015. On 30 September 2014, APRA approved Westpac’s 
access to the CLF for the 2015 calendar year for $66 billion. 

224 

2014 Westpac Group Annual Report 

  
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the financial statements 

Note 27. Financial risk (continued) 
27.3.4 Contractual maturity of financial liabilities 
The tables below present cash flows associated with financial liabilities including derivative liabilities, payable at the balance 
sheet date, by remaining contractual maturity. The amounts disclosed in the table are the contractual undiscounted cash flows, 
whereas the Group manages inherent liquidity risk based on expected cash flows. 

Cash flows associated with liabilities include both principal payments as well as fixed or variable interest payments incorporated 
into the relevant coupon period. Principal payments reflect the earliest contractual maturity date. Derivative liabilities designed 
for hedging purposes are expected to be held for their remaining contractual lives, and reflect gross cash flows derived as the 
fixed rate and/or the expected variable rate applied to the notional principal over the remaining contractual term and where 
relevant includes the receipt and payment of the notional amount under the contract. 

Foreign exchange obligations have been translated to Australian dollars using the closing spot rates at the end of the 
financial year. 

The balances in the tables below will not necessarily agree to amounts presented on the face of the balance sheet as amounts 
in the table incorporate cash flows on an undiscounted basis and include both principal and associated future 
interest payments. 

Other financial liabilities at fair value through income statement are not all managed for liquidity purposes on the basis of their 
contractual maturity. The liabilities that we manage based on their contractual maturity are presented on a contractual 
undiscounted basis in the tables below: 

Consolidated 2014

Over
1 Month to
3 Months
 $m

Over
3 Months to
1 Year
 $m

Over
1 Year to
5 Years
 $m

Up to
1 Month
$m

Over
5 Years
 $m

Total
 $m

14,716
290,569

2,865
79,225

859
79,770

242
15,145

-
377

18,682
465,086

17,811

1,436

33,928
103

-
154

-

-
456

-

-

19,247

-
1,945

-
316

33,928
2,974

Liabilities
Payables due to other financial institutions
Deposits and other borrowings
Other financial liabilities at fair value through 
income statement
Derivative financial instruments:

Held for trading
Held for hedging purposes (net settled)
Held for hedging purposes (gross settled):

Cash outflow
Cash inflow

113
(80)
2,751
1,395
361,306
3,897
365,203

4,601
(3,899)
10,710
462
95,554
64
95,618

3,853
(3,314)
47,730
2,078
131,432
218
131,650

19,926
(17,405)
81,488
-
101,341
7,087
108,428

Debt issues
Other financial liabilities
Total liabilities excluding loan capital
Loan capital1
Total undiscounted financial liabilities
Total contingent liabilities and commitments
Commitments to extend credit
Other commitments
Total undiscounted contingent liabilities and 
commitments
1  Where the terms of loan capital instruments include contingent settlement clauses, amounts due have been disclosed as up to one month. 

159,131
763

159,894

-
-

-
-

-
-

-
-

-

-

-

-

2,103
(1,888)
20,758
-
21,666
599
22,265

30,596
(26,586)
163,437
3,935
711,299
11,865
723,164

159,131
763

159,894

2014 Westpac Group Annual Report 

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Note 27. Financial risk (continued) 

Liabilities
Payables due to other financial institutions
Deposits and other borrowings
Other financial liabilities at fair value through 
income statement
Derivative financial instruments:

Held for trading
Held for hedging purposes (net settled)
Held for hedging purposes (gross settled):

Cash outflow
Cash inflow

Consolidated 2013

Over
1 Month to
3 Months
 $m

Over
3 Months to
1 Year
 $m

Over
1 Year to
5 Years
 $m

Up to
1 Month
$m

Over
5 Years
 $m

Total
 $m

6,176
271,597

1,642
67,642

554
73,161

491
16,870

-
367

8,863
429,637

10,302

26,029
99

-

-
238

-

-
699

-

-

10,302

-
1,599

-
247

26,029
2,882

1,602
(1,488)
6,167
1,972
322,456
3,450
325,906

5,175
(4,793)
10,013
516
80,433
63
80,496

7,508
(5,457)
43,540
2,321
122,326
175
122,501

21,103
(17,812)
82,639
-
104,890
6,073
110,963

Debt issues
Other financial liabilities
Total liabilities excluding loan capital
Loan capital1
Total undiscounted financial liabilities
Total contingent liabilities and commitments
Commitments to extend credit
Other commitments
Total undiscounted contingent liabilities and 
commitments
1  Where the terms of loan capital instruments include contingent settlement clauses, amounts due have been disclosed as up to one month. 

148,368
44

148,412

-
-

-
-

-
-

-
-

-

-

-

-

146
(115)
12,065
-
12,710
616
13,326

35,534
(29,665)
154,424
4,809
642,815
10,377
653,192

148,368
44

148,412

Comparative information has been revised to conform to presentation with the current year. 

226 

2014 Westpac Group Annual Report 

  
 
          
          
             
             
                  
         
      
        
        
        
             
     
        
                  
                  
                  
                  
       
        
                  
                  
                  
                  
       
               
             
             
          
             
         
          
          
          
        
             
       
         
         
         
       
            
      
          
        
        
        
        
     
          
             
          
                  
                  
         
      
        
      
      
        
     
          
               
             
          
             
       
      
        
      
      
        
     
      
                  
                  
                  
                  
     
               
                  
                  
                  
                  
              
      
                  
                  
                  
                  
     
 
 
Note 27. Financial risk (continued) 

Liabilities
Payables due to other financial institutions
Deposits and other borrowings
Other financial liabilities at fair value through 
income statement
Derivative financial instruments:

Held for trading
Held for hedging purposes (net settled)
Held for hedging purposes (gross settled):

Cash outflow
Cash inflow

Notes to the financial statements 

Parent Entity 2014

Over
1 Month to
3 Months
 $m

Over
3 Months to
1 Year
 $m

Over
1 Year to
5 Years
 $m

Up to
1 Month
$m

Over
5 Years
 $m

Total
 $m

14,526
263,657

2,865
71,248

859
69,240

207
13,222

-
377

18,457
417,744

17,811

1,436

34,392
86

-
132

-

-
426

-

-

19,247

-
1,862

-
308

34,392
2,814

49
(28)
1,676
135,066
1,248
468,483
3,897
472,380

4,424
(3,748)
8,669
-
381
85,407
64
85,471

2,467
(1,958)
44,071
-
1,715
116,820
218
117,038

Debt issues
Due to subsidiaries
Other financial liabilities
Total liabilities excluding loan capital
Loan capital1
Total undiscounted financial liabilities
Total contingent liabilities and commitments
Commitments to extend credit
Other commitments
Total undiscounted contingent liabilities and 
commitments
1  Where the terms of loan capital instruments include contingent settlement clauses, amounts due have been disclosed as up to one month. 

140,909
763

141,672

-
-

-
-

-
-

-
-

-

-

-

-

10,746
(8,950)
67,528
-
-
84,615
7,087
91,702

1,796
(1,600)
14,440
-
-
15,321
599
15,920

19,482
(16,284)
136,384
135,066
3,344
770,646
11,865
782,511

140,909
763

141,672

2014 Westpac Group Annual Report 

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Note 27. Financial risk (continued) 

Liabilities
Payables due to other financial institutions
Deposits and other borrowings
Other financial liabilities at fair value through 
income statement
Derivative financial instruments:

Held for trading
Held for hedging purposes (net settled)
Held for hedging purposes (gross settled):

Cash outflow
Cash inflow

Parent Entity 2013

Over
1 Month to
3 Months
 $m

Over
3 Months to
1 Year
 $m

Over
1 Year to
5 Years
 $m

Up to
1 Month
$m

Over
5 Years
 $m

Total
 $m

6,078
246,524

1,642
59,694

554
62,747

491
15,408

-
367

8,765
384,740

10,302

26,180
74

-

-
227

-

-
656

-

-

10,302

-
1,543

-
241

26,180
2,741

1,525
(1,431)
4,695
120,553
1,937
416,437
3,450
419,887

4,025
(3,760)
7,111
-
445
69,384
63
69,447

7,078
(5,122)
37,867
-
2,006
105,786
175
105,961

15,742
(13,281)
69,771
-
-
89,674
6,073
95,747

Debt issues
Due to subsidiaries
Other financial liabilities
Total liabilities excluding loan capital
Loan capital1
Total undiscounted financial liabilities
Total contingent liabilities and commitments
Commitments to extend credit
Other commitments
Total undiscounted contingent liabilities and 
commitments
1  Where the terms of loan capital instruments include contingent settlement clauses, amounts due have been disclosed as up to one month. 

132,271
44

132,315

-
-

-
-

-
-

-
-

-

-

-

-

146
(115)
10,745
-
-
11,384
616
12,000

28,516
(23,709)
130,189
120,553
4,388
692,665
10,377
703,042

132,271
44

132,315

Comparative information has been revised to conform to presentation with the current year. 

228 

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Notes to the financial statements 

Note 27. Financial risk (continued) 
27.3.5 Expected maturity 
The tables below present the balance sheet based on expected maturity dates. The liability balances in the following tables will 
not agree to the contractual maturity tables (27.3.4 Contractual maturity of financial liabilities) due to the analysis below being 
based on expected rather than contractual maturities, the impact of discounting and the exclusion of interest accruals beyond 
the reporting period. Included in the tables below are equity securities classified as trading securities, available-for-sale 
investments and life insurance assets that have no specific maturity. These assets have been classified based on the expected 
period of disposal. Deposits are presented in the table below on a contractual basis, however as part of our normal banking 
operations we would expect a large proportion of these balances to be retained. 

Assets
Cash and balances with central banks
Receivables due from other financial institutions
Trading securities and other financial assets designated at fair value
Derivative financial instruments
Available-for-sale securities
Loans (net of provisions)
Life insurance assets
Regulatory deposits with central banks overseas
All other assets 
Total assets
Liabilities
Payables due to other financial institutions
Deposits and other borrowings
Other financial liabilities at fair value through income statement
Derivative financial instruments
Debt issues
Life insurance policy liabilities
All other liabilities 
Total liabilities excluding loan capital
Loan capital
Total liabilities  
Net assets/(net liabilities)

Due within 
12 Months
 $m

Consolidated 2014
Greater than
12 Months
 $m

25,760
7,424
31,234
32,248
2,101
83,089
2,518
529
6,278
191,181

18,394
446,099
19,236
29,514
59,203
8
9,480
581,934
 -
581,934
(390,753)

 -
 -
14,675
9,156
33,923
497,254
8,489
999
15,165
579,661

242
14,723
 -
10,025
93,048
9,629
1,046
128,713
10,858
139,571
440,090

Total
$m

25,760
7,424
45,909
41,404
36,024
580,343
11,007
1,528
21,443
770,842

18,636
460,822
19,236
39,539
152,251
9,637
10,526
710,647
10,858
721,505
49,337

2014 Westpac Group Annual Report 

229 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
           
           
             
             
           
           
           
           
             
           
             
           
           
           
         
         
             
             
           
                
                
             
             
           
           
         
         
         
           
                
           
         
           
         
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
         
                    
             
             
             
             
           
         
         
         
           
           
         
         
         
       
         
           
 
 
 
Note 27. Financial risk (continued) 

Assets
Cash and balances with central banks
Receivables due from other financial institutions
Trading securities and other financial assets designated at fair value
Derivative financial instruments
Available-for-sale securities
Loans (net of provisions)
Life insurance assets
Regulatory deposits with central banks overseas
All other assets 
Total assets
Liabilities
Payables due to other financial institutions
Deposits and other borrowings
Other financial liabilities at fair value through income statement
Derivative financial instruments
Debt issues
Life insurance policy liabilities
All other liabilities 
Total liabilities excluding loan capital
Loan capital
Total liabilities  
Net assets/(net liabilities)

Due within 
12 Months
 $m

Consolidated 2013
Greater than
12 Months
 $m

11,699
11,210
25,847
21,026
1,434
82,247
4,576
975
4,999
164,013

8,347
408,651
10,288
22,278
54,479
 -
10,306
514,349
 -
514,349
(350,336)

 -
 -
23,242
7,330
28,577
453,917
8,573
596
14,849
537,084

489
15,831
14
10,712
89,654
11,938
1,243
129,881
9,330
139,211
397,873

Total
$m

11,699
11,210
49,089
28,356
30,011
536,164
13,149
1,571
19,848
701,097

8,836
424,482
10,302
32,990
144,133
11,938
11,549
644,230
9,330
653,560
47,537

230 

2014 Westpac Group Annual Report 

  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
             
           
             
           
           
           
         
         
             
             
           
                
                
             
             
           
           
         
         
         
             
                
             
         
           
         
           
                  
           
           
           
           
           
           
         
           
           
           
             
           
         
         
         
             
             
         
         
         
       
         
           
 
 
Note 27. Financial risk (continued) 

Assets
Cash and balances with central banks
Receivables due from other financial institutions
Trading securities and other financial assets designated at fair value
Derivative financial instruments
Available-for-sale securities
Loans (net of provisions)
Regulatory deposits with central banks overseas
Due from subsidiaries
Investments in subsidiaries
All other assets 
Total assets
Liabilities
Payables due to other financial institutions
Deposits and other borrowings
Other financial liabilities at fair value through income statement
Derivative financial instruments
Debt issues
Due to subsidiaries
All other liabilities 
Total liabilities excluding loan capital
Loan capital
Total liabilities  
Net assets/(net liabilities)

Notes to the financial statements 

Due within 
12 Months
 $m

Parent Entity 2014
Greater than
12 Months
 $m

23,400
5,483
29,989
32,219
743
67,949
389
140,098
 -
5,349
305,619

18,204
401,236
19,155
29,451
52,802
135,066
7,478
663,392
 -
663,392
(357,773)

 -
 -
14,335
9,088
31,266
437,655
1,000
 -
4,687
11,818
509,849

207
12,947
 -
9,690
75,044
 -
948
98,836
10,858
109,694
400,155

Total
$m

23,400
5,483
44,324
41,307
32,009
505,604
1,389
140,098
4,687
17,167
815,468

18,411
414,183
19,155
39,141
127,846
135,066
8,426
762,228
10,858
773,086
42,382

2014 Westpac Group Annual Report 

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Note 27. Financial risk (continued) 

Assets
Cash and balances with central banks
Receivables due from other financial institutions
Trading securities and other financial assets designated at fair value
Derivative financial instruments
Available-for-sale securities
Loans (net of provisions)
Regulatory deposits with central banks overseas
Due from subsidiaries
Investments in subsidiaries
All other assets 
Total assets
Liabilities
Payables due to other financial institutions
Deposits and other borrowings
Other financial liabilities at fair value through income statement
Derivative financial instruments
Debt issues
Due to subsidiaries
All other liabilities 
Total liabilities excluding loan capital
Loan capital
Total liabilities  
Net assets/(net liabilities)

Due within 
12 Months
 $m

Parent Entity 2013
Greater than
12 Months
 $m

9,509
9,317
24,435
21,029
503
68,475
867
119,038
 -
4,173
257,346

8,250
365,728
10,288
22,202
47,544
120,553
8,796
583,361
 -
583,361
(326,015)

 -
 -
22,583
7,376
25,891
403,182
596
 -
4,880
11,852
476,360

488
14,480
14
10,236
74,011
 -
834
100,063
9,330
109,393
366,967

Total
$m

9,509
9,317
47,018
28,405
26,394
471,657
1,463
119,038
4,880
16,025
733,706

8,738
380,208
10,302
32,438
121,555
120,553
9,630
683,424
9,330
692,754
40,952

27.4 Market risk 
Market risk is the risk of an adverse impact on earnings resulting from changes in market factors, such as foreign exchange 
rates, interest rates, commodity prices and equity prices. This includes interest rate risk in the banking book – the risk to 
interest income from a mismatch between the duration of assets and liabilities that arises in the normal course of 
business activities. 

27.4.1 Traded market risk 
Approach 
Westpac’s exposure to traded market risk arises out of the trading activities of Financial Markets and Treasury. These activities 
are controlled by a Board-approved market risk framework that incorporates a Board-approved Value at Risk (VaR) limit. VaR 
is the primary mechanism for measuring and controlling market risk. Market risk is managed using VaR and structural risk limits 
(including volume limits and basis point value limits) in conjunction with scenario analysis and stress testing. Market risk limits 
are allocated to business managers based upon business strategies and experience, in addition to the consideration of market 
liquidity and concentration of risks. All trades are fair valued daily, using the appropriate fair value methodology as described in 
Note 28. Rates that have limited independent sources are reviewed at least on a monthly basis. 

Financial Market’s trading book activity represents dealings that encompass book running and distribution activity. The types of 
market risk arising from these activities include interest rate, foreign exchange, commodity, equity price, credit spread and 
volatility risk. 

Treasury’s trading activity represents dealings that include the management of interest rate, foreign exchange and credit 
spread risk associated with wholesale funding, liquid asset portfolios and foreign exchange repatriations. 

232 

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Notes to the financial statements 

Note 27. Financial risk (continued) 
VaR limits 
Market risk arising from trading book activities is primarily measured using VaR based on an historical simulation methodology. 
VaR is the potential loss in earnings from adverse market movements calculated over a one-day time horizon to a 99% 
confidence level using a minimum of one year of historical data. VaR seeks to take account of all material market variables that 
may cause a change in the value of the trading portfolio, including interest rates, foreign exchange rates, price changes, 
volatility and the correlations between these variables. 

In addition to the Board approved market risk VaR limit for trading activities, RISKCO has approved separate VaR sub-limits for 
the trading activities of Financial Markets and Treasury. 

Backtesting 
Daily backtesting of VaR results is performed to support model integrity. A review of both the potential profit or loss outcomes is 
also undertaken to monitor any skew created by the historical data. 

Stress testing 
Daily stress testing against pre-determined scenarios is carried out to analyse potential losses arising from extreme or 
unexpected movements beyond the 99% confidence level. An escalation framework around selective stress tests has been 
approved by RISKCO. Stress and scenario tests include historical market movements, those defined by RISKCO or Financial 
Markets and Treasury Risk (FMTR) and independent scenarios developed by Westpac’s economics department. 

Profit or loss notification framework 
The BRCC has approved a profit or loss notification framework. Included in this framework are levels of escalation in 
accordance with the size of the profit or loss. Triggers are applied to both a 1-day and a rolling 20-day cumulative total. 

Risk reporting 
Daily monitoring of current exposure and limit utilisation is conducted independently by the FMTR unit, which monitors market 
risk exposures against VaR and structural limits. Daily VaR position reports are produced by risk type, by product lines and by 
geographic region. These are supplemented by structural risk reporting, advice of profit or loss trigger levels and stress testing 
escalation trigger points. Model accreditation has been granted by APRA to use the internal model for the determination of 
regulatory capital for the key classes of interest rate (general market), foreign exchange, commodity and equity risks (including 
specific risk). Under the model, regulatory capital is derived from both the current VaR window (market data is based upon the 
most recent 12 months of historical data) and a Stressed VaR window (12 months of market data that includes a period of 
significant financial stress), where these VaR measures are calculated as a 10-day, 99th percentile, one-tailed confidence 
interval. Specific risk refers to the variations in individual security prices that cannot be explained by general market movements 
and event and default risk. Interest rate specific risk capital (specific issuer risk) is calculated using the Standard method and is 
added to the VaR regulatory capital measure. 

Risk mitigation 
Market risk positions are managed by the trading desks consistent with delegated trading and product authorities. Risks are 
consolidated into portfolios based on product and risk types. Risk management is carried out by suitably qualified personnel 
with varying levels of seniority commensurate with the nature and scale of market risks under management. 

Determination of fair value 
Refer to Note 28 for the basis for determining fair value. 

The following controls allow for continuous monitoring of market risk by management: 

  trading authorities and responsibilities are clearly delineated at all levels to provide accountability; 
  a structured system of limits and reporting of exposures; 
  all new products and significant product variations undergo an approval process to confirm business risks have been 

identified prior to launch; 

  models that are used to determine risk or profit or loss for Westpac’s financial statements are independently reviewed; 
  duties are segregated so that employees involved in the origination, processing and valuation of transactions operate under 

separate reporting lines, minimising the opportunity for collusion; 

  legal counsel approves documentation for compliance with relevant laws and regulations; 
  daily profit and loss reviews/attribution; and 
  reconciliations. 

2014 Westpac Group Annual Report 

233 

 
Note 27. Financial risk (continued) 
The table below depicts the aggregate VaR, by risk type, for the year ended 30 September: 

High
 $m
30.7
7.6
0.7
2.9
11.3
n/a
40.2

2014

Low
 $m
6.3
1.2
0.1
1.3
5.4
n/a
9.5

Average
 $m
15.6
3.0
0.3
2.0
9.2
(8.2)
22.0

Consolidated and Parent Entity
2013

High
 $m
30.8
5.7
0.8
6.1
13.0
n/a
35.4

Low
 $m
9.1
0.5
0.1
1.2
5.8
n/a
12.5

Average
 $m
16.7
2.1
0.3
2.9
7.9
(10.7)
19.2

High
 $m
29.0
8.0
1.8
5.1
21.6
n/a
41.2

2012

Low
 $m
10.5
0.8
0.2
1.0
7.8
n/a
16.8

Average
 $m
18.4
3.3
0.5
2.5
16.6
(12.5)
28.8

Interest rate risk
Foreign exchange risk
Equity risk
Commodity risk1
Other market risks2
Diversification effect
Net market risk
1 
2 

Includes electricity risk. 
Includes prepayment risk and credit spread risk (exposure to movements in generic credit rating bands). 

Commodity, Carbon and Energy trading 
Commodity, Carbon and Energy trading (CCE) activity is part of our Financial Markets business. All trades are marked-to-
market daily, using independently sourced or reviewed rates. Rates are compared to Australian Financial Market Association 
published prices, brokers’ quotes, and futures prices as appropriate. Rates that have limited independent sources are reviewed 
on a regular basis by the WIB Revaluation Committee. The CCE business is managed within market risk structural and VaR 
limits. Credit risk is controlled by pre-settlement risk limits by counterparty. 

CCE trading activities include electricity, gas, oil, emission, agricultural products, base metals and precious metals. These 
activities involve dealings in swaps, options, swaptions, Asian options and futures. Energy trading also includes Settlement 
Residue Auctions (SRAs). Carbon trading activities includes Australian, New Zealand and European carbon units and 
Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs). 

CCE also includes the Structured Commodities Finance (SCF) desk which facilitates financing for commodity clients. 

The total fair value of commodity, carbon and energy contracts outstanding as at 30 September 2014 were $14 million 
(2013: $9 million). 

27.4.2 Non-traded market risk 
Approach 
The banking book activities that give rise to market risk include lending activities, balance sheet funding and capital 
management. Interest rate risk, currency risk and funding and liquidity risk are inherent in these activities. Treasury’s Asset and 
Liability Management (ALM) unit is responsible for managing the interest rate risk arising from these activities. 

All material regions, business lines and legal entities are included in Westpac’s IRRBB framework. 

Asset and Liability Management 
ALM manages the structural interest rate mismatch associated with the transfer priced balance sheet, including the investment 
of Westpac’s capital to its agreed benchmark duration. A key risk management objective is to achieve reasonable stability of 
net interest income (NII) over time. These activities are overseen by the independent FMTR unit, reviewed by RISKCO and 
conducted within a risk framework and appetite set down by the BRCC. 

Material non-traded interest rate risk is managed in five centres: Sydney manages risk associated with the Australian balance 
sheet, the Auckland office manages risk associated with the New Zealand balance sheet, the Singapore office manages risk 
associated with the Asian balance sheet, while New York and London centres manage risk associated with those locations 
respectively. The risk from these five centres is monitored both at a local and aggregate level. 

NII sensitivity 
NII sensitivity is managed in terms of the net interest income-at-risk (NaR) modelled over a three year time horizon using a 99% 
confidence interval for movements in wholesale market interest rates. The position managed covers the Australian and 
New Zealand banking books, where the banking book is defined as the entire banking balance sheet less the trading book. A 
simulation model is used to calculate Westpac’s potential NaR. The NII simulation framework combines the underlying balance 
sheet data with assumptions about run off and new business, expected repricing behaviour and changes in wholesale market 
interest rates. Simulations using a range of interest rate scenarios are used to provide a series of potential future NII outcomes. 
The interest rate scenarios modelled include those projected using historical market interest rate volatility as well as 100 and 
200 basis point shifts up and down from the current market yield curves in Australia and New Zealand. Additional stressed 
interest rate scenarios are also considered and modelled. 

A comparison between the NII outcomes from these modelled scenarios indicates the sensitivity to interest rate changes. 

234 

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Notes to the financial statements 

Note 27. Financial risk (continued) 
NaR limit 
The BRCC has approved a NaR limit. This limit is managed by the Group Treasurer and is expressed as a deviation from 
benchmark hedge levels over a one-year rolling time frame, to a 99% confidence level. This limit is monitored by FMTR. 

VaR limit 
The BRCC has also approved a VaR limit for ALM activities. This limit is managed by the Group Treasurer and monitored by 
FMTR. Additionally, FMTR sets structural risk limits to prevent undue concentration of risk. 

Structural foreign exchange risk 
Structural foreign exchange rate risk results from the generation of foreign currency denominated earnings and from the foreign 
currency capital that we have deployed in offshore branches and subsidiaries with functional currencies other than 
Australian dollars. 

As a result of the requirement to translate earnings and net assets of the foreign operations into our Australian dollar 
consolidated financial statements, movements in exchange rates could lead to changes in the Australian dollar equivalent of 
offshore earnings and capital which could introduce variability to our reported financial results. This is referred to as translation 
risk. In order to minimise this exposure, we manage the foreign exchange rate risk associated with offshore earnings and 
capital as follows: 

  foreign currency denominated earnings that are generated during the current financial year are hedged; 
  capital that is defined to be permanently employed in an offshore jurisdiction (for example to meet regulatory or prudential 

requirements) and which has no fixed term is hedged; 

  capital or profits that are denominated in currencies to which we have an immaterial exposure are not hedged; and 
  ALCO determines the appropriateness of the foreign exchange earnings hedges and associated limits. 

Risk reporting 
IRRBB risk measurement systems and personnel are centralised in Sydney. These include front office product systems, which 
capture all treasury funding and derivative transactions; the transfer pricing system, which captures all retail transactions in 
Australia and New Zealand; non-traded VaR systems; and the NII system, which calculates NII and NaR for the Australian and 
New Zealand balance sheets. 

Daily monitoring of current exposure and limit utilisation is conducted independently by FMTR, which monitors market risk 
exposures against VaR and NaR limits. Reports detailing structural positions and VaR are produced and distributed daily for 
use by dealers and management across all stakeholder groups. Monthly and quarterly reports are produced for the senior 
management market risk forums of RISKCO and the BRCC respectively to provide transparency of material market risks 
and issues. 

Risk mitigation 
IRRBB stems from the ordinary course of banking activities, including structural interest rate risk (the mismatch between the 
duration of assets and liabilities) and capital management. Hedging Westpac’s exposure to interest rate risk is undertaken 
using derivatives. The hedge accounting strategy adopted is to utilise a combination of cash flow, fair value and net investment 
hedge approaches. Some derivatives held for economic hedging purposes do not meet the criteria for hedge accounting as 
defined under AASB 139 Financial Instruments: Recognition and Measurement, and therefore are accounted for in the same 
way as derivatives held for trading. 

The same controls as used to monitor traded market risk allow for the continuous monitoring by management of IRRBB. 

Value at Risk – IRRBB 
The table below depicts VaR for IRRBB: 

Consolidated

30 September 2014

30 September 2013

As at
 $m
3.1

High
 $m
10.7

Low
 $m
1.2

Average
 $m
4.7

As at
 $m
8.8

High
 $m
21.0

Low
 $m
6.7

Average
 $m
11.8

As at 30 September 2014 the Value at Risk – IRRBB for the Parent Entity was $25.1 million (2013: $7.6 million). 

2014 Westpac Group Annual Report 

235 

 
            
          
            
            
            
          
            
          
 
 
 
Note 27. Financial risk (continued) 
Net interest income-at-risk (NaR) 
The table below depicts NaR assuming a 100 basis point shock (decrease) over the next 12 months as a percentage of 
reported net interest income: 

Consolidated
Parent Entity

30 September 2014

Maximum
Exposure
%
0.66
0.82

Minimum
Exposure
%
(0.12)
(0.25)

Average
Exposure
%
0.20
0.17

As at
%
0.27
0.10

30 September 2013

Maximum
Exposure
%
0.98
1.03

Minimum
Exposure
%
0.24
0.20

Average
Exposure
%
0.64
0.68

As at
%
0.52
0.54

Equity risk 
Financial assets classified as available-for-sale are subject to market risk which is not captured by the market risk VaR. Regular 
reviews are performed to substantiate the valuation of equity investments and are regularly reviewed by management. Whilst 
the fair value of individual equity securities classified as available-for-sale can fluctuate considerably, the overall impact to the 
Group is not material. 

Note 28. Fair values of financial assets and liabilities 
Fair Valuation Control Framework 
The Group’s control environment uses a well-established Fair Valuation Control Framework to ensure that fair value is either 
determined or validated by a function independent of the party that undertakes the transaction. This framework formalises the 
policies and procedures used by the Group to achieve compliance with relevant accounting, industry and regulatory standards. 
The framework includes specific controls relating to the revaluation of financial instruments, independent price verification, fair 
value adjustments and financial reporting. 

A key element of the Fair Valuation Control Framework is the WIB Revaluation Committee, comprising senior finance and risk 
valuation experts from within the Group. The WIB Revaluation Committee review the application of the agreed policies and 
procedures to ensure a fair value measurement basis is applied. 

The method of determining fair value according to the Fair Valuation Control Framework differs depending on the 
information available. 

Quoted price in an active market 
The best evidence of fair value is a quoted price in an active market. Wherever possible the Group determines the fair value of 
a financial instrument based on the quoted price. 

Valuation techniques 
Where no direct quoted price in an active market is available, the Group applies present value estimates or other market 
accepted valuation techniques. The use of a market accepted valuation technique will typically involve the use of a valuation 
model and appropriate inputs to the model. 

The majority of models used by the Group employ only observable market data as inputs. However, for certain financial 
instruments data may be employed which is not readily observable in current markets. Typically in these instances valuation 
inputs will be derived using alternative means (including extrapolation from other relevant market data) and tested against 
historic transactions. The use of these inputs will require a high degree of management judgment. 

In order to determine a reliable fair value, where appropriate, management may apply adjustments to the techniques used 
above. These adjustments reflect the Group’s assessment of factors that market participants would consider in setting the 
fair value. 

When determining the fair value of financial instruments, adjustments are made to the mid-market valuations to cover credit risk 
and bid-offer spreads. 

  Counterparty Valuation Adjustment 

Westpac uses a Monte Carlo simulation methodology to calculate the expected future credit exposure for all derivative 
exposures including inputs regarding probabilities of default (PDs) and loss given default (LGD). PDs are derived from 
market observed credit spreads by reference to credit default swap (CDS) for individual or sector curves for the relevant 
tenors to calculate the credit valuation adjustment (CVA), and Westpac’s CDS curve for the relevant tenors to calculate the 
debit valuation adjustment (DVA). PDs are then applied to the horizon of potential exposures to derive both the CVA 
and DVA. 

236 

2014 Westpac Group Annual Report 

  
 
          
          
         
          
          
          
          
          
          
          
         
          
          
          
          
          
 
 
Notes to the financial statements 

Note 28. Fair values of financial assets and liabilities (continued) 
  Bid-offer spreads 

The fair value of financial assets and liabilities should reflect bid prices for assets and offer prices for liabilities. Prices are 
adjusted to reflect current bid-offer spreads. 

The fair values of large holdings of financial instruments are based on a multiple of the estimated value of a single 
instrument, and do not include block adjustments for the size of the holding. 

Fair value hierarchy 
The Group categorises all fair value instruments according to the following hierarchy: 

  Level 1 

Financial instruments valued using recent unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities. An 
active market is one in which prices are readily and regularly available and those prices represent actual and regularly 
occurring market transactions on an arm’s length basis. 

Valuation of Level 1 instruments require little or no management judgment. 

Financial instruments included in this class are Commonweath of Australia and New Zealand Government bonds, spot and 
exchange traded derivatives for equities, foreign exchange, commodities and interest rate products. 

  Level 2 

Valuation techniques utilising observable market prices applied to these assets or liabilities include the use of market 
standard discounting methodologies, option pricing models and other valuation techniques widely used and accepted by 
market participants. 

The financial instruments included in this category are mainly over the counter (OTC) derivatives with observable market 
inputs and financial instruments with fair value derived from consensus pricing with sufficient contributors. Financial 
instruments included in the Level 2 category are: 

–  trading securities – including government bonds (excluding Australian and New Zealand government bonds), Australian 

state government bonds, corporate fixed rate bonds and floating rate bonds; and 

–  derivatives – including interest rate swaps, credit default swaps, foreign exchange swaps, foreign exchange options and 

equity options. 

  Level 3 

Financial instruments valued using at least one input that could have a significant effect on the instrument’s valuation which 
is not based on observable market data (unobservable input). Unobservable inputs are those not readily available in an 
active market due to illiquidity or complexity of the product. These inputs are generally derived and extrapolated from other 
relevant market data and calibrated against current market trends and historic transactions. 

These valuations are calculated using a high degree of management judgment. 

Financial instruments included in the Level 3 category include some asset-backed products and non-Australian dollar-
denominated government securities issued by governments where there are no observable secondary markets. 

A financial instrument’s categorisation within the valuation hierarchy is based on the lowest level input that is significant to the 
fair value measurement. 

Valuation techniques 
The specific valuation techniques, the observability of the inputs used in valuation models and the subsequent classification for 
each significant product category are outlined below: 

  Interest rate derivative products 

These are products linked to interest rates (e.g. Bank Bills Swap Rate (BBSW) or London Interbank Offer Rate (LIBOR)) or 
inflation indices. This includes exchange traded interest rate futures, interest rate and inflation swaps, swaptions, caps, 
floors, exchange traded interest rate options on futures, inflation options, collars and other non-vanilla interest 
rate derivatives. 

Exchange traded interest rate futures and options on futures are traded in liquid, active markets where prices are readily 
observable. No modelling or assumptions are used in the valuation. Exchange traded interest rate futures and options on 
futures are classified as Level 1 instruments. 

Interest rate derivative cash flows are valued using interest rate curves whereby observable market data is used to construct 
the term structure of forward rates. This term structure is used to project and discount future cash flows based on the terms 
of the trade. Instruments with optionality are valued using market observable or consensus provided volatilities. Non-vanilla 
interest rate derivatives are valued using industry standard models based on market observable inputs which are determined 
separately for each parameter. Where unobservable, inputs will be set with reference to an observable proxy. 

In general, interest rate derivatives are classified as Level 2 instruments. 

2014 Westpac Group Annual Report 

237 

 
Note 28. Fair values of financial assets and liabilities (continued) 
  Foreign exchange products 

These are products linked to the foreign exchange market. This includes FX spot and futures contracts, FX forward 
contracts, FX swaps, FX options and other non-vanilla FX derivatives. 

There are observable markets for futures and spot contracts in major global currencies. No modelling or assumptions are 
used in valuation of these instruments. FX spot and future contracts are classified as Level 1 instruments. 

FX swap and forward valuations are derived from market observable inputs or consensus pricing providers using industry 
standard models. FX swaps and forwards are classified as Level 2 instruments. 

FX options and other FX derivatives are valued using industry standard models and market observable inputs. Where 
unobservable, inputs will be set with reference to an observable proxy. In general, FX options and other FX derivatives are 
classified as Level 2 instruments. 

  Asset backed products 

These are debt and derivative products that are linked to the cash flows of a pool of referenced assets via securitisation. 
This category includes residential mortgage backed securities (RMBS), collateralised debt obligations (CDOs), collateralised 
loan obligations (CLOs) and other asset backed securities (ABS). 

Australian RMBS denominated in Australian dollars are valued using a market accepted model with observable inputs 
sourced from a consensus data provider. The main inputs to the model are the trading margin and the weighted average life 
of the security. They are classified as Level 2 instruments. 

Despite the availability of an RMBS model in Westpac, input data for the trading margin on Australian issued RMBS, 
denominated in foreign currency, is considered unobservable. Trading volumes in these instruments are low. Proxy data 
from the Australian denominated RMBS market is used to derive the fair value for these instruments. Australian issued 
RMBS denominated in foreign currency are classified as Level 3 instruments. 

The fair value of Offshore RMBS is determined using consensus data. These are classified as Level 2 instruments. 

As synthetic CDO prices are not generally available, Synthetic CDOs are valued using a model. The model uses a 
combination of established analytic and numerical approaches. The model calculates fair value based on observable and 
unobservable parameters including credit spreads, recovery rates, correlations and interest rates. As some of the model 
inputs (e.g. correlations) are indirectly implied or unobservable, synthetic CDOs are classified as Level 3 instruments. 

Where available, cash CDO, CLO and ABS products are valued using prices obtained from consensus data providers and 
classified as Level 2 instruments. Where consensus prices are not available, these products are valued using quotes 
provided by a third party broker or independent lead manager and classified as Level 3 instruments. The Group has no 
material exposure to CDOs. 

  Other credit products 

These products are linked to the credit spread of a referenced entity or index and include Single Name and Index CDS. 

CDS are valued using an industry standard model that incorporates the credit spread as its principal input. Credit spreads 
are obtained from consensus market data providers. Single name and index CDS are classified as Level 2 instruments. 

  Non-asset backed debt instruments 

There are observable markets for Australian and New Zealand government bonds in which Westpac is a primary dealer. 
Australian government bonds are valued using unadjusted quoted market yields. New Zealand government bonds are 
valued using unadjusted quoted market prices. These products are classified as Level 1 instruments. 

Other government bonds, state government bonds, corporate bonds and commercial paper are valued using observable 
market prices which are sourced from consensus pricing services, broker quotes or inter-dealer prices. These products are 
classified as Level 2 instruments, with the exception of government securities where there are no observable secondary 
markets which are classified as Level 3 instruments. 

  Equity products 

This category includes cash equities and equity indices, exchange traded equity options, OTC equity options and OTC 
equity warrants. 

Cash equities and equity indices are traded on major global exchanges in liquid markets. No modelling or assumptions are 
used in valuation. These are categorised as Level 1 instruments. 

Exchange traded equity options, OTC equity options and equity warrants are valued using industry standard models. The 
models calculate fair value based on input parameters such as stock prices, dividends, volatilities and interest rates. In 
general, input parameters are deemed observable. These are classified as Level 2 instruments. 

238 

2014 Westpac Group Annual Report 

  
Notes to the financial statements 

Note 28. Fair values of financial assets and liabilities (continued) 
  Commodity products 

These products are exchange traded and OTC derivatives based on underlying commodities such as energy, carbon, 
agriculture, metals, crude oil and refined products, power and natural gas. 

Commodity spot and futures, energy spot and futures together with carbon futures are traded on major global exchanges in 
liquid markets. No modelling or assumptions are used in the valuation of these instruments. These are classified as 
Level 1 instruments. 

The valuation of commodity, carbon and energy derivatives are determined using industry standard models incorporating 
discounting of cash flows and other industry standard modelling techniques. Valuation inputs include forward curves, 
volatilities implied from market observable inputs, discount curves and underlying spot and futures prices. The significant 
inputs are market observable or available through a consensus data service. Where unobservable, inputs will be set with 
reference to an observable proxy. 

In general, commodity, carbon and energy derivatives are classified as Level 2 instruments. 

  Certificates of deposit 

The fair value of certificates of deposit is determined using a discounted cash flow analysis using markets rates offered for 
deposits of similar remaining maturities. Certificates of deposit are classified as Level 2 instruments. 

  Debt issues at fair value 

Where a quoted price is not available the fair value of debt issues is determined using a discounted cash flow approach, 
using a discount rate which reflects the terms of the instrument and the timing of cash flows adjusted for market observable 
changes in the applicable credit rating of Westpac. These instruments are classified as Level 2 instruments. 

  Life insurance assets 

These assets represent investments which back life insurance policy liabilities. This includes listed equities, exchange traded 
and over the counter derivatives, investment grade corporate bonds and units in unlisted unit trusts. 

Listed equities and exchange traded derivatives are traded in liquid, active markets where prices are readily observable. No 
modelling or assumptions are used in the valuation. They are classified as Level 1 instruments. 

Investment grade corporate bonds, over the counter derivatives, units in unlisted unit trusts and certain listed equities 
subject to transfer restrictions are valued utilising observable market prices or other widely used and accepted valuation 
techniques utilising observable market inputs. They are classified as Level 2 instruments. 

  Life insurance liabilities 

Life insurance liabilities consist of life insurance contract liabilities, life investment contract liabilities and external liabilities of 
managed investment schemes controlled by statutory life funds. These are valued utilising observable market prices or other 
widely used and accepted valuation techniques utilising observable market inputs. They are classified as 
Level 2 instruments. 

  Loans at fair value 

Where a quoted price is not available the fair value of fixed rate bills is determined using a discounted cash flow approach, 
using a discount rate which reflects the terms of the instrument and the timing of cash flows, adjusted for creditworthiness 
based on market observable inputs. These are classified as Level 2 instruments. 

2014 Westpac Group Annual Report 

239 

 
 
Note 28. Fair values of financial assets and liabilities (continued) 
The table below summarises the attribution of financial instruments to the fair value hierarchy based on the measurement basis 
after initial recognition: 

2014

Valuation
Techniques
(Market
Observable)
(Level 2)
$m

Valuation
Techniques
(Non-Market
Observable)
(Level 3)
$m

Quoted
Market
Prices
(Level 1)
$m

Consolidated

Quoted
Market
Prices
(Level 1)
$m

Total
$m

2013

Valuation
Techniques
(Market
Observable)
(Level 2)
$m

Valuation
Techniques
(Non-Market
Observable)
(Level 3)
$m

Total
$m

Financial assets measured at 
fair value on a recurring basis
Trading securities and other 
financial assets designated at 
fair value
Derivative financial instruments
Available-for-sale securities
Loans
Life insurance assets
Total assets carried at fair 
value
Financial liabilities measured 
at fair value on a recurring 
basis
Deposits and other borrowings at 
fair value
Other financial liabilities at fair 
value through income statement
Derivative financial instruments
Debt issues at fair value
Life insurance liabilities

Total liabilities carried at fair 
value

5,258
51
1,765
-
4,472

39,663
41,348
33,421
9,330
6,535

988
5
822
-
-

45,909
41,404
36,008
9,330
11,007

60
12
90
-
5,567

48,491
28,340
29,119
10,876
7,582

538
4
790
-
-

49,089
28,356
29,999
10,876
13,149

11,546

130,297

1,815

143,658

5,729

124,408

1,332

131,469

-

49,636

1,134
37
-
-

18,102
39,472
9,524
9,637

1,171

126,371

-

-
30
18
-

48

49,636

19,236
39,539
9,542
9,637

127,590

-

44
14
-
-

58

42,015

10,258
32,952
14,127
11,938

-

42,015

-
24
13
-

10,302
32,990
14,140
11,938

111,290

37

111,385

240 

2014 Westpac Group Annual Report 

  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
      
          
               
      
         
         
               
     
           
          
                   
      
         
         
                   
     
      
          
               
      
         
         
               
     
              
            
                   
        
            
         
                   
     
      
            
                   
      
    
           
                   
     
    
        
            
    
    
       
            
   
              
          
                   
      
            
         
                   
     
      
          
                   
      
         
         
                   
     
           
          
                 
      
         
         
                 
     
              
            
                 
        
            
         
                 
     
              
            
                   
        
            
         
                   
     
      
        
                 
    
         
       
                 
   
 
 
Note 28. Fair values of financial assets and liabilities (continued) 

Notes to the financial statements 

2014

Valuation
Techniques
(Market
Observable)
(Level 2)
$m

Valuation
Techniques
(Non-Market
Observable)
(Level 3)
$m

Quoted
Market
Prices
(Level 1)
$m

Parent Entity

Quoted
Market
Prices
(Level 1)
$m

Total
$m

2013

Valuation
Techniques
(Market
Observable)
(Level 2)
$m

Valuation
Techniques
(Non-Market
Observable)
(Level 3)
$m

Total
$m

Financial assets measured at 
fair value on a recurring basis
Trading securities and other 
financial assets designated at 
fair value
Derivative financial instruments
Available-for-sale securities
Loans
Total assets carried at fair 
value
Financial liabilities measured 
at fair value on a recurring 
basis
Deposits and other borrowings at 
fair value
Other financial liabilities at fair 
value through income statement
Derivative financial instruments
Debt issues at fair value
Total liabilities carried at fair 
value

5,260
51
-
-

38,285
41,251
31,823
9,330

779
5
170
-

44,324
41,307
31,993
9,330

5,311

120,689

954

126,954

-

48,661

1,134
37
-

18,021
39,074
6,315

1,171

112,071

-

-
30
-

30

48,661

19,155
39,141
6,315

113,272

57
12
-
-

69

-

44
14
-

58

46,669
28,389
26,190
10,876

292
4
200
-

47,018
28,405
26,390
10,876

112,124

496

112,689

40,653

10,258
32,400
11,151

94,462

-

40,653

-
24
-

24

10,302
32,438
11,151

94,544

In the current financial year, as a primary dealer the Group has seen and participated in increased liquidity in the Government 
bond markets as part of the Group’s broader financial markets strategy. Australian and New Zealand Government bonds have 
therefore been transferred from Level 2 to Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy. 

Significant unobservable inputs 
Sensitivities to reasonably possible changes in non-market observable valuation assumptions would not have a material impact 
on the Group’s or Parent Entity’s reported results. 

The following table summarises significant unobservable inputs used in the Level 3 valuations and the valuation techniques 
used to measure fair value of the instrument. 

As at 30 September 2014

Non-asset backed debt instruments

Assets
$m
785

Liabilities Valuation

$m Technique(s)

-

Asset backed products

699

24

Equity and equity linked products

329

-

Interest rate products
Total

2
1,815

24
48

Unobservable
Inputs
Yield to maturity
Discount margin
n/a
Discount margin
Correlation
n/a
Interest rate margin
Earnings multiple

Pricing model
Pricing model
Third-party pricing
Pricing model
Pricing model
Third-party pricing
Pricing model
Pricing model
Discounted cash flows Discount rate
Third-party pricing
Pricing Model

n/a
Volatility

Minimum Maximum
Value
8.0%
110 bps
n/a
91 bps
46.9%
n/a
15.4%
7.5
20.0%
n/a
30.0%

Value
4.5%
70 bps
n/a
60 bps
32.3%
n/a
1.0%
3.3
14.5%
n/a
22.5%

2014 Westpac Group Annual Report 

241 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
      
          
               
      
         
         
               
     
           
          
                   
      
         
         
                   
     
              
          
               
      
            
         
               
     
              
            
                   
        
            
         
                   
     
      
        
               
    
         
       
               
   
              
          
                   
      
            
         
                   
     
      
          
                   
      
         
         
                   
     
           
          
                 
      
         
         
                 
     
              
            
                   
        
            
         
                   
     
      
        
                 
    
         
         
                 
     
 
 
 
 
 
          
               
          
            
          
               
              
            
       
            
 
 
 
Note 28. Fair values of financial assets and liabilities (continued) 
Reconciliation of non-market observables 
The following tables summarise the changes in financial instruments carried at fair value derived from non-market observable 
valuation techniques (Level 3): 

Consolidated 2014

Trading Securities 
and Other
Financial Assets 
Designated at Fair 

Available-
for-Sale 

Value Derivatives
$m
4

$m
538

Securities Total Assets
$m
1,332

$m
790

Derivatives
$m
24

Debt Issues
at Fair Value
$m
13

Total 
Liabilities
$m
37

(7)
-
634
-
(192)
(12)

24
3
988

14

-
-
2
-
(1)
-

-
-
5

1

-
18
1,524
-
(1,583)
-

-
73
822

(7)
18
2,160
-
(1,776)
(12)

24
76
1,815

(16)
-
-
24
(2)
-

-
-
30

-

15

(8)

Consolidated 2013

6
-
-
-
(1)
-

-
-
18

6

(10)
-
-
24
(3)
-

-
-
48

(2)

Trading Securities 
and Other
Financial Assets 
Designated at Fair 

Available-
for-Sale 

Value Derivatives
$m
12

$m
438

Securities Total Assets
$m
1,276

$m
826

Derivatives
$m
73

Debt Issues
at Fair Value
$m
27

Total 
Liabilities
$m
100

51
-
41
20
(245)
(28)

251
10
538

9

(2)
1
1
-
(1)
(5)

(2)
-
4

(2)

-
2
1,642
-
(1,625)
-

10
(65)
790

49
3
1,684
20
(1,871)
(33)

259
(55)
1,332

(9)
1
8
-
(23)
(10)

(16)
-
24

-

7

2

6
-
-
-
(20)
-

-
-
13

11

(3)
1
8
-
(43)
(10)

(16)
-
37

13

Balance as at beginning of year
Gains/(losses) on assets/
(gains)/losses on liabilities recognised in:

Income statements
Available-for-sale reserve

Acquisitions
Issues
Disposals
Settlements
Transfers into or out of
non-market observables
Others1
Balance as at end of year
Unrealised gains/(losses) recognised in the 
income statements for financial instruments 
held as at 30 September 2014
1 

Includes foreign currency translation impacts. 

Balance as at beginning of year
Gains/(losses) on assets/
(gains)/losses on liabilities recognised in:

Income statements
Available-for-sale reserve

Acquisitions
Issues
Disposals
Settlements
Transfers into or out of
non-market observables
Others1
Balance as at end of year
Unrealised gains/(losses) recognised in the 
income statements for financial instruments 
held as at 30 September 2013
1 

Includes foreign currency translation impacts. 

242 

2014 Westpac Group Annual Report 

  
 
                  
              
            
         
             
             
             
                     
               
                
              
            
               
            
                       
               
              
              
                
                
                
                  
              
         
         
                
                
                
                       
               
                
                
             
                
             
                 
             
        
        
              
              
              
                   
               
                
            
                
                
                
                    
               
                
              
                
                
                
                      
               
              
              
                
                
                
                  
              
            
         
             
             
             
                    
              
                
              
              
               
              
 
 
                  
            
            
         
             
             
           
                    
             
                
              
              
               
              
                       
              
                
                
               
                
               
                    
              
         
         
               
                
               
                    
               
                
              
                
                
                
                 
             
        
        
            
            
            
                   
             
                
            
            
                
            
                  
             
              
            
            
                
            
                    
               
            
            
                
                
                
                  
              
            
         
             
             
             
                      
             
                
                
               
             
             
 
 
Note 28. Fair values of financial assets and liabilities (continued) 

Notes to the financial statements 

Parent Entity 2014

Trading Securities 
and Other
Financial Assets 
Designated at Fair 

Available-
for-Sale 

Value Derivatives
$m
4

$m
292

Securities Total Assets
$m
496

$m
200

Derivatives
$m
24

Debt Issues 
at Fair Value
$m
-

Total 
Liabilities
$m
24

5
-
628
-
(162)
(12)

24
4
779

5

-
-
2
-
(1)
-

-
-
5

1

-
(2)
72
-
(108)
-

-
8
170

5
(2)
702
-
(271)
(12)

24
12
954

(16)
-
-
24
(2)
-

-
-
30

-

6

(8)

-
-
-
-
-
-

-
-
-

-

(16)
-
-
24
(2)
-

-
-
30

(8)

Parent Entity 2013

Trading Securities 
and Other
Financial Assets 
Designated at Fair 

Available-
for-Sale 

Value Derivatives
$m
12

$m
400

Securities Total Assets
$m
541

$m
129

Derivatives
$m
73

Debt Issues 
at Fair Value
$m
-

Total 
Liabilities
$m
73

42
-
38
20
(199)
(28)

11
8
292

5

(2)
1
1
-
(1)
(5)

(2)
-
4

(2)

-
2
104
-
(63)
-

9
19
200

40
3
143
20
(263)
(33)

18
27
496

(9)
1
8
-
(23)
(10)

(16)
-
24

-

3

2

-
-
-
-
-
-

-
-
-

-

(9)
1
8
-
(23)
(10)

(16)
-
24

2

Balance as at beginning of year
Gains/(losses) on assets/
(gains)/losses on liabilities recognised in:

Income statements
Available-for-sale reserve

Acquisitions
Issues
Disposals
Settlements
Transfers into or out of
non-market observables
Others1
Balance as at end of year
Unrealised gains/(losses) recognised in the 
income statements for financial instruments 
held as at 30 September 2014
1 

Includes foreign currency translation impacts. 

Balance as at beginning of year
Gains/(losses) on assets/
(gains)/losses on liabilities recognised in:

Income statements
Available-for-sale reserve

Acquisitions
Issues
Disposals
Settlements
Transfers into or out of
non-market observables
Others1
Balance as at end of year
Unrealised gains/(losses) recognised in the 
income statements for financial instruments 
held as at 30 September 2013
1 

Includes foreign currency translation impacts. 

Transfers into and out of Level 3 have occurred due to changes in observability in the significant inputs into the valuation 
models used to determine the fair value of the related financial instruments. Transfers in and transfers out are reported using 
the end of period fair values. 

2014 Westpac Group Annual Report 

243 

 
                  
              
            
            
             
                
             
                      
               
                
                
            
                
            
                       
               
              
              
                
                
                
                  
              
              
            
                
                
                
                       
               
                
                
             
                
             
                 
             
          
          
              
                
              
                   
               
                
            
                
                
                
                    
               
                
              
                
                
                
                      
               
                
              
                
                
                
                  
              
            
            
             
                
             
                      
              
                
                
              
                
              
 
 
 
                  
            
            
            
             
                
             
                    
             
                
              
              
                
              
                       
              
                
                
               
                
               
                    
              
            
            
               
                
               
                    
               
                
              
                
                
                
                 
             
            
          
            
                
            
                   
             
                
            
            
                
            
                    
             
                
              
            
                
            
                      
               
              
              
                
                
                
                  
              
            
            
             
                
             
                      
             
                
                
               
                
               
 
 
 
Note 28. Fair values of financial assets and liabilities (continued) 
Day one profit or loss 
For financial assets and financial liabilities measured at fair value through the profit or loss, when the transaction price is 
different to the fair value from other observable current market transactions in the same instrument or based on a valuation 
technique whose inputs include only data from observable markets, Westpac recognises the difference between the transaction 
price and the fair value (‘day one’ profit or loss) in the income statement as non-interest income. In cases where use is made of 
data which is not observable, day one profit or loss is only recognised in the income statement when the inputs become 
observable, or over the life of the instrument. 

The following table summarises the deferral and recognition of day one profit or loss for the Group and the Parent Entity, where 
a valuation technique has been applied for which not all the inputs are observable in the market: 

Balance at the beginning of the year
Deferral on new transactions
Recognised in the income statements during the year
Subsequent to observability
Balance at the end of the period

Consolidated

Parent Entity

2014
$m
6
5
(5)
-
6

2013
$m
6
5
(4)
(1)
6

2014
$m
6
5
(5)
-
6

2013
$m
5
5
(3)
(1)
6

244 

2014 Westpac Group Annual Report 

  
 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 
                 
                 
                 
                   
                 
                   
                 
                   
                   
                   
                   
 
 
 
Notes to the financial statements 

Note 28. Fair values of financial assets and liabilities (continued) 
Fair value of financial instruments 
Financial assets and financial liabilities are measured on an ongoing basis either at fair value or at amortised cost. AASB 7 
Financial Instruments: Disclosures requires the disclosure of the fair value of those financial instruments not already carried at 
fair value in the balance sheet. The fair value is the amount for which an asset could be exchanged, or a liability settled, in an 
arm’s length transaction between knowledgeable, willing parties. The fair value disclosure does not cover those instruments 
that are not considered to be financial instruments from an accounting perspective, such as income tax and intangible assets. 

The following table summarises the estimated fair values and fair value hierarchy of the Group and the Parent Entity financial 
instruments not measured at fair value as at 30 September 2014: 

Consolidated

2014
Fair Value

Valuation
Valuation
Quoted Techniques Techniques
Market
(Market (Non-Market
Prices Observable) Observable)
(Level 3)
(Level 2)
$m
$m

(Level 1)
$m

Carrying
Amount
$m

2013

Carrying
Amount
$m

Fair
Value
$m

Total
$m

25,760

25,760

-

-

25,760

11,699

11,699

7,424
16
571,013

1,528
5,093
610,834

18,636
411,186
142,709
10,858
6,852
590,241

3,830
-
-

-
-
29,590

3,876
-
-
-
-
3,876

2,177
-
-

1,528
5,093
8,798

1,417
16
571,273

-
-
572,706

14,760
408,398
144,337
10,858
6,852
585,205

-
3,434
-
-
-
3,434

7,424
16
571,273

1,528
5,093
611,094

18,636
411,832
144,337
10,858
6,852
592,515

11,210
12
525,288

1,571
3,750
553,530

8,836
382,467
129,993
9,330
7,780
538,406

11,210
12
525,947

1,571
3,750
554,189

8,836
383,669
132,058
9,374
7,780
541,717

Financial assets not measured at 
fair value
Cash and balances with central banks
Receivables due from other 
financial institutions
Available for sale securities
Loans
Regulatory deposits with central 
banks overseas
Other financial assets
Total financial assets
Financial liabilities not measured at 
fair value
Payables due to other financial institutions  
Deposits and other borrowings
Debt issues 
Loan capital
Other financial liabilities
Total financial liabilities

2014 Westpac Group Annual Report 

245 

 
 
 
 
 
 
      
      
                
                
      
      
      
        
        
        
        
        
      
      
             
                
                
             
             
             
             
    
                
                
    
    
    
    
        
                
        
                
        
        
        
        
                
        
                
        
        
        
    
      
        
    
    
    
    
      
        
      
                
      
        
        
    
                
    
        
    
    
    
    
                
    
                
    
    
    
      
                
      
                
      
        
        
        
                
        
                
        
        
        
    
        
    
        
    
    
    
 
 
 
 
Note 28. Fair values of financial assets and liabilities (continued) 

Parent Entity

2014
Fair Value

Valuation
Valuation
Quoted Techniques Techniques
Market
(Market (Non-Market
Prices Observable) Observable)
(Level 3)
(Level 2)
$m
$m

(Level 1)
$m

Carrying
Amount
$m

2013

Carrying
Amount
$m

Fair
Value
$m

Total
$m

23,400

23,400

-

-

23,400

9,509

9,509

5,483
16
496,274

1,389
140,098
4,527
671,187

18,411
365,522
121,531
135,066
10,858
5,948
657,336

3,686
-
-

-
-
-
27,086

3,842
-
-
-
-
-
3,842

1,797
-
-

1,389
-
4,527
7,713

14,569
364,946
123,024
-
10,858
5,948
519,345

-
16
496,485

-
140,098
-
636,599

-
1,183
-
135,066
-
-
136,249

5,483
16
496,485

1,389
140,098
4,527
671,398

18,411
366,129
123,024
135,066
10,858
5,948
659,436

9,317
4
460,781

1,463
119,038
3,224
603,336

8,738
339,555
110,404
120,553
9,330
7,044
595,624

9,317
4
461,376

1,463
119,038
3,224
603,931

8,738
340,692
112,266
120,553
9,374
7,044
598,667

Financial assets not measured at 
fair value
Cash and balances with central banks
Receivables due from other 
financial institutions
Available for sale securities
Loans
Regulatory deposits with central 
banks overseas
Due from subsidiaries
Other financial assets
Total financial assets
Financial liabilities not measured at 
fair value
Payables due to other financial institutions  
Deposits and other borrowings
Debt issues 
Due to subsidiaries
Loan capital
Other financial liabilities
Total financial liabilities

For financial instruments not measured at fair value on a recurring basis in the balance sheet, fair value has been derived 
as follows: 

Loans 
The carrying value of loans is net of individually and collectively assessed provisions for impairment charges. The fair value of 
loans is based on observable market transactions, where available. In the absence of observable market transactions, fair 
value is estimated using discounted cash flow models. For variable rate loans, the discount rate used is the current effective 
interest rate. The discount rate applied for fixed rate loans reflects the market rate for the maturity of the loan and the credit 
worthiness of the borrower. 

Deposits and other borrowings 
Deposits by customers’ accounts are grouped by maturity. Fair values of deposit liabilities payable on demand (interest free, 
interest bearing and savings deposits) approximate their carrying value. Fair values for term deposits are estimated using 
discounted cash flows, applying market rates offered for deposits of similar remaining maturities. 

Debt issues and loan capital 
Fair values are calculated using a discounted cash flow model. The discount rates applied reflect the terms of the instruments, 
the timing of the estimated cash flows and are adjusted for any changes in Westpac’s credit spreads. 

Other financial assets and liabilities 
For all other financial assets and liabilities, the carrying value approximates to the fair value. These items are either short-term 
in nature, re-price frequently or are of a high credit rating. 

246 

2014 Westpac Group Annual Report 

  
 
 
 
 
 
 
      
      
                
                
      
        
        
        
        
        
                
        
        
        
             
                
                
             
             
               
               
    
                
                
    
    
    
    
        
                
        
                
        
        
        
    
                
                
    
    
    
    
        
                
        
                
        
        
        
    
      
        
    
    
    
    
      
        
      
                
      
        
        
    
                
    
        
    
    
    
    
                
    
                
    
    
    
    
                
                
    
    
    
    
      
                
      
                
      
        
        
        
                
        
                
        
        
        
    
        
    
    
    
    
    
 
 
 
Notes to the financial statements 

Note 29. Derivative financial instruments 
Derivative contracts include forwards, futures, swaps and options, whose values derive from the value of an underlying asset, 
reference rate or index. Derivatives are flexible and cost-effective tools for assisting in the management of interest rate, 
exchange rate, commodity, credit and equity exposures. 

The Group uses derivatives in two distinct capacities: as a trader, and as an end-user as part of its asset and liability 
management activities. 

Trading 
As a trader, the Group’s primary objective is to derive income as a market maker from the sale of derivatives to meet Westpac’s 
customers’ needs. The Group also undertakes risk management activities to manage risks arising from the balance sheet. The 
market making process provides liquidity in key markets in which the Group operates. The Group also trades on its own 
account to take advantage of market opportunities. These activities represent a limited part of the Group’s derivative activities. 

The Group uses hedge accounting techniques where possible to eliminate the volatility which would otherwise arise due to 
accounting mismatches. 

Hedging 
Hedging the Group’s exposures to interest rate, credit and foreign exchange rate risk is undertaken in the normal course of 
business by using derivatives. This activity is principally carried out by Treasury within the risk management framework of 
limits, practices and procedures set and overseen by RISKCO. 

The hedge accounting strategy adopted by Westpac is to utilise a combination of cash flow, fair value and net investment 
hedge approaches. Some hedging relationships do not meet the criteria for hedge accounting as defined under AASB 139 
Financial Instruments: Recognition and Measurement. Derivatives used in these relationships are accounted for in the same 
way as derivatives held for trading. This includes the management of risks associated with future New Zealand dollar earnings 
and the management of credit risk exposures in Westpac’s lending portfolio. 

a.  Fair value hedges 

The Group hedges a proportion of its interest rate risk and foreign exchange risk from debt issuances using single currency and 
cross-currency interest rate derivatives. The Group also hedges part of its interest rate risk from fixed rate assets denominated 
both in local and foreign currencies using interest rate derivatives designated as fair value hedges. 

For the Group, the change in the fair value of hedging instruments designated in fair value hedges was $287 million gain 
(2013: $249 million gain) while the change in the fair value of hedged items attributed to the hedge risk was a $323 million loss 
(2013: $244 million loss). 

For the Parent Entity, the change in the fair value of hedging instruments designated in fair value hedges was $304 million gain 
(2013: $205 million gain) while the change in the fair value of hedged items attributed to the hedge risk was $342 million loss 
(2013: $202 million loss). 

All gains or losses associated with the ineffective portion of fair value hedge relationships are recognised as ‘interest income’ in 
the income statement. The amount recognised for this period was $36 million loss (2013: $6 million gain) for the Group and 
$38 million loss (2013: $4 million gain) for the Parent Entity. 

b.  Cash flow hedges 

Exposure to the volatility of interest cash flows from floating rate customer deposits, at call balances and loans is hedged 
through the use of interest rate derivatives. 

Exposure to foreign currency principal and interest cash flows from floating rate debt issuances is hedged through the use of 
cross-currency derivatives. 

Underlying cash flows from cash flow hedges are, as a proportion of total cash flows, expected to occur in the following periods: 

2014
Cash inflows (assets)
Cash outflows (liabilities)
2013
Cash inflows (assets)
Cash outflows (liabilities)

Less Than
1 Month

1 Month to
3 Months

3 Months
to 1 Year

1 Year to
2 Years

2 Years to
3 Years

3 Years to
4 Years

4 Years to
5 Years

Over
5 Years

1.5%
1.5%

6.8%
6.5%

14.9%
16.9%

6.5%
6.8%

30.5%
29.7%

35.4%
36.1%

19.0%
18.9%

29.8%
30.2%

24.2%
23.9%

10.3%
9.9%

4.7%
4.6%

5.8%
5.7%

2.9%
2.6%

3.5%
3.4%

2.2%
1.9%

1.8%
1.4%  

2014 Westpac Group Annual Report 

247 

 
 
 
Note 29. Derivative financial instruments (continued) 
For the Group, a loss on cashflow hedges of $22 million was recognised due to hedge ineffectiveness (2013: $25 million gain). 
For the Parent Entity, a loss on cashflow hedges of $23 million was recognised due to hedge ineffectiveness 
(2013: $25 million gain). Both were recognised immediately in interest income in the income statement. 

c.  Dual fair value and cash flow hedges 

Fixed rate foreign currency denominated debt is hedged using cross-currency interest rate derivatives, designated as fair value 
hedges of foreign interest rates and cash flow hedges of foreign exchange rates. 

d.  Net investment hedges 

For both the Group and Parent Entity, ineffectiveness arising from hedges of net investments in foreign operations and 
recognised in non-interest income in the income statement amounted to nil (2013: nil). The Group hedges the majority of the 
currency translation risk of net investments in foreign operations through foreign exchange forward contracts. 

The notional amount and fair value of derivative instruments held for trading and designated in hedge relationships are set out 
in the following tables: 

Consolidated

30 September 2014
Fair Value
Asset
$m

Fair Value
Liability
$m

Notional
$m

30 September 2013

Notional
$m

Fair Value
Asset
$m

Fair Value
Liability
$m

Held for trading
Interest rate:
Futures1
Forwards
Swaps
Options

Foreign exchange:

Forwards
Swaps
Options
Commodities
Equities
Credit
Total held for trading derivatives
Fair value hedges
Interest rate:
Swaps2

Foreign exchange:

Swaps2,3

Total fair value hedging derivatives
Cash flow hedges
Interest rate:
Swaps2

Foreign exchange:

94,187
159,695
1,845,234
106,950

747,207
339,902
34,144
3,426
313
32,684
3,363,742

-
15
14,722
311

10,092
11,592
498
133
6
205
37,574

-
(14)
(13,888)
(339)

(8,873)
(9,964)
(486)
(137)
(4)
(223)
(33,928)

137,682
175,276
1,290,282
78,677

473,838
285,218
31,003
3,466
378
50,741
2,526,561

-
35
13,313
152

4,193
6,038
416
117
9
266
24,539

-
(49)
(13,194)
(109)

(4,889)
(6,938)
(440)
(106)
(8)
(296)
(26,029)

46,933

402

(2,199)

40,704

606

(1,945)

34,534
81,467

2,279
2,681

(1,789)
(3,988)

27,821
68,525

1,586
2,192

(2,418)
(4,363)

106,618

996

(591)

107,075

1,464

(829)

Swaps2,3

10,974
117,592
Total cash flow hedging derivatives
6,540
Net investment hedges
3,569,341
Total derivatives
1  The fair value differential of futures contracts are settled daily with the exchange. The notional balance represents open contracts as at 

10,545
117,620
5,674
2,718,380

(980)
(1,571)
(52)
(39,539)

94
1,090
59
41,404

153
1,617
8
28,356

(1,692)
(2,521)
(77)
(32,990)

30 September. 

2  The unrealised foreign exchange gains or loss on derivatives in hedge relationships are substantially offset by the retranslation at spot exchange 

3 

rates of the foreign currency denominated debt being hedged, which affects profit and loss in the current year. 
Included within foreign exchange swaps in fair value hedging derivatives are derivatives designated in both cash flow and fair value hedge 
relationships under the dual designation strategy. 

248 

2014 Westpac Group Annual Report 

  
 
 
 
Note 29. Derivative financial instruments (continued) 

Parent Entity

Notes to the financial statements 

30 September 2014
Fair Value
Asset
$m

Fair Value
Liability
$m

Notional
$m

30 September 2013

Notional
$m

Fair Value
Asset
$m

Fair Value
Liability
$m

Held for trading
Interest rate:
Futures1
Forwards
Swaps
Options

Foreign exchange:

Forwards
Swaps
Options
Commodities
Equities
Credit
Total held for trading derivatives
Fair value hedges
Interest rate:
Swaps2

Foreign exchange:

Swaps2,3

Total fair value hedging derivatives
Cash flow hedges
Interest rate:
Swaps2

Foreign exchange:

94,187
159,695
1,863,530
106,925

744,871
347,181
34,144
3,425
313
32,684
3,386,955

-
15
14,764
311

10,073
11,789
498
133
6
205
37,794

-
(14)
(13,953)
(339)

(8,831)
(10,405)
(486)
(137)
(4)
(223)
(34,392)

137,682
175,276
1,301,903
78,677

474,535
285,883
31,003
3,466
378
50,741
2,539,544

-
35
13,373
152

4,191
6,046
416
117
9
266
24,605

-
(49)
(13,227)
(109)

(4,893)
(7,052)
(440)
(106)
(8)
(296)
(26,180)

42,190

398

(2,109)

36,848

633

(1,838)

25,562
67,752

2,015
2,413

(1,360)
(3,469)

24,868
61,716

1,578
2,211

(2,230)
(4,068)

90,105

952

(532)

97,567

1,428

(801)

Swaps2,3

7,126
97,231
Total cash flow hedging derivatives
5,975
Net investment hedges
3,557,913
Total derivatives
1  The fair value differential of futures contracts are settled daily with the exchange. The notional balance represents open contracts as at 

8,246
105,813
4,977
2,712,050

(698)
(1,230)
(50)
(39,141)

153
1,581
8
28,405

94
1,046
54
41,307

(1,318)
(2,119)
(71)
(32,438)

30 September. 

2  The unrealised foreign exchange gains or loss on derivatives in hedge relationships are substantially offset by the retranslation at spot exchange 

3 

rates of the foreign currency denominated debt being hedged, which affects profit and loss in the current year. 
Included within foreign exchange swaps in fair value hedging derivatives are derivatives designated in both cash flow and fair value hedge 
relationships under the dual designation strategy. 

Credit derivatives 
Through the use of credit derivatives, the Group is exposed to or protected from the risk of default of the underlying entity 
referenced by the derivative, dependant on whether the Group is a purchaser or seller of credit protection. The primary credit 
derivatives used by the Group are CDSs, which are predominantly executed with other financial institutions. 

2014 Westpac Group Annual Report 

249 

 
  
      
     
   
      
     
       
        
       
        
        
       
       
        
       
      
        
       
          
               
            
  
      
     
   
      
     
 
 
 
Note 29. Derivative financial instruments (continued) 
Credit derivatives are primarily entered into to facilitate institutional customer transactions and to manage our credit risk 
exposures. The notional amount and fair value of credit derivatives are presented in the following tables: 

Consolidated

2013

Fair Value
Asset
$m
22
244
266

2013

Fair Value
Asset
$m
22
244
266

Fair Value
Liability
$m
(256)
(40)
(296)  

Fair Value
Liability
$m
(256)
(40)
(296)  

Fair Value
Liability
$m
Credit protection bought1
(212)
Credit protection sold
(11)
Total2
(223)
1  Counterparties to derivatives relating to credit protection bought are predominantly financial institutions. 
2  The table above does not include total return swaps included with credit derivatives in the previous table. 

Notional
$m
16,703
15,981
32,684

2014
Fair Value
Asset
$m
6
199
205

Notional
$m
25,576
25,165
50,741

Fair Value
Liability
$m
Credit protection bought1
(212)
Credit protection sold
(11)
Total2
(223)
1  Counterparties to derivatives relating to credit protection bought are predominantly financial institutions. 
2  The table above does not include total return swaps included with credit derivatives in the previous table. 

Notional
$m
16,703
15,981
32,684

2014
Fair Value
Asset
$m
6
199
205

Notional
$m
25,576
25,165
50,741

Parent Entity

250 

2014 Westpac Group Annual Report 

  
 
 
Notes to the financial statements 

Note 30. Offsetting financial assets and financial liabilities 
Financial assets and financial liabilities are presented on a net basis on the balance sheet when they meet the offsetting criteria 
described in Note 1(e)(ii). 

The following tables provide information on the impact of offsetting, as well as amounts subject to enforceable master netting 
agreements or similar arrangements that do not qualify for offsetting in the balance sheets. The tables exclude amounts not 
subject to offsetting or enforceable netting arrangements and therefore may not tie back to the balance sheet. 

The amounts presented in this note do not represent the credit risk exposure of the Consolidated or Parent Entity. Refer to 
Note 27.2 for information on credit risk management. 

Consolidated 

Effects of 
Offsetting on Balance Sheet

Amounts Subject to Enforceable 
Netting Arrangements But Not Offset

Net 
Amounts 
Reported on 
the Balance 
Sheet
$m

Other 
Recognised 
Financial 
Instruments
$m

Gross 
Amounts
$m

Amounts 
Offset
$m

Cash 
Collateral
$m

Financial 
Instrument 
Collateral Net Amount
$m

$m

2014

Assets
Receivables due from other financial 
institutions1
Derivative financial instruments
Securities purchased under agreement 
to resell2
Loans3
Total assets
Liabilities
Derivative financial instruments
Securities sold under agreement to 
repurchase4
Deposits and other borrowings3
Total liabilities

2013

Assets
Receivables due from other financial 
institutions1
Derivative financial instruments
Securities purchased under agreement 
to resell2
Loans3
Total assets
Liabilities
Derivative financial instruments
Securities sold under agreement to 
repurchase4
Deposits and other borrowings3
Total liabilities

28
41,404

6,275
11,898
59,605

39,539

23,520
18,031
81,090

46
28,356

6,882
14,096
49,380

32,990

7,966
19,090
60,046

-
-

-
(11,801)
(11,801)

28
41,404

6,275
97
47,804

-
(27,241)

-
-
(27,241)

-
(3,866)

(22)
-
(3,888)

(26)
(92)

(6,253)
-
(6,371)

2
10,205

-
97
10,304

-

39,539

(27,241)

(3,861)

(1,638)

6,799

-
(11,801)
(11,801)

23,520
6,230
69,289

-
-
(27,241)

(33)
-
(3,894)

(23,487)
-
(25,125)

-
6,230
13,029

-
-

-
(13,920)
(13,920)

46
28,356

6,882
176
35,460

-
(20,453)

-
-
(20,453)

-
(1,136)

(81)
-
(1,217)

(44)
(36)

(6,801)
-
(6,881)

2
6,731

-
176
6,909

-

32,990

(20,453)

(7,001)

(177)

5,359

-
(13,920)
(13,920)

7,966
5,170
46,126

-
-
(20,453)

(9)
-
(7,010)

(7,957)
-
(8,134)

-
5,170
10,529  

1  Consists of stock borrowing arrangements, reported as part of cash collateral in Receivables due from other financial institutions (Note 8). 
2  Securities purchased under agreement to resell forms part of trading securities and other financial assets designated at fair value (Note 9). 
3  Consists of debt and interest set-off accounts which meet the requirements for offsetting as described in Note 1(e)(ii). These accounts form part of 

overdrafts in Loans (Note 11) and deposits and other borrowings at amortised costs in Deposits and other borrowings (Note 18). 

4  Securities sold under agreement to repurchase forms part of Payables due to other financial institutions, recognised at amortised cost (Note 17) and 

Other financial liabilities at fair value through income statement (Note 19). 

2014 Westpac Group Annual Report 

251 

 
 
Note 30. Offsetting financial assets and financial liabilities (continued) 
Parent Entity 

Effects of 
Offsetting on Balance Sheet

Amounts Subject to Enforceable 
Netting Arrangements But Not Offset

Net 
Amounts 
Reported on 
the Balance 
Sheet
$m

Other 
Recognised 
Financial 
Instruments
$m

Gross 
Amounts
$m

Amounts 
Offset
$m

Cash 
Collateral
$m

Financial 
Instrument 
Collateral Net Amount
$m

$m

2014

Assets
Receivables due from other financial 
institutions1
Derivative financial instruments
Securities purchased under agreement 
to resell2
Loans3
Total assets
Liabilities
Derivative financial instruments
Securities sold under agreement to 
repurchase4
Deposits and other borrowings3
Total liabilities

2013

Assets
Receivables due from other financial 
institutions1
Derivative financial instruments
Securities purchased under agreement 
to resell2
Loans3
Total assets
Liabilities
Derivative financial instruments
Securities sold under agreement to 
repurchase4
Deposits and other borrowings3
Total liabilities

28
41,307

6,275
11,898
59,508

39,141

23,439
18,031
80,611

46
28,405

6,882
14,096
49,429

32,438

7,966
19,090
59,494

-
-

-
(11,801)
(11,801)

28
41,307

6,275
97
47,707

-
(27,086)

-
-
(27,086)

-
(3,831)

(22)
-
(3,853)

(26)
(92)

(6,253)
-
(6,371)

2
10,298

-
97
10,397

-

39,141

(27,086)

(3,717)

(1,638)

6,700

-
(11,801)
(11,801)

23,439
6,230
68,810

-
-
(27,086)

(33)
-
(3,750)

(23,406)
-
(25,044)

-
6,230
12,930

-
-

-
(13,920)
(13,920)

46
28,405

6,882
176
35,509

-
(20,448)

-
-
(20,448)

-
(1,136)

(81)
-
(1,217)

(44)
(36)

(6,801)
-
(6,881)

2
6,785

-
176
6,963

-

32,438

(20,448)

(6,850)

(177)

4,963

-
(13,920)
(13,920)

7,966
5,170
45,574

-
-
(20,448)

(9)
-
(6,859)

(7,957)
-
(8,134)

-
5,170
10,133  

1  Consists of stock borrowing arrangements, reported as part of cash collateral in Receivables due from other financial institutions (Note 8). 
2  Securities purchased under agreement to resell forms part of trading securities and other financial assets designated at fair value (Note 9). 
3  Consists of debt and interest set-off accounts which meet the requirements for offsetting as described in Note 1(e)(ii). These accounts form part of 

overdrafts in Loans (Note 11) and deposits and other borrowings at amortised costs in Deposits and other borrowings (Note 18). 

4  Securities sold under agreement to repurchase forms part of Payables due to other financial institutions, recognised at amortised cost (Note 17) and 

Other financial liabilities at fair value through income statement (Note 19). 

Effects of offsetting on balance sheet 
Amounts are offset in accordance with the criteria described in Note 1(e)(ii) and are limited to the gross carrying values of the 
financial instrument. 

252 

2014 Westpac Group Annual Report 

  
 
 
Notes to the financial statements 

Note 30. Offsetting financial assets and financial liabilities (continued) 
Amounts subject to enforceable netting arrangements but not offset 
Other recognised financial instruments discloses financial assets and liabilities recognised on balance sheet that are not offset 
but are subject to enforceable master netting agreements whereby the rights of set-off and close-out netting can be applied in 
the event of default, or if other predetermined events occur. 

Cash collateral and financial instrument collateral discloses amounts received or pledged in relation to the gross amount of 
assets and liabilities. Financial instrument collateral is reflected at its fair value. These forms of collateral are also subject to 
enforceable netting arrangements but are not offset due to the collateral being realised only in the event of default or if other 
predetermined events occur. 

For the purposes of disclosure, the amounts subject to enforceable netting arrangements but not offset has been limited to the 
net amounts of financial assets/(liabilities) presented on the balance sheet so to not include over-collateralisation. As a result, 
the amounts for cash collateral and financial instruments collateral may not equal the tables disclosed in the ‘Assets pledged’ 
and ‘Collateral received’ sections under Note 37. 

The offsetting and collateral arrangements and other credit risk mitigation strategies used by the Group are further explained in 
the ‘Management of risk mitigation’ section under Note 27. 

Note 31. Capital adequacy 
APRA has responsibility for the prudential supervision of ADIs, life and general insurance companies and superannuation funds 
in Australia. Westpac is an ADI. 

Australia’s risk-based capital adequacy guidelines are generally consistent but not completely aligned with the approach agreed 
upon by the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision (BCBS). APRA has exercised its discretion in applying the Basel 
framework to Australian ADIs, resulting in a more conservative approach than the minimum standards published by the BCBS. 
APRA also introduced the new standards from 1 January 2013 with no phasing in of higher capital requirements as allowed by 
BCBS. The application of these discretions act to reduce reported capital ratios relative to those reported in other jurisdictions. 

Under APRA’s implementation of Basel III, Australian banks are required to maintain a minimum Common Equity Tier 1 Capital 
ratio of at least 4.5%, Tier 1 Capital ratio of 6.0% and Total Regulatory Capital ratio of 8.0%. Subject to certain limitations, 
Common Equity Tier 1 capital consists of paid-up share capital, retained profits and certain reserves, less the deduction of 
certain intangible assets, capitalised expenses and software, and investments and retained earnings in insurance and funds 
management subsidiaries that are not consolidated for capital adequacy purposes. Tier 1 Capital is the sum of Common Equity 
Tier 1 Capital and Additional Tier 1 Capital. Additional Tier 1 Capital comprises high quality components of capital that consists 
of securities not included in Common Equity Tier 1 Capital but which include loss absorbing characteristics. Total Regulatory 
Capital is the sum of Tier 1 and Tier 2 Capital. Tier 2 Capital includes other components of capital that, to varying degrees, fall 
short of the quality of Tier 1 Capital, but nonetheless contribute to the overall strength of an ADI and its capacity to 
absorb losses. 

Westpac’s capital ratios are significantly above APRA minimum capital adequacy requirements. Westpac is required to inform 
APRA immediately of any breach or potential breach of its minimum prudential capital adequacy requirements, including details 
of remedial action taken or planned to be taken. 

Capital management strategy 
Westpac’s approach seeks to balance the fact that capital is an expensive form of funding with the need to be adequately 
capitalised as an ADI. Westpac considers the need to balance efficiency, flexibility and adequacy when determining sufficiency 
of capital and when developing capital management plans. 

Westpac evaluates these considerations through an Internal Capital Adequacy Assessment Process (ICAAP), the key features 
of which include: 

  the development of a capital management strategy, including preferred capital range, capital buffers and contingency plans; 
  consideration of both economic and regulatory capital requirements; 
  a process that challenges the capital measures, coverage and requirements which incorporates amongst other things, the 

impact of adverse economic scenarios; and 

  consideration of the perspectives of external stakeholders including rating agencies and equity and debt investors. 

2014 Westpac Group Annual Report 

253 

 
Note 32. Securitisation and covered bonds 
Westpac derives rewards and has exposure to risks from various forms of securitisation structures: 

  own asset securitisation; and 
  customer funding conduits. 

Own assets securitised 
Securitisation is a funding, liquidity and capital management tool. Securitisation provides Westpac the option to liquefy a pool of 
assets and increase the Group’s wholesale funding capacity. Westpac may provide arm’s length facilities to the securitisation 
vehicles. The facilities entered into typically include the provision of liquidity, funding and derivative contracts. 

Where the Parent Entity and the Group have continuing involvement with the securitisation vehicle, through ongoing exposure 
to the risks and rewards associated with the assets, the provision of derivatives, liquidity facilities and trust management and 
operational services, the originated assets remain recognised on the balance sheet for accounting purposes. These 
securitisation vehicles are consolidated as Westpac is exposed or has the right to variable returns and has the ability to effect 
its returns through its power over these securitisation vehicles. 

Customer funding conduits 
The Group arranges funding for certain customer transactions through a securitisation conduit (Waratah Receivables 
Corporation Limited and other related structured entities) that provides customers with access to funding from commercial 
paper markets. Given that Westpac provides liquidity, credit enhancements, foreign exchange facilities and management and 
operational services, it is deemed to have exposure to the associated risks and rewards. The conduits are consolidated as the 
Group is exposed or has the right to variable returns and has the ability to effect its returns through its power over the conduits. 

Revenue from securitisation structures 
Fee income 
Westpac receives a market-based fee or margin in return for its services as trust manager, servicer, foreign exchange 
counterparty and facilities provider. 

Securitisation risk management 
Credit exposure 
Where relevant, counterparty exposure arising from funding, liquidity, credit support and funding facilities, foreign exchange and 
swap arrangements for both own asset securitisation and customer funding conduits are approved within the Group’s normal 
credit process and are captured and monitored in key source systems along with other facilities and derivatives entered into 
by Westpac. 

Market risk 
Exposures arising from transactions with securitisation conduits and other counterparties are captured as part of Westpac’s 
traded and non-traded market risk reporting and limit management framework. 

The interest rate and basis risk generated by Westpac’s provision of hedge arrangements to securitisation vehicles are 
captured and managed in Westpac’s ALM framework. The risk generated by Westpac’s provision of liquidity and redraw 
facilities to own asset vehicles is captured and managed within Treasury’s liquidity risk policies along with all other contingent 
liquidity facilities. 

Funding and liquidity management 
Exposure to and the impact of securitisation transactions are managed under the Market and Liquidity Risk Management 
Framework and are integrated into routine reporting for capital and liquidity positions, net interest margin analysis, balance 
sheet forecasting and funding scenario testing. The Group’s funding plan incorporates consideration of overall liquidity risk 
limits and the level of securitisation of Westpac originated assets. Westpac provided undrawn liquidity facilities to the customer 
funding conduit of $1,416 million at 30 September 2014 (30 September 2013: $1,784 million). Similarly undrawn funding and 
liquidity facilities of $371 million were provided by Westpac (30 September 2013: $532 million) for the securitisation of its 
own assets. 

254 

2014 Westpac Group Annual Report 

  
Note 32. Securitisation and covered bonds (continued) 
The table below presents assets securitised by the Group: 

Notes to the financial statements 

Residential mortgage
Auto and equipment finance
Other assets securitised
Other1
Total 
1  This reflects cash held by the own asset securitisation vehicles. 

Own Assets
$m
9,572
1,348
-
665
11,585

2014
Customer
Conduits
$m
1,417
-
-
-
1,417

Consolidated

Total
$m
10,989
1,348
-
665
13,002

Own Assets
$m
9,483
925
-
412
10,820

2013
Customer
Conduits
$m
1,710
-
75
-
1,785

Total
$m
11,193
925
75
412
12,605  

The table below presents assets securitised by the Parent Entity: 

Parent Entity

Own Assets1
$m
83,090
7,326
90,416

2014
Customer
Conduits
$m
-
-
-

Total
$m
83,090
7,326
90,416

Own Assets1
$m
71,658
5,532
77,190

2013
Customer
Conduits
$m
-
-
-

Total
$m
71,658
5,532
77,190  

Residential mortgage
Other2
Total 
1  Own assets securitised by the Parent Entity include internal mortgage backed securitisation of $79,500 million (2013: $66,535 million) which are 

available for external issuance and $73,950 million (2013: $61,845 million) qualifies for repurchase with the RBA. 

2  This reflects cash held by the own asset securitisation vehicles. 

The table below presents the underlying liabilities of the Group as a result of the securitisation of assets: 

Notes issued

Own Assets
$m
11,276

2014
Customer
Conduits
$m
1,418

Consolidated

Total
$m
12,694

Own Assets
$m
10,372

2013
Customer
Conduits
$m
1,772

The table below presents the underlying liabilities of the Parent Entity as a result of the securitisation of assets: 

Due to subsidiaries

Own Assets
$m
89,135

2014
Customer
Conduits
$m
-

Parent Entity

Total
$m
89,135

Own Assets
$m
76,741

2013
Customer
Conduits
$m
-

Total
$m
12,144  

Total
$m
76,741  

Certain own asset securitisation and customer funding conduit notes have been issued in foreign currencies and have been 
translated to Australian dollars using the spot foreign exchange rate on the balance sheet date. These foreign exchange 
exposures are fully hedged with foreign exchange derivatives. Associated derivatives are not presented in the tables above and 
explain the mismatch between assets securitised and notes issued. 

2014 Westpac Group Annual Report 

255 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Note 32. Securitisation and covered bonds (continued) 
The table below presents the fair value of own assets securitised and underlying liabilities as a result of the securitisation of 
assets for the Consolidated Group and Parent Entity: 

Residential mortgage
Auto and equipment finance
Other
Fair value of assets securitised
Notes issued
Fair value of underlying liabilities
Net fair value

Consolidated

2014
$m
9,580
1,374
665
11,619
11,295
11,295
324

2013
$m
9,495
943
412
10,850
10,353
10,353
497

Parent Entity
2014
$m
83,143
-
7,326
90,469
90,232
90,232
237

2013
$m
71,753
-
5,532
77,285
76,159
76,159
1,126

Covered bonds 
The Group has two covered bond programs: one utilises Australian residential mortgages (Australian Program) and one utilises 
New Zealand residential mortgages (New Zealand Program). Pursuant to these programs, selected pools of residential 
mortgages are assigned to bankruptcy remote structured entities. These provide unconditional and irrevocable guarantees of 
the related covered bonds that are issued by members of the Group. As such, the covered bondholders have recourse to the 
issuer of the covered bond and, in the event that the issuer fails to make a payment when due, to the covered bond 
structured entities. 

The Group has continuing involvement with the covered bond structured entities as it is exposed to the risks and rewards 
associated with the pools of residential mortgages (including by way of the derivatives it has entered into with the structured 
entities). Accordingly, for accounting purposes, the structured entities are consolidated entities of the Group. 

As at 30 September 2014, the carrying value of covered bonds on issue was $26,168 million (2013: $18,140 million) for the 
Group and $23,167 million (2013: $16,229 million) for the Parent Entity. The carrying value of assets pledged for the covered 
bond programs was $39,314 million (2013: $34,244 million) for the Group and $35,276 million (2013: $30,232 million) for the 
Parent Entity. The difference between the carrying value of covered bonds on issue and the carrying value of assets pledged 
for the covered bond programs includes the amount of over-collateralisation required to maintain the ratings of the covered 
bonds on issue and additional assets primarily to allow for future issuance of covered bonds without delay. The additional 
assets that allow for future issuance can be repurchased by Westpac at its discretion, subject to the conditions set out in the 
transaction documents. 

256 

2014 Westpac Group Annual Report 

  
 
 
 
Notes to the financial statements 

Note 33. Group segment information 
The accounting standard AASB 8 Operating Segments requires segment results to be presented on a basis that is consistent 
with information provided internally to Westpac’s key decision makers. 

In assessing financial performance, including divisional results, Westpac uses a measure of performance referred to as 
‘cash earnings’. 

Cash earnings is not a measure of cash flow or net profit determined on a cash accounting basis, as it includes non-cash items 
reflected in net profit determined in accordance with AAS. The specific adjustments include both cash and non-cash items. 
Cash earnings, as calculated by Westpac, is viewed as a measure of the level of profit that is generated by ongoing operations 
and is therefore available for distribution to shareholders. 

Management believes this allows the Group to more effectively assess performance for the current period against prior periods 
and to compare performance across business divisions and across peer companies. 

Three categories of adjustments are made to statutory results to determine cash earnings: 
  material items that key decision makers at Westpac believe do not reflect ongoing operations; 
  items that are not considered when dividends are recommended, such as the amortisation of intangibles, impact of Treasury 

shares and economic hedging impacts; and 

  accounting reclassifications between individual line items that do not impact statutory results, such as policyholder 

tax recoveries1. 

The basis of segment reporting reflects the management of the business, rather than the legal structure of the Group. The 
operating segment results have been presented on a management reporting basis and consequently internal charges and 
transfer pricing adjustments have been reflected in the performance of each operating segment. Inter-segment pricing is 
determined on an arm’s length basis. 

Reportable operating segments 
The operating segments are defined by the customers they service and the services they provide: 

  Australian Financial Services (AFS) is responsible for the Westpac Group’s Australian retail banking, business banking and 

wealth operations. It incorporates the operations of: 
–  Westpac Retail & Business Banking (Westpac RBB), which is responsible for sales and service for consumer, small-to-

medium enterprise (SME), commercial and agribusiness customers (with turnover of up to $100 million) in Australia under 
the Westpac brand; 

–  St.George Banking Group (St.George), which is responsible for sales and service to consumer, SME and corporate 

customers (businesses with facilities up to $150 million) in Australia under the St.George, BankSA, Bank of Melbourne 
and RAMS2 brands; 

–  BT Financial Group (Australia) (BTFG), which is Westpac’s Australian wealth division. Its operations include funds 
management and insurance solutions. BTFG’s brands include Advance Asset Management, Ascalon, Asgard, BT, 
BT Investment Management (BTIM)3, Licensee Select, BT Select, Securitor, and the advice, private banking and 
insurance operations of Bank of Melbourne, BankSA, St.George and Westpac. 

AFS also includes the product, marketing and risk management responsibilities for Australian retail banking and wealth. 

  Westpac Institutional Bank (WIB) delivers a broad range of financial services to commercial, corporate, institutional and 
government customers with connections to Australia and New Zealand. Customers are supported through branches and 
subsidiaries located in Australia, New Zealand, Asia, US and UK; 

  Westpac New Zealand is responsible for sales and service of banking, wealth and insurance products for consumers, 

business and institutional customers in New Zealand. Banking products are provided under the Westpac and WIB brands 
while insurance and wealth products are provided under Westpac Life and BT brands respectively. 

Other divisions in the Group include: 

  Westpac Pacific, which provides banking services for retail and business customers in seven Pacific Island Nations; 
  Group Services, which encompasses technology, banking operations, compliance, legal and property services; 
  Treasury, which is primarily focused on the management of the Group’s interest rate risk and funding requirements by 

managing the mismatch between Group assets and liabilities; 

  Core Support, which comprises those functions performed centrally including finance, risk and human resources; and 
  Group items, including earnings on capital not allocated to divisions, accounting entries for certain intra-group transactions 

that facilitate the presentation of the performance of our operating segments, earnings from non core asset sales and certain 
other head office items such as centrally raised provisions. 

1

2

3

   Policyholder tax recoveries – income and tax amounts that are grossed up to comply with the Australian Accounting Standard covering Life Insurance 

Business (policyholder tax recoveries) are reversed in deriving income and taxation expense on a cash earnings basis. 

   RAMS is a financial services group specialising in mortgages and online deposits. 

   BTIM is 61% owned by the Westpac Group and consolidated in BTFG’s Funds Management business. 

2014 Westpac Group Annual Report 

257 

 
                                                           
Note 33. Group segment information (continued) 
Comparative changes 
Prior period comparatives were restated to reflect the following: 

  Updated revenue sharing arrangements 

–  during the year the Group transferred responsibility for financial markets sales operations undertaken in St.George to 

WIB. All financial markets operations in Australia are now managed in WIB. In conjunction with this change, the Group 
simplified the allocation of revenue and expenses from institutional partnership products across the Group; and 

–  during the year BTFG simplified revenue and expense allocation with St.George and Westpac RBB. Revenue and 
expense allocations for wealth partnership products sold to AFS customers are included in BTFG financial results. 

  Inter-company loan margin charge 

An update to funds transfer pricing within Westpac New Zealand Limited (WNZL) has seen a change in income recognised 
between Westpac New Zealand and other divisions. 

  Changes to accounting policies 

The transitional impacts arising from changes to accounting policies as a result of the adoption of new and amended 
Australian Accounting Standards. A summary of quantitative impacts arising from these changes are set out in Note 1 
‘Summary of quantitative impacts’. 

The tables below present the segment results on a cash earnings basis: 

Consolidated 2014

Net interest income
Non-interest income

Net operating income before operating 
expenses and impairment charges 
Operating expenses
Impairment charges
Profit before income tax
Income tax expense
Profit attributable to non-controlling 
interests

Cash earnings for the year
Net cash earnings adjustments

Net profit attributable to owners of 
Westpac Banking Corporation

Additional information
Depreciation, amortisation and 
impairments

Balance sheet
Total assets
Total liabilities
Acquisition of property, plant and 
equipment, goodwill and other 
intangible assets

Westpac
Retail &
Business
Banking
$m
5,958
1,403

7,361
(3,233)
(437)
3,691
(1,109)

-
2,582
-

St.George
Banking
Group
$m
3,537
518

BT Financial
Group
(Australia)
$m
410
2,244

4,055
(1,560)
(236)
2,259
(679)

-
1,580
(125)

2,654
(1,322)
2
1,334
(400)

(39)
895
(22)

AFS
$m
9,905
4,165

14,070
(6,115)
(671)
7,284
(2,188)

(39)
5,057
(147)

Westpac Westpac
New

Institutional
Bank
$m
1,643
1,518

Other
Zealand Divisions
$m
493
203

$m
1,455
438

3,161
(1,207)
136
2,090
(622)

-
1,468
-

1,893
(776)
(24)
1,093
(300)

(3)
790
-

696
(148)
(91)
457
(120)

(24)
313
80

Total
$m
13,496
6,324

19,820
(8,246)
(650)
10,924
(3,230)

(66)
7,628
(67)

2,582

1,455

873

4,910

1,468

790

393

7,561

(76)

(50)

(45)

(171)

(84)

(80)

(468)

(803)

276,496
177,006

175,424
94,818

31,803
34,288

483,723
306,112

118,922
129,453

65,874
57,568

102,323
228,372

770,842
721,505

68

325

72

465

196

80

799

1,540  

258 

2014 Westpac Group Annual Report 

  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Note 33. Group segment information (continued) 

Notes to the financial statements 

Net interest income
Non-interest income
Net operating income before operating 
expenses and impairment charges 
Operating expenses
Impairment charges
Profit before income tax
Income tax expense
Profit attributable to non-controlling 
interests
Cash earnings for the year
Net cash earnings adjustments
Net profit attributable to owners of 
Westpac Banking Corporation
Additional information
Depreciation, amortisation and 
impairments
Balance sheet
Total assets
Total liabilities
Acquisition of property, plant and 
equipment, goodwill and other 
intangible assets

Net interest income
Non-interest income
Net operating income before operating 
expenses and impairment charges 
Operating expenses
Impairment charges
Profit before income tax
Income tax expense
Profit attributable to non-controlling 
interests
Cash earnings for the year
Net cash earnings adjustments
Net profit attributable to owners of 
Westpac Banking Corporation
Additional information
Depreciation, amortisation and 
impairments
Balance sheet
Total assets
Total liabilities
Acquisition of property, plant and 
equipment, goodwill and other 
intangible assets

Consolidated 2013

Westpac
Retail &
Business
Banking
$m
5,655
1,320

6,975
(3,124)
(486)
3,365
(1,010)

-
2,355
-

St.George
Banking
Group
$m
3,216
469

BT Financial
Group
(Australia)
$m
406
1,917

3,685
(1,402)
(293)
1,990
(598)

-
1,392
(128)

2,323
(1,206)
(1)
1,116
(325)

(18)
773
(22)

Westpac Westpac
New
Zealand
$m
1,281
389

Institutional
Bank
$m
1,630
1,633

Other
Divisions
$m
724
193

3,263
(1,115)
89
2,237
(662)

-
1,575
-

1,670
(697)
(97)
876
(241)

(3)
632
-

917
(215)
(59)
643
(252)

(55)
336
(162)

AFS
$m
9,277
3,706

12,983
(5,732)
(780)
6,471
(1,933)

(18)
4,520
(150)

Total
$m
12,912
5,921

18,833
(7,759)
(847)
10,227
(3,088)

(76)
7,063
(312)

2,355

1,264

751

4,370

1,575

632

174

6,751

(68)

(45)

(44)

(157)

(48)

(50)

(428)

(683)

261,880
167,005

159,770
90,141

32,210
33,932

453,860
291,078

97,247
115,347

61,469
53,882

88,521
193,253

701,097
653,560

66

28

82

176

104

117

645

1,042  

Consolidated 2012

Westpac
Retail &
Business
Banking
$m
5,309
1,214

6,523
(3,052)
(429)
3,042
(884)

-
2,158
-

St.George
Banking
Group
$m
2,966
492

BT Financial
Group
(Australia)
$m
424
1,693

3,458
(1,328)
(433)
1,697
(508)

-
1,189
(129)

2,117
(1,131)
(1)
985
(292)

(8)
685
(22)

Westpac Westpac
New
Zealand
$m
1,201
367

Institutional
Bank
$m
1,701
1,454

Other
Divisions
$m
962
293

3,155
(1,030)
(127)
1,998
(580)

-
1,418
-

1,568
(653)
(148)
767
(211)

(3)
553
-

1,255
(233)
(74)
948
(329)

(58)
561
(477)

AFS
$m
8,699
3,399

12,098
(5,511)
(863)
5,724
(1,684)

(8)
4,032
(151)

Total
$m
12,563
5,513

18,076
(7,427)
(1,212)
9,437
(2,804)

(69)
6,564
(628)

2,158

1,060

663

3,881

1,418

553

84

5,936

(70)

(44)

(41)

(155)

(37)

(51)

(382)

(625)

255,268
159,120

154,642
82,421

30,538
32,221

440,448
273,762

97,823
110,389

48,648
33,970

91,693
214,226

678,612
632,347

122

105

366

593

56

84

456

2014 Westpac Group Annual Report 

1,189  

259 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Note 33. Group segment information (continued) 
Reconciliation of cash earnings to net profit 
Consolidated 2014 

Cash Earnings 
for the Year
$m
13,496
6,324

Policyholder
Tax Recoveries
$m
-
4

Treasury
Shares2
$m
-
(6)

Ineffective 
Hedges3
$m
(67)
-

Fair Value 
Gain/(Loss) on 
Economic Hedges4
$m
77
73

Buyback of 
Government 
Guaranteed 
Debt5
$m
60
-

19,820
(8,246)
(650)
10,924
(3,230)

(66)
7,628

4
-
-
4
(4)

-
-

(6)
-
-
(6)
(1)

-
(7)

(67)
-
-
(67)
21

-
(46)

150
-
-
150
(45)

-
105

60
-
-
60
(18)

-
42

Cash Earnings 
for the Year
$m
12,912
5,921

Policyholder
Tax Recoveries
$m
-
35

TPS
Revaluations1
$m
-
(67)

Treasury
Shares2 Ineffective Hedges3
$m
29
(1)

$m
-
(49)

18,833
(7,759)
(847)
10,227
(3,088)

(76)
7,063

35
-
-
35
(35)

-
-

(67)
-
-
(67)
58

-
(9)

(49)
-
-
(49)
7

-
(42)

28
-
-
28
(8)

-
20

Cash Earnings 
for the Year
$m
12,563
5,513

Policyholder 
Tax Recoveries
$m
-
12

TPS
Revaluations1
$m
-
(17)

Treasury
Shares2
$m
-
(30)

Ineffective 
Hedges3
$m
8
3

Fair Value 
Gain/(Loss) on 
Economic Hedges4
$m
(10)
-

18,076
(7,427)
(1,212)
9,437
(2,804)

(69)
6,564

12
-
-
12
(12)

-
-

(17)
-
-
(17)
(10)

-
(27)

(30)
-
-
(30)
3

-
(27)

11
-
-
11
(4)

-
7

(10)
-
-
(10)
3

-
(7)

Net interest income
Non-interest income
Net operating income before 
operating expenses and 
impairment charges 
Operating expenses
Impairment charges
Profit before income tax
Income tax expense
Profit attributable to non-controlling 
interests
Cash earnings for the year

Consolidated 2013 

Net interest income
Non-interest income
Net operating income before 
operating expenses and 
impairment charges 
Operating expenses
Impairment charges
Profit before income tax
Income tax expense
Profit attributable to non-controlling 
interests
Cash earnings for the year

Consolidated 2012 

Net interest income
Non-interest income
Net operating income before 
operating expenses and 
impairment charges 
Operating expenses
Impairment charges
Profit before income tax
Income tax expense
Profit attributable to non-controlling 
interests
Cash earnings for the year

260 

2014 Westpac Group Annual Report 

  
 
 
 
Note 33. Group segment information (continued) 

Notes to the financial statements 

Fair Value 
Amortisation of 
Financial 
Instruments6
$m
(24)
-

Amortisation of 
Intangible Assets7
$m
-
-

Acquisition 
Transaction and 
Integration 
Expenses8
$m
-
-

Bell Litigation 
Provision9
$m
-
-

Westpac 
Bicentennial 
Foundation 
Grant10
$m
-
-

Prior Period 
Tax 
Provisions11
$m
-
-

Total Cash 
Earnings 
Adjustments
$m
46
71

Net Profit
for the Year
$m
13,542
6,395

(24)
-
-
(24)
7

-
(17)

-
(212)
-
(212)
63

2
(147)

-
(64)
-
(64)
13

-
(51)

-
75
-
75
(21)

-
54

-
(100)
-
(100)
30

-
(70)

-
-
-
-
70

-
70

117
(301)
-
(184)
115

2
(67)

19,937
(8,547)
(650)
10,740
(3,115)

(64)
7,561

Fair Value 
Gain/(Loss) on 
Economic Hedges4
$m
37
(65)

Buyback of Government 
Guaranteed Debt5
$m
(62)
-

Fair Value Amortisation of 
Financial Instruments6
$m
(95)
-

Amortisation of 
Intangible Assets7
$m
-
-

Total Cash
Earnings
Adjustments
$m
(91)
(147)

Net Profit
for the Year
$m
12,821
5,774

(28)
-
-
(28)
7

-
(21)

(62)
-
-
(62)
19

-
(43)

(95)
-
-
(95)
28

-
(67)

-
(217)
-
(217)
65

2
(150)

(238)
(217)
-
(455)
141

2
(312)

18,595
(7,976)
(847)
9,772
(2,947)

(74)
6,751

Buyback of 
Government 
Guaranteed Debt5
$m
7
-

Fair Value
Amortisation of 
Financial 
Instruments6
$m
(66)
-

Amortisation
of Intangible
Assets7
$m
-
-

Bell Litigation 
Provision9
$m
-
-

Supplier 
Program12
$m
-
-

TOFA Tax 
Consolidation 
Adjustment13
$m
-
-

Total Cash 
Earnings 
Adjustments
$m
(61)
(32)

Net Profit
for the Year
$m
12,502
5,481

7
-
-
7
(2)

-
5

(66)
-
-
(66)
20

-
(46)

-
(220)
-
(220)
66

3
(151)

-
(111)
-
(111)
33

-
(78)

-
(199)
-
(199)
60

-
(139)

-
-
-
-
(165)

-
(165)

(93)
(530)
-
(623)
(8)

3
(628)

2014 Westpac Group Annual Report 

17,983
(7,957)
(1,212)
8,814
(2,812)

(66)
5,936

261 

  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Note 33. Group segment information (continued) 

Cash earnings for the year
Cash earnings adjustments:

TPS revaluations1
Treasury shares2
Ineffective hedges3
Fair value gain/(loss) on economic hedges4
Buyback of government guaranteed debt5
Fair value amortisation of financial instruments6
Amortisation of intangible assets7
Acquisition transaction and integration expenses8
Bell litigation provision9
Westpac Bicentennial Foundation grant10
Prior period tax provisions11
Supplier program12
TOFA tax consolidation adjustment13

 Year Ended
30 September 2014
$m
7,628

Year Ended
30 September 2013
$m
7,063

Year Ended
30 September 2012
$m
6,564

-
(7)
(46)
105
42
(17)
(147)
(51)
54
(70)
70
-
-
(67)

(9)
(42)
20
(21)
(43)
(67)
(150)
-
-
-
-
-
-
(312)

(27)
(27)
7
(7)
5
(46)
(151)
-
(78)
-
-
(139)
(165)
(628)

Total cash earnings adjustments
Net profit attributable to owners of Westpac 
Banking Corporation
1  This adjustment related to TPS 2003 securities which were redeemed on 30 September 2013. Historically this adjusted for movements in economic 

6,751

7,561

5,936  

hedges, including associated tax effects impacting the foreign currency translation reserve, relating to hybrid instruments classified as non-controlling 
interests. The adjustment was required as these hybrid instruments were not fair valued, however, the hedges were fair valued and therefore there 
was a mismatch in the timing of income recognition in the statutory results. The mismatch was added back to statutory results in deriving cash 
earnings as it did not affect the Group’s profits over time. 

2  Under AAS, Westpac shares held by the Group in the managed funds and life businesses are deemed to be Treasury shares and the results of 

holding these shares are not permitted to be recognised as income in the statutory results. In deriving cash earnings, these results are included to 
ensure there is no asymmetrical impact on the Group’s profits because the Treasury shares support policyholder liabilities and equity derivative 
transactions which are re-valued in determining income. 

3  The (gain)/loss on ineffective hedges is reversed in deriving cash earnings for the period because the gain or loss arising from the fair value 

movement in these hedges reverses over time and does not affect the Group’s profits over time. 
4  Fair value on economic hedges (which do not qualify for hedge accounting under AAS) comprise: 

 

 

 

the unrealised fair value gain/(loss) on foreign exchange hedges of future New Zealand earnings impacting non-interest income is reversed in 
deriving cash earnings as they may create a material timing difference on statutory results but do not affect the Group’s cash earnings during the 
life of the hedge; 
the unrealised fair value gain/(loss) on foreign exchange hedges of fees payable for the use of the Government guarantee on foreign denominated 
wholesale funding is reversed in deriving cash earnings as they may create a material timing difference on statutory results but do not affect the 
Group’s cash earnings during the life of the hedge; and 
the unrealised fair value gain/(loss) on hedges of accrual accounted term funding transactions are reversed in deriving cash earnings as they may 
create a material timing difference on statutory results but do not affect the Group’s cash earnings during the life of the hedge. 

5  The Group has bought back certain Government guaranteed debt issues which reduces Government guarantee fees (70 basis points) paid. In 

undertaking the buybacks, a cost was incurred reflecting the difference between current interest rates and the rate at which the debt was initially 
issued. In the statutory result, the cost incurred is recognised at the time of the buyback. In cash earnings, the cost incurred is being amortised over 
the original term of the debt that was bought back consistent with a 70 basis point saving being effectively spread over the remaining life of the issue. 
The cash earnings adjustment gives effect to the timing difference between statutory results and cash earnings. 

6  The accounting for the merger with St.George resulted in the recognition of fair value adjustments on the St.George retail bank loans, deposits, 
wholesale funding and associated hedges, with these fair value adjustments being amortised over the life of the underlying transactions. The 
amortisation of these adjustments is considered to be a timing difference relating to non-cash flow items that do not affect cash distributions available 
to shareholders and therefore, have been treated as a cash earnings adjustment. 

7  The merger with St.George and the acquisitions of J O Hambro Capital Management (JOHCM) and Lloyds resulted in the recognition of identifiable 

intangible assets. These assets include intangibles related to core deposits, customer relationships, management contracts and distribution 
relationships. These intangible items are amortised over their useful lives, ranging between four and twenty years. The amortisation of intangible 
assets (excluding capitalised software) is a cash earnings adjustment because it is a non-cash flow item and does not affect cash distributions 
available to shareholders. 

8  Costs associated with the acquisition of Lloyds have been treated as a cash earnings adjustment as they do not impact the earnings expected from 

the acquired businesses following the integration period. 

9  During the year ended 30 September 2012, the Group recognised additional provisions in respect of the long running Bell litigation. This was treated 
as a cash earnings adjustment at the time due to its size, historical nature and because it did not reflect ongoing operations. In the current year, the 
Bell litigation has been settled and the release of provisions no longer required has also been treated as a cash earnings adjustment. There are no 
matters outstanding with the Bell case. 

10  The Group provided a grant to establish the Westpac Bicentennial Foundation. The $100 million grant ($70 million after tax) has been treated as a 

cash earnings adjustment due to its size and because it does not reflect ongoing operations. 

262 

2014 Westpac Group Annual Report 

  
 
Notes to the financial statements 

Note 33. Group segment information (continued) 
11  During the year ended 30 September 2011, the Group raised provisions in respect of certain tax positions for transactions previously undertaken by 

the Group. A number of these matters have now been resolved, resulting in a release of the provisions which are no longer required. As the 
provisions raised were treated as a cash earnings adjustment, the release has been treated in a consistent manner. 

12  During the year ended 30 September 2012, the Group incurred and provisioned for expenses as part of its program to increase the use of global 
specialists in certain technology and back office operations. These expenses included costs associated with streamlining and better documenting 
systems and processes, technology costs to enable infrastructure and enhance interaction with suppliers, and costs associated with restructuring the 
workforce. Given these significant expenses were not considered in determining dividends they were treated as cash earnings adjustments. 

13  During the year ended 30 September 2012, taxation legislation was introduced that included retrospective amendments to the income tax law as it 
applies to the Taxation of Financial Arrangements (TOFA) and tax consolidated groups. The amendments had an adverse application to certain 
liabilities that were consolidated as part of the merger with St.George. This gave rise to an additional income tax expense of $165 million for the year 
ended 30 September 2012. Consistent with other tax adjustments relating to the merger with St.George, this adjustment was treated as a cash 
earnings adjustment due to its size and because it did not reflect ongoing operations. 

Revenue from products and services 
Details of revenue from external customers by product or service are disclosed in Notes 2 and 3. No single customer amounts 
to greater than 10% of the Group’s revenue. 

Geographic segments 
Geographic segments are based on the location of the office in which the following items are recognised: 

2014

$m

%

2013

$m

Revenue
Australia
New Zealand
Other1
Total
Non-current assets2
Australia
New Zealand
Other1
Total
1  Other includes Pacific Islands, Asia, the Americas and Europe. 
2  Non-current assets includes property, plant and equipment, goodwill and other intangible assets. 

32,880
4,738
1,025
38,643

12,828
797
433
14,058

85.1
12.3
2.6
100.0

91.2
5.7
3.1
100.0

34,159
3,885
739
38,783

12,324
786
405
13,515

%

88.1
10.0
1.9
100.0

91.2
5.8
3.0
100.0

2012

$m

38,195
3,676
483
42,354

12,250
650
371
13,271

%

90.2
8.7
1.1
100.0

92.3
4.9
2.8
100.0

2014 Westpac Group Annual Report 

263 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Note 34. Auditor’s remuneration 
During the financial year, the auditor of the Group and Parent Entity, PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), and its related practices 
earned the following remuneration including goods and services tax: 

PwC – Australian firm
Audit and review of financial reports of Westpac Banking Corporation or any entity 
in the Group
Other audit-related work
Total audit and other assurance services
Taxation
Other services
Total remuneration paid to PwC – Australian firm

Related practices of PwC
Audit and review of financial reports of Westpac Banking Corporation or any entity 
in the Group
Other audit-related work
Total audit and other assurance services
Taxation
Other services
Total remuneration paid to related practices of PwC 
Total remuneration paid to PwC

Consolidated
2014
$’000

2013
$’000

Parent Entity
2014
$’000

2013
$’000

16,459
917
17,376
600
2,407
20,383

3,446
310
3,756
11
81
3,848
24,231

16,139
669
16,808
141
1,353
18,302

2,709
159
2,868
20
-
2,888
21,190

15,910
877
16,787
600
2,226
19,613

444
126
570
-
37
607
20,220

15,395
669
16,064
141
1,353
17,558

355
-
355
-
-
355
17,913

For compliance with SEC disclosure requirements, remuneration to the external auditor, including goods and services tax, for 
the years ended 30 September 2014 and 2013 is summarised from the table above as follows: 

Audit fees
Non-audit fees:

Audit-related fees
Tax fees
All other fees

Total non-audit fees
Total fees paid to PwC

2014
$’000
19,905

1,227
611
2,488
4,326
24,231

2013
$’000
18,848

828
161
1,353
2,342
21,190  

It is Westpac’s policy to engage the external auditors on assignments additional to their statutory audit duties, only if their 
independence is not impaired or seen to be impaired, and where their expertise and experience with Westpac is important. All 
services were approved by the Audit Committee in accordance with the pre-approval policy and procedures. 

In the tables above, audit services include the year end audit and review of the half year statutory reports and comfort letters 
associated with debt issues and capital raisings for the Parent Entity, its controlled entities and the consolidated Group. 

Audit-related services include consultations regarding accounting standards and reporting requirements and regulatory 
compliance reviews. 

Taxation services include tax compliance and tax advisory services. 

Other services include assurance on the development of an upgraded wealth platform and mortgage product system, due 
diligence on the acquisition of select Australian businesses of Lloyds Banking Group, a review of the Enterprise Project 
Investments and Delivery model and a review of the Wealth Business. 

The external auditor, PwC, also provides audit and non-audit services to non-consolidated entities sponsored by the Group, 
non-consolidated trusts of which a Westpac Group entity is trustee, manager or responsible entity and non-consolidated 
superannuation funds or pension funds. The fees in respect of their services were approximately $7.9 million in total 
(2013: $7.7 million). PwC may also provide audit and non-audit services to other entities in which Westpac holds a minority 
interest, and which are not consolidated. Westpac is not aware of the amount of any fees paid by those entities. 

264 

2014 Westpac Group Annual Report 

  
 
 
 
 
 
Note 35. Expenditure commitments 

Notes to the financial statements 

Consolidated
2014
$m

2013
$m

Parent Entity
2014
$m

2013
$m

Lease commitments (all leases are classified as operating leases)
Premises and sites
Furniture and equipment
Total lease commitments
Due within one year
Due after one year but not later than five years
Due after five years
Total lease commitments
Other expenditure commitments1
Payable within one year
622
Payable later than one year but not later than five years
1,291
Payable after five years
29
1,942
Total other expenditure commitments
1  Amounts presented for other expenditure commitments represent the estimated spend on Westpac’s significant contracts over their remaining term. 

3,513
16
3,529
444
1,512
1,573
3,529

3,112
20
3,132
452
1,323
1,357
3,132

3,883
22
3,905
509
1,712
1,684
3,905

3,480
26
3,506
528
1,534
1,444
3,506

614
836
-
1,450

687
1,109
-
1,796

713
1,462
29
2,204

This would differ from the contractually committed amount. 

As at 30 September 2014, the total future minimum lease payments expected to be received by the Group and Parent Entity 
from non-cancellable sub-leases was $14 million (2013: $17 million) and $14 million (2013: $17 million) respectively. 

Operating lease arrangements 
Operating leases are entered into to meet the business needs of entities in the Group. Leases are primarily over commercial 
and retail premises and plant and equipment. Lease rentals are determined in accordance with market conditions when leases 
are entered into or on rental review dates. 

Leased premises that have become excess to the Group’s business needs have been sublet where possible and any expected 
rental shortfalls fully provided for. There are no restrictions imposed on the Group by lease arrangements other than in respect 
of the specific premises being leased. 

The Group has lease commitments resulting from the sale and lease back of various premises. These leases are generally for 
a term of five years with an option to extend for another five years. In most instances, other than the lease arrangement, the 
Group has no ongoing interests in the premises. 

Significant long term agreements 
On 15 August 2014, Westpac extended its agreement with IBM New Zealand Limited for a further two years, commencing 
1 March 2015 to 28 February 2019. IBM is responsible for Westpac’s IT infrastructure services in New Zealand including 
mainframes and midrange systems, storage, security, data centre network services and workplace printing. 

On 15 June 2014, Westpac renewed its agreement with Computer Associates (Pacific) Pty Limited for 4.5 years. The renewed 
agreement relates to mainframe software and it also incorporates a new enterprise licence for testing tools. 

On 31 March 2014, Westpac entered into a five year contract with Telstra Corporation Limited for the provision of 
telecommunication services in Australia and the Pacific Islands. 

On 31 March 2014, Westpac entered into a five year contract with Optus Network Pty Ltd for the provision of 
telecommunication services in Australia and Westpac offices internationally. 

On 25 February 2014, the agreement between Westpac and IBM Australia Limited for the provision of business process 
outsourcing services was novated to Concentrix Services Pty Ltd following the sale of IBM’s customer care business (including 
business process outsourcing) to the Synnex Group. 

On 1 January 2014, Westpac entered into a two year master service agreement with Unisys Mortgage Processing (No.1) Pty 
Ltd (UMP). Pursuant to this agreement UMP provides a range of credit and deposit services and sub-contract services, 
including administrative services and technology, to RAMS. 

On 1 July 2013, Westpac renewed its agreement with Microsoft Australia Pty Limited for a further three years, to June 2016. 
The renewed agreement relates to the provision of software licences, software support and consulting services to all brands 
and divisions of Westpac in Australia and internationally, including the Pacific Islands, New Zealand, Asia and Europe. 

On 30 June 2013, Westpac and IBM Australia Limited executed an Enterprise Licensing Agreement for five years. This 
agreement renews current IBM software licences held by Westpac and provides the flexibility for Westpac to substitute existing 
licences for alternative products of the same value. 

2014 Westpac Group Annual Report 

265 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
       
       
       
       
            
            
            
            
       
       
       
       
          
          
          
          
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
          
          
          
          
       
       
          
       
              
            
              
            
       
       
       
       
 
 
 
Note 35. Expenditure commitments (continued) 
On 30 July 2012, Westpac entered into a five year agreement with Linfox Armaguard Pty Limited for the provision of cash-in-
transit services. 

On 30 June 2012, Westpac entered into a 4.5 year agreement with Toll Transport Pty Ltd for the provision of freight and 
courier services. 

On 25 June 2012, Westpac commenced a five year agreement with InfoSys Technologies Limited to provide maintenance and 
development support within the testing and corporate systems areas of technology. On 12 November 2012, Westpac 
commenced an additional five year agreement to provide maintenance and development support within the group customer 
master and customer assisted services areas of technology. 

On 25 June 2012, Westpac commenced a five year agreement with Tata Consultancy Services to provide maintenance and 
development support within the information systems area of technology. On 12 November 2012, Westpac commenced an 
additional five year agreement to provide maintenance and development support within the customer self service area 
of technology. 

On 18 May 2011, Westpac entered an agreement with HP Enterprise Services BPA Limited (HP) to amend and extend its loan 
processing service agreement for a further four years, with the option of extending for a further year. On 20 December 2012, 
the agreement was novated from HP Enterprise Services BPA Limited to HP Australia Pty Limited. 

On 19 November 2010, Westpac entered into an agreement with IBM Australia Limited which relates to the core banking 
technology operations in Australia and has an initial term of five years. 

Westpac entered into an agreement with Fujitsu Australia Limited to lease a purpose-built data centre from 21 September 2010 
for 15 years with three further five year options and a services agreement for 15 years with two further five year options. 

On 28 June 2010, Westpac extended its agreement with FD Australia Limited for cards processing until 2019. This involves 
managing the application within the Westpac/IBM environment. Westpac retains control of its cards sales, credit, collections 
and customer service functions. 

On 3 November 2006, Westpac entered into a master relationship agreement with Genpact U.S. LLC (subsequently novated to 
Genpact International Inc) for the provision of back office administrative support services. On 2 May 2013, Westpac extended 
the term of the Genpact master relationship agreement by five years to May 2018. 

On 4 February 2005, Westpac, in conjunction with the National Australia Bank and the Commonwealth Bank of Australia, 
entered into a 12 year agreement with Fiserv Solutions of Australia Pty Limited for the provision of voucher (cheque) 
processing services. 

Commitments in relation to long-term contracts are included in other expenditure commitments above. 

Note 36. Superannuation commitments 
Westpac had the following defined benefit plans at 30 September 2014: 

Name of Plan 

Westpac Group Plan (WGP) 

Type 

Form of Benefit 

Defined benefit and 
accumulation 

Indexed pension and 
lump sum 

Westpac New Zealand Superannuation 
Scheme (WNZS) 

Defined benefit and 
accumulation 

Indexed pension and 
lump sum 

Westpac Banking Corporation UK Staff 
Superannuation Scheme (UKSS) 

Defined benefit 

Indexed pension and 
lump sum 

Date of Last Actuarial 
Assessment of the 
Funding Status 

30 June 2012 

30 June 2014 

5 April 2012 

Westpac UK Medical Benefits Scheme 

Defined benefit 

Medical benefits 

Not applicable 

All of the defined benefit sections of the schemes are closed to new members. 

WGP is the Group’s principal defined benefit plan. The WGP is an employer sub-plan within BT Super for Life, which is itself a 
plan within retirement Wrap. The Trustee of WGP is BT Funds Management Limited. 

Members of the WGP are either Accumulation Members or Defined Benefit Members depending on the nature of their 
entitlements. Defined Benefit Members include pensioners. The defined benefit liabilities are primarily influenced by member 
contribution rates, salary growth and length of membership in case of active members, and price inflation in the case 
of pensioners. 

The WGP is managed and administered in accordance with the terms of its trust deed and relevant legislation in Australia. 

266 

2014 Westpac Group Annual Report 

  
 
Notes to the financial statements 

Note 36. Superannuation commitments (continued) 
The growth of supporting assets depends on a range of factors including the level of contribution and level of investment return. 
In respect of defined benefit liabilities, the Group bears the investment risk. An investment strategy which is framed to take a 
long-term view will often adopt relatively high levels of equity investment in order to: 

  secure attractive long term investment returns; and 
  provide an opportunity for capital appreciation and dividend growth, which gives some protection against inflation. 

There are a number of risks that the WGP exposes the Group to. The more significant risks are: 

  investment risk – the risk that investment returns will be lower than assumed and the Group will need to increase 

contributions to offset the shortfall; 

  mortality risk – the risk that members of the plan will live longer than assumed, increasing the number of pension payments 

and thereby requiring additional contributions by the Group; and 

  legislative risk – the risk that legislative changes could be made which increase the cost of providing defined benefits. 

Contributions (per AAS 25) 
Funding recommendations are made based on the Attained Age Method, which impacts the timing of contribution requirements 
and assumes that the plans will not be discontinued. 

The specific contributions for each of the plans are set out below: 

  WGP – contributions are made to the WGP at the rate of 11.8% of members’ salaries; 
  WNZS – contributions are made to the WNZS at the rate of 12% of members’ salaries; and 
  UKSS – contributions are made to the UKSS at the rate of £4.27 million per annum. 

The table below summarises the calculation of the surplus/(deficit) used to make funding recommendations, based on the 
guidance in Australian Accounting Standard AAS 25 Financial Reporting by Superannuation Plans: 

Market value of assets
Present value of accrued benefits
Surplus/(deficit)
1  Calculated as at 30 June 2012 (WGP), 5 April 2012 (UKSS) and 30 June 2014 (WNZS). 
2  Calculated as at 30 June 2012 (WGP), 5 April 2012 (UKSS) and 30 June 2013 (WNZS). 

Consolidated
2014¹
$m
1,760
1,722
38

2013²
$m
1,747
1,710
37

Parent Entity
2014¹
$m
1,692
1,654
38

2013²
$m
1,679
1,638
41

The following economic assumptions applied for the funding calculations differ to assumptions used in the accounting 
calculations due to different valuation dates, discount rates and assumptions linked to expected returns on assets. 

Discount rate
Expected return on plan assets
Expected increase in average salary of plan members

Defined benefit superannuation expense (per AASB 119) 
The amount recognised in the income statement is as follows: 

Current service cost
Net interest cost on net benefit liability
Total defined benefit expense

WGP
7.3%
7.3%
4.0%

WNZS
5.5%
5.5%
3.0%

UKSS
5.2%
5.2%
4.8%  

Consolidated

2014
$m
46
11
57

2013
$m
53
17
70

2012
$m
63
24
87

Parent Entity
2014
$m
46
10
56

2013
$m
52
18
70

2014 Westpac Group Annual Report 

267 

 
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
            
            
            
            
 
 
 
 
 
            
            
            
            
            
            
            
            
            
            
            
            
            
            
            
 
 
 
Note 36. Superannuation commitments (continued) 
Change in benefit obligation (per AASB 119) 
The change in the present value of the defined benefit obligation is as follows: 

Benefit obligation at beginning of the period
Service cost
Interest cost
Member contributions
Actuarial losses/(gains) from changes in demographic assumptions
Actuarial losses/(gains) from changes in financial assumptions
Actuarial losses/(gains) from changes in experience
Benefits paid
Exchange and other items
Benefit obligation at end of the period

Change in plan assets (per AASB 119) 
The change in the fair value of plan assets is as follows: 

Fair value of plan assets at beginning of the period
Interest income
Return on plan assets excluding interest income
Employer contributions
Member contributions
Benefits paid
Exchange and other items
Fair value of plan assets at end of the period

Consolidated
2014
$m
2,216
46
97
14
-
148
27
(158)
18
2,408

2013
$m
2,293
53
86
15
(1)
(129)
27
(164)
36
2,216

Parent Entity
2014
$m
2,134
46
94
14
-
145
28
(149)
20
2,332

2013
$m
2,205
52
84
14
1
(118)
29
(156)
23
2,134

Consolidated
2014
$m
1,971
86
115
49
14
(158)
16
2,093

2013
$m
1,736
69
235
53
15
(164)
27
1,971

Parent Entity
2014
$m
1,901
84
112
48
14
(149)
16
2,026

2013
$m
1,677
66
230
49
14
(156)
21
1,901

Net surplus/(obligation)

(315)

(245)

(306)

(233)

The asset ceiling has no impact on the net defined benefit surplus/(obligation). 

Assumptions used in the AASB 119 accounting calculations 

Discount rate
Expected increase in average salary of plan members
Rate of increase for pensions

Consolidated and Parent Entity

2014

2013

Australian
Funds
4.0%
3.4%
2.4%

Overseas
Funds
4.2–4.6%
3.0–5.1%
2.3–3.6%

Australian
Funds
4.6%
3.5%
2.5%

Overseas
Funds
3.4–4.4%
3.0–5.1%
2.5–3.4%

The sensitivity of the Group’s defined benefit obligation to the significant financial assumptions as at 30 September 2014 is 
shown in the table below. In the table, a negative percentage change represents a reduction in the defined benefit obligation. 

Discount rate
Expected increase in average salary of plan members
Rate of increase for pensions

268 

2014 Westpac Group Annual Report 

Change in assumption

0.5%

(0.5%)

Change in obligation

(6.3%)
1.4%
5.6%

7.1%
(1.3%)
(5.1%)  

  
 
       
       
       
       
            
            
            
            
            
            
            
            
            
            
            
            
              
            
              
              
          
        
          
        
            
            
            
            
        
        
        
        
            
            
            
            
       
       
       
       
 
 
 
       
       
       
       
            
            
            
            
          
          
          
          
            
            
            
            
            
            
            
            
        
        
        
        
            
            
            
            
       
       
       
       
        
        
        
        
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Note 36. Superannuation commitments (continued) 
In addition to the financial assumptions presented above, the mortality assumptions for our principal fund the WGP for 2014 are 
that a 60-year-old male pensioner is assumed to have a remaining life expectancy of 30.7 and a 60-year-old female pensioner 
is assumed to have a remaining life expectancy of 33.8. These assumptions are age related and allowances are made for 
future mortality improvements. 

Notes to the financial statements 

Asset allocation 
Asset allocation at 30 September was: 

Cash
Equity instruments
Debt instruments
Property
Other assets1

Consolidated and Parent Entity

2014

2013

Australian
Funds
2%
51%
21%
8%
18%
100%

Overseas
Funds
4%
47%
39%
8%
2%
100%

Australian
Funds
5%
50%
20%
7%
18%
100%

Overseas
Funds
-
52%
44%
4%
-
100%

1  Other assets comprise alternative asset classes including investments in infrastructure funds and private equity funds. 

Investments held in Westpac and related entities 

Value of plan assets invested in debt and equity securities of Westpac
Value of plan assets invested in related parties of Westpac
Total

Consolidated
2014
$m
11
1
12

2013
$m
9
7
16

Parent Entity
2014
$m
-
1
1

2013
$m
-
7
7

Post-retirement health care 
The effect of a one percentage point change in assumed health care trend rates, assuming all other assumptions remain 
constant, would not be material on either the current service costs or the accumulated benefit obligation of the Westpac UK 
Medical Benefits Scheme at 30 September 2014. 

Note 37. Contingent liabilities, contingent assets and credit commitments 
The Group is a party to financial instruments with off-balance sheet credit risk in the normal course of business to meet the 
financing needs of its customers and in managing its own risk profile. These financial instruments include commitments to 
extend credit, bill endorsements, financial guarantees, standby letters of credit and underwriting facilities. 

The Group’s exposure to credit loss in the event of non-performance by the other party is represented by the contract or 
notional amount of those financial instruments. However, some commitments to extend credit and provide underwriting facilities 
can be cancelled or revoked at any time at the Group’s option. 

The Group uses the same credit policies in making commitments and conditional obligations as it does for on-balance 
sheet instruments. 

The Group takes collateral where it is considered necessary to support both on- and off-balance sheet financial instruments 
with credit risk. The Group evaluates each customer’s credit worthiness on a case-by-case basis. The amount of collateral 
taken, if deemed necessary, on the provision of a financial facility is based on management’s evaluation of the credit risk of 
the counterparty. 

2014 Westpac Group Annual Report 

269 

 
 
 
 
            
              
              
              
              
              
              
              
            
            
              
              
 
 
 
Note 37. Contingent liabilities, contingent assets and credit commitments (continued) 
Off-balance sheet credit risk-related financial instruments excluding derivatives at 30 September are as follows: 

Contract or Notional Amount

Consolidated
2014
$m

2013
$m

Parent Entity
2014
$m

2013
$m

Credit risk-related instruments
Standby letters of credit and financial guarantees1
4,252
Trade letters of credit2
3,172
Non-financial guarantees3
8,317
Commitments to extend credit4
132,271
Other commitments5
44
148,056
Total credit risk-related instruments
1  Standby letters of credit are undertakings to pay, against presentation documents, an obligation in the event of a default by a customer. Guarantees 
are unconditional undertakings given to support the obligations of a customer to third parties. The Group may hold cash as collateral for certain 
guarantees issued. 

4,334
3,218
9,054
148,368
44
165,018

4,005
2,914
8,699
140,909
763
157,290

4,092
2,961
9,205
159,131
763
176,152

2  Trade letters of credit are undertakings by the Group to pay or accept drafts drawn by an overseas supplier of goods against presentation of 

documents in the event of default by a customer. 

3  Non-financial guarantees include undertakings that oblige the Group to pay third parties should a customer fail to fulfil a contractual  

non-monetary obligation. 

4  Commitments to extend credit include all obligations on the part of the Group to provide credit facilities. As facilities may expire without being drawn 
upon, the notional amounts do not necessarily reflect future cash requirements. In addition to the commercial commitments disclosed above at 
30 September 2014, the Group offered $8.0 billion (2013: $12.4 billion) of facilities to customers, which had not yet been accepted. 

5  Other commitments include underwriting facilities. 

Standby letters of credit and financial guarantees
Trade letters of credit
Non-financial guarantees
Commitments to extend credit
Other commitments
Total commercial commitments

Up to
1 Year
$m
1,645
2,783
5,221
60,719
513
70,881

Consolidated 2014

Over 1
to 3 Years
$m
1,517
178
1,718
33,309
134
36,856

Over 3
to 5 Years
$m
209
-
357
17,003
-
17,569

Over
5 Years
$m
721
-
1,909
48,100
116
50,846

Total
$m
4,092
2,961
9,205
159,131
763
176,152

Contingent assets 
The credit commitments shown in the table above also constitute assets. These commitments would be classified as loans and 
other assets in the balance sheet on the contingent event occurring. 

270 

2014 Westpac Group Annual Report 

  
 
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
   
   
   
   
          
            
          
            
   
   
   
   
 
 
 
         
            
              
            
         
         
               
                   
                 
         
         
            
              
         
         
       
          
         
       
     
            
               
                   
            
            
       
          
         
       
     
 
 
Notes to the financial statements 

Note 37. Contingent liabilities, contingent assets and credit commitments (continued) 
Additional liabilities and commitments 
Legislative liabilities 
The Group had the following assessed liabilities as at 30 September 2014: 

  $19 million (2013: $24 million) based on an actuarial assessment as a self-insurer under the Workers’ Compensation Act 

1987 and the Workplace Injury Management and Workers’ Compensation Act 1998 (New South Wales); 

  $13 million (2013: $11 million) based on actuarial assessment as a self-insurer under the Accident Compensation Act 

1985 (Victoria); 

  $7 million (2013: $6 million) based on actuarial assessment as a self-insurer under the Workers’ Rehabilitation and 

Compensation Act 1986 (South Australia); 

  $2 million (2013: $2 million) based on an actuarial assessment as a self-insurer under the Workers’ Compensation and 

Rehabilitation Act 2003 (Queensland); and 

  $2 million (2013: $1 million) based on an actuarial assessment as a self-insurer under the Workers’ Compensation Act 1951 

(Australian Capital Territory). 

  $1 million (2013: nil) based on an actuarial assessment as a self-insurer under the Workers’ Compensation and Injury 

Management Act 1981 (Western Australia). 

  $1 million (2013: nil) based on an actuarial assessment as a self-insurer under the Workers’ Rehabilitation and 

Compensation Act 1988 (Tasmania). 

Adequate provision has been made for these liabilities in the provision for annual leave and other employee benefits (refer 
to Note 20). 

Litigation 
Contingent liabilities exist in respect of actual and potential claims and proceedings. An assessment of the Group’s likely loss 
has been made on a case-by-case basis for the purpose of the financial statements and specific provisions have been made 
where appropriate. 

  Westpac has been served with three class action proceedings brought on behalf of customers seeking to recover exception 
fees paid by those customers. The first set of proceedings was commenced in December 2011 by certain named customers 
of the Westpac brand; the second was commenced in February 2012 by certain named customers of the St.George Bank 
and BankSA brands; the third was commenced in August 2014 on behalf of all other customers of the Westpac Banking 
Group. Similar class actions have been commenced against several other Australian banks. Westpac has agreed with the 
plaintiffs to put the proceedings against Westpac on hold until at least December 2014, pending further developments in the 
litigation against one of those other banks. 

  Westpac has been served with a class action proceeding brought on behalf of Westpac customers who borrowed money to 
invest in Storm Financial-badged investments. Westpac intends to defend these proceedings. As the two named applicants 
have not quantified the damages that they seek, and given the preliminary nature of these proceedings, it is not possible to 
estimate any potential liability at this stage. 

Liquidity support 
Westpac is a participant to the Interbank Deposit Agreement along with three other Australian banks. In accordance with the 
Interbank Deposit Agreement, a deposit notice may be served upon the other participants by a bank which is experiencing 
liquidity problems. The other participants are then required to deposit equal amounts of up to $2 billion each for a period of 
30 days. At the end of 30 days the deposit holder has the option to repay the deposit in cash or by way of assignment of 
mortgages to the value of the deposit. 

Financial Claims Scheme 
Under the Financial Claims Scheme (FCS) the Australian Government provides depositors a free guarantee of deposits in 
eligible ADIs up to and including $250,000. The FCS applies to an eligible ADI if APRA has applied for the winding up of the 
ADI and the responsible Australian Government minister has declared that the FCS applies to the ADI. 

The Financial Claims Scheme (ADIs) Levy Act 2008 provides for the imposition of a levy to fund the excess of certain APRA 
FCS costs connected to an ADI. The levy would be imposed on liabilities of eligible ADIs to their depositors and cannot be 
more than 0.5% of the amount of those liabilities. 

Service agreements 
The maximum contingent liability for termination benefits in respect of service agreements with the CEO and other Group Key 
Management Personnel at 30 September 2014 was $16 million (2013: $14.2 million). 

2014 Westpac Group Annual Report 

271 

 
Note 37. Contingent liabilities, contingent assets and credit commitments (continued) 
Contingent tax risk 
The ATO is reviewing the taxation treatment of certain transactions undertaken by the Group in the course of normal 
business activities. 

Risk reviews and audits are also being undertaken by revenue authorities in other jurisdictions, as part of normal revenue 
authority activity in those countries. 

The Group has assessed these and other taxation claims arising in Australia and elsewhere, including seeking independent 
advice where appropriate, and considers it holds appropriate provisions. 

Assets pledged 
In addition to assets supporting securitisation and covered bond programs disclosed in Note 32, the Group and Parent Entity 
have provided collateral to secure liabilities as part of standard terms of transaction with other financial institutions. The carrying 
value of financial assets pledged as collateral to secure liabilities is: 

Cash
Cash deposit on stock borrowed
Securities (including certificates of deposit)
Securities pledged under repurchase agreements
Total amount pledged to secure liabilities

Consolidated
2014
$m
3,894
28
1,638
25,978
31,538

2013
$m
7,091
46
177
8,101
15,415

Parent Entity
2014
$m
3,750
28
1,638
25,897
31,313

2013
$m
6,941
46
177
8,101
15,265

Collateral received 
All collateral received from counterparties to secure liabilities, besides residential mortgages, is received in the form of cash or 
securities. Cash held as collateral, recognised on the Group’s and Parent Entity’s balance sheets as at 30 September 2014 
was $3,888 million (2013: $1,285 million). Securities received as collateral under reverse repurchase agreements as at 
30 September 2014 was $6,463 million (2013: $6,882 million). 

Parent Entity guarantees and undertakings 
The following guarantees and undertakings are extended to entities in the Group by the Parent Entity: 

  issue of letters of comfort in respect of certain subsidiaries in the normal course of business. The letters recognise that 

Westpac has a responsibility to ensure that those subsidiaries continue to meet their obligations; 

  guarantees to Westpac Bank Samoa Limited subsidiaries that support loans made to customers in this jurisdiction, to the 

extent that the loans exceed prescribed limits; and 

  guarantees to certain wholly owned subsidiaries that are Australian financial services or credit licensees to comply with 

legislative requirements. Each guarantee provided does not exceed $40 million per annum. The guarantees will only give 
rise to a liability where the entity concerned becomes legally obliged to pay on account of a claim under the relevant licence. 
The Parent Entity has a right of indemnity to recover funds payable under the guarantees. 

Note 38. Fiduciary activities 
Certain controlled entities within the Group conduct investment management and other fiduciary activities as responsible entity 
or manager on behalf of individuals, trusts, retirement benefit plans and other institutions. These activities involve the 
management of assets in investment schemes and superannuation funds, and the holding or placing of assets on behalf of 
third parties. 

Where controlled entities, as responsible entities, incur liabilities in respect of these activities, a right of indemnity exists against 
the assets of the applicable investment schemes or funds. As these assets are sufficient to cover liabilities, and it is not 
probable that the controlled entities will be required to settle them, the liabilities are not included in the consolidated 
financial statements. 

The Group also manages life insurance statutory fund assets that are included in the consolidated financial statements. 

272 

2014 Westpac Group Annual Report 

  
 
         
         
         
         
              
              
              
              
         
            
         
            
       
         
       
         
       
       
       
       
 
 
Note 39. Group entities 
The consolidated Group as at 30 September 2014 includes the following controlled entities1: 

Notes to the financial statements 

Country of Incorporation Name

Country of Incorporation

Name

Westpac Banking Corporation

1925 Advances Pty Limited

General Credits Holdings Pty Limited

General Credits Pty Limited

G.C.L. Investments Pty Limited

Australian Loan Processing Security Company Pty Limited

Australian Loan Processing Security Trust

Bill Acceptance Corporation Pty Limited

Mortgage Management Pty Limited

BLE Capital Limited

BLE Capital Investments Pty Limited

BLE Development Pty Limited

BT Short Term Income Fund
Capital Finance Australia Limited2

Bella Trust

Bella Trust No. 2

Capital Corporate Finance Limited

Capital Finance New Zealand Limited

SIE-LEASE (New Zealand) Pty Limited

Capital Finance (NZ) Limited

Capital Fleetlease Limited

Capital Motor Finance Limited

Capital Rent Group Limited

SIE-LEASE (Australia) Limited

Castlereagh Trust

CBA Limited

Belliston Pty Limited

Challenge Limited

Crusade CP Management Pty Limited 
Crusade CP No.1  Pty Limited8

Crusade CP Trust No. 52 

Crusade CP Trust No. 53 

Crusade CP Trust No. 55 

Crusade CP Trust No. 56 

Crusade CP Trust No. 57 

Crusade CP Trust No. 58 

Crusade Management Limited 

Crusade Euro Trust 1 E of 2006

Crusade Euro Trust 1 E of 2007

Crusade Global Trust 2  of 2005

Crusade Global Trust 1  of 2006

Crusade Global Trust 2  of 2006

Crusade Global Trust 1  of 2007

Crusade Trust 1A  of 2005

Crusade Trust No.2P of 2008 

Danaby Pty Limited 
Hastings Management Pty Limited6

Australia

Hastings Funds Management (USA) Inc.

Australia

Australia

Australia

Australia

Australia

Australia

Hastings Advisers, LLC

Hastings Investments GP LLC

Hastings Investment Capital, LP

Hastings Investment Management Pty Limited
Hastings Korea Company Limited2
Infrastructure Research and Advisory Services Private Limited2

Australia Hickory Trust

Australia Nationwide Management Pty Limited 

St.George Custodial Pty Limited

Australia
Australia North Ryde Office Trust2
Australia

Partnership Pacific Pty Limited

Partnership Pacific Securities Pty Limited

Australia
Australia Reinventure Fund, I.L.P.2,6
Australia RMS Warehouse Trust 2007-1

Australia

Series 2007-1G WST Trust

Australia

Series 2008-1M WST Trust

New Zealand 

Series 2009-1 WST Trust

New Zealand 

Series 2011-1 WST Trust

Australia

Series 2011-2 WST Trust

Australia

Series 2011-3 WST Trust

Australia

Series 2012-1 WST Trust

Australia

Australia

Australia

Australia

Series 2013-1 WST Trust
Series 2013-2 WST Trust2
Series 2014-1 WST Trust2

Sixty Martin Place (Holdings) Pty Limited

Australia

1925 (Commercial) Pty Limited

Australia

Australia

1925 (Industrial) Pty Limited
Halcyon Securities Pty Limited5

Australia

Packaging Properties 1  Pty Limited

Australia

Packaging Properties 2  Pty Limited

Australia

Packaging Properties 3  Pty Limited

Australia

Pashley Investments Pty Limited

Australia

Westpac Investment Vehicle No.3 Pty Limited

Australia

Sallmoor Pty Limited

Australia

Teuton Pty Limited

Australia

Westpac Administration Pty Limited

Australia

Westpac Asian Lending Pty Limited

Australia

Westpac Debt Securities Pty Limited

Australia

Westpac Direct Equity Investments Pty Limited

Australia

Westpac Equipment Finance Limited

Australia

Westpac Equipment Finance (No.1)  Pty Limited

Australia

Westpac Global Capital Markets Pty Limited

Australia

Westpac Group Investments Australia Pty Limited

Australia

Westpac Investment Vehicle Pty Limited

Australia

Australia

Westpac Funds Financing Holdco Pty Limited

Westpac Funds Financing Pty Limited

Hastings Funds Management Asia Pte. Limited

Singapore

Westpac Investment Vehicle No.2 Pty Limited

Hastings Funds Management Limited

Hastings Forestry Investments Limited

Hastings Forests Australia Pty Limited

Australia

Westpac Cook Cove Trust I

New Zealand

Westpac Cook Cove Trust II

Australia

Westpac Pacific Limited Partnership

Hastings Private Equity Fund IIA Pty Limited

Australia

Westpac Syndications Management Pty Limited

Hastings Funds Management (UK) Limited

Hastings Investment Management (Europe) Limited2
Core Infrastructure Income Feeder 1 L.P.2
Core Infrastructure Income Feeder 2 L.P.2
Core Infrastructure Income Master L.P.2

Europe Infrastructure Debt LP

Hastings Infrastructure 1 Limited

Hastings Infrastructure 2 Limited

Infrastructure GP LLP
Infrastructure GP2 LLP2

UK

UK

St.George Business Finance Pty Limited 

St.George Equity Finance Limited 

Scotland 

St.George Finance Holdings Limited 

Scotland 

St.George Finance Limited

UK

UK

UK

UK

UK

UK

Crusade ABS Series 2012-1 Trust
Crusade ABS Series 2013 -1 Trust2

St.George Motor Finance Limited6

St.George Procurement Management Pty Limited 

St.George Security Holdings Pty Limited 

Tavarua Funding Trust IV

USA

USA

USA

USA

Australia

Korea

India

Australia

Australia

Australia

Australia

Australia

Australia

Australia

Australia

Australia

Australia

Australia

Australia

Australia

Australia

Australia

Australia

Australia

Australia

Australia

Australia

Australia

Australia

Australia

Australia

Australia

Australia

Australia

Australia

Australia

Australia

Australia

Australia

Australia

Australia

Australia

Australia

Australia

Australia

Australia

Australia

Australia

Australia

Australia

Australia

Australia

Australia

Australia

Australia

Australia

Australia

Australia

Australia

Australia

Australia

USA

2014 Westpac Group Annual Report 

273 

 
Note 39. Group entities (continued) 

Name

Country of Incorporation Name

Country of Incorporation

The Mortgage Company Pty Limited

Value Nominees Pty Limited 
Waratah Securities Australia Limited8

Sydney Capital Corporation Inc8
Waratah Receivables Corporation Pty Limited8

Westpac Administration 2 Limited2,5
Westpac Administration 3 Limited5
Westpac Administration 4 Pty Limited5

Westpac Altitude Rewards Trust

Westpac Bank of Tonga
Westpac Bank Samoa Limited6
Westpac Bank-PNG-Limited6

Westpac Capital Holdings Inc.

Westpac Capital Trust IV

Westpac Covered Bond Trust

Westpac Delta LLC

Westpac Equity Holdings Pty Limited

Altitude Administration Pty Limited

Altitude Rewards Pty Limited
BT Financial Group (NZ) Limited3

BT Funds Management (NZ) Limited

Hastings Group Pty Limited

Qvalent Pty Limited

RAMS Financial Group Pty Limited

Westpac Financial Consultants Limited

Westpac Financial Services Group Limited

Advance Asset Management Limited
Ascalon Capital Managers Limited3

Ascalon Capital Managers (Asia) Limited

Canning Park Capital Pte Ltd
Ascalon Funds Seed Pool Trust3
Asgard Wealth Solutions Limited3

Asgard Capital Management Limited

Hitton Pty Limited

eQR Securities Pty Limited

Securitor Financial Group Limited

BT Financial Group Pty Limited

BT Australia Pty Limited

BT Funds Management Limited3

Oniston Pty Limited

BT Funds Management No.2 Limited
BT Investment Management Limited6

BT Investment Management (Fund Services) Limited

BT Investment Management (Institutional) Limited

BTIM UK Limited

J O Hambro Capital Management Holdings Limited

J O Hambro Capital Management Limited

JOHCM (Singapore) Pty Limited

JOHCM (USA) Inc

BT Portfolio Services Limited3

BT Private Nominees Pty Limited
Magnitude Group Pty Limited3
Seed Pool Trust No 23
St.George Life Limited3
Westpac Custodian Nominees Pty Limited5

Westpac Financial Services Limited
Westpac General Insurance Limited3
Westpac General Insurance Services Limited3

Australia

Australia

Australia

BT Long Term Income Fund 

Westpac Equity Pty Limited

Westpac Lenders Mortgage Insurance Limited3

USA

Westpac Life Insurance Services Limited

Australia

Australia

Australia

Australia

Australia

Tonga

Samoa

Westpac RE Limited

Westpac Securities Administration Limited
Westpac Financial Services Group-NZ-Limited3

Westpac Life-NZ-Limited

Westpac Nominees-NZ-Limited

HLT Custodian Trust

MIF Custodian Trust

Papua New Guinea

Westpac Superannuation Nominees-NZ-Limited

USA

USA

Westpac Securities Limited

Net Nominees Limited

Australia

Westpac Securitisation Management Pty Limited

USA Westpac Europe Limited

Australia Westpac Financial Holdings Pty Limited

Australia

BT Securities Limited

Australia

BT (Queensland) Pty Limited

New Zealand Westpac Funding Holdings Pty Limited

New Zealand Westpac Investments U.K. Limited

Australia Westpac Leasing Nominees-Vic.-Pty Limited

Australia Westpac Overseas Holdings No. 2 Pty Limited

Australia

Westpac New Zealand Group Limited

Australia

Australia

Australia

Australia

Hong Kong

Singapore

Australia

Australia

Australia

Australia

Australia

Australia

Australia

Australia

Australia

Westpac New Zealand Limited
Westpac Cash PIE Fund8

Westpac NZ Operations Limited

Aotearoa Financial Services Limited

Number 120 Limited

The Home Mortgage Company Limited
The Warehouse Financial Services Limited6

Westpac (NZ) Investments Limited
Westpac NZ Securitisation Holdings Limited6

Westpac NZ Securitisation Limited

Westpac NZ Securitisation No.2 Limited
Westpac NZ Covered Bond Holdings Limited6

Westpac NZ Covered Bond Limited

Westpac Securities NZ Limited

Westpac Term PIE Fund8

Australia Westpac Overseas Holdings Pty Limited

Australia

A.G.C. (Pacific) Limited

Australia

Westpac Americas Inc.

Australia

Australia

UK

UK

UK

Westpac Investment Capital Corporation

Westpac USA Inc.

Westpac Capital Markets Holding Corp

Westpac Capital Markets LLC

Westpac Finance (HK) Limited

Singapore

Westpac Group Investment-NZ-Limited

USA

Westpac Holdings-NZ-Limited 

Australia

Australia

Westpac Capital-NZ-Limited

Westpac Equity Investments NZ Limited

Australia

Westpac Singapore Limited

Australia Westpac Properties Limited

Australia Westpac Securitisation Holdings Pty Limited

Australia Westpac Structured Products Limited

Australia Westpac TPS Trust

Australia Westpac Unit Trust

Australia

274 

2014 Westpac Group Annual Report 

Australia

Australia

Australia

Australia

Australia

Australia

New Zealand

New Zealand

New Zealand

New Zealand

New Zealand

New Zealand

Australia

Australia

Australia

UK

Australia

Australia

Australia

Australia

UK

Australia

Australia

New Zealand

New Zealand

New Zealand

New Zealand

New Zealand

New Zealand

New Zealand

New Zealand

New Zealand

New Zealand

New Zealand

New Zealand

New Zealand

New Zealand

New Zealand

New Zealand

Australia

Papua New Guinea

USA

USA

USA

USA

USA

Hong Kong

New Zealand

New Zealand

New Zealand

New Zealand

Singapore

Australia

Australia

Australia

Australia

Australia

  
 
 
Notes to the financial statements 

Note 39. Group entities (continued) 
Notes 
1  Controlled entities shown in bold type are owned directly by Westpac Banking Corporation. Overseas companies predominantly carry on business in 
the country of incorporation. For unincorporated entities, ‘Country of Incorporation’ refers to the country where business is carried on. The financial 
years of all controlled entities are the same as that of Westpac unless otherwise stated. From time to time, the Group consolidates a number of unit 
trusts where the group is exposed to, or has rights to, variable returns from its involvement with the trusts, and has the ability to affect those returns 
through its power over the trusts. 

2  The following controlled entities were acquired, created, or incorporated during the financial year: 

  Capital Finance Australia Limited and its controlled entities 
  Core Infrastructure Income Feeder 1 L.P. 
  Core Infrastructure Income Feeder 2 L.P. 
  Core Infrastructure Income Master L.P. 
  Crusade ABS Series 2013-1 Trust 
  Hastings Korea Company Limited 
  Hastings Investment Management (Europe) Limited 
 
 
  North Ryde Office Trust 
  Reinventure Fund, I.L.P. 
  Series 2013-2 WST Trust 
  Series 2014-1 WST Trust 
  Westpac Administration 2 Limited and its controlled entities 

Infrastructure GP2 LLP 
Infrastructure Research and Advisory Services Private Limited 

3  The following controlled entities changed their ownership during the financial year: 

  Ascalon Capital Managers Limited 
  Ascalon Funds Seed Pool Trust 
  Asgard Wealth Solutions Limited 
  BT Financial Group (NZ) Limited 
  BT Funds Management Limited 
  BT Portfolio Services Limited 
  Magnitude Group Pty Limited 
  Seed Pool Trust No. 2 
  St.George Life Limited 
  Westpac Financial Services Group-NZ-Limited 
  Westpac General Insurance Limited 
  Westpac General Insurance Services Limited 
  Westpac Lenders Mortgage Insurance Limited 

4  The following controlled entities were deregistered, terminated or amalgamated during the financial year: 

  BLE Holdings Pty Limited 
  BT Life Limited 
  Codrington S.a.r.l. 
  Crusade CP Trust No. 41 
  Crusade CP Trust No. 44 
  Crusade CP Trust No. 48 
  Crusade CP Trust No. 49 
  Crusade CP Trust No. 50 
  Crusade CP Trust No. 54 
  Crusade CP Trust No. 60 
  Crusade Global Trust No. 1 of 2005 
  Crusade Global Trust No. 2 of 2004 
  JOHCM (USA) General Partner Inc 
  Southern Cross Inc 
  Tavarua Funding Trust III 
  W1 Investments Pty Limited 
  Westpac Capital Trust III 
  Westpac NZ Leasing Limited 

5  The following controlled entities changed their name during the financial year: 
  BOS International (Australia) Limited to Westpac Administration 2 Limited 
  BOS International (Securites) Pty Limited to Westpac Administration 4 Pty Limited 
  BOSI Security Services Limited to Westpac Administration 3 Limited 
  Halcyon Securities Limited to Halcyon Securities Pty Limited 
  Westpac Custodian Nominees Limited to Westpac Custodian Nominees Pty Limited 

Acquired 
Created 
Created 
Created 
Created 
Incorporated 
Incorporated 
Created 
Incorporated 
Acquired 
Created 
Created 
Created 
Acquired 

Deregistered 
Deregistered 
Deregistered 
Terminated 
Terminated 
Terminated 
Terminated 
Terminated 
Terminated 
Terminated 
Terminated 
Terminated 
Terminated 
Deregistered 
Terminated 
Deregistered 
Terminated 
Amalgamated 

31 December 2013 
12 December 2013 
12 December 2013 
16 December 2013 
12 December 2013 
23 December 2013 
18 July 2014 
10 December 2013 
7 July 2014 
28 February 2014 
15 January 2014 
1 October 2013 
2 June 2014 
31 December 2013 

31 October 2013 
31 October 2013 
31 October 2013 
31 October 2013 
31 October 2013 
31 October 2013 
31 October 2013 
31 October 2013 
31 October 2013 
31 October 2013 
31 October 2013 
31 October 2013 
31 October 2013 

4 September 2014 
2 October 2013 
16 August 2014 
17 September 2014 
17 September 2014 
17 September 2014 
17 September 2014 
17 September 2014 
17 September 2014 
17 September 2014 
26 June 2014 
3 April 2014 
1 December 2013 
3 January 2014 
24 April 2014 
25 September 2014 
24 April 2014 
15 September 2014 

16 May 2014 
16 May 2014 
16 May 2014 
8 August 2014 
8 August 2014 

2014 Westpac Group Annual Report 

275 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Note 39. Group entities (continued) 
6  The following controlled entities are not wholly owned: 

BT Investment Management Limited
Hastings Management Pty Limited
Reinventure Fund, I.L.P.
St.George Motor Finance Limited
The Warehouse Financial Services Limited 
Westpac Bank-PNG-Limited
Westpac Bank Samoa Limited
Westpac NZ Covered Bond Holdings Limited7
Westpac NZ Securitisation Holdings Limited7

Percentage Owned

2014
60.8%
97.2%
99.0%
75.0%
51.0%
89.9%
93.5%
19.0%
19.0%

2013
62.1%
100.0%
n/a
75.0%
51.0%
89.9%
93.5%
19.0%
19.0%  

7  9.5% of the equity in both Westpac NZ Securitisation Holdings Limited (WNZSHL) and Westpac NZ Covered Bond Holdings Limited (WNZCBHL) is 

held directly by Westpac Holdings–NZ–Limited and another 9.5% is held directly by Westpac NZ Operations Limited. Although WBC and its 
controlled entities only own a total of 19%, due to contractual and structural arrangements, each of WNZSHL and WNZCBHL is considered to be a 
controlled entity within WBC. 

8  The Group has funding agreements in place with these entities and is deemed to have exposure to the associated risks and rewards. These entities 
are consolidated where the Group is exposed to, or has rights to, variable returns from its involvement with the entity and has the ability to affect 
those returns through its power over the entity. 

9  The following unit trusts, which are investment vehicles of Westpac Life Insurance Services Limited, are consolidated by the Group and not wholly 

owned where stated: 

1940's Lifestage Fund - B
1950's Lifestage Fund - B
1960's Lifestage Fund - B
1970's Lifestage Fund - B
1980's Lifestage Fund - B
1990's Lifestage Fund - B
2000's Lifestage Fund - B
BT Defensive Equity Income Fund
BT Enhanced Fixed Interest Sector Trust
BT Global Emerging Markets Opportunities Fund-Institutional
BT Institutional Enhanced Australian Shares Fund
BT Institutional Enhanced Cash Fund
BT Institutional Enhanced Global Fixed Interest Fund
BT Institutional Enhanced Property Securities Fund
BT Institutional Global Share Fund
BT Institutional Liquidity Management Trust
BT Institutional Managed Cash Fund
BT Medium Term Income Fund
BT Stable Cash Plus Fund
BT Total Return Fund
BT Wholesale Active Balanced Fund
BT Wholesale Cash Plus Fund
Westpac International Share Index Trust

Percentage Owned

2014
100.0%
100.0%
100.0%
100.0%
100.0%
100.0%
100.0%
87.9%
91.0%
50.9%
97.8%
75.0%
46.9%
61.3%
98.0%
n/a
n/a
100.0%
56.1%
56.9%
75.5%
52.0%
57.0%

2013
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
92.9%
92.0%
n/a
97.9%
n/a
34.5%
67.5%
97.7%
47.8%
75.6%
n/a
n/a
48.4%
75.7%
n/a
n/a  

276 

2014 Westpac Group Annual Report 

  
 
 
 
 
Note 40. Other group investments 
The Group had a significant non-controlling shareholding in the following entities as at 30 September 2014: 

Notes to the financial statements 

Above The Index Asset Management Pty Limited
Alleron Investment Management Limited
Angusknight Pty Limited
Athos Capital Limited
Boyd Cook Cove Unit Trust
Cardlink Services Limited
Cards NZ Limited
Cash Services Australia Pty Limited
Cook Cove Investment Pty Limited
Cook Cove Investment Trust
Cook Cove Pty Limited and its controlled entities
Epicfrog Pty Ltd
Exact Mining Group Pty Limited
Morphic Asset Management Pty Limited
Paymark Limited
Payments NZ Limited
Regal Funds Management Asia Limited
Regal Funds Management Pty Limited
RV Capital Pte Limited
SocietyOne Holdings Pty Ltd
Sydney Harbour Bridge Holdings Pty Limited 
Vipro Pty Limited 
Westpac Employee Assistance Foundation Pty Limited
Westpac Essential Services Trust I and II and their controlled 
and non-controlled entities

Country Where Beneficial
Interest
       %
33.3
39.7
50.0
35.0
50.0
25.0
18.8
25.0
50.0
50.0
50.0
40.0
25.5
35.0
25.0
23.0
30.0
30.0
30.0
16.7
49.0
33.3
50.0

Business is
Carried On
Australia
Australia
Australia
Hong Kong
Australia
Australia
New Zealand
Australia
Australia
Australia
Australia
Australia
Australia
Australia
New Zealand
New Zealand
Singapore
Australia
Singapore
Australia
Australia
Australia
Australia

Nature of Business
Funds management
Funds management
Employment and training
Funds management
Investment fund
Card clearing system
Credit card provider
Cash logistics
Investment company
Investment fund
Investment company
Technology
Services to mining
Funds management
Electronic payments processing
Electronic payments processing
Funds management
Funds management
Funds management
Technology platform
Intellectual property
Voucher processing
Corporate trustee

Australia

36.8

Asset management

The total carrying amount of the Group’s significant non-controlling shareholding was $158 million (2013: $191 million). 

In terms of the contribution to the results of the Group, the above investments are not material either individually or 
in aggregate. 

2014 Westpac Group Annual Report 

277 

 
 
 
 
 
Note 41. Structured entities 
A structured entity is one which has been designed such that voting or similar rights are not the dominant factor in determining 
who controls the entity (for example, when voting rights relate to administrative tasks only and the relevant activities are 
directed by means of contractual arrangements). Structured entities are generally created to achieve a specific and well defined 
objective with restrictions over their ongoing activities. Where structured entities are used to facilitate the purchase of specific 
assets, they are commonly financed by issuing debt or equity securities that are collateralised by and/or indexed to those 
underlying assets. The debt and equity securities issued by structured entities may include tranches with varying levels 
of subordination. 

The Group engages in various transactions with both consolidated and unconsolidated structured entities that are mainly 
involved in securitisations, asset-backed and other financing structures and managed investment funds. 

Structured entities are assessed for consolidation in accordance with the accounting policy set out in Note 1(h)(vii). 

Consolidated structured entities 
Securitisation and asset-backed conduit vehicles 
The Group uses structured entities as conduits for the purposes of providing its customers with access to funding from 
commercial paper markets and to undertake securitisation of its own pool of financial assets. For further details, refer to 
Note 32. 

Covered bonds 
The Group has two covered bond programs whereby selected pools of residential mortgages it originates are assigned to 
bankruptcy remote structured entities. For further details, refer to Note 32. 

Group managed funds 
The Group has established a number of investment management funds for which it acts as the responsible entity and/or fund 
manager. The Group consolidates those funds where it is deemed to be acting as a principal rather than agent in its role of 
investment manager. The principal vs. agent decision requires judgment to be exercised in concluding whether the Group has 
sufficient exposure to variable returns. 

Unconsolidated structured entities 
The Group enters into transactions with unconsolidated structured entities in the normal course of business to facilitate 
customer transactions, for liquidity management purposes and for specific investment opportunities. 

Its interests in structured entities comprise any form of contractual or non-contractual involvement which creates variability in 
returns arising from the performance of the entity for the Group. These include holdings of debt or equity instruments, 
guarantees, liquidity and other credit support arrangements, loan commitments, derivatives that transfer financial risks from the 
entity to the Group and investment management agreements. 

Interests do not include plain vanilla derivatives (e.g. interest rate swaps and currency swaps), instruments that are deemed to 
create rather than absorb variability in the unconsolidated structured entity (e.g. purchase of credit protection under a credit 
default swap), and lending arrangements to a structured entity where recourse on default is to a wider operating entity rather 
than secured only on the underlying assets of the entity. 

The main types of interests held by the Group in unconsolidated structured entities generally comprise the following: 

  trading securities: the Group buys and sells interests in structured entities as part of its normal trading activities and includes 
mortgage or other asset-backed securities. These securities are typically held as part of a larger trading portfolio and the 
Group would normally have no other involvement with the structured entity. The Group derives interest income on these 
securities, and also recognises realised and unrealised gains or losses arising from a change in fair value through 
trading income; 

  available-for-sale securities: the Group holds mortgage-backed securities as part of its liquidity portfolio which provides a 

buffer against unforseen funding requirements. These assets are highly rated investment grade paper and are 100% eligible 
for repurchase agreements with the Reserve Bank of Australia or another central bank. As with its securities held in trading 
portfolios, the Group would normally have no other involvement with the issuing structured entity. The Group recognises 
interest income on these securities and net gains or losses arising from the sale of these assets (recorded as part of non-
interest income); 

278 

2014 Westpac Group Annual Report 

  
Notes to the financial statements 

Note 41. Structured entities (continued) 
  loans and other credit commitments: the Group provides lending facilities to unconsolidated structured entities in the normal 

course of its lending business to earn income in the form of interest and lending fees. The structured entities mainly 
comprise property trusts, and those associated with project and property financing transactions where the primary source of 
debt service, security and repayment is derived from the underlying assets of the entity. Other structured entities include 
those unconsolidated securitisation trusts established as part of the Group’s customer securitisation program. All loans and 
credit commitments are subject to the Group’s credit approval process with collateral specific to the circumstances of each 
loan; and 

  investment management agreements: as part of its normal funds management activities, the Group establishes and 

manages a number of funds that provide customers with investment opportunities. The Group also manages superannuation 
funds established for its employees. As the fund manager, the Group is entitled to receive on-going management and 
performance fee income based on the value of the assets under management. 

The Group may also retain units in these funds, which are primarily held by its consolidated life insurance entities. The 
Group derives fund distribution income from these holdings and recognises fair value movements (through non-interest 
income) where the instruments are held at fair value through the income statement. 

The table below shows the Group’s interests in unconsolidated structured entities and its maximum exposure to loss in relation 
to those interests. The maximum exposure to loss represents the maximum loss that the Group could incur as a result of its 
involvement in the structured entities regardless of the probability of the loss being incurred. The amount does not take into 
account the effects of any collateral or hedges undertaken to reduce the risk of loss. In this respect: 

  for debt and equity instruments in and loans to unconsolidated structured entities, the maximum exposure to loss is the 

carrying value of these interests at reporting date; and 

  for off-balance sheet instruments including liquidity facilities, loan and other credit commitments and guarantees, the 

maximum exposure to loss is reflected by the notional amounts. 

Consolidated 2014

Investment in 
Third Party 
Mortgage and 
Other Asset-
Backed 
Securities1
$m

Financing to 
Securitisation 
Vehicles
$m

Group 
Managed 
Funds2
$m

Interests in 
Other 
Structured 
Entities
$m

Total
$m

Assets
Receivables due from other financial institutions
Trading securities
Other financial assets designated at fair value
Available-for-sale securities
Loans
Life insurance assets
Other assets
Total on-balance sheet exposures
Total notional amounts of off-balance sheet 
exposures
-
7,828
Maximum exposure to loss
Size of structured entities3
111,350
1  Of the Group’s total interests held in third party mortgage and other asset-backed securities, $7,809 million represents the senior tranche of notes 

-
2,865
109
-
23,638
1,544
4
28,160

1,417
-
-
-
13,478
-
-
14,895

-
-
123
104
57
2,209
39
2,532

-
1,673
1,589
4,428
127
-
11
7,828

1,417
4,538
1,821
4,532
37,300
3,753
54
53,415

11,998
65,413
362,745

7,377
35,537
144,873

4,543
19,438
19,438

78
2,610
87,084

2 

issued and $19 million represents the subordinated tranche of notes issued. All notes are investment grade rated. 
Includes unconsolidated trusts established and managed by the Group in New Zealand which hold securitised assets transferred from Westpac NZ 
Limited. The amount of assets transferred from the Group to these entities during the period was $103 million. 

3  Represented either by the total assets or market capitalisation of the entity, or if not available the Group’s total committed exposure (for lending 

arrangements and external debt and equity holdings), funds under management (for Group managed funds) or the total value of notes on issue (for 
investments in third-party asset-backed securities). 

Non-contractual financial support 
The Group has not provided any non-contractual financial support during the period to unconsolidated structured entities and 
does not anticipate providing such support in the future. 

2014 Westpac Group Annual Report 

279 

 
                     
             
                     
                     
             
             
                     
                     
             
             
             
                     
                
                
             
             
                     
                
                     
             
                
           
                  
           
           
                     
                     
             
             
             
                  
                     
                  
                    
                  
             
           
             
           
           
                     
             
                  
             
           
             
           
             
           
           
         
           
           
         
         
 
 
 
Note 41. Structured entities (continued) 
Sponsored entities 
The Group would be deemed to sponsor an entity where it is involved in its creation or establishment and promotion (including 
use of the Group’s name in the name of the entity or on the products issued by the entity), and facilitates its on-going success 
through the transfer of assets (if any), or the provision of explicit or implicit financial, operational or other support. 

In addition to the sponsored entities in which the Group has an interest, the Group also sponsors entities in which it has no 
interest. These primarily comprise the Group’s charitable trusts. No income is earned from these entities nor does the Group 
transfer any assets to them. 

During the period, the Group established and launched the Westpac Bicentennial Foundation to which it made a one-off 
$100 million contribution. This charitable Foundation will have an exclusive focus on the education and advancement of 
Australians and the Group’s contribution will be used to fund 100 scholarships every year in perpetuity. 

Note 42. Related party disclosures 
Ultimate parent 
Westpac Banking Corporation is the ultimate parent company of the Group. 

Subsidiaries 
Transactions between the Parent Entity and its subsidiaries during 2014 have included the provision of a wide range of banking 
and other financial facilities, some of which have been on commercial terms and conditions; others have been on terms and 
conditions which represented a concession to the subsidiaries. Details of amounts paid to or received from related parties, in 
the form of dividends or interest, are set out in Note 2 and Note 3. 

Other intragroup transactions, which may or may not be on commercial terms, include the provision of management and 
administration services, staff training, data processing facilities, transfer of tax losses, and the leasing of property, plant and 
equipment. Similar transactions between Group entities and other related parties have been almost invariably on commercial 
terms and conditions as agreed between the parties. 

Director and other key management personnel 
Total compensation of all key management personnel, including Non-executive Directors, the CEO and other key 
management personnel: 

Consolidated
2014
2013

Parent Entity
2014
2013

Short-term
 Benefits
$

Post Employment 
Benefits
$

Termination 
Benefits
$

Share-based
 Payments
$

Total
$

32,629,048 
31,937,697 

31,449,374 
29,981,809 

433,456 
373,290 

429,955 
369,824 

- 
- 

- 
- 

19,010,878 
15,465,959 

52,073,382 
47,776,946 

18,632,631 
14,600,171 

50,511,960 
44,951,804  

Detailed remuneration disclosures of Non-executive Directors, CEO and other key management personnel are included in the 
Remuneration report. 

Loans to Directors and other key management personnel disclosures 
All financial instrument transactions that have occurred during the financial year between the Directors and the Group are in the 
ordinary course of business on normal terms and conditions (including interest and collateral) as apply to other employees and 
certain customers. These transactions consisted principally of normal personal banking and financial investment services. 

Details of loans to Directors and other key management personnel (including their related parties) of the Group are: 

2014
2013

280 

Balance at 
Start of Year
$
14,837,949 
15,800,908 

Interest Paid 
and Payable
 for the Year
$
884,631 
778,689 

Interest Not 
Charged
$
- 
- 

Balance at
 End of Year
$
18,442,040 
14,837,949 

Number in 
Group at End of 
Year
10 
11  

2014 Westpac Group Annual Report 

  
 
 
 
 
Note 42. Related party disclosures (continued) 
Options and share rights holdings1 
The following table sets out the details of the performance options, performance share rights and unhurdled share rights held at 
30 September 2014 by the CEO and other key management personnel (including their related parties): 

Notes to the financial statements 

Gail Kelly

Philip Coffey

John Arthur

Brad Cooper

George Frazis

Brian Hartzer

Alexandra Holcomb

Peter King

Latest Date
for Exercise
21 Dec 2019
1 Oct 2020
1 Oct 2021
1 Oct 2022
1 Oct 2023

1 Oct 2019
1 Oct 2020
1 Oct 2021
1 Oct 2022
1 Oct 2023

1 Oct 2019
1 Oct 2020
1 Oct 2021
1 Oct 2022
1 Oct 2023

17 Dec 2017
1 Oct 2018
1 Oct 2019
1 Oct 2020
1 Oct 2021
1 Oct 2022
1 Oct 2023

1 Oct 2019
1 Oct 2020
1 Oct 2021
1 Oct 2022
1 Oct 2023

1 Oct 2022
1 Oct 2023

17 Dec 2017
1 Oct 2018
1 Oct 2019
1 Oct 2020
1 Oct 2021
1 Oct 2022
1 Oct 2023

1 Oct 2019
1 Oct 2020
1 Oct 2021
1 Oct 2022
1 Oct 2023

1  David Curran has not yet been awarded any options or share rights. 

2014 Westpac Group Annual Report 

Number of
Share Rights
49,801
17,612
272,929
213,101
159,821

Number of
Options
-
-
-
-
-

Exercise Price
of Options
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a

3,595
3,914
66,715
67,087
50,313

1,917
3,914
40,433
71,033
53,273

-
-
3,145
4,892
75,813
59,194
44,394

2,996
3,261
55,596
43,409
32,555

30,780
85,828

-
-
929
1,011
17,183
16,573
14,797

689
978
15,162
11,838
8,878

-
-
-
-
-

-
-
-
-
-

104,761
92,024
-
-
-
-
-

-
-
-
-
-

-
-

38,847
31,697
-
-
-
-
-

-
-
-
-
-

n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a

n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a

$30.10
$23.40
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a

n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a

n/a
n/a

$30.10
$23.40
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a

n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a  

281 

 
 
 
Note 42. Related party disclosures (continued) 

Christine Parker

Rob Whitfield

Jason Yetton

Latest Date
for Exercise
1 Oct 2019
1 Oct 2020
1 Oct 2021
1 Oct 2022
1 Oct 2023

1 Oct 2019
1 Oct 2020
1 Oct 2021
1 Oct 2022
1 Oct 2023

1 Oct 2019
1 Oct 2020
1 Oct 2021
1 Oct 2022
1 Oct 2023

Number of
Share Rights
338
750
11,927
27,623
20,717

3,595
3,914
60,650
47,355
35,515

959
1,044
17,689
51,301
38,475

Number of
Options
-
-
-
-
-

Exercise Price
of Options
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a

-
-
-
-
-

-
-
-
-
-

n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a

n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a  

282 

2014 Westpac Group Annual Report 

  
 
 
Note 43. Notes to the cash flow statements 
Cash and cash equivalents 

Cash on hand
Balances with central banks
Total cash and cash equivalents

Notes to the financial statements 

Consolidated

2014
$m
19,582
6,178
25,760

2013
$m
9,862
1,837
11,699

2012
$m
11,138
1,385
12,523

Parent Entity
2014
$m
18,952
4,448
23,400

2013
$m
9,270
239
9,509

Reconciliation of net cash (used in)/provided by operating activities to net profit attributable to equity holders of 
Westpac Banking Corporation is set out below: 

Reconciliation of net cash provided by/(used in) operating 
activities to net profit
Net profit
Adjustments:

Depreciation, amortisation and impairment
(Decrease)/increase in sundry provisions and other non-cash items
Impairment charges on loans
(Increase)/decrease in loans
Increase/(decrease) in deposits and other borrowings
(Increase)/decrease in receivables due from other 
financial institutions
(Decrease)/increase in payables due to other financial institutions
(Increase)/decrease in trading and fair value assets
Increase/(decrease) in other financial liabilities at fair value through 
income statement
(Increase)/decrease in derivative financial instruments
(Increase)/decrease in accrued interest receivable
Increase/(decrease) in accrued interest payable
(Decrease)/increase in current and deferred tax
Net cash provided by/(used in) operating activities

Consolidated

2014
$m

2013
$m

2012
$m

Parent Entity
2014
$m

2013
$m

7,625

6,825

6,002

7,234

6,805

1,020
(565)
756
(35,734)
34,229

904
1,660
923
(15,667)
22,155

850
1
1,316
(18,893)
26,381

867
(932)
634
(33,659)
32,244

803
1,491
715
(13,372)
17,646

3,932
9,419
1,724

9,079
(3,329)
(64)
(53)
332
28,371

(511)
363
(319)

(2,418)
(6,807)
4,271

266
9,126
84
(376)
147
25,580

155
3,679
134
54
820
15,545

3,966
9,280
1,083

8,992
(3,028)
(47)
(55)
(221)
26,358

(1,544)
345
(811)

266
8,972
90
(378)
(209)
20,819

Business acquired 
Acquisition of selected business of Lloyds 
On 31 December 2013 the Group acquired 100% of the share capital in Capital Finance Australia Ltd (CFAL) and BOS 
International Australia Ltd (BOSI). The business acquired adds scale and geographic diversity to the Group’s motor vehicle 
finance business, expands the Group’s capability and reach within equipment finance and creates opportunities to deepen 
customer relationships with the opportunity to cross sell other Westpac Group products. The provisional goodwill recognised of 
$225 million primarily reflects the value of synergies expected to arise as a result of the acquisition. 

Acquisition and integration related costs of $64 million have been charged to operating expenses for the year ended 
30 September 2014. 

The fair value of receivables acquired was $7,895 million. The gross contractual amount of receivables acquired was 
$7,977 million, of which $111 million is expected to be uncollectible. Other fair value adjustments amount to $29 million. 

Since 31 December 2013 CFAL and BOSI have contributed revenue of $234 million and an after-tax profit of $64 million to the 
Group. If the acquisition had occurred on 1 October 2013, it is estimated that CFAL and BOSI would have contributed revenue 
of $310 million and profit of $84 million to the Group. 

In addition to acquiring the shares in CFAL and BOSI the Group purchased certain derivative contracts from Lloyds 
International Australian branches for $9 million. These derivatives have been accounted for as transactions in the normal 
course of business and in aggregate have no material impact on the Group. 

Acquisition of J O Hambro Capital Management Limited 
On 1 October 2011 BT Investment Management Limited (an entity controlled by Westpac) acquired 100% of the share capital 
of J O Hambro Capital Management Limited, a company incorporated in the United Kingdom. 

2014 Westpac Group Annual Report 

283 

 
     
       
     
     
       
       
       
       
       
          
     
     
     
     
       
 
 
 
       
       
       
       
       
       
          
          
          
          
         
       
              
         
       
          
          
       
          
          
    
    
    
    
    
     
     
     
     
     
       
         
      
       
      
       
          
      
       
          
       
         
       
       
         
       
          
          
       
          
      
       
       
      
       
           
            
          
           
            
           
         
            
           
         
          
          
          
         
         
     
     
     
     
     
 
 
 
Note 43. Notes to the cash flow statements (continued) 
Details of assets and liabilities of controlled entities and business acquired 

Fair value of assets and liabilities of controlled entities and businesses acquired1
Assets acquired:
  Cash and cash equivalents
  Trade and other receivables
  Derivative assets
  Available for sale financial assets
  Loans and advances
  Identifiable intangible assets
  Operating lease assets
  Other assets and prepayments
Total assets acquired
Liabilities acquired:
  Trade creditors and other accrued expenses
  Provisions
  Deferred tax liabilities
  Debt securities on issue
  Borrowings
Total liabilities acquired
Fair value of identifiable net assets acquired
Goodwill
Total
Cash consideration
Purchase of shares
Replacement of intergroup funding
Debt and equity instruments issued
Total consideration transferred
Cash consideration
Less cash and cash equivalents acquired
Cash paid (net of cash acquired)
1  Fair value of assets and liabilities are provisional amounts. 

Non-cash financing activities 

Consolidated

Consolidated

2014
$m

2013
$m

2012
$m

149
-
30
-
7,895
56
80
6
8,216

24
11
25
488
6,368
6,916
1,300
225
1,525

1,525
6,368
-
7,893
7,893
(149)
7,744

-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-

-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-

-
-
-
-
-
-
-

22
24
-
22
-
120
-
5
193

30
12
28
-
-
70
123
214
337

292
-
45
337
292
(22)
270

2013
$m
531
332
173

2014
$m
-
529
-

2013
$m
531
332
173

2012
$m
873
-
-

Parent Entity
2014
$m
-
529
-

Shares issued under the dividend reinvestment plan1
Issuance of loan capital2
Shares issued on redemption of Westpac SPS
1  The dividend reinvestment plan in respect of the 2014 interim and 2013 final and special dividends ($1,022 million) (2013: interim dividend 

2 

$543 million) was satisfied in full through purchase of existing shares and transfer of shares to participating shareholders. 
In 2014, amounts relate to holders of Westpac SPS II who participated in the reinvestment offer to subscribe for Westpac Capital Notes 2. In 2013, 
amounts relate to holders of Westpac SPS who participated in the reinvestment offer to subscribe for Westpac Subordinated Notes II. 

Restricted cash 
The amount of cash and cash equivalents not available for use at 30 September 2014 was $35 million (2013: nil) for the Group. 

Note 44. Subsequent events 
No matter of circumstance has arisen since the year ended 30 September 2014 which is not otherwise dealt with in this report, 
that has significantly affected or may significantly affect the operations of the Group, the results of its operations or the state of 
affairs of the Group in subsequent periods. 

284 

2014 Westpac Group Annual Report 

  
 
          
               
            
               
               
            
            
               
               
               
               
            
       
               
               
            
               
          
            
               
               
              
               
              
       
               
          
            
               
            
            
               
            
            
               
            
          
               
               
       
               
               
       
               
            
       
               
          
          
               
          
       
               
          
       
               
          
       
               
               
               
               
            
       
               
          
       
               
          
         
               
           
       
               
          
 
 
 
               
          
          
               
          
          
          
               
          
          
               
          
               
               
          
 
 
 
Statutory statements 

Directors’ declaration 

In the Directors’ opinion: 

a. 

the financial statements and notes set out in ‘Section 3 – Financial report for the year ended 30 September 2014’ are in 
accordance with the Corporations Act 2001, including: 

(i)  complying with Australian Accounting Standards, the Corporations Regulations 2001 and other mandatory professional 

reporting requirements; and 

(ii)  giving a true and fair view of Westpac Banking Corporation and the Group’s financial position as at 30 September 2014 

and of their performance, as represented by the results of their operations, changes in equity and their cash flows, for 
the financial year ended on that date; and 

b. 

there are reasonable grounds to believe that Westpac will be able to pay its debts as and when they become due 
and payable. 

Note 1(a) confirms that the financial report also complies with International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the 
International Accounting Standards Board. 

The Directors have been given the declaration by the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer required by section 
295A of the Corporations Act 2001. 

This declaration is made in accordance with a resolution of the Directors. 

For and on behalf of the Board. 

Lindsay Maxsted 
Chairman 

Sydney 
3 November 2014 

Gail Kelly 
Managing Director &  
Chief Executive Officer 

2014 Westpac Group Annual Report 

285 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Management’s report on internal control over financial reporting 

The following report is required by rules of the US Securities and Exchange Commission 

The management of Westpac is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting 
for Westpac as defined in Rule 13a – 15 (f) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Westpac’s internal control 
system is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the 
preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with applicable accounting standards. 

Westpac’s internal control over financial reporting includes policies and procedures that: pertain to the maintenance of records 
that in reasonable detail accurately reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of Westpac and its consolidated 
entities; provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial 
statements in accordance with applicable accounting standards, and that receipts and expenditures of Westpac are being 
made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of Westpac and its consolidated entities; and 
provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of the 
assets of Westpac and its consolidated entities that could have a material effect on the financial statements. 

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, 
projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate 
because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate. 

Westpac management, with the participation of the CEO and CFO, assessed the effectiveness of Westpac’s internal control 
over financial reporting as of 30 September 2014 based on the criteria set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations 
of the Treadway Commission (COSO) in Internal Control-Integrated Framework. Based on this assessment, management has 
concluded that Westpac’s internal control over financial reporting as of 30 September 2014 was effective. 

The effectiveness of Westpac’s internal control over financial reporting as of 30 September 2014 has been audited by 
PricewaterhouseCoopers, an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their report which is included herein. 

286 

2014 Westpac Group Annual Report 

  
 
 
 
Statutory statements 

Independent auditor’s report to the members of Westpac Banking Corporation 

Report on the financial report 
We have audited the accompanying financial report of Westpac Banking Corporation (the Corporation), which comprises the 
balance sheets as at 30 September 2014, the income statements, statements of comprehensive income, statements of changes 
in equity and cash flow statements for the year ended on that date, a summary of significant accounting policies, other 
explanatory notes and the directors’ declaration for both the Corporation and the Consolidated Entity. The Consolidated Entity 
comprises the Corporation and the entities it controlled at year’s end or from time to time during the financial year. 

Directors’ responsibility for the financial report 
The directors of the Corporation are responsible for the preparation of the financial report that gives a true and fair view in 
accordance with Australian Accounting Standards and the Corporations Act 2001 and for such internal control as the directors 
determine is necessary to enable the preparation of the financial report that is free from material misstatement, whether due to 
fraud or error. In Note 1, the directors also state, in accordance with Accounting Standard AASB 101 Presentation of Financial 
Statements, that the financial statements comply with International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the International 
Accounting Standards Board. 

Auditor’s responsibility 
Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the financial report based on our audit. We conducted our audit in accordance 
with Australian Auditing Standards. Those standards require that we comply with relevant ethical requirements relating to audit 
engagements and plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance whether the financial report is free from material 
misstatement. 

An audit involves performing procedures to obtain audit evidence about the amounts and disclosures in the financial report. The 
procedures selected depend on the auditor’s judgement, including the assessment of the risks of material misstatement of the 
financial report, whether due to fraud or error. In making those risk assessments, the auditor considers internal control relevant 
to the entity’s preparation and fair presentation of the financial report in order to design audit procedures that are appropriate in 
the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the entity’s internal control. An audit 
also includes evaluating the appropriateness of accounting policies used and the reasonableness of accounting estimates made 
by the directors, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial report. 

Independence 
In conducting our audit, we have complied with the independence requirements of the Corporations Act 2001. 

Auditor’s opinion 
In our opinion: 

a. 

the financial report of Westpac Banking Corporation is in accordance with the Corporations Act 2001, including: 

(i)  giving a true and fair view of the Corporation’s and Consolidated Entity’s financial position as at 30 September 2014 

and of their performance for the year ended on that date; and 

(ii)  complying with Australian Accounting Standards (including the Australian Accounting Interpretations) and the 

Corporations Regulations 2001 

b. 

the financial report also complies with International Financial Reporting Standards as disclosed in Note 1. 

PricewaterhouseCoopers, ABN 52 780 433 757 
Darling Park Tower 2, 201 Sussex Street, GPO BOX 2650, SYDNEY NSW 1171 
T +61 2 8266 0000, F +61 2 8266 9999, www.pwc.com.au 

Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation. 

2014 Westpac Group Annual Report 

287 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Report on the Remuneration Report 
We have audited the Remuneration Report included in Section 1 of the Annual Report for the year ended 30 September 2014. 
The directors of the Corporation are responsible for the preparation and presentation of the Remuneration Report in accordance 
with section 300A of the Corporations Act 2001. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Remuneration Report, based 
on our audit conducted in accordance with Australian Auditing Standards. 

Auditor’s opinion 
In our opinion, the Remuneration Report of Westpac Banking Corporation for the year ended 30 September 2014 complies with 
section 300A of the Corporations Act 2001. 

PricewaterhouseCoopers 

Michael Codling 
Partner 

Craig Stafford 
Partner 

Sydney 
3 November 2014 

PricewaterhouseCoopers, ABN 52 780 433 757 
Darling Park Tower 2, 201 Sussex Street, GPO BOX 2650, SYDNEY NSW 1171 
T +61 2 8266 0000, F +61 2 8266 9999, www.pwc.com.au 

Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation. 

288 

2014 Westpac Group Annual Report 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Statutory statements 

Report of independent registered public accounting firm 

To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of Westpac Banking Corporation: 

In our opinion, the accompanying consolidated balance sheets and the related consolidated income statements, consolidated 
statements of comprehensive income, consolidated statements of changes in equity and consolidated cash flow statements 
present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Westpac Banking Corporation (the ‘Corporation’) and its 
subsidiaries at 30 September 2014 and 30 September 2012, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of 
the three years in the period ended 30 September 2014 in conformity with International Financial Reporting Standards as issued 
by the International Accounting Standards Board. Also in our opinion, the Corporation maintained, in all material respects, 
effective internal control over financial reporting as of 30 September 2014, based on criteria established in Internal Control – 
Integrated Framework (1992) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). The 
Corporation’s management is responsible for these financial statements, for maintaining effective internal control over financial 
reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included under the heading 
‘Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting’ in the accompanying financial statements. Our 
responsibility is to express opinions on these financial statements and on the Corporation’s internal control over financial 
reporting based on our integrated audits. We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company 
Accounting Oversight Board (United States) and International Standards on Auditing. Those standards require that we plan and 
perform the audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement and 
whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audits of the financial 
statements included examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, 
assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall financial 
statement presentation. Our audit of internal control over financial reporting included obtaining an understanding of internal 
control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and 
operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audits also included performing such other 
procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for 
our opinions. 

Our audit of the consolidated financial statements of the Corporation and its subsidiaries was conducted for the purpose of 
forming an opinion on the consolidated financial statements taken as a whole. The Corporation has included parent entity only 
information on the face of the consolidated financial statements and other parent entity only disclosures in the notes to the 
financial statements. Such parent entity only information is presented for purposes of additional analysis and is not a required 
part of the consolidated financial statements presented in accordance with the International Financial Reporting Standards as 
issued by the International Accounting Standards Board. Such information has been subjected to the auditing procedures 
applied in the audit of the consolidated financial statements, and, in our opinion, is fairly stated in all material respects in relation 
to the consolidated financial statements taken as a whole. 

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the 
reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally 
accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures 
that (i) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and 
dispositions of the assets of the company; (ii) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to 
permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and 
expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the 
company; and (iii) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or 
disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements. 

PricewaterhouseCoopers, ABN 52 780 433 757 
Darling Park Tower 2, 201 Sussex Street, GPO BOX 2650, SYDNEY NSW 1171 
T +61 2 8266 0000, F +61 2 8266 9999, www.pwc.com.au 

Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation. 

2014 Westpac Group Annual Report 

289 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, 
projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate 
because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate. 

PricewaterhouseCoopers 

Sydney 
3 November 2014 

PricewaterhouseCoopers, ABN 52 780 433 757 
Darling Park Tower 2, 201 Sussex Street, GPO BOX 2650, SYDNEY NSW 1171 
T +61 2 8266 0000, F +61 2 8266 9999, www.pwc.com.au 

Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation. 

Limitation on Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm’s Liability 
The liability of PricewaterhouseCoopers (an Australian partnership which we refer to as PwC Australia), with respect to claims 
arising out of its audit reports included in this Annual Report, is subject to the limitations set forth in the Professional Standards 
Act 1994 of New South Wales, Australia, as amended (the Professional Standards Act) and The Institute of Chartered 
Accountants in Australia (NSW) Scheme adopted by The Institute of Chartered Accountants in Australia (ICAA) on 
8 October 2013 and approved by the New South Wales Professional Standards Council pursuant to the Professional Standards 
Act (the NSW Accountants Scheme) or, in relation to matters occurring on or prior to 7 October 2013, the predecessor 
schemes. The Professional Standards Act and the NSW Accountants Scheme may limit the liability of PwC Australia for 
damages with respect to certain civil claims directly or vicariously from anything done or omitted by it in New South Wales in 
the performance of its professional services for us, including, without limitation, its audits of our financial statements, The 
maximum liability for audit work of $75 million or, in relation to matters occurring on or prior to 7 October 2007, $20 million. The 
limit does not apply to claims for breach of trust, fraud or dishonesty. The current NSW Accountants Scheme expires on 
7 October 2019 unless further extended or replaced. 

In addition, there is equivalent professional standards legislation in place in other states and territories in Australia and 
amendments have been made to a number of Australian federal statutes to limit liability under those statutes to the same extent 
as liability is limited under state and territory laws by professional standards legislation. 

These limitations of liability may limit recovery upon the enforcement in Australian courts of any judgment under US or other 
foreign laws rendered against PwC Australia based on or related to its audit report on our financial statements. Substantially all 
of PwC Australia’s assets are located in Australia. However, the Professional Standards Act and the NSW Accountants 
Scheme have not been subject to judicial consideration and therefore how the limitation will be applied by the courts and the 
effect of the limitation on the enforcement of foreign judgments are untested. 

290 

2014 Westpac Group Annual Report 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
04 

Shareholding information 

Additional information 

Information for shareholders 

Glossary of abbreviations and defined terms 

Contact us  

 
 
 
 
 
Shareholding information 

Westpac ordinary shares 
Top 20 ordinary shareholders as at 3 October 2014 

HSBC Custody Nominees (Australia) Limited
J P Morgan Nominees Australia Ltd
National Nominees Limited
Citicorp Nominees Pty Limited
Cogent Nominees Pty Limited
RBC Dexia Investor Services Australia Nominees Pty Limited
AMP Life Limited
Australian Foundation Investment Company Limited
UBS Private Clients Australia Nominees Pty Ltd
Bond Street Custodians Limited
Milton Corporation Limited
Argo Investments Limited
BNP Paribas
Navigator Australia Limited
Questor Financial Services Limited
Nulis Nominees (Australia) Limited
Invia Custodian Pty Limited
UBS Nominees Pty Ltd
Share Direct Nominees Pty Limited
ANZ Executors & Trustee Company Limited
Total of Top 20 registered shareholders

Number of 
Fully Paid Ordinary Shares
551,140,214
375,334,352
305,321,294
145,208,026
65,041,583
37,264,064
24,711,484
18,236,232
14,977,769
12,826,099
10,451,306
10,251,594
10,225,951
7,329,618
5,166,459
4,888,606
4,559,441
4,175,899
4,018,035
2,704,975
1,613,833,001

 % Held
17.73
12.07
9.82
4.67
2.09
1.20
0.79
0.59
0.48
0.41
0.34
0.33
0.33
0.24
0.17
0.16
0.15
0.13
0.13
0.09
51.92  

As at 3 October 2014 there were 595,907 holders of our ordinary shares compared to 579,695 in 2013 and 563,072 in 2012. 
Ordinary shareholders with a registered address in Australia held approximately 98% of our fully paid share capital at 
3 October 2014 (approximately 98% in 2013 and 98% in 2012). 

Substantial shareholders as at 3 October 2014 
As at 3 October 2014 there were no shareholders who had a ‘substantial holding’ of our shares within the meaning of the 
Corporations Act. A person has a substantial holding of our shares if the total votes attached to our voting shares in which they 
or their associates have relevant interests is 5% or more of the total number of votes attached to all our voting shares. The 
above table of the Top 20 ordinary shareholders includes shareholders that may hold shares for the benefit of third parties. 

Significant changes in ordinary share ownership of substantial shareholders 
On 17 May 2012, National Australia Bank Limited became a substantial shareholder having relevant interest in 178,904,696 
ordinary shares (5.86% of total votes outstanding). They ceased to be a substantial shareholder on 18 May 2012. 

Control of registrant 
We are not directly or indirectly owned or controlled by any other corporation(s) or by any foreign government. Refer to the 
section ‘Exchange controls and other limitations affecting security holders’, which provides information on the Foreign 
Acquisitions and Takeovers Act 1975, Corporations Act 2001 and Financial Sector (Shareholdings) Act 1998, which impose 
limits on equity holdings. 

At 30 September 2014, our Directors and Executive Officers owned beneficially, directly or indirectly, an aggregate of 
3,086,467 (0.10%) of the fully paid ordinary shares outstanding. 

292 

2014 Westpac Group Annual Report 

 
 
Shareholding information 

Analysis by range of holdings of ordinary shares as at 3 October 2014 

1,000
–
5,000
–
–
10,000
– 100,000

Number of Shares
1
1,001
5,001
10,001
100,001 and over
Totals

Number of Holders
 of Fully Paid
Ordinary Shares
332,207
203,485
36,007
23,544
664
595,907

%
55.75
34.15
6.04
3.95
0.11
100.00

Number of
Fully Paid
 Ordinary Shares
137,239,855
466,527,073
253,315,938
495,634,194
1,756,331,249
3,109,048,309

Number of Holders
of Share Options
  and Rights
72
129
29
83
14
327  

%
4.41
15.01
8.15
15.94
56.49
100.00

There were 10,159 shareholders holding less than a marketable parcel ($500) based on a market price of $32.28 at the close 
of trading on 3 October 2014. 

Voting rights of ordinary shares 
Holders of our fully paid ordinary shares have, at general meetings (including special general meetings), one vote on a show of 
hands and, upon a poll, one vote for each fully paid ordinary share held by them. 

Westpac Convertible Preference Shares (Westpac CPS) 
Top 20 holders of Westpac CPS as at 3 October 2014 

UBS Wealth Management Australia Nominees Pty Ltd
BT Portfolio Services Limited
Questor Financial Services Limited
Navigator Australia Limited
Nulis Nominees (Australia) Limited
National Nominees Limited
UCA Cash Management Fund Ltd
HSBC Custody Nominees (Australia) Limited
Netwealth Investments Limited
J P Morgan Nominees Australia Ltd
Austrust Limited
Dimbulu Pty Ltd
Mrs Linda Anne van Lieshout
RBC Dexia Investor Services Australia Nominees Pty Limited
Asgard Capital Management Ltd
Eastcote Pty Ltd
Finot Pty Ltd
JMB Pty Ltd
Randazzo C&G Developments P/L
Citicorp Nominees Pty Limited
Total of Top 20 registered holders

Analysis by range of holdings of Westpac CPS as at 3 October 2014 

Number of Securities
–
1
–
1,001
–
5,001
–
10,001
100,001 and over
Totals

1,000
5,000
10,000
100,000

Number of Holders of
Westpac CPS
18,170
1,207
83
47
8
19,515

%
93.11
6.18
0.43
0.24
0.04
100.00

Number of
Westpac CPS
607,542
256,028
213,450
204,952
197,268
186,489
179,426
137,934
125,326
120,278
92,564
70,000
60,000
59,176
50,400
50,000
50,000
50,000
50,000
41,018
2,801,851

Number of
Westpac CPS
5,416,955
2,689,478
641,247
1,334,283
1,811,642
11,893,605

 % Held
5.11
2.15
1.79
1.72
1.66
1.57
1.51
1.16
1.05
1.01
0.78
0.59
0.50
0.50
0.42
0.42
0.42
0.42
0.42
0.34
23.54  

%
45.55
22.61
5.39
11.22
15.23
100.00  

There were 9 security holders holding less than a marketable parcel ($500) of Westpac CPS based on a market price of $99.40 
at the close of trading on 3 October 2014. 

2014 Westpac Group Annual Report 

293 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Westpac Capital Notes 
Top 20 holders of Westpac Capital Notes as at 3 October 2014 

UBS Wealth Management Australia Nominees Pty Ltd
BT Portfolio Services Limited
HSBC Custody Nominees (Australia) Limited
National Nominees Limited
Citicorp Nominees Pty Limited
Zashvin Pty Ltd
J P Morgan Nominees Australia Ltd
Questor Financial Services Limited
Austrust Limited
Tandom Pty Ltd
Willimbury Pty Ltd
Vinsun Custodians Pty Ltd
Cogent Nominees Pty Limited
Netwealth Investments Limited
Navigator Australia Limited
Nulis Nominees (Australia) Limited
Bond Street Custodians Limited
Northern Metropolitan Cemeteries
Royal Freemasons Benevolent Institution
Kept Safe Pty Ltd
Total of Top 20 registered holders

Analysis by range of holdings of Westpac Capital Notes as at 3 October 2014 

Number of Securities
–
1
–
1,001
–
5,001
–
10,001
100,001 and over
Totals

1,000
5,000
10,000
100,000

Number of Holders of
Westpac Capital Notes
16,025
1,536
120
61
7
17,749

%
90.29
8.65
0.68
0.34
0.04
100.00

Number of
Westpac Capital Notes
1,063,432
263,624
259,779
192,544
175,501
150,000
148,828
106,237
101,863
100,000
100,000
90,000
74,350
73,358
64,541
56,197
54,830
50,000
50,000
50,000
3,225,084

Number of
Westpac Capital Notes
5,328,895
3,427,316
994,734
2,014,141
2,070,604
13,835,690

 % Held
7.69
1.91
1.88
1.39
1.27
1.08
1.08
0.77
0.74
0.72
0.72
0.65
0.54
0.53
0.47
0.41
0.40
0.36
0.36
0.36
23.33  

%
38.51
24.77
7.19
14.56
14.97
100.00  

There were 4 security holders holding less than a marketable parcel ($500) of Westpac Capital Notes based on a market price 
of $99.39 at the close of trading on 3 October 2014. 

294 

2014 Westpac Group Annual Report 

 
 
 
 
 
Westpac Capital Notes 2 
Top 20 holders of Westpac Capital Notes 2 as at 3 October 2014 

Shareholding information 

UBS Wealth Management Australia Nominees Pty Ltd
BT Portfolio Services Limited
Navigator Australia Limited
HSBC Custody Nominees (Australia) Limited
Invia Custodian Pty Limited
Nulis Nominees (Australia) Limited
Questor Financial Services Limited
National Nominees Limited
UCA Cash Management Fund Limited
Netwealth Investments Limited
J P Morgan Nominees Australia Ltd
Bond Street Custodians Limited
Rakio Pty Ltd
Alsop Pty Ltd
Dimbulu Pty Ltd
Bayswater Car Rental Pty Ltd
Domer Mining Co P/L
Ms Sarah Louise Haddrick
Royal Freemasons Benevolent Institution
Randazzo C&G Developments P/L
Total of Top 20 registered holders

Analysis by range of holdings of Westpac Capital Notes 2 as at 3 October 2014 

Number of Securities
–
1
–
1,001
–
5,001
–
10,001
100,001 and over
Totals

1,000
5,000
10,000
100,000

Number of Holders of
Westpac Capital Notes 2
14,419
1,595
125
84
5
16,228

%
88.85
9.83
0.77
0.52
0.03
100.00

Number of
Westpac Capital Notes 2
723,684
473,733
155,559
149,390
136,817
124,890
113,984
96,177
80,969
72,961
72,554
71,812
63,000
60,000
51,000
50,000
50,000
50,000
50,000
50,000
2,696,530

Number of
Westpac Capital Notes 2
4,866,458
3,627,575
995,991
2,226,880
1,388,801
13,105,705

 % Held
5.52
3.61
1.19
1.14
1.04
0.95
0.87
0.73
0.62
0.56
0.55
0.55
0.48
0.46
0.39
0.38
0.38
0.38
0.38
0.38
20.56  

%
37.13
27.68
7.60
16.99
10.60
100.00  

There was 1 security holder holding less than a marketable parcel ($500) of Westpac Capital Notes 2 based on a market price 
of $98.15 at the close of trading on 3 October 2014. 

2014 Westpac Group Annual Report 

295 

 
 
 
 
 
Voting rights of Westpac CPS, Westpac Capital Notes 
and Westpac Capital Notes 2  
In accordance with the terms of issue, holders of Westpac 
CPS have no right to vote at any general meeting of 
Westpac except in the following circumstances: 

a.  on a proposal: 

–  to reduce the share capital of Westpac; 
–  that affects rights attached to Westpac CPS; 
–  to wind up Westpac; or 
–  for the disposal of the whole of the property, business 

and undertaking of Westpac; 

b.  on a resolution to approve the terms of a share buy back 
agreement, other than a buy back agreement relating to 
Westpac CPS; 

c.  during a period in which a dividend (or part of a 

dividend) in respect of Westpac CPS is in arrears; or 

d.  during the winding up of Westpac. 

When entitled to vote at a general meeting of Westpac in 
respect of the matters listed above, holders of Westpac CPS 
are entitled to exercise one vote on a show of hands and 
one vote for each Westpac CPS held on a poll. 
Holders of Westpac CPS have the same rights as the 
holders of Westpac’s ordinary shares in relation to receiving 
notices, reports and financial statements, and attending and 
being heard at all general meetings of Westpac. 

In accordance with the terms of issue, holders of Westpac 
Capital Notes and Westpac Capital Notes 2 have no right to 
vote at any general meeting of Westpac before conversion 
into Westpac ordinary shares. 

If conversion occurs (in accordance with the applicable 
terms of issue), holders of Westpac CPS, Westpac Capital 
Notes or Westpac Capital Notes 2 (as applicable) will 
become holders of Westpac ordinary shares and have the 
voting rights that attach to Westpac ordinary shares. 

Westpac Subordinated Notes II 
Westpac has received confirmation from the ASX that the 
ASX considers Westpac Subordinated Notes II to be debt 
securities for the purposes of the ASX Listing Rules. 
Therefore, shareholding information regarding Westpac 
Subordinated Notes II has not been included in this section 
of the Annual Report. 

Exchange controls and other limitations affecting 
security holders 
Australian exchange controls 
Australian laws control and regulate or permit the control 
and regulation of a broad range of payments and 
transactions involving non-residents of Australia. Pursuant to 
a number of exemptions, authorities and approvals, there 
are no general restrictions from transferring funds from 
Australia or placing funds to the credit of non-residents of 
Australia. However, Australian foreign exchange controls are 
implemented from time to time against prescribed countries, 
entities and persons. At the present time, these include: 

a.  withholding taxes in relation to remittances or dividends 

(to the extent they are unfranked) and interest 
payments; 

b. 

the financial sanctions administered by the Department 
of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) in accordance with 
the Autonomous Sanctions Act 2011 and the 
Autonomous Sanctions Regulations 2011, specifically, 
in relation to transactions involving the transfer of funds 
or payments to, by the order of, or on behalf of: 

–  supporters of the former Federal Republic of 
Yugoslavia (the Milosevic regime) and certain 
persons identified by the International Criminal 
Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia; 

–  persons or entities associated with activities that 

seriously undermine democracy, respect for human 
rights and the rule of law in Zimbabwe; 

–  certain entities and individuals associated with the 

Democratic People’s Republic of Korea; 

–  persons or entities that have contributed to or are 
contributing to Iran’s nuclear or missile program; 

–  certain individuals and entities associated with the 

Burmese military; 

–  certain individuals and entities associated with the 
Republic of Fiji Military Forces and commodore 
Josaia Voreqe Bainimarama; 

–  certain individuals and entities associated with the 

former Qadhafi regime in Libya;  

–  certain individuals and entities associated with the 

Syrian regime; and 

–  persons who have been instrumental in the Russian 
threat to the sovereignty and territorial integrity of 
Ukraine, 

without the prior approval of the Minister for Foreign 
Affairs. 

296 

2014 Westpac Group Annual Report 

 
c. 

the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) financial 
sanctions administered by DFAT including: 

–  Terrorist Asset Freezing Regime 

In accordance with the Charter of the United Nations 
Act 1945 and the Charter of the United Nations 
(Dealings with Assets) Regulations 2008, a person is 
prohibited from using or dealing with funds, financial 
assets or economic resources of persons or entities 
listed as terrorists by the Minister for Foreign Affairs 
in the Commonwealth of Australia Gazette. It is also 
a criminal offence to make assets available to such 
persons or entities. 

–  Country-based sanctions 

Under the Charter of the United Nations Act 1945 
and associated regulations, UNSC financial sanctions 
have been implemented. It is an offence to use or 
deal with funds, financial assets or economic 
resources of persons or entities associated with 
certain countries designated by the UNSC. It is also a 
criminal offence to make assets available to such 
persons or entities. 

Limitations affecting security holders 
The following Australian laws impose limitations on the right 
of non-residents or non-citizens of Australia to hold, own or 
vote Westpac shares. All these limitations apply to the 
holders of the American Depositary Receipts (ADRs) 
evidencing ADS, issued by our Depositary in the 
United States. 

Foreign Acquisitions and Takeovers Act 1975 
Acquisitions of interests in shares in Australian companies 
by foreign interests are subject to review and approval by 
the Treasurer of Australia under the Australian 
Government’s foreign investment policy, and where 
required, the Foreign Acquisitions and Takeovers Act 1975 
(Cth). That legislation applies to any acquisition by a foreign 
person, including a corporation or group of associated 
foreign persons, which results in ownership of 15% or more 
of the issued shares of an Australian company or the ability 
to control 15% or more of the total voting power. In addition, 
the legislation applies to any acquisition by a foreign person 
that would result in non-associated foreign persons having, 
together with any associate or associates of any of them, in 
the aggregate, 40% or more of the total voting power or 
ownership of an Australian company. The legislation 
requires any persons proposing to make any such 
acquisition to first notify the Treasurer of their intention to do 
so. Where such an acquisition has already occurred, the 
Treasurer has the power to order divestment. 

Shareholding information 

Financial Sector (Shareholdings) Act 1998 
The Financial Sector (Shareholdings) Act 1998 (Cth) 
imposes restrictions on shareholdings in Australian financial 
sector companies (which includes Westpac). Under that 
legislation a person (including a corporation) may not hold 
more than a 15% ‘stake’ in a financial sector company 
without prior approval from the Treasurer of Australia. A 
person’s stake in a financial sector company is equal to the 
aggregate of the person’s voting power in the company and 
the voting power of the person’s associates. The concept of 
voting power is very broadly defined. The Treasurer may 
approve a higher percentage stake if the Treasurer is 
satisfied that it is in the national interest to do so. 

In addition, even if a person’s stake in a financial sector 
company does not exceed the 15% limit, the Treasurer has 
the power to declare that a person has ‘practical control’ of a 
financial sector company and require the person to 
relinquish that control or reduce their stake in that company. 
Corporations Act 2001 
The Corporations Act 2001 (Cth) prohibits any person 
(including a corporation) from acquiring a relevant interest in 
our voting shares if, after the acquisition, that person or any 
other person would be entitled to exercise more than 20% of 
the voting power in our shares. The prohibition is subject to 
certain limited exceptions. In addition, under the 
Corporations Act, a person is required to give a notice to us 
and to the ASX providing certain prescribed information, 
including their name, address and details of their relevant 
interests in our voting shares if they begin to have, or cease 
to have, a substantial holding in us, or if they already have a 
substantial holding and there is a movement of at least 1% 
in their holding. Such notice must, generally, be provided 
within two business days after the person becomes aware of 
that information. 

A person will have a substantial holding if the total votes 
attached to our voting shares in which they or their 
associates have relevant interests is 5% or more of the total 
number of votes attached to all our voting shares. The 
concepts of ‘associate’ and ‘relevant interest’ are broadly 
defined in the Corporations Act and investors are advised to 
seek their own advice on their scope. In general terms, a 
person will have a relevant interest in a share if they: 

a.  are the holder of that share; 

b.  have power to exercise, or control the exercise of, a 

right to vote attached to that share; or 

c.  have power to dispose of, or control the exercise of a 

power to dispose of, that share. 

It does not matter how remote the relevant interest is or how 
it arises. If two or more persons can jointly exercise any one 
of these powers, each of them is taken to have that power. 
Nor does it matter that the power or control is express or 
implied, formal or informal, exercisable either alone or jointly 
with someone else. 

2014 Westpac Group Annual Report 

297 

 
The American Depositary Shares (ADSs) agreement 
There is a Deposit Agreement between The Bank of New 
York Mellon as Depositary, and us, and the record holders 
from time to time of all ADSs. Holders of our ADSs are 
subject to the foregoing limitations on the rights of non-
residents or non-citizens of Australia to own or vote Westpac 
shares. Record holders of ADSs are required by the Deposit 
Agreement to comply with our requests for information as to 
the capacity in which such holders own ADSs and related 
ordinary shares as well as to the identity of any other person 
interested in such ADSs and related ordinary shares and the 
nature of such interest. 

Enforceability of foreign judgments in Australia 
We are an Australian public corporation with limited liability. 
All of our Directors and Executive Officers reside outside the 
US. Substantially all or a substantial portion of the assets of 
all or many of such persons are located outside the US. As a 
result, it may not be possible for investors to effect service of 
process within the US upon such persons or to enforce 
against them judgments obtained in US courts predicated 
upon the civil liability provisions of the federal securities laws 
of the US. There may be doubt as to the enforceability in 
Australia, in original actions or in actions for enforcement of 
judgments of US courts, of civil liabilities predicated upon the 
federal securities laws of the US. 

Taxation  
Australian taxation 
The following discussion is a summary of certain Australian 
taxation implications of the ownership and disposition of 
ordinary shares (including ADS) for shareholders holding 
their shares on capital account. This discussion is based on 
the laws in force at the date of the Annual Report and the 
Convention between the Government of Australia and the 
Government of the United States of America for the 
Avoidance of Double Taxation and The Prevention of Fiscal 
Evasion with respect to Taxes on Income (the Tax Treaty), 
and is subject to any changes in Australian law and any 
change in the Tax Treaty occurring after that date. 

This discussion is intended only as a descriptive summary 
and does not purport to be a complete analysis of all the 
potential Australian tax implications of owning and disposing 
of ordinary shares. The specific tax position of each investor 
will determine the applicable Australian income tax 
implications for that investor and we recommend that 
investors consult their own tax advisers concerning the 
implications of owning and disposing of ordinary shares. 

Taxation of dividends 
Under the Australian dividend imputation system, Australian 
tax paid at the company level is imputed (or allocated) to 
shareholders by means of imputation credits which attach to 
dividends paid by the company to the shareholder. Such 
dividends are termed ‘franked dividends’. 

When an Australian resident individual shareholder receives 
a franked dividend, the shareholder receives a tax offset to 
the extent of the franking credits, which can be offset against 
the Australian income tax payable by the shareholder. An 
Australian resident shareholder may, in certain 
circumstances, be entitled to a refund of excess franking. 

The extent to which a dividend is franked typically depends 
upon a company’s available franking credits at the time of 
payment of the dividend. Accordingly, a dividend paid to a 
shareholder may be wholly or partly franked or wholly 
unfranked. 

Fully franked dividends paid to non-resident shareholders 
are exempt from Australian dividend withholding tax. 
Dividends paid to a non-resident shareholder which are not 
fully franked are subject to dividend withholding tax at the 
rate of 30% (unless reduced by a double tax treaty) to the 
extent they are unfranked. In the case of residents of the US 
who are entitled to the benefits of the Tax Treaty and are 
beneficially entitled to the dividends, the rate is reduced to 
15% under the Tax Treaty, provided the shares are not 
effectively connected with a permanent establishment or a 
fixed base of the non-resident in Australia through which the 
non-resident carries on business in Australia or provides 
independent personal services. In the case of residents of 
the US that have a permanent establishment or fixed base in 
Australia where the shares in respect of which the dividends 
are paid are attributable to that permanent establishment or 
fixed base, there is no dividend withholding tax. Rather, such 
dividends will be taxed on a net assessment basis and, 
where the dividends are franked, entitlement to a tax offset 
may arise. 

Fully franked dividends paid to non-resident shareholders 
and dividends that have been subject to dividend withholding 
tax should not be subject to any further Australian income 
tax. 

There are circumstances where a shareholder may not be 
entitled to the benefit of franking credits. The application of 
these rules depend upon the shareholder’s own 
circumstances, including the period during which the shares 
are held and the extent to which the shareholder is ‘at risk’ in 
relation to their shareholding. 

298 

2014 Westpac Group Annual Report 

 
Gain or loss on disposition of shares 
Generally, any profit made by a resident shareholder on 
disposal of shares will be subject to capital gains tax. 
However, if the shareholder is regarded as a trader or 
speculator, or carries on a business of investing for profit, 
any profits may be taxed as ordinary income. 

A discount may be available on capital gains on shares held 
for 12 months or more by individuals, trusts or complying 
superannuation entities. The discount is one half for 
individuals and trusts, and one third for complying 
superannuation entities. Companies are not eligible for the 
capital gains tax discount. For shares acquired prior to 
21 September 1999, an alternative basis of calculation of the 
capital gain may be available which allows the use of an 
indexation formula. 

Normal rates of income tax would apply to capital gains so 
calculated. Any capital loss can only be offset against capital 
gains. Excess capital losses can be carried forward for offset 
against future capital gains. 

Generally, subject to two exceptions, a non-resident 
disposing of shares in an Australian public company who 
holds those shares on capital account will be free from 
income tax in Australia. The main exceptions are: 
  shares held as part of a trade or business conducted 

through a permanent establishment in Australia. In such a 
case, any profit on disposal would be assessable to tax. 
Losses may give rise to capital losses or be otherwise 
deductible; and 

  shares held in public companies where the shareholder 

and its associates have held at the time of disposal (or at 
least 12 months in the 24 months prior to disposal) a 
holding of 10% or more in the company and more than 
50% of the company’s assets are represented by 
interests in Australian real property (which is unlikely to 
be the case for Westpac). In such a case, capital gains 
tax would apply. 

Shareholding information 

United States taxation  
The following discussion is a summary of certain US federal 
income tax implications of the ownership and disposition of 
ordinary shares (including ADS) by US holders (as defined 
below) that hold the ordinary shares as capital assets. This 
discussion is based on the US Internal Revenue Code of 
1986, as amended, its legislative history, existing and 
proposed regulations, published rulings and court decisions, 
and the Tax Treaty, all as currently in effect and all of which 
are subject to change, possibly on a retroactive basis. 

This discussion is intended only as a descriptive summary. 
It does not purport to be a complete analysis of all the 
potential US federal income tax consequences of owning 
and disposing of ordinary shares and does not address 
US federal income tax considerations that may be relevant 
to US holders subject to special treatment under US federal 
income tax law (such as banks, insurance companies, real 
estate investment trusts, regulated investment companies, 
dealers in securities, tax-exempt entities, retirement plans, 
certain former citizens or residents of the US, persons 
holding ordinary shares as part of a straddle, hedge, 
conversion transaction or other integrated investment, 
persons that have a ‘functional currency’ other than the 
US dollar, persons that own 10% or more (by voting power) 
of our stock, persons that generally mark their securities to 
market for US federal income tax purposes or persons that 
receive ordinary shares as compensation). As this is a 
complex area, we recommend investors consult their own 
tax advisers concerning the US federal, state and/or local 
implications of owning and disposing of ordinary shares. 

For the purposes of this discussion you are a US holder if 
you are a beneficial owner of ordinary shares and you are 
for US federal income tax purposes: 

  an individual that is a citizen or resident of the US; 
  a corporation created or organised in or under the laws of 
the US or any state thereof or the District of Columbia; 
  an estate, the income of which is subject to US federal 

income taxation regardless of its source; or  

  a trust, if a US court can exercise primary supervision 

over the trust’s administration and one or more 
US persons are authorised to control all substantial 
decisions of the trust, or certain electing trusts that were 
in existence on 19 August 1996 and were treated as 
domestic trusts on that date. 

If an entity treated as a partnership for US federal income 
tax purposes owns the ordinary shares, the US federal 
income tax implications of the ownership and disposition of 
ordinary shares will generally depend upon the status and 
activities of such partnership and its partners. Such an entity 
should consult its own tax adviser concerning the US federal 
income tax implications to it and its partners of owning and 
disposing of ordinary shares. 

2014 Westpac Group Annual Report 

299 

 
Taxation of dividends 
If you are a US holder, you must include in your income as a 
dividend, the gross amount of any distributions paid by us 
out of our current or accumulated earnings and profits (as 
determined for US federal income tax purposes) without 
reduction for any Australian tax withheld from such 
distribution. If you are a non-corporate US holder, dividends 
paid to you that constitute qualified dividend income may be 
taxable to you at a preferential tax rate so long as certain 
holding period and other requirements are met. Dividends 
we pay with respect to the ordinary shares generally will be 
qualified dividend income. Each non-corporate US holder 
should consult their own tax advisor regarding the possible 
applicability of the reduced tax rate and the related 
restrictions and special rules. 

Dividends paid by us constitute ordinary income that must 
generally be included in income when actually or 
constructively received. Such dividends will not be eligible 
for the dividends-received deduction generally allowed to 
corporate shareholders with respect to dividends received 
from US corporations. The amount of the dividend that you 
must include in your income as a US holder will be the 
US dollar value of the Australian dollar payments made, 
determined at the spot Australian dollar/US dollar rate on the 
date the dividend distribution is included in your income, 
regardless of whether the payment is in fact converted into 
US dollars. Generally, any gain or loss resulting from 
currency exchange fluctuations during the period from the 
date you include the dividend payment in income to the date 
you convert the payment into US dollars will be treated as 
ordinary income or loss and will not be eligible for the special 
tax rate applicable to qualified dividend income. This gain or 
loss generally will be income from sources within the US for 
foreign tax credit limitation purposes. Distributions on an 
ordinary share in excess of current and accumulated 
earnings and profits, as determined for US federal income 
tax purposes, will be treated as a non-taxable return of 
capital to the extent of your basis in such ordinary share and 
thereafter as capital gain. 

Subject to certain limitations, Australian tax withheld in 
accordance with the Tax Treaty and paid over to Australia 
may be claimed as a foreign tax credit against your US 
federal income tax liability. Special rules apply in 
determining the foreign tax credit limitation with respect to 
dividends that are subject to a preferential tax rate. A US 
holder that does not elect to claim a US foreign tax credit for 
Australian income tax withheld may instead claim a 
deduction for such withheld tax, but only for a taxable year in 
which the US holder elects to do so with respect to all non-
US income taxes paid or accrued in such taxable year. 

Dividends paid by us generally will be income from sources 
outside the US for foreign tax credit limitation purposes. 
Under the foreign tax credit rules, dividends will, depending 
on your circumstances, be ‘passive category’ or ‘general 
category’ income for purposes of computing the foreign 
tax credit. 

The rules relating to US foreign tax credits are very complex, 
and each US holder should consult its own tax adviser 
regarding the application of such rules. 

Taxation of capital gains 
If you sell or otherwise dispose of your ordinary shares, you 
will generally recognise a capital gain or loss for US federal 
income tax purposes equal to the difference between the 
US dollar value of the amount that you realise and your tax 
basis, determined in US dollars, in your ordinary shares. A 
capital gain of a non-corporate US holder is generally taxed 
at a reduced rate if the holder has a holding period greater 
than one year. The deductibility of capital losses is subject to 
limitations. Such capital gain or loss generally will be income 
from sources within the US, for foreign tax credit limitation 
purposes. 

Medicare tax 
In addition to regular US federal income tax, certain 
US holders that are individuals, estates or trusts are subject 
to a 3.8% tax on all or a portion of their ‘net investment 
income’, which may include all or a portion of their dividend 
income and net gain from the sale, exchange or other 
disposition of their ordinary shares. 

Passive foreign investment company considerations 
We believe that we will not be treated as a passive foreign 
investment company (PFIC) for US federal income tax 
purposes, and this discussion assumes we are not a PFIC. 
However, the determination as to whether we are a PFIC is 
made annually at the end of each taxable year and therefore 
could change. If we were to be treated as a PFIC, a 
US holder of ordinary shares could be subject to certain 
adverse tax consequences. 

Disclosure requirements for specified foreign financial assets 
Individual US holders (and certain US entities specified in 
US Internal Revenue Service (IRS) guidance) who, during 
any taxable year, hold any interest in any specified foreign 
financial asset, generally will be required to file with their 
US federal income tax returns certain information on 
IRS Form 8938 if the aggregate value of all such assets 
exceeds certain specified amounts. ‘Specified foreign 
financial asset’ generally includes any financial account 
maintained with a non-US financial institution and may also 
include the ordinary shares if they are not held in an account 
maintained with a financial institution. Substantial penalties 
may be imposed, and the period of limitations on 
assessment and collection of US federal income taxes may 
be extended, in the event of a failure to comply. US holders 
should consult their own tax advisers as to the possible 
application to them of this filing requirement. 

Information reporting and backup withholding 
Under certain circumstances, information reporting and/or 
backup withholding may apply to US holders with respect to 
payments on or the proceeds from the sale, exchange or 
other disposition of the ordinary shares, unless an applicable 
exemption is satisfied.  

Backup withholding is not an additional tax. Any amounts 
withheld under the backup withholding rules generally will be 
allowed as a refund or credit against a US holder’s 
US federal income tax liability if the required information is 
furnished by the US holder on a timely basis to the IRS. 

300 

2014 Westpac Group Annual Report 

 
 
Additional information 

Our constitution 
Overview 
We were incorporated in 1850 under the Bank of New South 
Wales Act, a special piece of legislation passed by the New 
South Wales Parliament at a time when there was no 
general companies’ legislation in Australia. On 
23 August 2002, Westpac became registered under the 
Corporations Act 2001 (Cth) as a public company limited by 
shares. 

As part of the process of becoming a company regulated 
under the Corporations Act, shareholders adopted a new 
constitution at the AGM on 15 December 2000, which came 
into operation on 23 August 2002. Our constitution has been 
subsequently amended by shareholders on 
15 December 2005, 13 December 2007 and 
13 December 2012. 

Our objects and purposes 
Our constitution does not contain a statement of our objects 
and purposes. As a company regulated by the Corporations 
Act, we have the legal capacity and powers of an individual 
both within and outside Australia, and all the powers of a 
body corporate, including the power to issue and cancel 
shares, to issue debentures, to distribute our property 
among our equity holders (either in kind or otherwise), to 
give security by charging our uncalled capital, to grant a 
floating charge over our property and to do any other act 
permitted by any law. 

Directors’ voting powers 
Under clause 9.11(a) of our constitution, subject to 
complying with the Corporations Act regarding disclosure of 
and voting on matters involving material personal interests, 
our Directors may: 

a.  hold any office or place of profit in our company, except 

that of auditor; 

b.  hold any office or place of profit in any other company, 

body corporate, trust or entity promoted by our company 
or in which it has an interest of any kind; 

c.  enter into any contract or arrangement with our 

company; 

d.  participate in any association, institution, fund, trust or 
scheme for past or present employees or directors of 
our company or persons dependent on or connected 
with them; 

e.  act in a professional capacity (or be a member of a firm 
that acts in a professional capacity) for our company, 
except as auditor; and 

f.  participate in, vote on and be counted in a quorum for 

any meeting, resolution or decision of the Directors and 
be present at any meeting where any matter is being 
considered by the Directors. 

Under clause 9.11(b) of our constitution, a Director may do 
any of the above despite the fiduciary relationship of the 
Director’s office: 

a.  without any liability to account to our company for any 
direct or indirect benefit accruing to the Director; and 

b.  without affecting the validity of any contract or 

arrangement. 

Under the Corporations Act, however, a Director who has a 
material personal interest in any matter to be considered at 
any Board meeting must not be present while the matter is 
being considered or vote on the matter, unless the other 
Directors resolve to allow that Director to be present and 
vote or a declaration is made by ASIC permitting that 
Director to participate and vote. These restrictions do not 
apply to a limited range of matters set out in section 191(2) 
of the Corporations Act, where the Director’s interest: 

a.  arises because the Director is a shareholder of the 
company in common with other shareholders; 

b.  arises in relation to the Director’s remuneration as a 

Director of the company; 

c. 

relates to a contract the company is proposing to enter 
into that is subject to shareholder approval and will not 
impose obligations on the company if not approved by 
shareholders; 

d.  arises merely because the Director is a guarantor or has 
given an indemnity or security for all or part of a loan (or 
proposed loan) to the company; 

e.  arises merely because the Director has a right of 

subrogation in relation to a guarantee or indemnity 
referred to in (d); 

f. 

g. 

h. 

relates to a contract that insures, or would insure, the 
Director against liabilities the Director incurs as an 
officer of the company (but only if the contract does not 
make the company or related body corporate the 
insurer);  

relates to any payment by the company or a related 
body corporate in respect of certain indemnities 
permitted by the Corporations Act or any contract 
relating to such an indemnity; or 

is in a contract or proposed contract with, or for the 
benefit of, or on behalf of, a related body corporate and 
arises merely because the Director is a Director of that 
related body corporate. 

If there are not enough Directors to form a quorum for the 
Board meeting because of Directors’ interests in a particular 
matter, a general meeting for shareholders may be called to 
consider the matter and interested Directors are entitled to 
vote on any proposal to requisition such a meeting. 

Under clause 9.7 of our constitution, the maximum 
aggregate amount of annual remuneration to be paid to our 
Non-executive Directors must be approved by our 
shareholders. This aggregate amount is paid to the 
Non-executive Directors in such manner as the Board from 
time to time determines. Directors’ remuneration is one of 
the exceptions under section 191 of the Corporations Act to 
the prohibitions against being present and voting on any 
matter in which a Director has a material personal interest. 

2014 Westpac Group Annual Report 

301 

 
 
Directors’ borrowing powers 
Clause 10.2 of our constitution empowers our Directors, as a 
Board, to exercise all the powers of Westpac to borrow or 
raise money, to charge any property or business of Westpac 
or all or any of its uncalled capital and to issue debentures or 
give any other security for a debt, liability or obligation of 
Westpac or of any other person. Such powers may only be 
changed by amending the constitution, which requires a 
special resolution (that is, a resolution passed by at least 
75% of the votes cast by members entitled to vote on the 
resolution and for which notice has been given in 
accordance with the Corporations Act). 

Minimum number of Directors 
Our constitution requires that the minimum number of 
Directors is determined in accordance with the Corporations 
Act or other regulations. Currently the Corporations Act 
prescribes three as a minimum number of Directors and 
APRA governance standards specify five as the minimum 
number of Directors for APRA regulated entities. Westpac’s 
current number of Directors is above these prescribed 
minimums. 

Share rights 
The rights attaching to our ordinary shares are set out in the 
Corporations Act and in our constitution, and may be 
summarised as follows: 

a)  Profits and dividends 
Holders of ordinary shares are entitled to receive such 
dividends on those shares as may be determined by our 
Directors from time to time. Dividends that are paid but not 
claimed may be invested by our Directors for the benefit of 
Westpac until required to be dealt with in accordance with 
any law relating to unclaimed monies. 

Our constitution requires that dividends be paid out of our 
profits. In addition, under the Corporations Act, Westpac 
must not pay a dividend unless our assets exceed our 
liabilities immediately before the dividend is declared and the 
excess is sufficient for payment of the dividend. In addition, 
the payment must be fair and reasonable to the company’s 
shareholders and must not materially prejudice our ability to 
pay our creditors. 

Subject to the Corporations Act, the constitution, the rights of 
persons (if any) entitled to shares with special rights to 
dividend and any contrary terms of issue of or applying to 
any shares, our Directors may determine that a dividend is 
payable, fix the amount and the time for payment and 
authorise the payment or crediting by Westpac to, or at the 
direction of, each shareholder entitled to that dividend. 

If any dividends are returned unclaimed, we are generally 
obliged, under the Banking Act 1959 (Cth), to hold those 
amounts as unclaimed monies for a period of three years. If 
at the end of that period the monies remain unclaimed by the 
shareholder concerned, we must submit an annual 
unclaimed money return to the Australian Securities and 
Investment Commission by 31 March each year containing 
the unclaimed money as at 31 December of the previous 
year. Upon such payment being made, we are discharged 
from further liability in respect of that amount. 

Our Directors may, before paying any dividend, set aside out 
of our profits such sums as they think proper as reserves, to 
be applied, at the discretion of our Directors, for any purpose 
for which the profits may be properly applied. Our Directors 
may carry forward so much of the profits remaining as they 
consider ought not to be distributed as dividends without 
transferring those profits to a reserve. 

The following restrictions apply to our ability to declare 
and/or pay dividends: 

(i) 

if the payment of the dividend would breach or cause a 
breach by us of applicable capital adequacy or other 
supervisory requirements of APRA. Currently, one such 
requirement is that a dividend should not be paid without 
APRA’s prior consent if payment of that dividend, after 
taking into account all other dividends (if any) paid on 
our shares and payments on more senior capital 
instruments, in the preceding 12 consecutive months to 
which they relate, would cause the aggregate of such 
dividend payments to exceed our after tax earnings for 
the preceding 12 consecutive months, as reflected in 
our relevant audited consolidated financial statements; 
and 

(ii)  if, under the Banking Act 1959 (Cth), we are directed by 

APRA not to pay a dividend; 

(iii)  if the declaration or payment of the dividend would result 

in us becoming insolvent; or  

(iv)  if any interest payment, dividend, redemption payment 

or other distribution on certain Additional Tier 1 
securities issued by the Group is not paid in accordance 
with the terms of those securities, we may be restricted 
from declaring and/or paying dividends on ordinary 
shares (and certain Additional Tier 1 securities). This 
restriction is subject to a number of exceptions. 

b)  Voting rights 
Holders of our fully paid ordinary shares have, at general 
meetings (including special general meetings), one vote on a 
show of hands and, upon a poll, one vote for each fully paid 
share held by them. 

c)  Voting and re-election of Directors 
Under our constitution, at each AGM one-third of eligible 
Directors (or if their number is not a multiple of three, the 
number nearest to one-third) and any other Director who has 
held office for three years or more since the Director’s last 
election, must retire from office. In determining the number 
of Directors to retire, no account is to be taken of a Director 
who holds office in order to fill a casual vacancy or the 
Managing Director. A retiring Director holds office until the 
conclusion of the meeting at which that Director retires but is 
eligible for re-election at the meeting. 

Under the ASX Listing Rules, no Executive or Non-executive 
Director of a listed entity, apart from the Managing Director, 
may continue to hold office, without offering himself or 
herself for re-election, past the third AGM following their 
appointment or three years, whichever is the longer. 

302 

2014 Westpac Group Annual Report 

 
Under the Corporations Act, the election or re-election of 
each Director by shareholders at a general meeting of a 
public company must proceed as a separate item, unless the 
shareholders first resolve that the elections or re-elections 
may be voted on collectively. A resolution to allow collective 
voting in relation to elections or re-elections is effective only 
if no votes are cast against that resolution. Any resolution 
electing or re-electing two or more Directors in contravention 
of this requirement is void. 

d)  Winding up 
Subject to any preferential entitlement of holders of 
preference shares on issue at the relevant time, holders of 
our ordinary shares are entitled to share equally in any 
surplus assets if we are wound up. 

e)  Sinking fund provisions 
We do not have any class of shares on issue that is subject 
to any sinking fund provisions. 

Variation of rights attaching to our shares 
Under the Corporations Act, unless otherwise provided by 
the terms of issue of a class of shares, the terms of issue of 
a class of shares in Westpac can only be varied or cancelled 
in any way by a special resolution of Westpac and with 
either the written consent of our shareholders holding at 
least three quarters of the votes in that class of shares or 
with the sanction of a special resolution passed at a 
separate meeting of the holders of that class of shares. 

Convening general meetings 
Under our constitution, our Directors may convene and 
arrange to hold a general meeting of Westpac whenever 
they think fit and must do so if required to do so under the 
Corporations Act and ASX Listing Rules. Under the 
Corporations Act, our Directors must call and arrange to hold 
a general meeting of Westpac if requested to do so by our 
shareholders who hold at least 5% of the votes that may be 
cast at the general meeting or 100 shareholders entitled to 
vote at the meeting. Shareholders who hold at least 5% of 
the votes that may be cast at a general meeting may also 
call and arrange to hold a general meeting of Westpac at 
their own expense. 

At least 28 days notice must be given of a meeting of our 
shareholders. Written notice must be given to all 
shareholders entitled to attend and vote at the meeting. All 
ordinary shareholders are entitled to attend and, subject to 
the constitution and the Corporations Act, to vote at general 
meetings of Westpac. 

Limitations on securities ownership 
A number of limitations apply in relation to the ownership of 
our shares, and these are more fully described in the section 
‘Limitations affecting security holders’. 

Change in control restrictions 
Restrictions apply under the Corporations Act, the Financial 
Sector (Shareholdings) Act 1998 (Cth) and the Foreign 
Acquisitions and Takeovers Act 1975 (Cth). 

For more detailed descriptions of these restrictions, refer to 
the sections ‘Limitations affecting security holders’, Foreign 
Acquisitions and Takeovers Act 1975, Financial Sector 
(Shareholdings) Act 1998, and Corporations Act 2001. 

Additional information 

Substantial shareholder disclosure 
There is no provision in our constitution that requires a 
shareholder to disclose the extent of their ownership of our 
shares. 

Under the Corporations Act, however, any person who 
begins or ceases to have a substantial holding of our shares 
must notify us within two business days after they become 
aware of that information. A further notice must be given to 
us if there is an increase or decrease of 1% in a person’s 
substantial holding. Copies of these notices must also be 
given to the ASX. A person has a substantial holding of our 
shares if the total votes attached to our voting shares in 
which they or their associates have relevant interests is 5% 
or more of the total number of votes attached to all our 
voting shares. For more details, refer to the section 
‘Corporations Act 2001’. 

We also have a statutory right under the Corporations Act to 
trace the beneficial ownership of our shares by giving a 
direction to a shareholder, or certain other persons, requiring 
disclosure to us of, among other things, their own relevant 
interest in our shares and the name and address of each 
other person who has a relevant interest in those shares, the 
nature and extent of that interest and the circumstances that 
gave rise to that other person’s interest. Such disclosure 
must, except in certain limited circumstances, be provided 
within two business days after the direction is received. 

Australian Company and Business Numbers 
All Australian companies have a unique nine-digit identifier, 
referred to as an Australian Company Number (ACN), which 
must be included on public documents, eligible negotiable 
instruments and the company’s common seal. In addition, 
entities can apply for registration on the Australian Business 
Register and be allocated a unique eleven-digit identifier 
known as an Australian Business Number (ABN). For 
Australian companies, the last nine digits of their ABN are 
identical to their ACN. The ABN may be quoted on 
documents in lieu of the ACN. 

Our ACN is 007 457 141 and our ABN is 33 007 457 141. 

Documents on display 
We are subject to the disclosure requirements of the 
US Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. In 
accordance with these requirements, we file Annual Reports 
with, and furnish other information to, the United States 
SEC. These materials and other information furnished by us 
may be inspected and copied at the SEC's Conventional and 
Electronic Reading Room at 100 F Street, N.E., Room 1580, 
Washington, D.C. 20549 at prescribed rates. The public may 
obtain information on the operation of the SEC’s 
Conventional and Electronic Reading Room by calling the 
SEC in the United States at 1-800-SEC-0330. The SEC also 
maintains a website at www.sec.gov that contains reports, 
proxy statements and other information regarding registrants 
that file electronically with the SEC. Since April 2002, we 
have filed our reports on Form 20-F and have furnished 
other information to the SEC in electronic format which may 
be accessed through this website. 

2014 Westpac Group Annual Report 

303 

 
Exchange rates 
For each of the years indicated, the high, low, average and year-end noon buying rates1 for Australian dollars were: 

High 
Low
Average3
Close (on 30 September)4

2015²

2014

0.8812
0.8675
n/a
n/a

0.9705
0.8715
0.9155
0.8737

Year Ended 30 September
2013

2012

(US$ per A$1.00)

2011

2010

1.0579
0.8901
0.9885
0.9342

1.0806
0.9453
1.0371
1.0388

1.1026
0.9594
1.0318
0.9744

0.9714
0.8172
0.9003
0.9640  

For each of the months indicated, the high and low noon buying rates for Australian dollars were: 

October
2014²

September
2014

Month

August
2014

(US$ per A$1.00)

July
2014

June
2014

May
2014

High
Low
1  The noon buying rate in New York City for cable transfers in Australian dollars as certified for customs purposes by the Federal Reserve Bank 

0.9352
0.9263

0.9376
0.8737

0.9430
0.9250

0.9488
0.9301

0.8812
0.8675

0.9382
0.9215  

of New York. 

2  Through to 24 October 2014. On 24 October 2014, the noon buying rate was A$1.00 = US$0.8812. 
3  The average is calculated by using the average of the exchange rates on the last day of each month during the period. 
4  The noon buying rate at such date may differ from the rate used in the preparation of our consolidated financial statements at such date. Refer to 

Note 1(a)(vi) to the financial statements. 

304 

2014 Westpac Group Annual Report 

 
 
 
 
 
 
Information for shareholders 

Financial calendar
Westpac Ordinary Shares (ASX code: WBC) 

Westpac Capital Notes 2 (ASX Code: WBCPE) 

Record date for final dividend 

12 November 20141 

Record date for quarterly distribution 

13 March 2015 

Annual General Meeting 

12 December 2014 

Payment date for quarterly distribution 

23 March 2015 

Final dividend payable 

Financial Half Year end 

19 December 2014 

Record date for quarterly distribution 

15 June 2015 

31 March 2015 

Payment date for quarterly distribution 

23 June 2015 

Interim results and dividend announcement  4 May 2015 

Record date for quarterly distribution 

15 September 2015 

Ex-dividend date for interim dividend 

Record date for interim dividend 

Interim dividend payable 

13 May 20153 

15 May 20152,3 

2 July 20153 

Payment date for quarterly distribution 

23 September 2015 

Record date for quarterly distribution 

15 December 2015 

Payment date for quarterly distribution 

23 December 2015 

Financial Year end 

30 September 2015 

Final results and dividend announcement 

2 November 2015 

Ex-dividend date for final dividend 

Record date for final dividend 

Annual General Meeting 

11 November 20154,7 

13 November 20155,7 

11 December 20156 

Final dividend payable 
1  Record date for 2014 final dividend in New York – 10 November 2014. 
2  Record date for 2015 interim dividend in New York – 14 May 2015. 
3  Dates will be confirmed at the time of announcing the 2015 interim results. 
4  Ex-dividend date for 2015 final dividend in New York – 

21 December 20157 

10 November 2015. 

5  Record date for 2015 final dividend in New York – 12 November 2015. 
6  Details regarding the location of this meeting and the business to be dealt 

with will be contained in the separate Notice of Meeting sent to 
shareholders in November 2015. 

7  Dates will be confirmed at the time of announcing the 2015 final results.  

Westpac Convertible Preference Shares  
(ASX Code: WBCPC) 

Westpac Subordinated Notes (ASX code: WBCHA) 

Record date for quarterly interest payment  13 February 2015 

Payment date for quarterly interest 
payment 

23 February 2015 

Record date for quarterly interest payment  15 May 2015 

Payment date for quarterly interest 
payment 

25 May 2015* 

Record date for quarterly interest payment  14 August 2015 

Payment date for quarterly interest 
payment 

24 August 2015* 

Record date for quarterly interest payment  13 November 2015 

Payment date for quarterly interest 
payment 

23 November 2015 

Westpac Subordinated Notes II (ASX code: WBCHB) 

Record date for semi-annual dividend 

23 March 2015 

Record date for quarterly interest payment  13 February 2015 

Payment date for semi-annual dividend 

31 March 2015 

Record date for semi-annual dividend 

22 September 2015 

Payment date for semi-annual dividend 

30 September 2015 

Westpac Capital Notes (ASX code: WBCPD) 

Record date for quarterly distribution 

27 February 2015 

Payment date for quarterly distribution 

10 March 2015* 

Record date for quarterly distribution 

29 May 2015 

Payment date for quarterly interest 
payment 

23 February 2015* 

Record date for quarterly interest payment  14 May 2015 

Payment date for quarterly interest 
payment 

22 May 2015 

Record date for quarterly interest payment  14 August 2015 

Payment date for quarterly interest 
payment 

24 August 2015* 

Payment date for quarterly distribution 

9 June 2015* 

Record date for quarterly interest payment  13 November 2015 

Record date for quarterly distribution 

31 August 2015 

Payment date for quarterly distribution 

8 September 2015 

Record date for quarterly distribution 

30 November 2015 

Payment date for quarterly distribution 

8 December 2015 

Payment date for quarterly interest 
payment 

23 November 2015* 

*   Next business day when a payment date falls on a non-business day. 

Annual General Meeting 
The Westpac Annual General Meeting (AGM) will be held in the Plaza Ballroom at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition 
Centre, corner of Merivale Street and Glenelg Street, South Bank, Brisbane, on Friday, 12 December 2014, commencing at 
10:00 am (Brisbane time).  

The AGM will be webcast live on the internet at www.westpac.com.au/investorcentre and an archived version of the webcast 
will be placed on the website to enable the AGM proceedings to be viewed at a later time. 

2014 Westpac Group Annual Report 

305 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Useful information 
Key sources of information for shareholders 

We report our full year performance to shareholders, in late 
October or early November, in two forms: an Annual Review 
and Sustainability Report, and an Annual Report. We also 
report half-yearly to shareholders via a newsletter, in 
conjunction with the dividend payments in July and 
December. 

Electronic communications 

Shareholders can elect to receive the following 
communications electronically: 
  Annual Review and Annual Report; 
  Dividend statements when paid by direct credit or via 
Westpac’s Dividend Reinvestment Plan (DRP); 

  Notices of Meetings and proxy forms; and 
  Shareholder Newsletters and major company 

announcements. 

Shareholders who wish to register their email address 
should go to www.westpac.com.au/investorcentre and click 
on ‘Register your email’ under ‘Shareholder News’, 
or contact the Westpac share Registrar. For Registrar 
contact details see opposite. 

Online information 

Australia 
Westpac’s internet site www.westpac.com.au provides 
information for shareholders and customers, including: 
 
 
 

access to internet banking and online investing services; 
details on Westpac’s products and services; 
company history, results, economic updates, market 
releases and news; and 
corporate responsibility and Westpac in the community 
activities. 

 

Investors can short cut to the Investor Centre at 
www.westpac.com.au/investorcentre. The Centre includes 
the current Westpac share price and charting, and links to 
the latest ASX announcements and Westpac’s 
share Registrars’ websites. 

New Zealand 
Westpac’s New Zealand internet site www.westpac.co.nz 
provides: 
 
 

access to internet banking services; 
details on products and services, including a 
comprehensive home buying guide; 
economic updates, news and information, key financial 
results; and 
sponsorships and other community activities. 

 

 

Stock exchange listings 

Westpac ordinary shares are listed on: 
  Australian Securities Exchange, (code WBC); 
  New York Stock Exchange (NYSE), as American 

Depositary Shares, (code WBK); and 

  New Zealand Exchange Limited, (code WBC). 

Westpac Investor Relations 

Information other than that relating to your shareholding can 
be obtained from: 

Westpac Investor Relations 
Level 20, 275 Kent Street 
Sydney NSW 2000 Australia 
Telephone: +61 2 8253 3143 
Facsimile: +61 2 8253 1207 
Email: investorrelations@westpac.com.au  

Share registrars 

For information about your shareholding or to notify a 
change of address etc., you should contact the appropriate 
share Registrar. Please note that, in Australia, broker 
sponsored holders are required to contact their broker to 
amend their address. 

Australia – Ordinary shares on the main register 
Link Market Services Limited 
Level 12, 680 George Street 
Sydney NSW 2000 
Postal address: Locked Bag A6015,  
Sydney South NSW 1235 
Website: www.linkmarketservices.com.au 

Shareholder enquiries: 
Telephone: 1800 804 255 (toll free within Australia) 
International: +61 1800 804 255 
Facsimile: +61 2 9287 0303 
Email: westpac@linkmarketservices.com.au  

New Zealand – Ordinary shares on the New Zealand 
branch register 
Link Market Services Limited  
Level 7, Zurich House 
21 Queens Street 
Auckland 1010, New Zealand 
Postal address: P.O. Box 91976, Auckland 1142, 
New Zealand 
Website: www.linkmarketservices.co.nz 

Shareholder enquiries: 
Telephone: 0800 002 727 (toll free within New Zealand) 
International: +64 9 375 5998 
Facsimile: +64 9 375 5990 
Email: enquiries@linkmarketservices.co.nz  

Depositary in USA for American Depositary Shares 
(ADS) 1 
Listed on New York Stock Exchange 
(code WBK - CUSIP 961214301) 
The Bank of New York Mellon 
PO Box 358516 
Pittsburgh, PA 15252-8516, USA 

ADS holder enquiries: 
Telephone: 1-888-BNY-ADRS (1-888-269-2377) 
(toll free number for domestic callers)  
International: +1 201 680 6825 
Email: shrrelations@bnymellon.com 
Website: www.bnymellon.com/shareowner 
1  Each ADS represents one fully paid ordinary share.

306 

2014 Westpac Group Annual Report 

 
 
 
 
 
 
Glossary of abbreviations and defined terms 

6MMA 

AAS 

AASB 

ABN 

ABS 

ACCC 

ACN 

ADI 

ADRs 

ADS 

AFS 

AGAAP 

AGM 

AIRB 

ALCO 

ALM 

AMA 

ANZSIC 

APRA 

APS 

ASIC 

ASX 

ASXCGC 

ATMs 

ATO 

AUSTRAC 

AUD 

BAC 

BCBS 

BankSA 

BBSW 

BOSI 

bps 

BRCC 

BTFG 

BTIM 

Six month moving average 

Australian Accounting Standards 

Australian Accounting Standards Board 

Australian Business Number 

Asset-backed securities 

Australian Competition and Consumer 
Commission 

Australian Company Number 

Authorised Deposit-taking Institution 

American Depositary Receipts 

American Depositary Shares 

Australian Financial Services 

Australian Generally Accepted Accounting 
Principles 

Annual General Meeting 

Advanced Internal Ratings Based 

Westpac Group Asset & Liability Committee 

Asset and Liability Management 

Advanced Measurement Approach 

Australian and New Zealand Standard 
Industrial Classification 

Australian Prudential Regulation Authority 

Australian Prudential Standard 

Australian Securities and Investments 
Commission 

Australian Securities Exchange 

ASX Limited’s Corporate Governance Council 

Automatic teller machines 

Australian Taxation Office 

Australian Transaction Reports and Analysis 
Centre 

Australian dollar 

Board Audit Committee 

Basel Committee on Banking Supervision 

Bank of South Australia 

Bank Bills Swap Rate 

BOS International Australia Limited 

Basis points 

Board Risk and Compliance Committee 

BT Financial Group Australia 

BT Investment Management Limited 

Business customer      Source:  DBM Consultants Business Financial 
satisfaction  

    Services Monitor, September 2014, 6MMA.   
    MFI customers, all businesses. The Customer  
    Satisfaction score is an average of customer  
    satisfaction ratings of the customer’s MFI for  
    business banking on a scale of 0 to 10  
    (0 means ‘extremely dissatisfied’ and 10  
    means ‘extremely satisfied’) 

CAD 

CAPs 

Canadian dollar 

Collectively assessed provisions 

Capital Trust III 

Westpac Capital Trust III 

Capital Trust IV 

Westpac Capital Trust IV 

Cash EPS 

Cash earnings per share 

Cash EPS CAGR 

Compound Annual Growth in Cash EPS 

CCCFA 

CCE 

CDO 

Credit Contracts and Consumer Finance 
Act 2003 

Commodity, Carbon and Energy trading 

Collateralised debt obligations 

CDS 

CEO 

CEOPP 

CEO RSP 

CFAL 

CFO 

CFTC 
CGU 

CHF 

CLF 

CLO 

Credit default swap 

Chief Executive Officer 

Chief Executive Officer Performance Plan 

Chief Executive Officer Restricted Share Plan 

Capital Finance Australia Limited 

Chief Financial Officer 

Commodity Futures Trading Commission 
Cash-Generating Unit 

Swiss franc 

Committed Liquidity Facility 

Collateralised loan obligations 

Corporations Act 

Australian Corporations Act 2001 

COSO 

CPM 

CRG 

CRO 

Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the 
Treadway Commission  

Credit Portfolio Management 

Customer Risk Grade 

Chief Risk Officer 

Customer satisfaction  Source: Roy Morgan Research, September 

2014. 6MMA. MFI as defined by the customer. 
Satisfaction ratings are based on the 
relationship with the financial institution. 
Customers must have at least a 
Deposit/Transaction account relationship with 
the institution and are aged 14 or over. 
Satisfaction is the percentage of customers 
who answered ‘Very’ or ‘Fairly satisfied’ with 
their overall relationship with their MFI 

Credit valuation adjustment 

Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade 

Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and 
Consumer Protection Act 

Dividend Reinvestment Plan 

Domestic Systemically Important Banks 

Debit valuation adjustment 

Exposure at default 

Energy Efficiency Opportunities Act 2006 (Cth) 

Electronic Funds Transfer Point Of Sale 

European Market Infrastructure Regulations 

Earnings per share 

Energy Saving Certificate 

Environmental, social and governance  

Employee Share Plan  

Energy Savings Scheme 

European Union euro 

Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act 

Financial Claims Scheme 

Foreign Financial Institutions 

Financial Markets Conduct Act 

Financial Markets and Treasury Risk 

Future of Financial Advice 

Financial Stability Board 

Full time equivalent employees 

Funds under administration 

Funds under management 

CVA 

DFAT 

Dodd-Frank Act 

DRP 

D-SIBS 

DVA 

EAD 

EEO Act 

EFTPOS 

EMIR 

EPS 

ESC 

ESG 

ESP 

ESS 

EUR 

FATCA 

FCS 

FFIs 

FMCA 

FMTR 

FOFA 

FSB 

FTE 

FUA 

FUM 

Funding Trust III 

Tavarua Funding Trust III 

Funding Trust IV 

Tavarua Funding Trust IV 

FX 

GBP 

Foreign Exchange 

British pound 

2014 Westpac Group Annual Report 

307 

  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
 
GHG 

G-SIBS 

Hastings 

HKD 

IAPs 

IASB 

IBA 

ICAA 

ICAAP 

IFRS 

IGA 

IRS 

IOSCO 

IRRBB 

IRS 

ISDA 

JPY 

JOHCM 

KMP 

LCR 

LGD 

LIASB 

LIBOR 

LMI 

LTI 

LTI Plan 

LTIFR 

LVR 

MFI 

MiFID II 

Moody’s 

NaR 

NCOS 

NII 

NOK 

NPS 

NSFR 

NYSE 

NZ 

NZD 

NZSX 

NZX 

OBR 

OCC 

OFAC 

OTC 

PD 

PFIC 

PNG 

PwC 

RAMS 

RBA 

RBNZ 

308 

Greenhouse gas 

Global Systemically Important Banks 

Hastings Funds Management Limited 

Hong Kong dollar 

Individually Assessed Provisions 

International Accounting Standards Board 

US International Banking Act of 1978 

Institute of Chartered Accountants in Australia 

Internal Capital Adequacy Assessment 
Process 

International Financial Reporting Standards 

Intergovernmental Agreement 

Internal Revenue Service 

International Organization of Securities 
Commission 

Interest Rate Risk in the Banking Book 

Internal Revenue Service 

International Swaps and Derivatives 
Association 

Japanese Yen  

J O Hambro Capital Management 

Key management personnel 

Liquidity Coverage Ratio 

Loss given default  

Life Insurance Actuarial Standards Board 

London InterBank Offer Rate 

Lenders mortgage insurance  

Long-term incentive 

Westpac Long Term Incentive Plan 

Lost time injury frequency rate 

Loan to value ratio  

Main Financial Institution 

Markets in Financial Instruments Directive 

Moody’s Investors Service 

Net interest income-at-risk 

National Carbon Offset Standard 

Net interest income 

Norwegian krone 

Net Promoter Score 

Net Stable Funding Ratio 

New York Stock Exchange 

New Zealand 

New Zealand dollar 

New Zealand Stock Exchange 

New Zealand Exchange 

Open Bank Resolution 

Office of the Comptroller of the Currency 

Office of Foreign Assets Control 

Over the counter 

Probability of default 

Passive foreign investment company 

Papua New Guinea 

PricewaterhouseCoopers 

RAMS Home Loans 

Reserve Bank of Australia 

Reserve Bank of New Zealand 

RECs 

RISKCO 

RMBS 

ROC 

RSP 

S&P 

SCF 
SEC 

SFR 

SGD 

SIFIs 

SME 

SMSF 

SOSPS 

SOX 

SPS 

SRAs 

SSCM 

St.George 

STI 

The Group 

TOFA 

2003 TPS 

2004 TPS  

2006 TPS  

TSR 

UKSS 

UNSC 

US 

USD 

Renewable Energy Certificates 

Westpac Group Executive Risk Committee 

Residential Mortgage Backed Securities 

Westpac Group Remuneration Oversight 
Committee 

Restricted Share Plan 

Standard & Poor’s  

Structured Commodities Finance 
US Securities and Exchange Commission 

Stable Funding Ratio 

Singapore dollar 

Systemically Important Financial Institutions  

Small to medium enterprises 

Self Managed Super Fund 

Senior Officers’ Share Purchase Scheme 

Sarbanes Oxley Act of 2002 

Stapled Preferred Securities 

Settlement Residue Auctions  

Sustainable Supply Chain Management 

St.George Banking Group 

Short-term incentive 

Westpac Banking Corporation Group  

Taxation of financial arrangements rules 
contained in the Tax Laws Amendment 
(Taxation of Financial Arrangements) Act 2009 

Trust Preferred Securities 2003 

Trust Preferred Securities 2004 

Trust Preferred Securities 2006 

Total Shareholder Return 

UK Staff Superannuation Scheme 

United Nations Security Council 

United States 

American dollar 

US Federal Reserve  US Federal Reserve System 

VaR 

WBC 

Value at Risk 

Westpac Banking Corporation 

Westpac CN 

Westpac Capital Notes 

Westpac CPS 

Westpac Convertible Preference Shares 

Westpac ranking 

WGP 

Westpac RBB 

Westpac SN II 

WHS 

WIB 

WNZL 

WNZS 

WPP 

WRP 

WSNZL 

WNZSHL 

ZAR 

Refers to Westpac RBB’s position relative to 
the other three major Australian banks (CBA, 
NAB, and ANZ). SBG ranking: refers to 
St.George Banking Group’s position relative to 
the four major Australian banks (Westpac, 
CBA, NAB and ANZ) 

Westpac Group Plan 

Westpac Retail & Business Banking 

Westpac Subordinated Notes II 

Workplace Health and Safety 

Westpac Institutional Bank 

Westpac New Zealand Limited 

Westpac New Zealand Superannuation 
Scheme 

Westpac Performance Plan 

Westpac Reward Plan 

Westpac Securities NZ Limited 

Westpac NZ Securitisation Holdings Limited 

South African rand 

2014 Westpac Group Annual Report 

 
 
Notes 

2014 Westpac Group Annual Report 

309 

 
 
Notes 

310 

2014 Westpac Group Annual Report 

 
Notes 

2014 Westpac Group Annual Report 

311 

 
 
Notes 

312 

2014 Westpac Group Annual Report 

 
 
WESTPAC GROUP

HEAD OFFICE
275 Kent Street
Sydney NSW 2000 Australia

Telephone  +61 2 9374 7113
Facsimile  +61 2 8253 4128
International payments  +61 2 9806 4032
Email(cid:2)online@westpac.com.au
www.westpac.com.au/westpacgroup  

AUSTRALIAN FINANCIAL SERVICES

Westpac Retail & Business Banking 
Telephone — Consumer  132 032
Telephone — Business 
132 142
From outside Australia  +61 2 9293 9270
Email(cid:2)online@westpac.com.au
www.westpac.com.au 

St.George Bank 
St.George House 
4-16 Montgomery Street 
Kogarah NSW 2217 Australia

Mail 
Locked Bag 1 
Kogarah NSW 1485 Australia

Telephone  +61 2 9236 1111
Facsimile  +61 2 9952 1000
Email(cid:2)stgeorge@stgeorge.com.au  
www.stgeorge.com.au 

Bank of Melbourne 
Level 8, 530 Collins Street 
Melbourne VIC 3000 Australia

Telephone  13 22 66
From outside Australia(cid:2)+61 3 9982 4186
Facsimile  +61 3 9296 4371
Email(cid:2)info@bankofmelbourne.com.au
www.bankofmelbourne.com.au 

BankSA 
97 King William Street 
Adelaide SA 5000 Australia

Mail 
GPO Box 399 
Adelaide SA 5001 Australia

Telephone  131 376
From outside Australia(cid:5)+61 2 9553 5233
Email(cid:5)banksa@banksa.com.au  
www.banksa.com.au 

RAMS
RAMS Financial Group Pty Ltd
Level 7, 17 York Street 
Sydney NSW 2000 Australia

Mail 
GPO Box 4008 
Sydney NSW 2001 Australia

Telephone  +61 2 8218 7000
Facsimile  +61 2 8218 7171
Email(cid:2)communications@rams.com.au 
www.rams.com.au 

Westpac Pacifi c 
Telephone  132 032
From outside Australia(cid:2)+61 2 9293 9270
Facsimile  +61 2 8253 1193
Email(cid:2)online@westpac.com.au 
www.westpac.com.au/pacifi c 

PACIFIC BANKING LOCATIONS
Cook Islands — Rarotonga 
Fiji — Suva 
Papua New Guinea — Port Moresby 
Samoa — Apia 
Solomon Islands — Honiara 
Tonga — Nuku’alofa 
Vanuatu — Port Vila

BT Financial Group 
275 Kent Street 
Sydney NSW 2000 Australia

Telephone  132 135
From outside Australia(cid:2)+61 2 8222 7154
Email(cid:2)
customer.relations@btfi nancialgroup.com 
www.bt.com.au 

GLOBAL LOCATIONS
Specifi c contact details for the many 
locations globally can be located on 
our website at www.westpac.com.au 
Select About Westpac from the top 
menu bar, then Global Locations from 
the Explore menu.

Westpac Institutional Bank 
Telephone  132 032
Facsimile  +61 2 8254 6938
Email(cid:2)institutionalbank@westpac.com.au
www.westpac.com.au 

INSTITUTIONAL BANK LOCATIONS
Hong Kong 
India — Mumbai 
People’s Republic of China 
— Beijing, Shanghai 
Republic of Indonesia — Jakarta 
Republic of Singapore — Singapore 
United States of America — New York 
United Kingdom — London

EST. 1861

Westpac New Zealand
16 Takutai Square 
Auckland 1010 New Zealand

Telephone  +64 9 912 8000
Email(cid:2)customer_solutions@westpac.co.nz
www.westpac.co.nz 

SHARE REGISTRAR
Link Market Services Limited
680 George Street
Sydney NSW 2000 Australia

Mail 
Locked Bag A6015 
Sydney South NSW 1235

Telephone  1800 804 255
Facsimile  +61 2 9287 0303
Email(cid:2)
westpac@linkmarketservices.com.au 
www.linkmarketservices.com.au

WESTPAC GROUP SUSTAINABILITY
For further information on the Westpac 
Group’s sustainability policies and 
performance:

Email(cid:2)sustainability@westpac.com.au
www.westpac.com.au/sustainability 
Telephone  +61 2 8254 8488

For information on our compliance 
with International Agreements, including 
the United Nations Global Compact 
and Declaration on Human Rights, 
contact the General Manager of Group 
Corporate Aff airs & Sustainability via 
the above details.

The Westpac Group Annual Review and Sustainability 
Report 2014 is printed on PEFC certifi ed paper. Compliance 
with the certifi cation criteria set out by the Programme for 
the Endorsement of the Forest Certifi cation (PEFC) means 
that the paper fi bre is sourced from sustainable forests.

www.westpac.com.au