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Notes to Financial statements
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2009
 
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1          General information

 

Bank of Sharjah P.J.S.C. (the “Bank”), is a public joint stock company incorporated by an Emiri Decree issued on

December 22, 1973 by His Highness The Ruler of Sharjah and was registered in February 1993 under the Commercial Companies

Law Number 8 of 1984 (as amended).  The Bank commenced its operations under a banking license issued by

the United Arab Emirates Central Bank dated January 26, 1974. The Bank is engaged in commercial and investment banking activities. 

 

The Bank’s registered office is located at Al Hosn Avenue, P.O. Box 1394, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates.

The Bank operates through four branches in the United Arab Emirates situated in the Emirates of Sharjah, Dubai, Abu Dhabi,

and the city of Al Ain.

 

The consolidated financial statements are prepared and presented in United Arab Emirates Dirhams (AED),

which is the Bank’s functional and presentation currency.

 

 

2          Adoption of new and revised International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRSs)

 

2.1       Standards affecting presentation and disclosure

 

The following new and revised Standards have been adopted in the current year in these consolidated financial statements. 

Details of other Standards and Interpretations adopted but that have had no effect on the consolidated financial statements

are set out in section 2.2.

 

 

·   IAS 1 (as revised in 2007) Presentation of Financial Statements

IAS 1 (2007) has introduced terminology changes (including revised titles for the financial statements) and changes in the format and content of the consolidated financial statements.

·   Improving disclosures about Financial Instruments (Amendments to IFRS 7 Financial Instruments: Disclosures)

The amendments to IFRS 7 expand the disclosures required in respect of fair value measurements and liquidity risk. The Bank has elected not to provide comparative information for these expanded disclosures in the current year in accordance with the transitional reliefs offered in these amendments.

 

2.2       Standards and Interpretations adopted with no effect on the financial statements

The following new and revised Standards and Interpretations have also been adopted in these consolidated financial statements. Their adoption has not had any significant impact on the amounts reported in these consolidated financial statements but may affect the accounting for future transactions or arrangements.

 

·   IFRS 8 Operating Segments

IFRS 8 is a disclosure Standard that requires re-designation of the Entity’s reportable segments based on the segments used by the Chief Operating Decision Maker to allocate resources and assess performance. There was no material impact of this Standard on the previous disclosures and reported results or the financial position of the Bank since the business segments reported earlier as per the requirements of IAS 14 Segment Reporting are also used by the General Manager to allocate resources to the segments and to assess its performance.

 


 

The following new and revised Standards and Interpretations have also been adopted in these consolidated financial statements. Their adoption has not had any significant impact on the amounts reported in these consolidated financial statements but may affect the accounting for future transactions or arrangements.

 

·   Amendments to IFRS 2 Share-based Payment - Vesting Conditions and Cancellations

The amendments clarify the definition of vesting conditions for the purposes of IFRS 2, introduce the concept of ‘non-vesting’ conditions, and clarify the accounting treatment for cancellations.

·   IAS 23 (as revised in 2007) Borrowing Costs

 

The principal change to the Standard was to eliminate the option to expense all borrowing costs when incurred. This change has had no impact on these financial statements because it has always been the Bank’s accounting policy to capitalise borrowing costs incurred on qualifying assets.

 

·   Amendments to IAS 32 Financial Instruments: Presentation and IAS 1 Presentation of Financial Statements – Puttable Financial Instruments and Obligations Arising on Liquidation

The revisions to IAS 32 amend the criteria for debt/equity classification by permitting certain puttable financial instruments and instruments (or components of instruments) that impose on an entity an obligation to deliver to another party a pro-rata share of the net assets of the entity only on liquidation, to be classified as equity, subject to specified criteria being met.

·   IFRIC 13 Customer Loyalty Programmes

The Interpretation provides guidance on how entities should account for customer loyalty programmes by allocating revenue on sale to possible future award attached to the sale.

 

·   IFRIC 15 Agreements for the Construction of Real Estate

The Interpretation addresses how entities should determine whether an agreement for the construction of real estate is within the scope of IAS 11 Construction Contracts or IAS 18 Revenue and when revenue from the construction of real estate should be recognised.

 

·   IFRIC 16 Hedges of a Net Investment in a Foreign Operation

The Interpretation provides guidance on the detailed requirements for net investment hedging for certain hedge accounting designations.

 

 

·   IFRIC 18 Transfers of Assets from Customers (adopted in advance of effective date of transfers of assets from customers received on or after 1 July 2009)

The Interpretation addresses the accounting by recipients for transfers of property, plant and equipment from ‘customers’ and concludes that when the item of property, plant and equipment transferred meets the definition of an asset from the perspective of the recipient, the recipient should recognise the asset at its fair value on the date of the transfer, with the credit recognised as revenue in accordance with IAS 18 Revenue.

 

·   Improvements to IFRSs (2008)

Amendments to IFRS 5, IAS 1, IAS 16, IAS 19, IAS 20, IAS 23, IAS 27, IAS 28, IAS 29, IAS 31, IAS 36, IAS 38, IAS 39, IAS 40 and IAS 41 resulting from the May and October 2008 Annual Improvements to IFRSs majority of which are effective for annual periods beginning on or after 1 January 2009.

 

2.3       Standards and Interpretations in issue not yet effective

At the date of authorisation of these consolidated financial statements, the following new and revised Standards and Interpretations were in issue but not yet effective:

 

New Standards and amendments to Standards:

 

Effective for

annual periods

beginning on or after

 

-------------------------------------------------

 

 

·      IFRS 1 (revised) First time Adoption of IFRS and IAS 27 (revised) Consolidated and Separate Financial Statements – Amendment relating to Cost of an Investment in a Subsidiary, Jointly Controlled Entity or Associate

1 July 2009

·      IFRS 3 (revised) Business Combinations – Comprehensive revision on applying the acquisition method and consequential amendments to IAS 27 (revised) Consolidated and Separate Financial Statements, IAS 28 (revised) Investments in Associates and IAS 31 (revised) Interests in Joint Ventures

1 July 2009

·      IAS 39 (revised) Financial Instruments: Recognition and Measurement – Amendments relating to Eligible Hedged Items(such as hedging Inflation risk and Hedging with options)

1 July 2009

 

Effective for

annual periods

beginning on or after

 

-------------------------------------------------

 

·      IFRS 1 (revised) First time Adoption of IFRS – Amendment on additional exemptions for First-time Adopters

1 January 2010

·      IFRS 2 (revised) Share-based payment – Amendment relating to Group cash-settled Share-based payments

1 January 2010

·      IAS 32 (revised) Financial Instruments: Presentation – Amendments relating to classification of Rights Issue

1 February 2010

·      IAS 24 Related Party Disclosures – Amendment on disclosure requirements for entities that are controlled, jointly controlled or significantly influenced by a Government

1 January 2011

·      IFRS 9 Financial Instruments: Classification and Measurement (intended as complete replacement for IAS 39 and IFRS 7)

1 January 2013

·      Amendments to IFRS 2, IFRS 5, IFRS 8, IAS 1, IAS 7, IAS 17, IAS 18, IAS 36, IAS 38 and IAS 39 resulting from April 2009 Annual Improvements to IFRSs.

Majority effective for annual periods beginning on or after 1 January 2010

New Interpretations and amendments to Interpretations:

 

Effective for

annual periods

beginning on or after

 

-------------------------------------------------

 

 

·      IFRIC 17: Distributions of Non-cash Assets to Owners

1 July 2009

·      IFRIC 19: Extinguishing Financial Liabilities with Equity Instruments

1 July 2010

·      Amendment to IFRIC 14: IAS 19: The limit on a defined Benefit Asset, Minimum Funding Requirement and their interaction

1 January 2011

·      Amendment to IFRIC 16: Hedges of a Net Investment in a Foreign Operation

1 July 2009

·      Amendment to IFRIC 9 (revised): Reassessment of Embedded Derivatives relating to assessment of embedded derivatives in case of reclassification of a financial asset out of the ‘FVTPL’ category

1 July 2009

 

Management anticipates that these amendments will be adopted in the Bank’s consolidated financial statements for the initial period when they become effective. Management have not yet had an opportunity to consider the potential impact of the adoption of these amendments.

 


 

 

 

3          Significant accounting policies

 

Statement of compliance

 

The consolidated financial statements have been prepared on going concern basis and in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB), interpretations issued by the International Financial Reporting Interpretations Committee (IFRIC) and applicable requirements of the Laws of the U.A.E.

 

As required by the Securities and Commodities Authority of the U.A.E. (“SCA”) Notification No. 2624/2008 dated October 12, 2008, the Bank’s exposure in Cash and balances with Central banks, Due from banks and Investment securities outside the U.A.E. have been presented under the respective notes.

 

Basis of preparation

 

The consolidated financial statements have been prepared on the historical cost basis except for certain financial instruments and investment properties which are carried at fair value.  In addition, as explained below, assets and liabilities that are hedged are carried at fair value to the extent of the risk being hedged. 

 

Restatement of prior year balances

 

During the year, the balance of retained earnings as at 1 January 2008 has been restated to reverse the accrual of Directors’ remuneration of AED 6 million and Charity donations of AED 2.5 million relating to the year 2007. The accruals have been made during 2008 to ensure comparability of the comprehensive income/charge. The restatement has no effect on the reported earnings per share of the prior years.

 

Basis of consolidation

 

The consolidated financial statements incorporate the financial statements of Bank of Sharjah PJSC and its subsidiaries (collectively referred to as “the Bank”) as set out below. The entities controlled by the Bank have been treated as subsidiaries. Control is achieved when the Bank has the power to govern the financial and operating policies of an entity so as to obtain benefits from its activities. The financial statements of the subsidiaries are prepared for the same reporting period as that of the Bank, using consistent accounting policies. All significant inter-company balances, income and expense items are eliminated on consolidation.

 

Non-controlling interest represents the portion of profit or loss for the year and net assets of consolidated subsidiaries not owned directly or indirectly by the Bank and are identified separately from the Bank’s equity therein. Non-controlling interest consists of non-controlling shareholders’ share in the net equity of the subsidiaries.

 

The Bank’s interest, held directly or indirectly, in the subsidiaries is as follows:

 

 

 

 

Name of Subsidiary

Proportion of ownership interest

 

 

Year of

incorporation

 

Country

of incorporation

 

 

 

Principal activities

 

 

 

 

 

Emirates Lebanon Bank S.A.L

81%

1965

Lebanon

Financial institution

 

 

 

 

 

Wifco Financial Brokerage L.L.C.

100%

1998

U.A.E.

Agent in trading of financial instruments and stocks.

 

 

 

 

 

Ginco Steel L.L.C.

100%

1975

U.A.E.

Manufacturing of metallic building structures

 

 

 

 

 

Polyco L.L.C.

100%

1981

U.A.E.

Manufacturing storage tanks

 

 

 

 

 

BOS Real Estate FZC

100%

2009

U.A.E.

Real estate development activities

 

 

 

 

 

BOS Capital FZC

  100%

2009

U.A.E.

Investment of own financial resources

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

Cash and cash equivalents disclosed in the cash flow statement consist of cash and balances with central banks, due from banks and due to banks which are maturing within three months.

 

Due from banks

 

Due from banks are stated at cost less any amounts written off and allowance for impairment, if any.

  

Investments

 

Trading securities

 

Investments are considered as held for trading if they have been acquired principally for the purpose of selling in the near term, or if they form part of an identified portfolio of financial instruments that are managed together and for which there is evidence of a recent pattern of short-term profit-taking.  Trading securities are initially recognised and subsequently measured at fair value with any unrealised gain or loss arising from the change in fair value and realised gains and losses taken to the consolidated income statement. Interest income and dividend income are recorded in the consolidated income statement according to the terms of the contracts, or when the right to the payment has been established.

 

Held for trading securities have been reclassified to available for sale investments in accordance with the amendments made to International Accounting Standards (IAS) 39 issued on October 13, 2008.

 

Investment securities

 

These are classified as follows:

·            Held to maturity

·            Available for sale

 

All investments are initially recognised at cost, being the fair value of consideration paid plus transaction costs that are directly attributable to the acquisition.

 

Held to maturity

 

Investments which have fixed or determinable payments with fixed maturities which the Bank has the intention and ability to hold to maturity, are classified as held to maturity investments. Held to maturity investments are carried at amortised cost, using effective interest rate method less any impairment.  Amortised cost is calculated by taking into account any discount or premium on acquisition using an effective interest rate method.

 

Any gain or loss on such investments is recognised in the consolidated income statement when the investment is derecognised or impaired.

 

Investments classified as held to maturity and not close to their maturity, cannot ordinarily be sold or reclassified without impacting the Bank’s ability to use this classification and cannot be designated as a hedged item with respect to interest rate or prepayment risk, reflecting the longer-term nature of these investments.

 

Available for sale

 

Investments not classified as either “held for trading” or “held to maturity” are classified as “available for sale”.

 

After initial recognition, investments which are classified as “available for sale” are remeasured at fair value. Gains and losses arising from changes in fair value are recognised in other comprehensive income in the cumulative changes in fair value with the exception of impairment losses, interest calculated using the effective interest method and foreign exchange gains and losses on monetary assets, which are recognised directly in the consolidated income statement. Where the investment is disposed of or is determined to be impaired, the cumulative gain or loss previously recognised in other comprehensive income in the cumulative changes in fair value is included in the consolidated income statement for the year.

 

Dividends on available for sale equity instruments are recognised in the consolidated income statement when the Bank’s right to receive the dividends is established.

 

Fair values

 

All financial instruments are recognised initially at fair value. The fair value of a financial instrument on initial recognition is normally the transaction price, i.e. the fair value of the consideration given or received.

 

§  The fair value of financial assets and financial liabilities with standard terms and conditions and traded on active liquid markets is determined with reference to quoted market prices;

 

§  The fair value of other financial assets and financial liabilities (excluding derivative instruments) is determined in accordance with generally accepted pricing models based on discounted cash flow analysis using prices from observable current market transactions and dealer quotes for similar instruments;

 

§  The fair value of derivative instruments is calculated using quoted prices. Where such prices are not available, use is made of discounted cash flow analysis using the applicable yield curve for the duration of the instruments for non-optional derivatives, and option pricing models for optional derivatives.

 

Investments in associates

 

An associate is an entity over which the Bank has significant influence and that is neither a subsidiary nor an interest in a joint venture. Significant influence is the power to participate in the financial and operating policy decisions of the investee but is not control or joint control over those policies.

 

The results and assets and liabilities of associates are incorporated in these financial statements using the equity method of accounting, except when the investment is classified as held for sale, in which case it is accounted for in accordance with IFRS 5 Non-current Assets Held for Sale and Discontinued Operations. Under the equity method, investments in associates are carried in the consolidated statement of financial position at cost as adjusted for post-acquisition changes in the Bank’s share of the net assets of the associate, less any impairment in the value of individual investments and share of changes in the statement of changes in equity. Losses of an associate in excess of the Bank’s interest in that associate (which includes any long-term interests that, in substance, form part of the Bank’s net investment in the associate) are recognised only to the extent that the Bank has incurred legal or constructive obligations or made payments on behalf of the associate.

 

Any excess of the cost of acquisition over the Bank’s share of the net fair value of the identifiable assets, liabilities and contingent liabilities of the associate recognised at the date of acquisition is recognised as goodwill. The goodwill is included within the carrying amount of the investment and is assessed for impairment as part of that investment. Any excess of the Bank’s share of the net fair value of the identifiable assets, liabilities and contingent liabilities over the cost of acquisition, after reassessment, is recognised immediately in profit or loss.

 

Where a Bank’s subsidiary or other associate transacts with an associate of the Bank, profits and losses are eliminated to the extent of the Bank’s interest in the relevant associate.

 

Loans and advances

 

Loans and advances are non-derivative financial assets originated or acquired by the Bank with fixed or determinable payments.

 

Loans and advances are stated at amortised cost less any amounts written off and allowance for doubtful accounts.  The carrying values of loans and advances which are being effectively hedged for changes in fair value are adjusted to the extent of the changes in fair value being hedged with the resultant adjustment recognised in the consolidated income statement.

 

Allowance for impairment is made against loans and advances when their recovery is in doubt taking into consideration IFRS requirements for fair value measurement.  Loans and advances are written off only when all possible courses of action to achieve recovery have proved unsuccessful.

 

Investment properties

 

Investment properties are held to earn rental income and/or capital appreciation. Investment property includes cost of initial purchase, developments transferred from property under development, subsequent cost of development and fair value adjustments. Investment property is reflected at valuation based on fair value at the end of the reporting period. The fair values are the estimated amounts for which a property could be exchanged on the date of valuation between a willing buyer and a willing seller in an arm’s length transaction. The fair value is determined on periodic basis by independent professional valuers. Fair value adjustments on investment property are included in the consolidated income statement in the period in which these gains or losses arise.

 

Property and equipment

 

Property and equipment are stated at historical cost less accumulated depreciation and impairment loss, if any. Historical cost includes expenditure that is directly attributable to the acquisition of the asset.

 

Depreciation is charged so as to write off the cost or valuation of assets, over their estimated useful lives using the straight-line method as follows:

                                                                                                   Years

Buildings                                                                                  20 - 40

Furniture and office equipment                                                       2 - 6

Installation, partitions and decorations                                            3 - 4

Motor vehicles                                                                                   3

Leasehold improvements                                                              5 - 10

 

Gain or loss arising on the disposal or retirement of an asset is determined as the difference between the sales proceeds and the carrying amount of the asset at that date and is recognised in the consolidated income statement.

 

Intangible assets acquired separately

 

Intangible assets acquired in a business combination and recognised separately from goodwill are initially recognised at their fair value at the acquisition date (which is regarded as their cost).

 

Subsequent to initial recognition, intangible assets acquired in a business combination are reported at cost less accumulated amortisation and accumulated impairment losses. Amortisation is recognised on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives. The estimated useful life and amortisation method are reviewed at the end of each annual reporting period, with the effect of any changes in estimate being accounted for on a prospective basis.

 

Amortisation is charged so as to write off the cost of intangible assets, over their estimated useful lives using the straight-line method as follows:

 

Years

  Banking license

Infinite

  Legal corporate setup in Lebanon

10

  Customer base

10

  Branch network

10

 

 

 

Impairment of tangible and intangibles

 
At the end of each reporting period, the Bank reviews the carrying amounts of its tangible and intangibles to determine whether there is any indication that those assets have suffered an impairment loss. If any such indication exists, the recoverable amount of the assets is estimated in order to determine the extent of the impairment loss (if any). Where it is not possible to estimate the recoverable amount of an individual asset, the Bank estimates the recoverable amount of the cash-generating unit to which the asset belongs.

 

Recoverable amount is the higher of fair value less costs to sell and value in use. In assessing value in use, the estimated future cash flows are discounted to their present value using a pre-tax discount rate that reflects current market assessments of the time value of money and the risks specific to the asset.

 

If the recoverable amount of an asset (or cash-generating unit) is estimated to be less than its carrying amount, the carrying amount of the asset (cash-generating unit) is reduced to its recoverable amount. An impairment loss is recognised in the consolidated income statement, unless the relevant asset is carried at a revalued amount, in which case the impairment loss is treated as a revaluation decrease.

 

Where an impairment loss subsequently reverses, the carrying amount of the asset (cash-generating unit) is increased to the revised estimate of its recoverable amount, such that the increased carrying amount does not exceed the carrying amount that would have been determined had no impairment loss been recognised for the asset (cash-generating unit) in prior years. A reversal of an impairment loss is recognised in the consolidated income statement, unless the relevant asset is carried at a revalued amount, in which case the reversal of the impairment loss is treated as a revaluation increase.

 

Impairment of financial assets

 

Financial assets, other than those that are held for trading, are assessed for indicators of impairment at the end of each reporting period. Financial assets are impaired where there is objective evidence that, as a result of one or more events that occurred after the initial recognition of the financial asset, the estimated future cash flows of the investment have been impacted. For financial assets carried at amortised cost, the amount of the impairment is the difference between the asset’s carrying amount and the present value of estimated future cash flows, discounted at the original effective interest rate.

 

The carrying amount of the financial asset is reduced by the impairment loss directly for all financial assets.  When an advance receivable is uncollectible, it is written off against the allowance account. Subsequent recoveries of amounts previously written off are credited against the allowance account. Changes in the carrying amount of the allowance account are recognised in profit or loss.

 
With the exception of available for sale equity instruments, if, in a subsequent period, the amount of the impairment loss decreases and the decrease can be related objectively to an event occurring after the impairment was recognised, the previously recognised impairment loss is reversed through the income statement to the extent that the carrying amount of the investment at the date the impairment is reversed does not exceed what the amortised cost would have been had the impairment not been recognised.

 
Any subsequent increase in the fair value of an equity instrument against which an impairment loss was previously recognised cannot be reversed through the consolidated income statement, rather can be recognised in other comprehensive income.

 

 

Loan impairment

 

Individually assessed loans

 

Individually assessed loans mainly represent corporate and commercial loans which are assessed individually in order to determine whether there exists any objective evidence that a loan is impaired. Loans are classified as impaired as soon as there is doubt about the borrower’s ability to meet payment obligations to the Bank in accordance with the original contractual terms. Doubt about the borrower’s ability to meet payment obligations generally arises when:

 

a)                  Principal and interest are not serviced as per contractual terms; and

b)                  When there is significant deterioration in the borrower’s financial condition and the amount expected to be realised from disposal of collaterals if any are not likely to cover the present carrying value of the loan.

 

Impaired loans are measured on the basis of the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan’s effective interest rate or, as a practical expedient, at the loan’s observable market price or fair value of the collateral if the loan is collateral dependent.

 

Impairment loss is calculated as the difference between the loan’s carrying value and its present impaired value.

 

Collectively assessed loans

 

Impairment losses of collectively assessed loans include the allowances calculated on:

 

a)                  Performing loans

b)                  Retail loans with common features and which are not individually significant.

 

Performing loans

 

Where individually assessed loans are evaluated and no evidence of loss has been identified, these loans are classified as performing loans portfolios with common credit risk characteristics based on industry, product or loan rating.  Impairment covers losses which may arise from individual performing loans that are impaired at the end of the reporting period but were not specifically identified as such until some time in the future.  The estimated impairment is calculated by the Bank’s management for each identified portfolio based on historical experience and the assessed inherent losses which are reflected by the economic and credit conditions.

 

Retail loans with common features and which are not individually significant

 

Impairment of retail loans is calculated by applying a formulaic approach which allocates progressively higher loss rates in line with the overdue instalment date.

 

 

Renegotiated loans

 

Retail loans, which are subject to collective impairment review and whose terms have been renegotiated, are no longer considered to be past due and consequently impaired only when the minimum required number of payments under the new arrangements has not been received and the borrower has not complied with the revised terms and conditions.

 

Loans subject to individual impairment assessment, whose terms have been renegotiated, are subject to continuous review to determine whether they remain impaired or are considered to be past due depending upon the borrower complying with the revised terms and conditions and making the minimum required payments for the loans to be moved to performing category.


Loans that are either subject to collective impairment assessment or are individually significant and whose terms have been renegotiated are no longer considered to be past due but are treated as new loans. In subsequent years, the asset is considered to be past due and disclosed only if renegotiated.

 

Collateral pending sale

 

The Bank occasionally acquires real estate and other collaterals in settlement of certain loans and advances.  Such real estate and other collaterals are stated at the lower of the net realisable value of the loans and advances and the current fair value of such assets at the date of acquisition.  Gains or losses on disposal and unrealised losses on revaluation are recognised in the consolidated income statement.

 

Derivative financial instruments

 

A derivative is a financial instrument whose value changes in response to an underlying variable, that requires little or no initial investment and that is settled at a future date.

The Bank enters into a variety of derivative financial instruments to manage the exposure to foreign exchange rate risks, including forward foreign exchange contracts and currency swaps.

 

Derivative financial instruments are initially measured at cost, being the fair value at contract date, and are subsequently re-measured at fair value.  All derivatives are carried at their fair values as assets where the fair values are positive and as liabilities where the fair values are negative.

 

Fair values are generally obtained by reference to quoted market prices, discounted cash flow models and recognised pricing models as appropriate.

 

For the purpose of hedge accounting, the Bank classifies hedges into two categories:  (a) fair value hedges, which hedge the exposure to changes in the fair value of a recognised asset or liability; and (b) cash flow hedges, which hedge exposure to variability in cash flows that are either attributable to a particular risk associated with a recognised asset or liability, or a highly probable forecasted transaction that will affect future reported net income.

 

In order to qualify for hedge accounting, it is required that the hedge should be expected to be highly effective, i.e. the changes in fair value or cash flows of the hedging instrument should effectively offset corresponding changes in the hedged item and should be reliably measurable. At inception of the hedge, the risk management objectives and strategies are documented including the identification of the hedging instrument, the related hedged item, the nature of risk being hedged, and how the Bank will assess the effectiveness of the hedging relationship.  Subsequently, the hedge is required to be assessed and determined to be an effective hedge on an ongoing basis.

 

 

Fair value hedges

 

Where a hedging relationship is designated as a fair value hedge, the hedged item is adjusted for the change in fair value in respect of the risk being hedged. Gains or losses on the re-measurement of both the derivative and the hedged item are recognised in the consolidated income statement. Fair value adjustments relating to the hedging instrument are allocated to the same consolidated income statement category as the related hedged item. Any ineffectiveness is also recognised in the same consolidated income statement category as the related hedged item. If the derivative expires, is sold, terminated, exercised, no longer meets the criteria for fair value hedge accounting, or the designation is revoked, hedge accounting is discontinued. Any adjustment up to that point, to a hedged item for which the effective interest method is used, is amortised in the consolidated income statement as part of the recalculated effective interest rate over the period to maturity.

 

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 hedging reserve in equity. The ineffective part of any gain or loss is recognised immediately in the consolidated income statement as trading revenue/loss. Amounts accumulated in equity are transferred to the consolidated income statement in the periods in which the hedged item affects profit or loss. However, when the forecast transaction that is hedged results in the recognition of a non-financial asset or a non-financial liability, the cumulative gains or losses previously deferred in equity are transferred from equity and included in the initial measurement of the cost of the asset or liability. When a hedging instrument expires or is sold, or when a hedge no longer meets the criteria for hedge accounting, the cumulative gains or losses recognised in other comprehensive income remain in equity until the forecast transaction is recognised, in the case of a non-financial asset or a non-financial liability, or until the forecast transaction affects the consolidated income statement. If the forecast transaction is no longer expected to occur, the cumulative gains or losses recognised in other comprehensive income are immediately transferred to the consolidated income statement and classified as trading revenue/loss.

 

Derivatives that do not qualify for hedge accounting

 

All gains and losses from changes in the fair values of derivatives that do not qualify for hedge accounting are recognised immediately in the consolidated income statement as trading revenue/loss. However, the gains and losses arising from changes in the fair values of derivatives that are managed in conjunction with financial instruments designated at fair value are included in net income from financial instruments designated at fair value under other non-interest revenue/loss.

 

Derivatives embedded in other financial instruments or other non-financial host contracts are treated as separate derivatives when their risks and characteristics are not closely related to those of the host contract and the host contract is not carried at fair value with unrealised gains or losses reported in the consolidated income statement.


 

Other financial liabilities

 

Other financial liabilities, including borrowings, are initially measured at fair value, net of transaction costs.

 

Other financial liabilities are subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method, with interest expense recognised on an effective yield basis.

 

The effective interest method is a method of calculating the amortised cost of a financial liability and of allocating interest expense over the relevant period.  The effective interest rate is the rate that exactly discounts estimated future cash payments through the expected life of the financial liability, or, where appropriate, a shorter period.

 

Customers’ deposits and syndicated loan

 

Customers’ deposits and syndicated loan are initially measured at fair value which is normally consideration received net of directly attributable transaction costs incurred, and subsequently measured at their amortised cost using the effective interest method.

 

Convertible bonds

 

The equity component of the convertible bond is recognised as equity in the statement of financial position. On issuance of the convertible bond, the fair value of the liability component is determined using a market rate for an equivalent non convertible bond; and this amount is carried as a liability using the amortised cost basis until extinguished on conversion or redemption.

 

The remainder of the proceeds is allocated to the conversion option that is recognised and included in Equity. The carrying amount of the convertible option is not re-measured in subsequent years and is allocated to share premium or reserves upon conversion or redemption.

 

Business Combinations

 

Acquisitions of subsidiaries and businesses are accounted for using the purchase method.  The cost of the business combination is measured at the aggregated of the fair values, at the date of exchange, of assets given, liabilities incurred or assumed, and equity instruments issued by the Bank in exchange for control of the acquiree, plus any costs directly attributable to the business combination.  The acquiree’s identifiable assets, liabilities and contingent liabilities that meet the conditions for recognition under IFRS 3 Business Combinations are recognised at their fair values at the acquisition date, except for non-current assets (or disposal groups) that are classified as held for sale in accordance with IFRS 5 Non-current Assets Held for Sale and Discontinued Operations, which are recognised and measured at fair value less costs to sell.

 

Goodwill arising on acquisition is recognised as an asset and initially measured at cost, being the excess of the cost of the business combination over the Bank’s interest in the net fair value of the identifiable assets, liabilities and contingent liabilities recognised. If, after reassessment, the Bank’s interest in the net fair value of the acquiree’s identifiable assets, liabilities and contingent liabilities exceeds the cost of the business combination, the excess is recognised immediately in income statement.

 

The interest of non-controlling shareholders in the acquiree is initially measured at the non-controlling shareholder’s proportion of the net fair value of the assets, liabilities and contingent liabilities recognised.

 

 

Goodwill

 

Goodwill is initially recognised as an asset at cost and is subsequently measured at cost less any accumulated impairment losses.

 

For the purpose of impairment testing, goodwill is allocated to each of the Bank’s cash-generating units expected to benefit from the synergies of the combination. Cash-generating units to which goodwill has been allocated are tested for impairment annually, or more frequently when there is an indication that the unit may be impaired. If the recoverable amount of the cash-generating unit is less than the carrying amount of the unit, the impairment loss is allocated first to reduce the carrying amount of any goodwill allocated to the unit and then to the other assets of the unit pro-rata on the basis of the carrying amount of each asset in the unit. An impairment loss recognised for goodwill is not reversed in a subsequent period.

 

Employees’ end of service benefits

 

The Bank provides end of service benefits for its expatriate employees.  The entitlement to these benefits is based upon the employees’ length of service and completion of a minimum service period.  The expected costs of these benefits are accrued over the period of employment.

 

Pension and national insurance contributions for the U.A.E. citizens are made by the Bank in accordance with Federal Law No. 7 of 1999.

 

Provisions and contingent liabilities

 

Provisions are recognised when the Bank has a present legal or constructive obligation as a result of past events and it is probable that an outflow of resources embodying economic benefits will be required to settle the obligation and a reliable estimate of the amount of the obligation can be made.

 

Contingent liabilities, which include certain guarantees and letters of credit pledged as collateral security, are possible obligations that arise from past events whose existence will be confirmed only by the occurrence, or non-occurrence, of one or more uncertain future events not wholly within the Bank’s control. Contingent liabilities are not recognised in the consolidated financial statements but are disclosed in the notes to the consolidated financial statements, unless they are remote.

 

Acceptances

 

Acceptances have been considered within the scope of IAS 39 (Financial Instruments: Recognition and Measurement) and are recognised as financial liability in the consolidated statement of financial position with a contractual right of reimbursement from the customer as a financial asset. Therefore, commitments in respect of acceptances have been accounted for as financial assets and financial liabilities.

 

 

Financial guarantees

 

Financial guarantees are contracts that require the Bank to make specified payments to reimburse the holder for a loss it incurs because a specified party fails to meet its obligation when due in accordance with the contractual terms.

 

Financial guarantees are initially recognised at their fair value, which is the premium received on issuance. The received premium is amortised over the life of the financial guarantee. The guarantee liability (the notional amount) is subsequently recognised at the higher of this amortised amount and the present value of any expected payments (when a payment under guarantee has become probable). The premium received on these financial guarantees is included within other liabilities.

 

Recognition and de-recognition of financial instruments

 

The Bank recognises a financial asset or liability in its consolidated statement of financial position only when it becomes party to the contractual provisions of that instrument. Financial assets are derecognised when the right to receive cash flows from the assets has expired or when the Bank has transferred its contractual right to receive the cash flows of the financial assets, and substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership, or where control is not retained. Financial liabilities are derecognised when they are extinguished - that is when the obligation specified in the contract is discharged, cancelled or expired.

 

Offsetting of financial assets and liabilities

 

Financial assets and liabilities are offset and reported net in the consolidated statement of financial position only when there is a legally enforceable right to set off the recognised amounts and when the Bank intends to settle either on a net basis, or to realise the asset and settle the liability simultaneously.

 

Revenue and expense recognition 

 

Interest income and expense and loan commitment fees are recognised on a time proportion basis, taking into account the principal outstanding and the rate applicable.  Commission and fee income are generally accounted for on the date the transaction arises.  Interest accruing on loans and advances considered doubtful is excluded from income until received.  Subsequently, notional interest is recognised on doubtful loans and advances and other financial assets based on the rate used to discount the net present value of future cash flows.  Other fees receivable or payable are recognised when earned. 

 

Gain or loss on trading and investment securities comprises all gains and losses from changes in the fair value of held for trading securities and gains or losses on disposal of investment securities. Gain or loss on disposal of trading investments represents the difference between the sale proceeds and the carrying value of such investments on the date of sale less any associated selling costs. Gain or loss on disposal of available for sale investments represents the difference between sale proceeds and their original cost less associated selling costs.

 

Dividend revenue from investments is recognised when the Bank’s right to receive payments has been established.

 

Payments made under operating leases are recognised in profit or loss on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease. Lease incentives received are recognised as an integral part of the total lease expense, over the term of the lease.

 

Foreign currencies

                           

Items included in the financial statements of each of the Bank’s entities are measured using the currency of the primary economic environment in which the entity operates (the ‘functional currency’). The consolidated financial statements of the Bank are presented in AED, which is the Bank’s presentation currency.

 

Transactions in foreign currencies are recorded in the functional currency at the rate of exchange prevailing on the date of the transaction. Monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are translated into the functional currency at the rate of exchange prevailing at the statement of financial position date. Any resulting exchange differences are included in the income statement. Non-monetary assets and liabilities that are measured at historical cost in a foreign currency are translated into the functional currency using rate of exchange at the date of initial transaction. Non-monetary assets and liabilities measured at fair value in a foreign currency are translated into the functional currency using the rate of exchange at the date the fair value was determined. Any exchange component of a gain or loss on a non-monetary item is recognised directly in equity if the gain or loss on the non-monetary item is recognised directly in equity. Any exchange component of a gain or loss on the non-monetary is recognised directly in the consolidated income statement if the gain or loss on the non-monetary item is recognised in the income statement.

 

In the consolidated financial statements, the assets, including related goodwill where applicable, and liabilities of branches, subsidiaries, joint ventures and associates whose functional currency is not AED, are translated into the Bank’s presentation currency at the rate of exchange ruling at the statement of financial position date. The results of branches, subsidiaries, joint ventures and associates whose functional currency is not AED are translated into AED at the average rates of exchange for the reporting period. Exchange differences arising from the retranslation of opening foreign currency net investments, and exchange differences arising from retranslation of the result for the reporting period from the average rate to the exchange rate prevailing at the period end, are recognised in other comprehensive income and accumulated in equity in the ‘foreign exchange reserve’.

 

On disposal or partial disposal (i.e. of associates or jointly controlled entities not involving a change of accounting basis) of a foreign operation, exchange differences relating thereto and previously recognised in reserves are recognised in the consolidated income statement on proportionate basis except in the case of partial disposal (i.e. no loss of control) of a subsidiary that includes a foreign operation, the proportionate share of accumulated exchange differences are re-attributed to non-controlling interests and are not recognised in consolidated income statement.

 

Goodwill and fair value adjustments arising on the acquisition of a foreign operation are treated as assets and liabilities of the foreign operation and translated at the closing rate.

 

Trade and settlement date accounting

 

The “regular way” purchases and sales of financial assets are recognised on the trade date basis i.e. the date that the Bank commits to purchase or sell the asset. Regular way purchases or sales are those that require delivery of assets within the time frame generally established by regulation or convention in the market place. Any significant change in the fair value of assets which the Bank has committed to purchase at the end of the reporting period is recognised in the consolidated income statement for assets classified as held for trading and in the consolidated statement of changes in equity for assets classified as available for sale.

 

Dividends

 

Dividends are recognised outside profit or loss in equity in the year in which they are declared. Dividends declared after end of the reporting period are disclosed as proposed dividends.

 

 

4          Critical accounting judgements and key sources of estimation of uncertainty

 

While applying the accounting policies as stated in Note 3, the management of the Bank has made certain judgments.  These judgments mainly have a significant effect on the carrying amounts of loans and advances, investment securities and the fair values of derivative financial instruments. The significant judgments made by the management in arriving at the carrying amounts of loans and advances, investment securities, Investment in an associate and fair values of derivative financial instruments are summarised as follows:

 

Loans and advances

 

The impairment allowance for loan losses is established through charges to the consolidated income statement in the form of an impairment allowance for doubtful loans and advances. 


 

Individually assessed loans

 

Impairment losses for individually assessed loans are determined by an evaluation of exposure on a case-by-case basis.  This procedure is applied to all classified corporate loans and advances which are individually significant accounts or are not subject to the portfolio-based-approach.

 

The following factors are considered by management when determining allowance for impairment on individual loans and advances which are significant:

 

·                     The amount expected to be realised on disposals of collaterals.

·                     The Bank’s ability to enforce its claim on the collaterals and associated cost of litigation.

·                     The expected time frame to complete legal formalities and disposals of collaterals.

 

The Bank’s policy requires quarterly review of the level of impairment allowances on individual facilities and regular valuation of the collateral and its enforceability.

 

Impaired loans continue to be classified as impaired unless they are brought fully current and the collection of scheduled interest and principal is considered probable.

 

Collectively assessed loans

 

Collective assessment of allowance for impairment is made for overdue retail loans with common features which are not individually significant and performing loans which are not found to be individually impaired.

 

The following factors are considered by management when determining allowance for impairment for such loans:

 

Retail loans – All the loans falling under similar overdue category are assumed to carry similar credit risk and allowance for impairment is taken on a gross basis.

 

Other performing loans – The management of the Bank assesses, based on historical experience and the prevailing economic and credit conditions, the magnitude of loans which may be impaired but not identified as of the end of the reporting period.

 

Fair value of unquoted financial instruments

 

The fair values of financial instruments that are not quoted in active markets are determined by using valuation techniques.  Where valuation techniques (for example) are used to determine fair values, they are validated and periodically reviewed by qualified personnel independent of the area that created them.  All models are certified before they are used, and models are calibrated to ensure that outputs reflect actual data and comparative market prices.  To the extent, practical models use only observable data, however; areas such as credit risk (both own and counterparty), volatilities and correlations require management to make estimates.  Changes in assumptions about these factors could affect the reported fair value of financial instruments.

 

  

Impairment of available for sale investments

 

The Bank exercises judgment to consider impairment on the available for sale investments.  This includes determination of a significant or prolonged decline in the fair value below its cost.  In making this judgment, the Bank evaluates among other factors, the normal volatility in market price.  In addition, the Bank considers impairment to be appropriate when there is evidence of deterioration in the financial health of the investee, industry and sector performance or changes in technology.

 

Impairment of investments in associates

 

After application of equity method of accounting, the Bank determines whether it is necessary to recognise for any additional impairment loss on the carrying value of the investment in associate by comparing its recoverable amount with the higher of value in use or fair value less costs to sell with its carrying amount.

 

In determining the value in use of the investment, the Bank estimates:

 

i)             its share of the present value of the estimated future cash flows expected to be generated by the associates, including the cash flows from the operations of the associates and the proceeds on the ultimate disposal of the investment; or

 

ii)           the present value of the estimated future cash flows expected to arise from dividends to be received from the investment and from its ultimate disposal.

 

Derivative financial instruments

 

Subsequent to initial recognition, the fair values of derivative financial instruments measured at fair value are generally obtained by reference to quoted market prices, discounted cash flow models and recognised pricing models as appropriate. When independent prices are not available, fair values are determined by using valuation techniques which refer to observable market data. These include comparison with similar instruments where market observable prices exist, discounted cash flow analysis, option pricing models and other valuation techniques commonly used by market participants. The main factors which management considers when applying a model are:

 

a) The likelihood and expected timing of future cash flows on the instrument. These cash flows are usually governed by the terms of the instrument, although management judgement may be required in situations where the ability of the counterparty to service the instrument in accordance with the contractual terms is in doubt; and

 

b) An appropriate discount rate for the instrument. Management determines this rate, based on its assessment of the appropriate spread of the rate for the instrument over the risk-free rate. When valuing instruments by reference to comparable instruments, management takes into account the maturity, structure and rating of the instrument with which the position held is being compared. When valuing instruments on a model basis using the fair value of underlying components, management considers, in addition, the need for adjustments to take account of a number of factors such as bid-offer spread, credit profile, servicing costs of portfolios and model uncertainty.

 

 


 

 

 

5          Cash and balances with Central Banks

 

2009

2008

 

AED’000

AED’000

 

 

 

Cash on hand

52,737

54,865

Statutory deposit with Central Banks

802,955

877,671

Current account with Central Banks

24,708

87,373

Certificates of deposit with Central Banks

302,356

153,021

 

                     

                     

 

 

 

 

1,182,756

1,172,930

 

                     

                     

Cash and balances with Central banks are due from:

 

 

 

 

 

Banks abroad

834,160

709,950

Banks in the U.A.E.

348,596

462,980

 

                     

                     

 

 

 

 

1,182,756

1,172,930

 

                     

                     

 

The statutory deposits with the Central Banks are not available to finance the day to day operations of the Bank. However, as per notice 4310/2008, the Central Bank of the U.A.E. has allowed banks to borrow up to 100% of their AED and US$ reserve requirement limit.

 

 

6          Deposits and balances due from banks

 

2009

2008

 

AED’000

AED’000

 

 

 

Demand

448,052

439,198

Time

1,784,692

974,090

 

                     

                     

 

 

 

 

2,232,744

1,413,288

 

                     

                     

 

 

 

Deposits and balances due from banks are due from:

 

 

 

 

 

Banks abroad

959,496

764,339

Banks in the U.A.E.

1,273,248

648,949

 

                     

                     

 

 

 

 

2,232,744

1,413,288

 

                     

                     

 


 

 

 

7          Loans and advances, net

 

2009

2008

 

AED’000

AED’000

 

 

 

Overdrafts

5,869,024

6,810,009

Commercial loans

4,949,290

2,885,566

Bills receivable

774,940

678,415

Other advances

214,524

230,474

 

                     

                     

 

 

 

 

11,807,778

10,604,464

Less: Allowance for doubtful loans and advances

(275,502)

              (183,802)

Less: Interest in suspense

(81,794)

                (80,295)

 

                     

                     

 

 

 

 

11,450,482

10,340,367

 

                     

                     

 

 

 

The loans and advances of the Bank are as follows:

 

2009

2008

 

AED’000

AED’000

 

 

 

Loans and advances in the U.A.E.

9,254,594

8,856,816

Loans and advances outside the U.A.E.

2,553,184

1,747,648

 

                     

                     

 

 

 

 

11,807,778

10,604,464

 

                     

                     

 

The risk classification of loans and advances are as follows:

 

2009

2008

 

AED’000

AED’000

 

 

 

Performing loans

10,392,006

9,199,636

Other loans exceptionally monitored

1,156,076

1,140,922

Non performing loans

259,696

263,906

 

                    

 

                    

 

 

11,807,778

10,604,464

Less: Allowance for doubtful loans and advances

(275,502)

                (183,802)

Less: Interest in suspense

                  (81,794)        

                   (80,295)

 

                    

 

                    

 

 

11,450,482

10,340,367

 

                    

                    

 

 

 

 

 

Loans and advances are stated net of allowance for doubtful loans and advances. The movement in the allowance during the year was as follows:

 

 

2009

2008

 

AED’000

AED’000

 

 

 

At 1 January

183,802

47,817

Balance from acquisition of a subsidiary

-

82,206

Additions during  the year (Note 30)

100,733

70,373

Write offs

(9,033)

(16,594)

 

                    

                    

 

 

 

At 31 December

275,502

183,802

 

                    

                    

 

The movement in the interest in suspense account during the year was as follows:

 

 

2009

2008

 

AED’000

AED’000

 

 

 

At 1 January

80,295

25,818

Balance from acquisition of a subsidiary

-

48,785

Additions during the year

12,736

5,692

Write offs during the year

(11,237)

-

 

                    

                    

 

 

 

At 31 December

81,794

80,295

 

                    

                    

 

At 31 December 2009, the gross amount of loans and advances on which interest is not being accrued, or is suspended, amounted to AED 274,597 thousand (2008: AED 263,906 thousand). Unrecognised interest for the year relating to such loans amounted to AED 12,736 thousand (2008: AED 5,692 thousand).

 

The composition of the loans and advances portfolio by industry is as follows:

 

 

2009

2008

 

AED’000

AED’000

Economic sector

 

 

 

 

 

Trading

3,688,034

3,894,787

Personal loans for commercial purposes

2,251,281

1,640,721

Services

1,377,052

1,227,298

Manufacturing

1,341,763

1,086,027

Construction

914,367

820,972

Government

463,934

538,005

Public utilities

547,111

404,668

Mining and quarrying

504,811

393,461

Transport and communication

208,413

167,160

Personal loans for individual purposes

115,707

96,760

Agriculture

46,084

41,847

Financial Institution

34,280

13,450

Others

314,941

279,308

 

                    

                    

 

 

 

 

11,807,778

10,604,464

 

 

 

Less: Allowance for doubtful loans and advances

                (275,502)

              (183,802)

Less: Interest in suspense

               (81,794)       

                (80,295)

 

                    

                    

 

 

 

 

11,450,482

10,340,367

 

                    

                    

 

 


 

 

 

8          Investment in securities

 

2009

2008

 

AED’000

AED’000

 

 

 

Available for sale investments

 

 

  Quoted equity

190,960

140,630

  Unquoted equity

592,757

612,338

  Quoted debt instruments

597,389

164,786

 

                    

                    

 

 

 

 

1,381,106

917,754

 

                    

                    

 

 

 

Held to maturity investments

 

 

  Quoted debt instruments

10,115

42,250

 

                    

                    

Investments carried at fair value through

  profit and loss

 

 

  Quoted equity

85,184

67,722

  Quoted debt instruments

162,691

160,843

 

                    

                    

 

 

 

 

247,875

228,565

 

                    

                    

 

 

 

Total investment in securities

1,639,096

1,188,569

 

                    

                    

 

 

 

The majority of the quoted investments are listed on the securities exchanges in the U.A.E. (Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange and Dubai Financial Market).

 

The composition of the investments portfolio by geography is as follows:

 

 

2009

2008

 

AED’000

AED’000

 

 

 

United Arab Emirates

448,811

395,394

G.C.C. countries (other than U.A.E.)

11,146

11,972

Middle East and Africa (other than G.C.C. countries)

1,174,128

765,128

United States

651

13,017

Europe

4,360

3,058

 

                    

                    

 

 

 

 

1,639,096

1,188,569

 

                    

                    

 

The movement in the investment in securities is summarised as follows:

 

 

Fair value through profit and loss

 

Available

for sale

 

Held to maturity

 

 

Total

 

AED’000

AED’000

AED’000

AED’000

 

 

 

 

 

At 1 January 2009

228,565

917,754

42,250

1,188,569

Additions

108

485,189

-

485,297

Disposals

              (11,115)

(82,449)

-

(93,564)

Matured during the year

-

-

(32,042)

(32,042)

Fair value adjustments, net

            30,317

47,434

-

77,751

Premium amortisation

-

13,178

(93)

13,085

 

                 

                 

                 

                 

 

 

 

 

 

At 31 December 2009

247,875

1,381,106

10,115

1,639,096

 

                 

                

                

                

 

 

 

 

 

The Bank had no exposure to the U.S. sub-prime and structured credit, or to any of the failed financial institutions.

 

In 2008 certain trading securities were reclassified to available for sale investments in accordance with the amendments to IAS 39 issued on 13 October 2008 with respect to reclassification of financial assets. The fair value of the trading securities at the date of reclassification was AED 184,500 thousand and at 31 December 2009 was AED 83,700 thousand (31 December 2008: AED 51,300 thousand). The fair value gain on these securities for the year ended 31 December 2009 amounting to AED 32,400 thousand have been recognised under cumulative changes in fair values in the consolidated statement of changes in equity. The fair value loss on these securities from the date of reclassification to 31 December 2008 amounting to AED 93,600 thousand was recognised under cumulative changes in fair values in the consolidated statement of changes in equity and AED 39,600 thousand was recognised as impairment loss in the consolidated income statement for the year ended 31 December 2008.

 

During the year, the Federal Government had decided to merge Emirates Industrial Bank (“EIB”), of which the Bank is a shareholder and ‘Real Estate Bank’ into ‘Emirates Development Bank’. Pursuant to a decision made by the shareholders of EIB in their Annual General Meeting, the Bank was invited to sell its shares to EIB at a price of AED 1,560 per share. As of 31 December 2009, the bank had accepted the offered price and derecognised it’s investment in EIB by recognising a loss of AED 9,400 thousand in the profit or loss.

 

Management reviewed its available for sale investment for impairments based on criteria that include the extent to which carrying value exceeds market value, the duration of the market decline, management’s intent and ability to hold the investment up to recovery and the financial health and specific prospects for the issuer. As a result, Management recognised impairment on available for sale investments for the amount of AED Nil (2008: AED 98,400 thousand).

 

Investments carried at fair value through profit and loss includes investment in a U.A.E. Government debt security, which will mature in April 2013 and carry an interest rate of 3 months EIBOR plus 50 basis points. Management has classified this investment as a part of trading portfolio based on management intention.


 

 

 

9          Investment in an associate

 

In 2008, the Bank invested in 35% of the equity of Muweilah fund. The principal business activity of this associate is land development in prime industrial areas within the U.A.E.

 

 

 

2009

2008

 

 

           AED’000

    AED’000

 

 

 

 

Cost of acquisition

 

80,074

80,074

Bank’s share of post acquisition profit

 

-

-

 

 

                  

                  

 

 

 

 

Carrying value at 31 December

 

80,074

80,074

 

 

                  

                     

 

The latest available management accounts in respect of the Bank’s associate are as of 31 December 2009 and summarised as follows:

 

2009

2008

 

           AED’000

    AED’000

 

 

 

Total assets

465,609

461,567

Total liabilities

 (236,826)

(232,784)

 

                  

                  

 

 

 

Net assets

228,783

228,783

 

                  

                  

 

 

 

Total profit for the year

-

-

 

                  

                  

 

 

 

The fund is still in the development stage and all qualifying borrowing costs are being capitalised.

 

 


 

 

 

10        Investment property

 

 

31 December 2008

 

 

Additions

 

Changes in fair value

 

31 December 2009

 

    AED’000

    AED’000

   AED’000

          AED’000

 

 

 

 

 

Plots of land in the U.A.E.

91,723

-

(12,108)

79,615

Daman building flats

6,096

-

-

6,096

Opus building

29,785

3,955

-

33,740

Tamani Arts offices

48,367

4,583

-

52,950

The Octavian

12,396

-

-

12,396

 

                  

                  

                  

                  

Carrying value at 31 December

 

188,367

 

8,538

 

(12,108)

 

184,797

 

                    

                    

                    

                    

 

Investment properties represent plots of land and properties under development held by the Bank for undetermined future use. The fair value of investment properties is estimated periodically by considering recent prices for similar properties in the same location and similar conditions, with adjustments to reflect any changes in the nature, location or economic conditions since the date of the transactions that occurred at these prices. The effective date of the valuation is 31 December 2009.

 

 

11        Goodwill and other intangibles

 

 

2009

2008

 

AED’000

AED’000

 

 

 

Goodwill

184,733

279,830

Other intangibles

 

 

  Banking license

  18,365

-

  Legal corporate setup in Lebanon

   42,945

-

  Customer base

    31,221

-

  Branch network

      3,673

-

 

                    

                    

 

 

 

Total

280,937

279,830

 

                    

                    

 

 

 

In 2007 the Bank acquired all the outstanding shares of Banque de la Bekaa SAL, a Lebanese bank. During 2008, The Bank had recapitalised Banque de la Bekaa SAL by increasing its capital to US$ 50 million plus a cash contribution of US$ 100 million in order to reach a total initial equity of US$ 150 million. Also the Bank had changed its name to Emirates Lebanon Bank SAL (“ELBank”) which then acquired the assets and liabilities of BNPI in Lebanon as explained below.

 

On 29 September 2008, the Bank, through its fully owned subsidiary EL Bank, obtained the final approval from the Central Bank of Lebanon on the acquisition of the assets and liabilities (operations) of BNPI in Lebanon. In accordance with the sale and purchase agreement, EL Bank was 81% owned by the Bank and 19% owned by BNPI France (a fully owned subsidiary of BNP Paribas).

 

  

The acquisition was in cash and the effective date of acquisition was 30 September 2008. The operations of the BNPI have been fully transferred to EL Bank on that date.  The acquisition is accounted for using the purchase method of accounting, and the financial statements of the acquired BNPI branches have been consolidated. On 31 December 2008, the final determination of the net assets fair value was not made and the difference between the consideration paid and the provisional fair value of the net assets at the transaction date was booked provisionally under goodwill for both acquisitions pending the completion of the due diligence, and the valuation of the individual fair value of the intangibles acquired in both transactions.

 

During the current year, the Bank’s management has completed the ongoing due diligence and made a final determination of the net assets fair value which resulted in an adjustment of AED 1,107 thousand on the carrying amount of goodwill. Also, the fair value of the intangibles acquired in the above stated transactions was determined and separated from the carrying value of goodwill, to be amortised as per the Bank’s accounting policy on intangibles stated in note 3.

 

The provisional and final fair values of net assets acquired were as follows:

 

 

Provisional

Final

 

AED’000

AED’000

Assets

 

 

Cash and deposits with Central banks

    459,429

    459,429

Deposits and balances due from banks

  533,007

  533,007

Loans and advances, net

1,590,163

1,590,163

Investment in securities

     467,839

     467,839

Other assets

         84,206

         83,099

Property and equipment

   60,998

   60,998

Intangibles

-

96,204

 

                  

                  

 

 

 

 

3,195,642

3,290,739

 

                  

                  

Liabilities

 

 

Customers' deposits

(2,586,673)

(2,586,673)

Due to banks

(229,976)

(229,976)

Other liabilities

(190,902)

(190,902)

 

                  

                  

 

 

 

 

(3,007,551)

(3,007,551)

 

                  

                  

 

 

 

Fair value of net assets acquired

188,091

283,188

Goodwill

279,830

184,733

 

                  

                  

 

 

 

Total acquisition cost

467,921

467,921

 

                  

                  

 

 

 

Cash outflow on consideration:

 

 

Consideration paid in cash and cash equivalents

461,405

461,405

Transaction costs incurred

6,516

6,516

 

                  

                  

 

 

 

Total acquisition cost

467,921

467,921

 

                  

                  

 

 

 

 

The movement in Goodwill during the year was as follows:

 

 

2009

2008

 

AED’000

AED’000

 

 

 

At 1 January

279,830

54,036

Additions during the year

-

225,794

Adjustment to provisional net assets fair value on final determination

 

1,107

 

-

Recognised separately as other intangibles-

 

 

  - Banking license

  (18,365)

-

  - Legal corporate setup in Lebanon

   (42,945)

-

  - Customer base

    (31,221)

-

  - Branch network

      (3,673)

-

 

                    

                    

 

 

 

At 31 December

184,733

279,830

 

                    

                    

 

 

 

 

12        Other assets