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Annual Financial Report - 35 of 44

Date : 27/03/2012 @ 16:53
Source : UK Regulatory (RNS & others)
Stock : Hsbc Hldgs.Uk (HSBA)
Quote : 726.0  -15.8 (-2.13%) @ 16:35

Annual Financial Report - 35 of 44

TIDMHSBA

RNS Number : 1524A

HSBC Holdings PLC

27 March 2012

   3     Net income/(expense) from financial instruments designated at fair value 

Net income/(expense) from financial instruments designated at fair value includes:

-- all gains and losses from changes in the fair value of financial assets and liabilities designated at fair value, including liabilities under investment contracts;

-- all gains and losses from changes in the fair value of derivatives that are managed in conjunction with financial assets and liabilities designated at fair value; and

   --     interest income, interest expense and dividend income in respect of: 

- financial assets and liabilities designated at fair value; and

- derivatives managed in conjunction with the above,

except for interest arising from HSBC's issued debt securities and derivatives managed in conjunction with those debt securities, which is recognised in 'Interest expense'.

Net income/(expense) from financial instruments designated at fair value

HSBC

 
                                                                     2011     2010     2009 
                                                                     US$m     US$m     US$m 
Net income/(expense) arising on: 
 
  *    financial assets held to meet liabilities under 
       insurance and investment contracts 
       ..................................................... 
       ........................................                     (933)    2,349    3,793 
 
  *    other financial assets designated at fair value 
       ............................................                 1,050      230        2 
 
  *    derivatives managed in conjunction with other 
       financial assets designated at fair value 
       ..................................................... 
       ....................                                         (182)    (149)    (249) 
                                                                  -------  -------  ------- 
 
                                                                     (65)    2,430    3,546 
                                                                  -------  -------  ------- 
 
 
  *    liabilities to customers under investment contracts 
       ...................................                            231    (946)  (1,329) 
 
  *    HSBC's long-term debt issued and related derivatives 
       ................................                             4,161    (258)  (6,247) 
                                                                  -------  -------  ------- 
 
     *    changes in own credit spread on long-term debt 
          ....................................                      3,933     (63)  (6,533) 
 
     *    derivatives managed in conjunction with HSBC's issued 
          debt securities ..                                        3,165    (275)  (1,726) 
 
     *    other changes in fair value 
          ..................................................... 
          ..............                                          (2,937)       80    2,012 
                                                                  -------  -------  ------- 
 
  *    other financial liabilities designated at fair value 
       .......................................                      (911)     (18)      492 
 
  *    derivatives managed in conjunction with other 
       financial liabilities designated at fair value 
       ..................................................... 
       ....................                                            23       12        7 
                                                                  -------  -------  ------- 
 
                                                                    3,504  (1,210)  (7,077) 
                                                                  -------  -------  ------- 
 
                                                                    3,439    1,220  (3,531) 
                                                                  -------  -------  ------- 
 

HSBC Holdings

 
                                                                     2011   2010     2009 
                                                                     US$m   US$m     US$m 
Net income/(expense) arising on HSBC 
 Holdings long-term debt issued and 
 related derivatives 
 
     *    changes in own credit spread on long-term debt 
          ....................................                      1,657    248  (2,612) 
 
     *    derivatives managed in conjunction with HSBC Holdings 
          issued debt securities 
          ..................................................... 
          .................................                         1,368  (482)    (352) 
 
     *    other changes in fair value 
          ..................................................... 
          ..............                                          (1,113)    373      201 
                                                                           -----  ------- 
 
                                                                    1,912    139  (2,763) 
                                                                  -------  -----  ------- 
 
   4     Net earned insurance premiums 
 
                                                                                                                                                         Investment 
                                                                                                       Life                             Life              contracts 
                                                                         Non-life                      insurance                        insurance         with 
                                                                         insurance                     (non-linked)                     (linked)          DPF(1)                      Total 
                                                                              US$m                             US$m                          US$m              US$m                    US$m 
2011 
Gross earned premiums 
 .........................................                                   1,144                            6,238                         2,801             3,155                  13,338 
                                                              --------------------  -------------------------------  ----------------------------  ----------------  ---------------------- 
 
     *    gross written premiums 
          ..................................                                 1,175                            6,207                         2,804             3,155                  13,341 
 
     *    movement in unearned premiums ..................                    (31)                               31                           (3)                 -                     (3) 
                                                              --------------------  -------------------------------  ----------------------------  ----------------  ---------------------- 
 
Reinsurers' share of gross 
 earned premiums ..........                                                  (180)                            (278)                           (8)                 -                   (466) 
                                                              --------------------  -------------------------------  ----------------------------  ----------------  ---------------------- 
 
     *    gross written premiums ceded to reinsurers ....                    (182)                            (255)                           (8)                 -                   (445) 
 
     *    reinsurers' share of movement in unearned premiums 
          .................................................. 
    ...                                                                          2                             (23)                             -                 -                    (21) 
                                                              --------------------  -------------------------------  ----------------------------  ----------------  ---------------------- 
 
 
                                                                               964                            5,960                         2,793             3,155                  12,872 
                                                              --------------------  -------------------------------  ----------------------------  ----------------  ---------------------- 
 
2010 
Gross earned premiums 
 .........................................                                   1,275                            5,427                         1,956             2,951                  11,609 
                                                              --------------------  -------------------------------  ----------------------------  ----------------  ---------------------- 
 
     *    gross written premiums 
          ..................................                                 1,192                            5,357                         1,956             2,951                  11,456 
 
     *    movement in unearned premiums ..................                      83                               70                             -                 -                     153 
                                                              --------------------  -------------------------------  ----------------------------  ----------------  ---------------------- 
 
Reinsurers' share of gross 
 earned premiums ..........                                                  (160)                            (289)                          (14)                 -                   (463) 
                                                              --------------------  -------------------------------  ----------------------------  ----------------  ---------------------- 
 
     *    gross written premiums ceded to reinsurers ....                    (172)                            (266)                           (8)                 -                   (446) 
 
     *    reinsurers' share of movement in unearned premiums 
          .................................................. 
    ...                                                                         12                             (23)                           (6)                 -                    (17) 
                                                              --------------------  -------------------------------  ----------------------------  ----------------  ---------------------- 
 
 
                                                                             1,115                            5,138                         1,942             2,951                  11,146 
                                                              --------------------  -------------------------------  ----------------------------  ----------------  ---------------------- 
 
2009 
Gross earned premiums 
 .........................................                                   1,572                            5,218                         1,427             2,774                  10,991 
                                                              --------------------  -------------------------------  ----------------------------  ----------------  ---------------------- 
 
     *    gross written premiums 
          ..................................                                 1,339                            5,285                         1,427             2,774                  10,825 
 
     *    movement in unearned premiums ..................                     233                             (67)                             -                 -                     166 
                                                              --------------------  -------------------------------  ----------------------------  ----------------  ---------------------- 
 
Reinsurers' share of gross 
 earned premiums ..........                                                  (225)                            (278)                          (17)                 -                   (520) 
                                                              --------------------  -------------------------------  ----------------------------  ----------------  ---------------------- 
 
     *    gross written premiums ceded to reinsurers ....                    (215)                            (280)                          (11)                 -                   (506) 
 
     *    reinsurers' share of movement in unearned premiums 
          .................................................. 
    ...                                                                       (10)                                2                           (6)                 -                    (14) 
                                                              --------------------  -------------------------------  ----------------------------  ----------------  ---------------------- 
 
 
                                                                             1,347                            4,940                         1,410             2,774                  10,471 
                                                              --------------------  -------------------------------  ----------------------------  ----------------  ---------------------- 
 

1 Discretionary participation features.

   5     Net insurance claims incurred and movement in liabilities to policyholders 
 
                                                                                                                                Investment 
                                                                              Life                             Life              contracts 
                                                Non-life                      insurance                        insurance         with 
                                                insurance                     (non-linked)                     (linked)          DPF(1)                      Total 
                                                     US$m                             US$m                          US$m              US$m                    US$m 
2011 
Gross claims incurred and 
 movement in liabilities 
 .                                                    435                            5,729                         2,462             3,005                  11,631 
                                     --------------------  -------------------------------  ----------------------------  ----------------  ---------------------- 
 
     *    claims, benefits and surr 
    enders paid ................                      631                            1,793                         1,129             2,628                   6,181 
 
     *    movement in liabilities 
          ......................... 
    .........                                       (196)                            3,936                         1,333               377                   5,450 
                                     --------------------  -------------------------------  ----------------------------  ----------------  ---------------------- 
 
 Reinsurers' share of claims 
  incurred and 
  movement in liabilities 
  ................................. 
  ...                                                (85)                            (254)                         (111)                 -                   (450) 
                                     --------------------  -------------------------------  ----------------------------  ----------------  ---------------------- 
 
     *    claims, benefits and surr 
    enders paid ................                     (81)                            (164)                          (56)                 -                   (301) 
 
     *    movement in liabilities 
          ......................... 
    .........                                         (4)                             (90)                          (55)                 -                   (149) 
                                     --------------------  -------------------------------  ----------------------------  ----------------  ---------------------- 
 
 
                                                      350                            5,475                         2,351             3,005                  11,181 
                                     --------------------  -------------------------------  ----------------------------  ----------------  ---------------------- 
 
 
                                                                                                                                    Investment 
                                                                                Life                             Life                contracts 
                                                  Non-life                      insurance                        insurance           with 
                                                  insurance                     (non-linked)                     (linked)            DPF(1)                      Total 
                                                       US$m                             US$m                          US$m                US$m                    US$m 
2010 
Gross claims incurred and 
 movement in liabilities 
 .                                                      625                            5,108                         2,520               3,716                  11,969 
 
     *    claims, benefits and surr 
    enders paid ................                        815                            1,355                           507               2,023                   4,700 
 
     *    movement in liabilities 
          ......................... 
    .........                                         (190)                            3,753                         2,013               1,693                   7,269 
                                     ----------------------  -------------------------------  ----------------------------  ------------------  ---------------------- 
 
 Reinsurers' share of claims 
  incurred and 
  movement in liabilities 
  ................................. 
  ...                                                 (100)                            (201)                            99                   -                   (202) 
                                     ----------------------  -------------------------------  ----------------------------  ------------------  ---------------------- 
 
     *    claims, benefits and surr 
    enders paid ................                      (114)                            (143)                          (45)                   -                   (302) 
 
     *    movement in liabilities 
          ......................... 
    .........                                            14                             (58)                           144                   -                     100 
                                     ----------------------  -------------------------------  ----------------------------  ------------------  ---------------------- 
 
 
                                                        525                            4,907                         2,619               3,716                  11,767 
                                     ----------------------  -------------------------------  ----------------------------  ------------------  ---------------------- 
2009 
Gross claims incurred and 
 movement in liabilities 
 .                                                    1,281                            4,669                         2,676               3,934                  12,560 
 
     *    claims, benefits and surr 
    enders paid ................                        987                            2,098                           325               1,818                   5,228 
 
     *    movement in liabilities 
          ......................... 
    .........                                           294                            2,571                         2,351               2,116                   7,332 
                                     ----------------------  -------------------------------  ----------------------------  ------------------  ---------------------- 
 
 Reinsurers' share of claims 
  incurred and 
  movement in liabilities 
  ................................. 
  ...                                                 (158)                             (98)                           146                   -                   (110) 
 
     *    claims, benefits and surr 
    enders paid ................                      (156)                            (159)                          (21)                   -                   (336) 
 
     *    movement in liabilities 
          ......................... 
    .........                                           (2)                               61                           167                   -                     226 
                                     ----------------------  -------------------------------  ----------------------------  ------------------  ---------------------- 
 
 
                                                      1,123                            4,571                         2,822               3,934                  12,450 
                                     ----------------------  -------------------------------  ----------------------------  ------------------  ---------------------- 
 

1 Discretionary participation features.

   6     Operating profit 

Operating profit is stated after the following items of income, expense, gains and losses:

 
                                                                                              2011      2010      2009 
                                                                                              US$m      US$m      US$m 
Income 
Interest recognised on impaired financial 
 assets(1) ...........................................                                       1,604       516       941 
Fees earned on financial assets or liabilities 
 not held for trading nor designated 
 at fair value, other than fees included 
 in effective interest rate calculations 
 on 
 these types of assets and liabilities 
 ............................................................                               11,318    11,445    12,310 
Fees earned on trust and other fiduciary 
 activities where HSBC holds 
 or invests assets on behalf of its 
 customers ...............................................                                   3,072     3,074     2,735 
Income from listed investments 
 ...................................................................                         8,283     7,418     9,201 
Income from unlisted investments 
 ................................................................                            8,031     7,187     7,085 
Losses from the fraud at Bernard L Madoff 
 Investment Securities LLC 
 (within net trading income) 
 ......................................................................                          -         -      (72) 
Gain arising from dilution of interests 
 in associates and joint ventures ..........                                                   208       188         - 
 
Expense 
Interest on financial instruments, excluding 
 interest on financial liabilities 
 held for trading or designated at fair 
 value .................................................                                  (20,965)  (17,549)  (19,737) 
Fees payable on financial assets or 
 liabilities not held for trading nor 
 designated 
 at fair value, other than fees included 
 in effective interest rate calculations 
 on 
 these types of assets and liabilities 
 ............................................................                              (1,697)   (1,529)   (1,580) 
Fees payable relating to trust and other 
 fiduciary activities where 
 HSBC holds or invests assets on behalf 
 of its customers ............................                                               (182)     (151)     (116) 
UK bank levy 
 ....................................................................................... 
 ........                                                                                    (570)         -         - 
Auditors' remuneration (see Note 8) 
 ............................................................                                 (51)      (51)      (51) 
 
Gains/(losses) 
Gain on disposal or settlement of loans 
 and advances ...................................                                              116       121       244 
Impairment of available-for-sale equity 
 securities .........................................                                        (177)     (105)     (358) 
Gains on disposal of property, plant 
 and equipment, intangible assets and 
 non-financial investments 
 ........................................................................                       57       701     1,033 
 
Loan impairment charges and other credit 
 risk provisions ................                                                         (12,127)  (14,039)  (26,488) 
                                                                                          --------  --------  -------- 
  Net impairment charge on loans and advances 
   ..........................................                                             (11,505)  (13,548)  (24,942) 
   Impairment of available-for-sale debt 
    securities ........................................                                      (631)     (472)   (1,474) 
   Release/(impairment) in respect of other 
    credit risk provisions .................                                                     9      (19)      (72) 
                                                                                          --------  --------  -------- 
 

1 During 2011 the Group adopted a more stringent treatment for impaired loans for geographical regions with significant levels of forbearance. As a result loans and advances have been classified as impaired that under the previous disclosure convention would otherwise have been classified as neither past due nor impaired or past due but not impaired. The effect of this change on 2011 reported numbers was to increase interest earned on impaired loans from US$0.3bn to US$1.5bn. Restatement of comparative data prior to 31 December 2010 is impracticable (see page 133, 'Impaired loans disclosure', for further details).

   7     Employee compensation and benefits 
 
                                                                                                  2011    2010    2009 
                                                                                                  US$m    US$m    US$m 
 
Wages and salaries 
 ........................................................................................       18,923  17,193  16,268 
Social security costs 
 ......................................................................................          1,754   1,567   1,512 
Post-employment benefits 
 ...........................................................................                       489   1,076     688 
                                                                                                ------  ------  ------ 
 
                                                                                                21,166  19,836  18,468 
                                                                                                ------  ------  ------ 
 

Included in 'Wages and salaries' above is US$1,162m (2010: US$812m; 2009: US$683m) relating to share-based payment arrangements (see Note 9). Wages and salaries also includes US$88m (2010: US$15m; 2009: US$5m) in respect of deferred cash awards for current and prior performance years. The Group expects to recognise US$159m in the future in respect of deferred cash awards for current and prior performance years.

Average number of persons employed by HSBC during the year

 
                                                                                                2011     2010     2009 
 
Europe 
 .......................................................................................... 
 ...............                                                                              81,263   79,902   84,056 
Hong Kong 
 .......................................................................................... 
 .........                                                                                    30,323   29,105   28,894 
Rest of Asia-Pacific 
 ......................................................................................       92,685   89,737   88,122 
Middle East and North Africa 
 .......................................................................                       8,816    8,983    8,468 
North America 
 .......................................................................................... 
 ...                                                                                          34,871   36,822   42,202 
Latin America 
 .......................................................................................... 
 ....                                                                                         58,026   57,778   57,774 
                                                                                             -------  -------  ------- 
 
Total 
 .......................................................................................... 
 ..................                                                                          305,984  302,327  309,516 
                                                                                             -------  -------  ------- 
 

Post-employment benefit plans

Income statement charge

 
                                                                                                    2011   2010   2009 
                                                                                                    US$m   US$m   US$m 
 
Defined benefit pension plans 
 .......................................................................                           (172)    468    161 
                                                                                                   -----  -----  ----- 
 
        *    HSBC Bank (UK) Pension Scheme 
             .....................................................                                 (428)    308  (179) 
 
        *    Other plans 
             ..................................................... 
             ..................................                                                      256    160    340 
                                                                                                   -----  -----  ----- 
 
Defined contribution pension plans ..............................................................    626    545    492 
 
                                                                                                     454  1,013    653 
Defined benefit healthcare plans 
 ...................................................................                                  32     58     31 
Defined contribution healthcare plans 
 ..........................................................                                            3      5      4 
                                                                                                   -----  -----  ----- 
 
                                                                                                     489  1,076    688 
                                                                                                   -----  -----  ----- 
 

Net assets/(liabilities) recognised on balance sheet in respect of defined benefit plans

 
                                                                                                        2011      2010 
                                                                                                        US$m      US$m 
 
Defined benefit pension plans 
 .................................................................................................     (208)   (2,867) 
 
   HSBC Bank (UK) Pension Scheme 
    ......................................................................................             2,237     (622) 
                                                                                                    --------  -------- 
 
        *    fair value of plan assets 
             ..................................................... 
             .........................................                                                26,604    22,236 
 
        *    present value of defined benefit obligations 
             ..................................................... 
             ...........                                                                            (24,367)  (22,858) 
                                                                                                    --------  -------- 
 
   Other plans 
    .............................................................................................. 
    ...........................                                                                      (2,445)   (2,245) 
                                                                                                    --------  -------- 
 
        *    fair value of plan assets 
             ..................................................... 
             .........................................                                                 8,232     7,559 
 
        *    present value of defined benefit obligations 
             ..................................................... 
             ...........                                                                            (10,680)   (9,785) 
 
        *    effect of limit on plan surpluses 
             ..................................................... 
             .............................                                                              (18)      (47) 
 
        *    unrecognised past service cost 
             ..................................................... 
             ...............................                                                              21        28 
                                                                                                    --------  -------- 
 
   Defined benefit healthcare plans 
    ..........................................................................................         (961)     (946) 
                                                                                                    --------  -------- 
 
        *    fair value of plan assets 
             ..................................................... 
             .........................................                                                   151       165 
 
        *    present value of defined benefit obligations 
             ..................................................... 
             ...........                                                                             (1,091)   (1,087) 
 
        *    unrecognised past service cost 
             ..................................................... 
             ...............................                                                            (21)      (24) 
                                                                                                    --------  -------- 
 
Fair value of plan assets 
 ................................................................................................. 
 .........                                                                                            34,987    29,960 
Present value of defined benefit obligations 
 .............................................................................                      (36,138)  (33,730) 
Effect of limit on plan surpluses 
 ..............................................................................................         (18)      (47) 
Unrecognised past service cost 
 ................................................................................................          -         4 
 
                                                                                                     (1,169)   (3,813) 
                                                                                                    --------  -------- 
 
Retirement benefit liabilities 
 ................................................................................................. 
 ..                                                                                                  (3,666)   (3,856) 
Retirement benefit assets 
 ................................................................................................. 
 .......                                                                                               2,497        43 
 

Cumulative actuarial gains/(losses) recognised in other comprehensive income

 
                                                                                                         2011     2010 
                                                                                                         US$m     US$m 
 
At 1 January 
 ................................................................................................... 
 .........................                                                                            (4,720)  (4,660) 
 
HSBC Bank (UK) Pension Scheme 
 ..........................................................................................             1,945      321 
Other plans 
 ................................................................................................... 
 ..........................                                                                             (642)    (275) 
Healthcare plans 
 ................................................................................................... 
 ...................                                                                                     (61)    (112) 
Change in the effect of limit on plan surpluses(1) 
 .......................................................................                                   25        6 
                                                                                                      -------  ------- 
 
Total actuarial gains/(losses) recognised in 
 other comprehensive income .................................                                           1,267     (60) 
                                                                                                      -------  ------- 
 
At 31 December(2) 
 ................................................................................................... 
 ..................                                                                                   (3,453)  (4,720) 
                                                                                                      -------  ------- 
 

1 Excludes exchange loss of US$4m (2010: US$6m gain).

2 Includes cumulative movements related to the limit on plan surpluses. This limit is US$18m at 31 December 2011 (2010: US$47m).

HSBC pension plans

 
                                                                                                      2011  2010  2009 
 
Number of plans worldwide 
 ...........................................................................                           230   218   211 
 
                                                                                                         %%          % 
Percentage of HSBC employees: 
 
        *    enrolled in defined contribution plans 
             .................................................                                          64    63    59 
 
        *    enrolled in defined benefit plans 
             ..................................................... 
             ...                                                                                        25    27    29 
 
 
        *    covered by HSBC pension plans 
             ..................................................... 
             ...                                                                                        89    90    88 
                                                                                                      ----  ----  ---- 
 

HSBC has been progressively offering all new employees membership of defined contribution plans.

The majority of the Group's defined benefit plans are funded plans. The assets of most of the larger plans are held in trusts or similar funds separate from HSBC. The plans are reviewed at least annually or in accordance with local practice and regulations by qualified actuaries. The actuarial assumptions used to calculate the defined benefit obligations and related current service costs vary according to the economic conditions of the countries in which the plans are situated.

Pension plans in the UK

The largest plan exists in the UK, where the HSBC Bank (UK) Pension Scheme ('the Scheme') covers employees of HSBC Bank plc and certain other employees of HSBC. This comprises a funded defined benefit plan ('the principal plan'), which is closed to new entrants, and a defined contribution plan which was established in July 1996 for new employees.

The latest actuarial valuation of the principal plan was made as at 31 December 2008 by C G Singer, Fellow of the Institute of Actuaries, of Towers Watson Limited. At that date, the market value of the HSBC Bank (UK) Pension Scheme's assets was GBP10.6bn (US$15.5bn) (including assets relating to the defined benefit plan, the defined contribution plan and additional voluntary contributions). The market value of the plan assets represented 77% of the amount expected to be required, on the basis of the assumptions adopted, to provide the benefits accrued to members after allowing for expected future increases in earnings, and the resulting deficit amounted to GBP3.2bn (US$4.7bn). The method adopted for this investigation was the projected unit method.

The expected cash flows from the principal plan were projected by reference to the Retail Price Index ('RPI') swap break-even curve at 31 December 2008. Salary increases were assumed to be 0.5% per annum above RPI and inflationary pension increases, subject to a minimum of zero per cent and a maximum of 5% (maximum of 3% per annum in respect of service accrued since 1 July 2009), were assumed to be in line with RPI. The projected cash flows were discounted at the LIBOR swap curve at 31 December 2008 plus a margin for the expected return on the investment strategy of 190 basis points per annum. The mortality experience of the principal plan's pensioners over the three year period since the previous valuation was analysed and, on the basis of this analysis, the mortality assumptions were set based on the SAPS S1 series of tables adjusted to best fit the pensioner experience. Allowance was made for future improvements to mortality rates in line with the medium cohort projections with a minimum improvement rate set at 1.75% for males and 1.25% for females. The benefits payable from the defined benefit plan are forecast to be as shown in the chart below.

 
     Benefit payments (US$m) 
 
 

The expected cash flows of the principal plan were historically projected by reference to the RPI swap curve in calculating the liability recognised. The Occupational Pensions (Revaluation) Order 2010 confirmed the UK government's intention to move to using the Consumer Prices Index ('CPI') rather than RPI as the inflation measure for determining the minimum pension increases to be applied to the statutory index-linked features of retirement benefits. Historical annual CPI increases have generally been lower than annual RPI increases. The rules of the principal plan prescribe that annual increases for pensions in payment are in line with RPI, but for deferred pensions, i.e. pensions for members of the scheme who have left HSBC employment but whose pensions are yet to commence, are linked to the statutory index prior to retirement. However, consistent with communications to scheme members, HSBC has historically used RPI in calculating the pension liability for deferred pensions.

In May 2011, the trustee of the principal plan communicated to scheme members the impact on scheme benefits of the UK government's announcement. At 30 June 2011, HSBC used CPI for increases to deferred pensions before retirement in calculating the pension liability recognised, which resulted in a reduction of the principal plan's liabilities in respect of deferred pensioners of US$587m. A corresponding gain was recognised as a credit to past service cost and is included within 'Employee compensation and benefits' in the income statement.

As part of the 31 December 2008 valuation, calculations were also carried out as to the amount of assets that might be needed to meet the liabilities if the Scheme was discontinued and the members' benefits bought out with an insurance company (although in practice this may not be possible for a plan of this size) or the Trustee continued to run the plan without the support of HSBC. The amount required under this approach is estimated to be GBP19.8bn (US$28.9bn) as at 31 December 2008. In arriving at this estimation, a more prudent assumption about future mortality was made than for the assessment of the ongoing position and it was assumed that the Trustee would alter the investment strategy to be an appropriately matched portfolio of UK government bonds. An explicit allowance for expenses was also included.

In February 2010, HSBC Bank plc agreed with the Trustee of the Scheme to reduce the deficit of the plan by meeting a schedule of future funding payments. On 17 June 2010, HSBC Bank plc agreed with the Trustee to accelerate the reduction of the deficit of the plan with a special contribution of GBP1,760m (US$2,638m) in 2010 followed by a revised payment schedule in the following years, as shown below:

Additional future funding payments to the principal plan

 
                                                                  Original       Original       Revised        Revised 
                                                                      plan           plan          plan           plan 
                                                                   US$m(1)           GBPm       US$m(1)           GBPm 
 
     2012 
      .....................................................            720            465             -              - 
     2013 
      .....................................................            720            465             -              - 
     2014 
      .....................................................            720            465             -              - 
     2015 
      .....................................................            975            630             -              - 
     2016 
      .....................................................            975            630           766            495 
     2017 
      .....................................................            975            630           975            630 
     2018 
      .....................................................            975            630           975            630 
 

1 The payment schedule was agreed with the Trustee in pounds sterling and the equivalent US dollar amounts are shown at the exchange rate effective as at 31 December 2011.

In December 2011, HSBC Bank plc made a GBP184m (US$286m) special contribution to the Scheme. The additional contribution did not result in an amendment to the future funding payments to the principal plan, set out in the table above.

HSBC considers that the contributions set out above, together with investment returns at an expected level of 240 basis points above the LIBOR swap curve, would be sufficient to meet the deficit as at 31 December 2008 over the agreed period. At each subsequent actuarial valuation, HSBC has agreed with the Trustee that any shortfall in investment returns relative to this expected level, subject to a maximum of 50 basis points per annum, will be eliminated by payment of equal cash instalments over the remaining years to the end of this recovery plan period.

HSBC Bank plc also agreed to make ongoing contributions to the principal plan in respect of the accrual of benefits of defined benefit section members at the rate of 34% of pensionable salaries (less member contributions) payable from 1 April 2010 until the completion of the next actuarial valuation, due as at 31 December 2011. During 2009, HSBC paid contributions at the rate of 38% of pensionable salaries (less member contributions) and continued contributions at this rate until 31 March 2010.

On 1 July 2009, changes to the design of the principal plan were made. This included the introduction of employee contributions, optionality concerning future benefit accrual and, with effect from 1 April 2010, an increased normal retirement age of 65 years. In addition, enhancements to the defined contribution section were also introduced.

Pension plans in Hong Kong

In Hong Kong, the HSBC Group Hong Kong Local Staff Retirement Benefit Scheme covers employees of The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation and certain other employees of HSBC. The scheme comprises a funded defined benefit scheme (which provides a lump sum on retirement but is now closed to new members) and a defined contribution scheme. The latter was established on 1 January 1999 for new employees. The latest actuarial valuation of the defined benefit scheme was made at 31 December 2010 by Wing Lui, Fellow of the Society of Actuaries, of Towers Watson Hong Kong Limited. At that valuation date, the market value of the defined benefit scheme's assets was US$1,109m. On an ongoing basis, the actuarial value of the defined benefit scheme's assets represented 104% of the actuarial present value of the benefits accrued to members, after allowing for expected future increases in salaries, and the resulting surplus amounted to US$41m. On a wind-up basis, the defined benefit scheme's assets represented 110% of the members' vested benefits, based on current salaries, and the resulting surplus amounted to US$105m. The attained age method has been adopted for the valuation and the major assumptions used in this valuation were a discount rate of 6% per annum and long-term salary increases of 5% per annum.

Pension plans in North America

The HSBC North America (US) Retirement Income Plan covers all employees of HSBC Bank USA, HSBC Finance and other HSBC entities in the US who have reached the age of 21 and met the one year of service participation requirement. The Retirement Income Plan is a funded defined benefit plan which provides final average pay benefits to legacy participants and cash balance benefits to all other participants. All new employees participate in the cash balance section of the plan. In November 2009, the Board of Directors of HSBC North America Holdings, Inc. ('HNAH') approved actions to cease all future benefit accruals for legacy participants under the final average pay formula components of the HSBC North America Retirement Income Plan with effect from 1 January 2011.

The most recent actuarial valuation of the plan to determine compliance with US statutory funding requirements was made at 1 January 2011 by Jennifer Jakubowski, Fellow of the Society of Actuaries, Enrolled Actuary, member of the American Academy of Actuaries, of Mercer. At that date, the market value of the plan's assets was US$2,673m. The assets represented 90% of the benefits accrued to members as valued under the provisions of the Pension Protection Act of 2006 that was effective for the plan year beginning 1 January 2008. The resulting deficit amounted to US$283m. The method employed for this valuation was the traditional unit credit method and the discount rate was determined using a segment rate method as selected by HSBC under the relevant regulations, which resulted in an effective interest rate of 6.36% per annum.

These determinations described above for actuarial funding valuation purposes are based on different methods and assumptions than those used for financial reporting purposes, and as a result should neither be compared nor related to other determinations included in these financial statements.

At 31 December 2011, the present values of the defined benefit obligations of The HSBC Bank (UK) Pension Scheme was US$24,367m (2010: US$22,858m), The HSBC Group Hong Kong Local Staff Retirement Benefit Scheme was US$1,523m (2010:US$1,371m) and the HSBC North America (US) Retirement Income Plan was US$3,895m (2010: US$3,384m). These defined benefit pension plans covered 33% of HSBC's employees and represented 82% of the Group's present value of defined benefit obligations.

HSBC healthcare benefits plans

HSBC also provides post-employment healthcare benefits under plans in the UK, the US, Bermuda, Canada, Mexico and Brazil, the majority of which are unfunded. The majority of post-employment healthcare benefits plans are defined benefit plans and are accounted for in the same manner as defined benefit pension plans. The plans are reviewed at least annually or in accordance with local practice and regulations by qualified actuaries. The actuarial assumptions used to calculate the defined benefit obligation and related current service cost vary according to the economic conditions of the countries in which they are situated.

At 31 December 2011, the present value of the defined benefit obligation of HSBC's healthcare benefit plans was US$1,091m (2010: US$1,087m). In aggregate, healthcare benefit plans comprised 3% of HSBC's present value of defined benefit obligations.

Defined benefit pension plans

Net asset/(liability) under defined benefit pension plans

 
                                                                                   HSBC Bank (UK)       Other plans 
                                                                                   Pension Scheme 
                                                                                 ------------------  ----------------- 
                                                                                     2011      2010      2011     2010 
                                                                                     US$m      US$m      US$m     US$m 
Fair value of plan assets 
At 1 January 
 ......................................................................            22,236    17,701     7,559    6,822 
Expected return on plan assets 
 ...........................................                                        1,325     1,092       481      437 
Contributions by HSBC ......................................................          600     2,890       565      422 
                                                                                 --------  --------  --------  ------- 
  - normal 
   ........................................................................           314       252       176      194 
  - special 
   .........................................................................          286     2,638       389      228 
 
Contributions by employees ...............................................             34        23        22       17 
Experience gains 
 ................................................................                   3,426     1,772       200      394 
Benefits paid 
 ......................................................................             (803)     (744)     (495)    (440) 
Transfers 
 ...........................................................................            -       136         -    (136) 
Assets distributed on curtailments 
 .......................................                                                -         -         -      (7) 
Assets distributed on settlements 
 ........................................                                               -         -      (25)     (10) 
Exchange differences .........................................................      (214)     (634)      (75)       60 
                                                                                 --------  --------  --------  ------- 
 
At 31 December 
 .................................................................                 26,604    22,236     8,232    7,559 
                                                                                 --------  --------  --------  ------- 
 
Present value of defined benefit 
 obligations 
At 1 January 
 ......................................................................          (22,858)  (21,523)   (9,785)  (9,109) 
Current service cost 
 ...........................................................                        (251)     (252)     (299)    (300) 
Interest cost 
 .......................................................................          (1,233)   (1,148)     (456)    (438) 
Contributions by employees ...............................................           (34)      (23)      (22)     (17) 
Actuarial losses 
 ..................................................................               (1,481)   (1,451)     (842)    (669) 
Benefits paid 
 ......................................................................               804       744       569      518 
Past service cost - vested immediately 
 ...............................                                                      587         -      (40)     (11) 
Past service cost - unvested 
 benefits ..................................                                            -         -         2     (20) 
Transfers 
 ...........................................................................            -     (136)         -      136 
Reduction in liabilities resulting 
 from curtailments .............                                                        -         -        59      158 
Liabilities extinguished on 
 settlements ...............................                                            -         -        29       12 
Exchange differences .........................................................         99       931       105     (45) 
                                                                                 --------  --------  --------  ------- 
 
At 31 December 
 .................................................................               (24,367)  (22,858)  (10,680)  (9,785) 
                                                                                 --------  --------  --------  ------- 
  Funded 
   ............................................................................  (24,367)  (22,858)  (10,074)  (9,241) 
  Unfunded 
   ........................................................................             -         -     (606)    (544) 
                                                                                 --------  --------  --------  ------- 
 
Effect of limit on plan surpluses 
 .........................................                                              -         -      (18)     (47) 
Unrecognised past service cost 
 ...........................................                                            -         -        21       28 
 
Net asset/(liability) 
 .............................................................                      2,237     (622)   (2,445)  (2,245) 
                                                                                 --------  --------  --------  ------- 
 
Retirement benefit liabilities 
 recognised in the balance sheet 
 .............................................................................. 
 .............                                                                          -     (622)   (2,705)  (2,288) 
  Retirement benefit assets recognised 
   in the balance sheet 
   (within 'Other assets') ....................................................     2,237         -       260       43 
 

Plan assets of the Group's pension schemes included US$45m (2010: US$57m) of equities and no bonds (2010: US$1m) issued by HSBC and US$1,228m (2010: US$1,592m) of other assets placed or transacted with HSBC. The fair value of plan assets included derivatives entered into with HSBC Bank plc by the HSBC Bank (UK) Pension Scheme with a positive fair value of US$5,560m at 31 December 2011 (2010: US$2,173m positive fair value) and US$297m positive fair value (2010: US$77m positive fair value) in respect of the HSBC International Staff Retirement Benefits Scheme. Further details of these swap arrangements are included in Note 45.

On 17 June 2010, HSBC Bank plc made a GBP1,760m (US$2,638m) special contribution to accelerate the reduction of the deficit of the HSBC Bank (UK) Pension Scheme. On the same day the Scheme used the contribution to acquire debt securities with a fair value of GBP1,760m (US$2,638m) from HSBC in a transaction at an arm's length value determined by the Scheme's independent third-party advisers. The debt securities sold comprised supra-national, agency and government-guaranteed securities, asset-backed securities, corporate subordinated debt and auction rate securities.

In December 2011, HSBC Bank plc made a GBP184m (US$286m) special contribution to the HSBC Bank (UK) Pension Scheme. Following the contribution the Scheme purchased asset-backed securities from HSBC at an arm's length value, determined by the Scheme's independent third-party advisers.

The special contributions of US$389m to other plans include an additional contribution of US$357m to the HSBC North America (US) Retirement Income Plan which was made to maintain a minimum funding level.

The actual return on plan assets for the year ended 31 December 2011 was a positive return of US$5,432m (2010: positive US$3,695m).

HSBC expects to make US$571m of contributions to defined benefit pension plans during 2012. Benefits expected to be paid from the plans to retirees over each of the next five years, and in aggregate for the five years thereafter, are as follows:

Benefits expected to be paid from plans

 
                                                             2012  2013  2014  2015  2016    2017-2021 
                                                             US$m  US$m  US$m  US$m  US$m         US$m 
 
HSBC Bank (UK) Pension 
 Scheme ..................................................    787   828   873   938   997        6,174 
Other plans ..................................                524   532   561   579   611        3,839 
 

Total (income)/expense recognised in the income statement in 'Employee compensation and benefits'

 
                                                    HSBC Bank (UK) Pension 
                                                            Scheme                Other plans 
                                                  --------------------------  ------------------- 
                                                       2011      2010   2009   2011   2010   2009 
                                                       US$m      US$m   US$m   US$m   US$m   US$m 
 
Current service cost 
 ......................                                 251       252    260    299    300    334 
Interest cost .................................       1,233     1,148  1,019    456    438    397 
Expected return on 
 plan assets .....                                  (1,325)   (1,092)  (959)  (481)  (437)  (381) 
Past service cost 
 ...........................                          (587)         -      -     45     12     21 
Gains on curtailments 
 ...................                                      -         -      -   (59)  (151)   (36) 
(Gains)/losses on 
 settlements ........                                     -         -  (499)    (4)    (2)      5 
 
Total (income)/expense 
 ...............                                      (428)       308  (179)    256    160    340 
                                                  ---------  --------  -----  -----  -----  ----- 
 

The US$499m settlement gain in 2009 relates to an accounting benefit following a restructuring of the basis of delivery of death in service and ill health early retirement benefits to certain UK employees.

Summary

 
                                                                               HSBC Bank (UK) Pension Scheme 
                                                                      ------------------------------------------------ 
                                                                          2011      2010      2009      2008      2007 
                                                                          US$m      US$m      US$m      US$m      US$m 
 
Present value of defined 
 benefit obligation ...........                                       (24,367)  (22,858)  (21,523)  (15,257)  (23,512) 
Fair value of plan assets 
 .......................................                                26,604    22,236    17,701    14,865    22,704 
                                                                      --------  --------  --------  --------  -------- 
 
Net surplus/(deficit) ..............................................     2,237     (622)   (3,822)     (392)     (808) 
                                                                      --------  --------  --------  --------  -------- 
 
Experience losses on plan 
 liabilities ......................                                      (383)     (327)     (234)      (49)      (64) 
Experience gains/(losses) 
 on plan assets ...............                                          3,426     1,772       871   (2,861)        29 
Gains/(losses) from changes 
 in actuarial 
 assumptions ......................................................    (1,098)   (1,124)   (4,329)     3,081     2,459 
                                                                                                    -------- 
 
Total net actuarial gains/(losses) 
 ..........................                                              1,945       321   (3,692)       171     2,424 
                                                                      --------  --------  --------  --------  -------- 
 
                                                                                        Other plans 
                                                                      ------------------------------------------------ 
                                                                          2011      2010      2009      2008      2007 
                                                                          US$m      US$m      US$m      US$m      US$m 
 
Present value of defined 
 benefit obligation ...........                                       (10,680)   (9,785)   (9,109)   (8,787)   (8,873) 
Fair value of plan assets 
 .......................................                                 8,232     7,559     6,822     6,024     7,768 
                                                                      --------  --------  --------  --------  -------- 
 
Net deficit 
 ............................................................          (2,448)   (2,226)   (2,287)   (2,763)   (1,105) 
                                                                      --------  --------  --------  --------  -------- 
 
Experience gains/(losses) 
 on plan liabilities ..........                                           (78)      (73)        20      (52)     (354) 
Experience gains/(losses) 
 on plan assets ...............                                            200       394        65   (1,452)       157 
Gains/(losses) from changes 
 in actuarial 
 assumptions ......................................................      (764)     (596)        94     (306)     (121) 
                                                                                                    -------- 
 
Total net actuarial gains/(losses) 
 ..........................                                              (642)     (275)       179   (1,810)     (318) 
                                                                      --------  --------  --------  --------  -------- 
 

Post-employment defined benefit plans' principal actuarial financial assumptions

The principal actuarial financial assumptions used to calculate the Group's obligations for the largest defined benefit pension plans at 31 December for each period, and used as the basis for measuring periodic costs under the plans in the following periods, were as follows.

Principal actuarial assumptions

 
                                                                                   Rate of 
                                                                                    increase                 Rate 
                                    Discount              Inflation                 for                       of pay 
                                     rate                  rate                     pensions                  increase 
                                                %                     %                     %                     % 
At 31 December 2011 
UK(1) 
 .......................... 
 .......................... 
 .......................... 
 .....                                       4.80                  3.20                  3.10                     3.70 
Hong Kong 
 .......................... 
 .......................... 
 ....................                        1.47                   n/a                   n/a                     5.00 
US 
 .......................... 
 .......................... 
 .......................... 
 ........                                    4.60                  2.50                   n/a                     2.75 
 
At 31 December 2010 
UK(1) 
 .......................... 
 .......................... 
 .......................... 
 .....                                      5.40                  3.70                  3.50                  4.20 
Hong Kong 
 .......................... 
 .......................... 
 ....................                       2.85                    n/a                   n/a                 5.00 
US 
 .......................... 
 .......................... 
 .......................... 
 ........                                   5.41                  2.50                    n/a                 2.75 
 
At 31 December 2009 
UK(1) 
 .......................... 
 .......................... 
 .......................... 
 .....                                      5.70                  3.70                  3.50                  4.20 
Hong Kong 
 .......................... 
 .......................... 
 ....................                       2.58                    n/a                   n/a                 5.00 
US 
 .......................... 
 .......................... 
 .......................... 
 ........                                   5.92                  2.50                    n/a                 3.50 
 

1 Rate of increase for pensions in the UK is for pensions in payment only, capped at 5%. Deferred pensions are projected to increase in line with the CPI, capped at 5%. In prior periods deferred pensions were projected to increase in line with the RPI, capped at 5%.

HSBC determines the discount rates to be applied to its obligations in consultation with the plans' local actuaries, on the basis of current average yields of high quality (AA rated or equivalent) debt instruments, with maturities consistent with those of the defined benefit obligations. In countries where there is not a deep market in corporate bonds, government bond yields have been used. The yield curve has been extrapolated where the term of the liabilities is longer than the duration of available bonds and the discount rate used then takes into account the term of the liabilities and the shape of the yield curve. When determining the discount rate with reference to a bond index, an appropriate index for the specific region has been used.

Mortality tables and average life expectancy at age 65

 
                                                                              Life expectancy       Life expectancy 
                                                                                     at                    at 
                                                                                age 65 for a          age 65 for a 
                                                                                    male                 female 
                                                          Mortality table     member currently:     member currently: 
                                                                            --------------------  -------------------- 
                                                                              Aged 65    Aged 45    Aged 65    Aged 45 
At 31 December 2011 
UK 
 ....................................................... 
 ......                                                   SAPS MC(1)             22.5       24.4       23.5       25.4 
Hong Kong(2)                                              n/a 
...............................................                                   n/a        n/a        n/a        n/a 
US 
 .......................................................  RP 2000 fully 
 .......                                                   generational          19.4       20.9       21.3       22.2 
 
At 31 December 2010 
UK 
 ....................................................... 
 ......                                                   SAPS MC(1)             22.4       24.3       23.4       25.3 
Hong Kong(2)                                              n/a 
...............................................                                   n/a        n/a        n/a        n/a 
US 
 .......................................................  RP 2000 fully 
 .......                                                   generational          19.3       20.8       21.2       22.1 
 

1 SAPS MC projections with 1% minimum improvement beyond 2002. Light table with 1.08 rating for male and standard table with 1.06 rating for female.

2 The significant plans in Hong Kong are lump sum plans which do not use a post-retirement mortality table.

Expected rates of return

 
                                                     2011                                      2010 
                                    ---------------------------------------  ----------------------------------------- 
                                           Expected                                  Expected 
                                            rates of                                  rates of 
                                            return(1)                 Value           return(1)                  Value 
                                                       %              US$m                      %               US$m 
HSBC Bank (UK) Pension Scheme 
Fair value of plan assets 
 ................................. 
 ....................                                                26,604                                     22,236 
  Equities 
   ............................... 
   ............................... 
   ............                                      7.2              3,190                   8.4                3,415 
  Bonds 
   ............................... 
   ............................... 
   ...............                                   4.1             20,737                   5.3               15,638 
  Property 
   ............................... 
   ............................... 
   ..........                                        6.7              1,524                   7.6                1,438 
  Other 
   ............................... 
   ............................... 
   ...............                                   2.8              1,153                   4.0                1,745 
                                                          -----------------                        ------------------- 
 
Other plans 
Fair value of plan assets 
 ................................. 
 ....................                                                 8,232                                      7,559 
  Equities 
   ............................... 
   ............................... 
   ............                                      7.7              2,184                   8.2                2,617 
  Bonds 
   ............................... 
   ............................... 
   ...............                                   4.7              4,659                   5.0                4,073 
  Property 
   ............................... 
   ............................... 
   ..........                                        4.6                106                   6.1                   98 
  Other 
   ............................... 
   ............................... 
   ...............                                   4.0              1,283                   6.2                  771 
                                                          -----------------                        ------------------- 
 

1 The expected rates of return are used to measure the net defined benefit pension costs in each subsequent year, and weighted on the basis of the fair value of the plan assets.

The expected return on plan assets represents the best estimate of long-term future asset returns, which takes into account historical market returns plus additional factors such as the current rate of inflation and interest rates.

Actuarial assumption sensitivities

The discount rate is sensitive to changes in market conditions arising during the reporting period. The mortality rates used are sensitive to experience from the plan member profile. The following table shows the effect of changes in these and the other key assumptions on the principal defined benefit pension plan:

The effect of changes in key assumptions on the principal plan

 
                                                                              HSBC Bank (UK) 
                                                                              Pension Scheme 
                                                                  -------------------------------------- 
                                                                                2011                2010 
                                                                                US$m                US$m 
Discount rate 
  Change in pension obligation at year end from 
   a 25bps increase ..........................................                 (980)               (941) 
  Change in pension obligation at year end from 
   a 25bps decrease ..........................................                 1,045               1,003 
  Change in 2012 pension cost from a 25bps increase 
   ............................................................                    2                 (9) 
  Change in 2012 pension cost from a 25bps decrease 
   ............................................................                  (2)                   9 
 
Rate of inflation 
  Change in pension obligation at year end from 
   a 25bps increase ..........................................                 1,026               1,029 
  Change in pension obligation at year end from 
   a 25bps decrease ..........................................                 (978)               (978) 
  Change in 2012 pension cost from a 25bps increase 
   ............................................................                   57                  67 
  Change in 2012 pension cost from a 25bps decrease 
   ............................................................                 (54)                (64) 
 
Rate of increase for pensions in payment and 
 deferred pensions 
  Change in pension obligation at year end from 
   a 25bps increase ..........................................                   876                 813 
  Change in pension obligation at year end from 
   a 25bps decrease ..........................................                 (841)               (775) 
  Change in 2012 pension cost from a 25bps increase 
   ............................................................                   43                  48 
  Change in 2012 pension cost from a 25bps decrease 
   ............................................................                 (42)                (45) 
 
Rate of pay increase 
  Change in pension obligation at year end from 
   a 25bps increase ..........................................                   248                 216 
  Change in pension obligation at year end from 
   a 25bps decrease ..........................................                 (240)               (203) 
  Change in 2012 pension cost from a 25bps increase 
   ............................................................                   19                  20 
  Change in 2012 pension cost from a 25bps decrease 
   ............................................................                 (15)                (17) 
 
Investment return 
  Change in 2012 pension cost from a 25bps increase 
   ............................................................                 (65)                (54) 
  Change in 2012 pension cost from a 25bps decrease 
   ............................................................                   67                  54 
 
Mortality 
  Change in pension obligation from each additional 
   year of longevity assumed .....................                               619                 497 
 

The effect of changes in the discount rate and in mortality rates on plans other than the principal plan

 
                                                             Other plans 
                                                            ------------- 
                                                              2011   2010 
                                                              US$m   US$m 
 
Change in defined benefit obligation at year 
 end from a 25bps increase in discount rate ..........       (325)  (290) 
Change in 2012 pension cost from a 25bps increase 
 in discount rate .......................................        -    (1) 
Increase in defined benefit obligation from 
 each additional year of longevity assumed .............       144    131 
 

HSBC Holdings

Employee compensation and benefit expense in respect of HSBC Holdings' employees in 2011 amounted to US$413m (2010: US$244m). The average number of persons employed by HSBC Holdings during 2011 was 1,212 (2010: 1,015).

Employees of HSBC Holdings who are members of defined benefit pension plans are principally members of either the HSBC Bank (UK) Pension Scheme or the HSBC International Staff Retirement Benefits Scheme. HSBC Holdings pays contributions to such plans for its own employees in accordance with the schedules of contributions determined by the Trustees of the plan.

Directors' emoluments

The aggregate emoluments of the Directors of HSBC Holdings, computed in accordance with the Companies Act 2006 and the Large and Medium-sized Companies and Groups (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 were:

 
                                                                                                  2011    2010    2009 
                                                                                                US$000  US$000  US$000 
 
Fees 
 ............................................................................................. 
 .................                                                                               5,108   3,597   3,756 
Salaries and other emoluments 
 ......................................................................                         12,906  12,841  11,835 
Bonuses 
 ............................................................................................. 
 ...........                                                                                    12,516  14,294       - 
                                                                                                ------  ------  ------ 
                                                                                                             - 
                                                                                                30,530  30,732  15,591 
                                                                                                ------  ------  ------ 
                                                                                                             - 
Vesting of long-term incentive awards 
 ..........................................................                                      2,596   8,523   1,579 
 

In addition, there were payments under retirement benefit agreements with former Directors of US$1,166,580 (2010: US$1,016,089). The provision at 31 December 2011 in respect of unfunded pension obligations to former Directors amounted to US$18,006,894 (2010: US$17,628,508).

During the year, aggregate contributions to pension schemes in respect of Directors were US$373,310 (2010: US$1,055,582). Discretionary bonuses for Directors are based on a combination of individual and corporate performance and are determined by the Group Remuneration Committee. Details of Directors' remuneration, share options and awards under the HSBC Share Plan and HSBC Share Plan 2011 are included in the 'Directors' Remuneration Report' on pages 256 and 274.

   8      Auditors' remuneration 
 
                                                                2011                    2010                    2009 
                                                              US$m                     US$m                    US$m 
 
Audit fees payable to KPMG(1) 
 ............................................. 
 ..........................                                      48.8                    49.1                    48.2 
Audit fees payable to non-KPMG entities 
 ............................................. 
 ........                                                          1.9                     2.3                     2.5 
                                                ----------------------  ----------------------  ---------------------- 
 
Total auditors' remuneration 
 ............................................. 
 ...........................                                     50.7                    51.4                    50.7 
                                                ----------------------  ----------------------  ---------------------- 
 

1 Fees payable to KPMG for HSBC Holdings' statutory audit and audit of HSBC's subsidiaries, pursuant to legislation.

The following fees were payable by HSBC to the Group's principal auditor, KPMG Audit Plc and its associates (together 'KPMG'):

Fees payable by HSBC to KPMG

 
                                                                                    2011                     2010                     2009 
                                                                                  US$m                      US$m                     US$m 
 
Fees for HSBC Holdings' statutory audit(1) 
 ......................................................                                2.2                      2.4                      2.3 
                                                                    -----------------------  -----------------------  ---------------------- 
 
     *    relating to current year 
          ..................................................... 
          ...................                                                          2.1                      2.4                      2.1 
 
     *    relating to prior year 
          ..................................................... 
          ......................                                                       0.1                         -                     0.2 
                                                                    -----------------------  -----------------------  ---------------------- 
 
Fees for other services provided to 
 HSBC .....................................................                          84.9                     75.9                     77.1 
                                                                    -----------------------  -----------------------  ---------------------- 
   Audit-related services: 
 
        *    audit of HSBC's subsidiaries, pursuant to 
             legislation(2) ..........................                               46.6                     46.7                     45.9 
 
        *    other services pursuant to legislation(3) 
             ...............................................                         25.7                     20.8                     24.2 
   Tax services(4) 
    .............................................................. 
    ..............................                                                     4.3                      2.4                      2.6 
   Other services: 
 
        *    services relating to information technology(5) 
             .....................................                                     0.1                      0.1                      0.3 
 
        *    services related to corporate finance transactions(6) 
             ............................                                                 -                        -                     0.1 
 
        *    all other services(7) 
             ..................................................... 
             ........................                                                  8.2                      5.9                      4.0 
                                                                    -----------------------  -----------------------  ---------------------- 
 
 
Total fees payable 
 ................................................................. 
 .......................                                                             87.1                     78.3                     79.4 
                                                                    -----------------------  -----------------------  ---------------------- 
 

1 Fees payable to KPMG Audit Plc for the statutory audit of the consolidated financial statements of HSBC and the separate financial statements of HSBC Holdings. They exclude amounts payable for the statutory audit of HSBC Holdings' subsidiaries which have been included in 'Fees payable to KPMG for other services provided to HSBC'.

2 Including fees payable to KPMG for the statutory audit of HSBC's subsidiaries.

3 Including services for assurance and other services that relate to statutory and regulatory filings, including comfort letters and interim reviews.

4 Including tax compliance services and tax advisory services.

5 Including advice on IT security and business continuity and performing agreed-upon IT testing procedures.

6 Including fees payable to KPMG for transaction-related work, including US debt issuances.

7 Including other assurance and advisory services such as translation services, ad-hoc accounting advice and review of financial models, and services related to recruitment and remuneration.

No fees were payable by HSBC to KPMG for the following types of services: internal audit services, valuation and actuarial services, and services related to litigation.

Fees payable by HSBC's associated pension schemes to KPMG

 
                                                             2011                     2010                     2009 
                                                        US$000                    US$000                   US$000 
 
Audit fees 
 .......................................... 
 .......................................... 
 .................                                             248                      384                      670 
Tax services                                                     11                         -                        - 
........................................... 
........................................... 
........... 
All other services 
 .......................................... 
 .......................................... 
 .....                                                             -                        -                    260 
                                             -----------------------  -----------------------  ----------------------- 
 
Total fees payable 
 .......................................... 
 .......................................... 
 ....                                                          259                      384                      930 
                                             -----------------------  -----------------------  ----------------------- 
 

No fees were payable by HSBC's associated pension schemes to KPMG for the following types of services: other services pursuant to legislation, services relating to information technology, internal audit services, valuation and actuarial services, services related to litigation, services related to recruitment and remuneration, and services related to corporate finance transactions.

In addition to the above, KPMG estimate they have been paid fees of US$8.6m (2010: US$14.9m; 2009: US$8.1m) by parties other than HSBC but where HSBC is connected with the contracting party and therefore may be involved in appointing KPMG. These fees arise from services such as auditing mutual funds managed by HSBC and reviewing the financial position of corporate concerns which borrow from HSBC.

Fees payable to KPMG for non-audit services for HSBC Holdings are not disclosed separately because such fees are disclosed on a consolidated basis for HSBC Group.

   9     Share-based payments 

Income statement charge

 
                                                                                                  2011    2010    2009 
                                                                                                  US$m    US$m    US$m 
 
  Restricted and performance share awards(1) 
   .....................................................                                         1,041     685     539 
  Savings-related and other share option 
   plans ................................................                                          121     127     144 
 
                                                                                                 1,162     812     683 
                                                                                               -------  ------  ------ 
 
  Equity-settled share-based payments 
   .............................................................                                 1,154     812     683 
  Cash-settled share-based payments 
   ................................................................                                  8       -       - 
 

1 Restricted share awards include awards granted under the Group Performance Share Plan ('GPSP'), which was approved by shareholders in May 2011.

The share-based payment income statement charge above includes US$974m (2010: US$610m; 2009: US$539m) relating to deferred share awards (see below). These charges are recognised in 'Wages and salaries' (see Note 7).

Deferred share awards

These awards are generally granted to employees early in the year following the year to which the award relates. The charge for these awards is recognised from the start of the period to which the service relates to the end of the vesting period. The vesting period is the period over which the employee satisfies certain service conditions in order to become entitled to the award. Due to the staggered vesting profile of certain deferred share awards, the employee becomes entitled to a portion of the award at the end of each year during the vesting period. The income statement charge reflects this vesting profile. The following table identifies the charge recognised in the current year, or expected to be recognised in future years, and the performance year to which the deferred share awards relate.

Income statement impact of deferred share awards on current and future years

 
                                  Charge recognised in                                          Charge expected to be 
                                          2011                                                    recognised in 2012 
                                in respect of performance                                        or later in respect 
                                          year:                                                  of performance year: 
             ------------------------------------------------------------  ------------------------------------------------------------- 
                           2011(1)        Pre-2011                  Total                2011(1)        Pre-2011                  Total 
                      US$m                   US$m               US$m                US$m                   US$m                 US$m 
 
  HSBC 
   deferred 
   share 
   awards 
   ........ 
   ...                     131                    843                974                 289                    652                  941 
 
                                  Charge recognised in                                          Charge expected to be 
                                          2010                                                    recognised in 2011 
                                in respect of performance                                        or later in respect 
                                          year:                                                  of performance year: 
             ------------------------------------------------------------  ------------------------------------------------------------- 
                           2010(1)       Pre-2010                 Total                  2010(1)       Pre-2010                 Total 
                       US$m                   US$m               US$m                US$m                   US$m               US$m 
 
  HSBC 
   deferred 
   share 
   awards 
   ........ 
   ...                         -                  610                610                 759                    801             1,560 
 
                                  Charge recognised in                                          Charge expected to be 
                                          2009                                                    recognised in 2010 
                                in respect of performance                                        or later in respect 
                                          year:                                                  of performance year: 
             ------------------------------------------------------------  ------------------------------------------------------------- 
                           2009(1)       Pre-2009                 Total                  2009(1)       Pre-2009                 Total 
                       US$m                   US$m               US$m                US$m                   US$m               US$m 
 
  HSBC 
   deferred 
   share 
   awards 
   ........ 
   ...                         -                  539                539                 816                    719             1,535 
 

1 Regulatory and best practice guidance has clarified the required structure and terms of deferred bonus arrangements awarded to employees, who now have a better understanding of the nature of the awards they may be granted. As a result, the vesting period for deferred share awards expected to be granted in 2012 in respect of the 2011 performance year was determined to have started on 1 January 2011 and a charge was recognised from that date. Previously, the charge was recognised from the grant date.

HSBC Share Awards

 
Award       Policy                                                   Purpose 
Restricted 
share        *    Vesting of awards generally subject to continued    *    Rewards employee performance and potential and 
awards            employment with HSBC                                     retention of key employees 
(including 
GPSP 
awards)      *    Vesting often staggered over three years. GPSP aw   *    To defer variable pay 
            ards 
                  vest after five years 
 
 
             *    Certain shares subject to a retention requirement 
                  post-vesting. In the case of GPSP awards retentio 
            n 
                  applies until cessation of employment 
 
 
             *    Awards generally not subject to performance 
                  conditions 
 
 
             *    Awards granted from 2010 onwards are subject to 
                  clawback provision prior to vesting 
----------  -------------------------------------------------------  ---------------------------------------------------- 
 

Movement on HSBC share awards

 
                                             Restricted share                          Performance share 
                                                  awards                                    awards(1) 
                                  --------------------------------------  -------------------------------------------- 
                                                2011                2010                2011                   2010 
                                          Number                Number            Number                   Number 
                                           (000s)                (000s)            (000s)                   (000s) 
 
Outstanding at 1 January 
 ............................... 
 .....................                       229,092             184,318                  4,425                  7,360 
Additions during the year 
 ............................... 
 ....................                        100,819             110,711                    154                    351 
Released in the year 
 ............................... 
 ............................               (56,301)            (55,419)                  (883)                (1,181) 
Forfeited in the year 
 ............................... 
 ...........................                (11,369)            (10,518)                (3,696)                (2,105) 
                                  ------------------  ------------------  ---------------------  --------------------- 
 
Outstanding at 31 December 
 ............................... 
 ...............                             262,241             229,092                      -                  4,425 
                                  ------------------  ------------------  ---------------------  --------------------- 
 
Weighted average fair value 
 of awards granted (US$) 
 ..........                                    10.11               10.50                      -                      - 
 

1 Additions during the year comprised reinvested dividend equivalents. The last award of performance shares was made in 2008, and shares under the plan were released in March 2011.

HSBC Share Option Plans

 
Main plans       Policy                                                       Purpose 
Savings-related 
 share            *    Exercisable within three months following the first     *    Eligible employees save up to GBP250 per month (or 
 option                anniversary of the commencement of a one-year savings        its equivalent in US dollars, Hong Kong dollars or 
 plans                 contract or within six months following either the           euros), with the option to use the savings to acquire 
                       third or fifth anniversaries of the commencement of          shares 
                       three-year or five-year contracts, respectively 
 
                                                                               *    To align the interests of all employees with the 
                  *    The exercise price is set at a 20% (2010: 20%)               creation of shareholder value 
                       discount to the market value immediately preceding 
                       the date of invitation (except for the one-year 
                       options granted under the US sub-plan where a 15% 
                       discount is applied) 
---------------  -----------------------------------------------------------  ----------------------------------------------------------- 
HSBC Holdings 
 Group             *    Plan ceased in May 2005                                *    Long-term incentive plan between 2000 and 2005 during 
 share                                                                              which certain HSBC employees were awarded share 
 option                                                                             options 
 plan              *    Exercisable between third and tenth anniversaries of 
                        the date of grant 
---------------  -----------------------------------------------------------  ----------------------------------------------------------- 
 

The table on page 329 shows the movement on HSBC share option plans during the year.

Calculation of fair values

Fair values of share options, measured at the date of grant of the option, are calculated using a Black-Scholes model. The fair values of share awards are based on the share price at the date of the grant. The fair values of share options calculated are inherently subjective and uncertain due to the assumptions made and the limitations of the model used.

Significant weighted average assumptions used to estimate the fair value of options granted

 
                                                                    Savings-related share option 
                                                                                plans 
                                                  1-year plan            3-year plans             5-year plans 
  2011 
  Risk-free interest rate(1) (%) 
   ........................................ 
   ...................................                          0.8                      1.7                      2.5 
  Expected life (years) 
   ........................................ 
   ........................................ 
   ....                                                            1                        3                        5 
  Expected volatility(2) (%) 
   ........................................ 
   .......................................                       25                       25                       25 
  Share price at grant date (GBP) 
   ........................................ 
   .................................                          6.37                     6.37                     6.37 
 
  2010 
  Risk-free interest rate(1) (%) 
   ........................................ 
   ...................................                          0.7                      1.9                      2.9 
  Expected life (years) 
   ........................................ 
   ........................................ 
   ....                                                            1                        3                        5 
  Expected volatility(2) (%) 
   ........................................ 
   .......................................                       30                       30                       30 
  Share price at grant date (GBP) 
   ........................................ 
   .................................                          6.82                     6.82                     6.82 
 
  2009 
  Risk-free interest rate(1) (%) 
   ........................................ 
   ...................................                          0.7                      2.1                      2.4 
  Expected life (years) 
   ........................................ 
   ........................................ 
   ....                                                            1                        3                        5 
  Expected volatility(2) (%) 
   ........................................ 
   .......................................                       50                       35                       30 
  Share price at grant date (GBP) 
   ........................................ 
   .................................                          4.65                     4.65                     4.65 
 

1 The risk-free rate was determined from the UK gilts yield curve. A similar yield curve was used for the International Savings-Related Share Option Plans.

2 Expected volatility is estimated by considering both historic average share price volatility and implied volatility derived from traded options over HSBC shares of similar maturity to those of the employee options.

The expected US dollar denominated dividend yield was determined to be 4.5% per annum in line with consensus analyst forecasts (2010: 4.5%; 2009: 4.5%).

HSBC subsidiary company share option plans

There are a number of employee share option plans relating to HSBC France, HSBC Finance and HSBC Bank Bermuda as a result of the acquisition of these entities.

Options granted prior to public announcement of the acquisitions, vested on acquisition and are not included in the table below. HSBC France and HSBC Finance granted share options after announcement of the acquisition which vested in subsequent years. Of these, as at 31 December 2011, only 2.4m HSBC Finance options (2010: 2.4m) remained outstanding and are included in the table below. Full details of all options outstanding under these plans can be found in Note 39.

Movement on HSBC share option plans

 
                                                  Savings-related           HSBC Holdings            HSBC Finance 
                                                    share option              Group share             share option 
                                                        plans                 option plan                 plan 
                                               ----------------------  ------------------------  --------------------- 
                                                Number       WAEP(1)    Number       WAEP(1)      Number       WAEP(1) 
                                                 (000s)       GBP        (000s)       GBP          (000s)       US$ 
2011 
Outstanding at 1 January 
 ...........................................    157,855          3.87   152,758          7.12       2,429         9.29 
Granted during the year(2) 
 ............................................    23,199          5.11         -               -         -            - 
Exercised during the year(3) 
 .........................................      (7,439)          5.27     (646)          6.06           -            - 
Expired during the year 
 ............................................ 
 .                                             (20,150)          4.71  (31,320)          7.56           -            - 
                                               --------                --------                  -------- 
 
Outstanding at 31 December 
 ......................................         153,465          3.80   120,792          7.02       2,429         9.29 
                                               --------                --------                  -------- 
 
At 31 December 2011 
Exercise price range (GBP): 
 
  *    3.00 - 4.50 
       ...................................... 
 ............... 
       ......                                   117,387                       -                         - 
 
  *    4.51 - 6.00 
       ...................................... 
 ............... 
       ......                                    32,778                       -                         - 
 
  *    6.01 - 7.50 
       ...................................... 
 ............... 
       ......                                     2,341                 115,901                         - 
 
  *    7.51 - 9.29 
       ...................................... 
 ............... 
       ......                                       959                   4,891                     2,429 
Of which exercisable 
 ............................................ 
 ......                                           3,209                 120,792                     2,429 
Weighted average remaining 
 contractual life (years) ..                       2.04                    1.66                      0.89 
 
 
                                     Savings-related               HSBC Holdings                  HSBC Finance 
                                       share option                  Group share                  share option 
                                           plans                     option plan                      plan 
                                --------------------------  ----------------------------  ---------------------------- 
                                   Number        WAEP(1)       Number        WAEP(1)         Number        WAEP(1) 
                                    (000s)        GBP           (000s)        GBP             (000s)        US$ 
2010 
Outstanding at 1 January 
 .........................           172,526          3.69       157,719          7.12           2,736          9.29 
Granted during the year(2) 
 ..........................           22,017          5.39             -               -             -               - 
Exercised during the year(3) 
 .......................            (16,830)          4.18       (1,015)          6.08           (307)          9.29 
Expired during the year 
 ...........................        (19,858)          4.44       (3,946)          7.36               -               - 
                                ------------                ------------                  ------------ 
 
Outstanding at 31 December 
 ....................                157,855          3.87       152,758          7.12           2,429          9.29 
                                ------------                ------------                  ------------ 
 
At 31 December 2010 
Exercise price range (GBP): 
 
  *    3.00 - 4.50 
       ....................... 
 ....................                126,198                           -                             - 
 
  *    4.51 - 6.00 
       ....................... 
 ....................                 26,036                           -                             - 
 
  *    6.01 - 7.50 
       ....................... 
 ....................                  3,864                     119,439                             - 
 
  *    7.51 - 9.29 
       ....................... 
 ....................                  1,757                      33,319                         2,429 
Of which exercisable 
 ............................. 
 ...                                   1,883                     152,758                         2,429 
Weighted average remaining 
 contractual life (years) 
 ............................. 
 ...............                        2.76                        2.33                          1.89 
 

1 Weighted Average Exercise Price.

2 The weighted average fair value of options granted during the year was US$2.11 (2010: US$2.41).

3 The weighted average share price at the date the options were exercised was US$8.65 (2010: US$10.08) and US$9.51 (2010: US$10.26) for the Savings-related share option plans and HSBC Holdings Group share option plan respectively.

   10   Tax 

Tax charged to the income statement

 
                                                                                              2011     2010       2009 
                                                                                              US$m     US$m       US$m 
  Current tax 
  UK corporation tax 
   .................................................................................... 
   ..                                                                                          820      383        206 
    - for this year 
     .................................................................................. 
     .........                                                                                 462      404        280 
    - adjustments in respect of prior years 
     ......................................................                                    358     (21)       (74) 
                                                                                         ---------  -------  --------- 
 
  Overseas tax(1) 
   .................................................................................... 
   ...........                                                                               4,255    3,328      1,847 
                                                                                         ---------  -------  --------- 
    - for this year 
     .................................................................................. 
     .........                                                                               4,155    3,235      1,826 
    - adjustments in respect of prior years 
     ......................................................                                    100       93         21 
                                                                                         ---------  -------  --------- 
 
 
                                                                                             5,075    3,711      2,053 
                                                                                         ---------  -------  --------- 
 
  Deferred tax 
   .................................................................................... 
   .............                                                                           (1,147)    1,135    (1,668) 
                                                                                         ---------  -------  --------- 
    Origination and reversal of temporary 
     differences .....................................                                     (1,178)    1,176    (1,672) 
    Effect of changes in tax rates 
     ....................................................................                      (3)       31       (10) 
    Adjustments in respect of prior years 
     ........................................................                                   34     (72)         14 
                                                                                         ---------  -------  --------- 
 
 
      Total tax charged to the income 
       statement...................................................                          3,928    4,846        385 
                                                                                         ---------  -------  --------- 
 

1 Overseas tax included Hong Kong profits tax of US$997m (2010: US$962m; 2009 US$783m). The Hong Kong tax rate applying to the profits of subsidiaries assessable in Hong Kong was 16.5% (2010: 16.5%; 2009: 16.5%). Other overseas subsidiaries and overseas branches provided for taxation at the appropriate rates in the countries in which they operate.

Tax reconciliation

The tax charged to the income statement differs to the tax charge that would apply if all profits had been taxed at the UK corporation tax rate as follows:

 
                                                                  2011                2010                2009 
                                                           ------------------  ------------------  ------------------- 
                                                             US$m          %     US$m          %      US$m          % 
 
Profit before 
 tax..................................................... 
 .                                                         21,872              19,037                7,079 
                                                           ------              ------              ------- 
 
Tax at 26.5% (2010: 28%; 
 2009: 28%) ..................                              5,796      26.5     5,330      28.0      1,982      28.0 
Impact of differently taxed 
 overseas profits ...........                               (492)       (2.2)   (744)       (3.9)  (1,345)     (19.0) 
Adjustments in respect of 
 prior period liabilities 
 .....                                                        495        2.3        -           -     (39)       (0.6) 
Deferred tax temporary differences 
 not recognised/ (previously 
 not recognised) .................................          (923)       (4.2)     (6)           -      360        5.1 
Effect of profits in associates 
 and joint ventures .....                                   (865)       (4.0)   (758)       (4.0)    (499)       (7.1) 
Tax impact of intra-group 
 transfer of subsidiary .....                                   -           -   1,216        6.4         -           - 
Non taxable income and gains 
 .................................                          (613)       (2.8)   (700)       (3.7)    (603)       (8.6) 
Permanent disallowables 
 .........................................                    467        2.1      355        1.9       223        3.2 
Change in tax rates 
 .................................................            (3)           -      31        0.2      (10)       (0.1) 
Local taxes and overseas 
 withholding taxes .............                              267        1.2      224        1.2       353        4.9 
Other items (including low 
 income housing tax credits) 
 ........................................................ 
 ........                                                   (201)       (0.9)   (102)       (0.6)     (37)       (0.4) 
                                                                                       ----------  ------- 
 
Total tax charged to the 
 income statement ............                              3,928      18.0     4,846      25.5        385        5.4 
                                                           ------  ----------  ------  ----------  -------  ---------- 
 

The effective tax rate for the year was 18.0% compared with 25.5% for 2010. Although the reported profit before tax was higher in 2011, the tax charge for the year was US$0.9bn lower than in 2010. The tax charge in 2011 included the benefit of deferred tax of US$0.9bn now eligible to be recognised in respect of foreign tax credits, while the tax charge in 2010 included US$1.2bn attributable to a gain arising from an internal reorganisation of our North American operations.

The UK corporation tax rate applying to HSBC Holdings and its subsidiaries was 26.5% (2010: 28%; 2009: 28%).

The UK Government announced that the main rate of corporation tax for the year beginning 1 April 2011 will reduce from 28% to 26% to be followed by further 1% reductions per annum to 23% for the year beginning 1 April 2014. While the reductions in the corporate tax rate to 25% have already been enacted, the further announced reductions are expected to be enacted through the 2012 and 2013 Finance Acts. The reduction in the main rate of corporation tax in 2011 results in a weighted average rate of 26.5% (2010: 28%). It is not expected that the proposed future rate reductions will have a significant effect on the net UK deferred tax liability at 31 December 2011 of US$239m.

The Group's legal entities are subject to routine review and audit by tax authorities in the territories in which the Group operates. The Group provides for potential tax liabilities that may arise on the basis of the amounts expected to be paid to the tax authorities. The amounts ultimately paid may differ materially from the amounts provided depending on the ultimate resolution of such matters. A substantial proportion of the material open issues relate to the UK of which the principal matter concerns the application of the UK Controlled Foreign Company ('CFC') rules. Since it moved its holding company to the UK, HSBC has held the shares in its Asian and certain European subsidiaries under Dutch resident and incorporated holding companies. HSBC considers that the holding companies' income (principally dividends received from the subsidiaries) should not be subject to UK tax. Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs ('HMRC') interpret UK CFC and established EU law in a manner which would result in tax being due for the period 2002-2009. In the event of an adverse outcome from our ongoing discussions with HMRC on the CFC and other open UK issues the tax payable and financial impact could be as high as US$4.9bn, plus related interest expense. HSBC continues to discuss these matters with HMRC.

Deferred taxation

The table overleaf shows the gross deferred tax assets and liabilities recognised in the balance sheet and the related amounts recognised in the income statement, other comprehensive income and directly in equity.

The amounts presented in the balance sheet are different from the amounts disclosed in the table overleaf as they are presented after offsetting asset and liability balances where HSBC has the legal right to set-off and intends to settle on a net basis.

Movement of deferred tax assets and liabilities before offsetting balances within countries

 
                                         Unused 
                                            tax 
                                         losses                                                 Assets 
                                  Loan      and  Accelerated   Available-    Cash    Share-     leased 
                Retirement  impairment      tax      capital     for-sale    flow     based         to  Revaluation      Fee 
                  benefits  provisions  credits   allowances  investments  hedges  payments  customers  of property   income  Other    Total 
                      US$m        US$m     US$m         US$m         US$m    US$m      US$m       US$m         US$m     US$m   US$m     US$m 
2011 
 
Assets 
 ............. 
 ............. 
 ............. 
 ..........          1,538       4,799      351          109           11     352       241          -            -        -    957    8,358 
Liabilities 
 ............. 
 ............. 
 ............. 
 ....                    -           -      (3)        (126)        (135)    (88)         -      (707)        (225)    (756)  (400)  (2,440) 
                ----------  ----------  -------  -----------  -----------  ------  --------  ---------  -----------  -------  -----  ------- 
 
At 1 January 
 2011 
 ............. 
 ............. 
 ....                1,538       4,799      348         (17)        (124)     264       241      (707)        (225)    (756)    557    5,918 
Acquisitions 
 and disposals 
 ............. 
 ......                  3           -       11            -          (3)     (5)         1          -           22        -    (6)       23 
Income 
 statement 
 ............. 
 ............. 
 ....                (437)       (224)      945          137           10      14         1         93         (36)       17    627    1,147 
Other 
 comprehensive 
 income 
 .............       (322)           -        -            -        (533)      53         -          -            -        -      -    (802) 
Equity 
 ............. 
 ............. 
 ............. 
 .........               -           -        -            -            -       -        27          -            -        -      -       27 
Foreign 
 exchange and 
 other 
 adjustments 
 ............. 
 ............. 
 ............. 
 ............. 
 ....                (147)       (127)       24          (3)           93      24        16         33           12        2   (32)    (105) 
                ----------  ----------  -------  -----------  -----------  ------  --------  ---------  -----------  -------  -----  ------- 
 
At 31 December 
 2011 
 ............. 
 .........             635       4,448    1,328          117        (557)     350       286      (581)        (227)    (737)  1,146    6,208 
                ----------  ----------  -------  -----------  -----------  ------  --------  ---------  -----------  -------  -----  ------- 
 
Assets 
 ............. 
 ............. 
 ............. 
 ..........            742       4,448    1,328          117            -     487       286         14            -        -  1,709    9,131 
Liabilities 
 ............. 
 ............. 
 ............. 
 ....                (107)           -        -            -        (557)   (137)         -      (595)        (227)    (737)  (563)  (2,923) 
 
2010 
 
Assets 
 ............. 
 ............. 
 ............. 
 ..........          1,772       6,363      407          215           68     229       196          -            -        -  1,535   10,785 
Liabilities 
 ............. 
 ............. 
 ............. 
 ....                    -           -        -        (129)        (340)    (91)         -    (1,121)        (399)  (1,080)  (842)  (4,002) 
                ----------  ----------  -------  -----------  -----------  ------  --------  ---------  -----------  -------  -----  ------- 
 
At 1 January 
 2010 
 ............. 
 ............. 
 ....                1,772       6,363      407           86        (272)     138       196    (1,121)        (399)  (1,080)    693    6,783 
Acquisitions 
 and disposals 
 ............. 
 ......                  -           8        -            -           12     (2)         -          -            -        -   (16)        2 
Income 
 statement 
 ............. 
 ............. 
 ....                (468)     (1,702)     (70)           14         (16)       3        50        250           75      386    343  (1,135) 
Other 
 comprehensive 
 income 
 .............         (1)           -        -            -         (73)      70         -          -            -        -      -      (4) 
Equity 
 ............. 
 ............. 
 ............. 
 .........               -           -        -            -            -       -      (14)          -            -        -      -     (14) 
Foreign 
 exchange and 
 other 
 adjustments 
 ............. 
 ............. 
 ............. 
 ............. 
 ....                  235         130       11        (117)          225      55         9        164           99     (62)  (463)      286 
                ----------  ----------  -------  -----------  -----------  ------  --------  ---------  -----------  -------  -----  ------- 
 
At 31 December 
 2010 
 ............. 
 ...........         1,538       4,799      348         (17)        (124)     264       241      (707)        (225)    (756)    557    5,918 
                ----------  ----------  -------  -----------  -----------  ------  --------  ---------  -----------  -------  -----  ------- 
 
Assets 
 ............. 
 ............. 
 ............. 
 ..........          1,538       4,799      351          109           11     352       241          -            -        -    957    8,358 
Liabilities 
 ............. 
 ............. 
 ............. 
 ....                    -           -      (3)        (126)        (135)    (88)         -      (707)        (225)    (756)  (400)  (2,440) 
 

US

Of the total net deferred tax assets of US$6.2bn at 31 December 2011 (2010: US$5.9bn), the net deferred tax asset relating to HSBC's operations in the US is US$5.2bn (2010: US$4.0bn). The deferred tax assets included in this total reflect the carry forward of tax losses and tax credits (US$1.2bn; 2010: US$0.2bn), deductible temporary differences in respect of loan impairment allowances (US$2.7bn; 2010: US$3.0bn) and other temporary differences (US$1.3bn; 2010: US$0.8bn).

Deductions for loan impairments for US tax purposes generally occur when the impaired loan is charged off, often in the period subsequent to that in which the impairment is recognised for accounting purposes. As a result, the amount of the associated deferred tax asset should generally move in line with the impairment allowance balance. On the evidence available, including historical levels of profitability, management projections of future income and HSBC Holdings' commitment to continue to invest sufficient capital in North America to recover the deferred tax asset, it is expected there will be sufficient taxable income generated by the business to realise these assets. Management projections of profits from the US operations are prepared for a 10 year period and include assumptions about future house prices and US economic conditions, including unemployment levels. The proposed sale of both the Group's US credit card and private label credit card business and upstate New York branches announced in the second half of 2011 has been taken into account but even if the transactions failed to complete, this would not change management's view that the business will generate sufficient profits to realise these assets.

Management projections of profits from the US operations currently indicate that the existing carry forward tax losses and tax credits will be fully recovered by 2014. The current level of the deferred tax asset in respect of loan impairment allowances is projected to reduce over the 10 year period in line with the reduction of the Consumer Lending portfolio.

As there has been a recent history of losses in HSBC's US operations, management's analysis of the recognition of these deferred tax assets significantly discounts any future expected profits from the US operations and relies to a greater extent on capital support from HSBC Holdings, including tax planning strategies implemented in relation to such support. The principal strategy is the retention of capital in the US in excess of normal regulatory requirements.

Brazil

The net deferred tax asset relating to HSBC's operations in Brazil is US$0.7bn (2010: US$0.8bn). The deferred tax assets included in this total arise primarily in relation to deductible temporary differences in respect of loan impairment allowances. Deductions for loan impairments for Brazilian tax purposes generally occur in periods subsequent to those in which they are recognised for accounting purposes and, as a result, the amount of the associated deferred tax assets will move in line with the impairment allowance balance.

Loan impairment deductions are recognised for tax purposes typically within 24 months of accounting recognition. On the evidence available, including historic levels of profitability, management projections of income and the state of the Brazilian economy, it is anticipated there will be sufficient taxable income generated by the business to realise these assets when deductible for tax purposes.

There are no material carried forward tax losses or tax credits recognised within the Group's deferred tax assets in Brazil.

Mexico

The net deferred tax asset relating to HSBC's operations in Mexico is US$0.5bn (2010: US$0.6bn). The deferred tax assets included in this total relate primarily to deductible temporary differences in respect of accounting provisions for impaired loans, including losses realised on sales of impaired loans. The annual deduction for loan impairments is capped under Mexican legislation at 2.5% of the average qualifying loan portfolio. The balance is carried forward to future years without expiry but with annual deduction subject to the 2.5% cap.

On the evidence available, including historic and projected levels of loan portfolio growth, loan impairment rates and profitability, it is anticipated that the business will realise these assets within the next 15 years. The projections assume that loan impairment rates will, over the medium term, return to and remain at levels consistently below the annual 2.5% cap.

There are no material carried forward tax losses or tax credits recognised within the Group's deferred tax assets in Mexico.

Unrecognised deferred tax

The amount of temporary differences, unused tax losses and tax credits for which no deferred tax asset is recognised in the balance sheet is US$14.7bn (2010: US$15.3bn). These amounts include unused state losses arising in our US operations of US$12.5bn (2010 US$12.5bn).

Of the total amounts unrecognised, US$2.4bn (2010: US$2.6bn) has no expiry date, US$0.1bn (2010: US$0.1bn) is scheduled to expire within 10 years (2010: 10 years) and the remaining will expire after 10 years.

Deferred tax is not recognised in respect of the Group's investments in subsidiaries and branches where remittance or other realisation is not probable, and for those associates and interests in joint ventures where it has been determined that no additional tax will arise. No amount is disclosed for the unrecognised deferred tax or the 2011 and 2010 temporary differences associated with such investments as it is impracticable to determine the amount of income taxes that would be payable when any temporary differences reverse. Deferred tax of US$0.2bn (2010: US$0.1bn) has however been provided in respect of distributable reserves of associates that, on distribution, would attract withholding tax.

HSBC Holdings

 
                                                                             Deferred tax assets/(liabilities) 
                                                          ------------------------------------------------------------ 
                                                                                   2011                           2010 
                                                                                 US$m                            US$m 
           Temporary differences: 
  - short-term timing differences 
   ..................................................... 
   ......................................                                             -                              1 
  - available-for-sale investments 
   ..................................................... 
   .....................................                                            (4)                           (21) 
  - fair valued assets and liabilities 
   ..................................................... 
   .....................................                                             46                             61 
  - share-based payments 
   ..................................................... 
   ..................................................                                 9                             16 
  - unused tax losses 
  ...................................................... 
  ...................................................... 
  ...                                                                                40                              - 
 
                                                                                     91                             57 
                                                          -----------------------------  ----------------------------- 
 

It is expected that the unused tax losses of HSBC Holdings will be recovered against other taxable profits arising in the UK within 12 months.

   11    Dividends 

Dividends to shareholders of the parent company

 
                                                 2011                           2010                            2009 
                                     ----------------------------  ------------------------------  ------------------------------ 
                                                          Settled                         Settled                         Settled 
                                          Per              in            Per               in            Per               in 
                                          share    Total   scrip         share    Total    scrip         share    Total    scrip 
                                          US$       US$m   US$m          US$       US$m    US$m          US$       US$m    US$m 
 
Dividends declared 
 on ordinary shares 
In respect of previous 
 year: 
 
     *    fourth interim dividend . 
    ..........                           0.12      2,119    1,130      0.10       1,733       838      0.10       1,210       624 
In respect of current 
 year: 
 
     *    first interim dividend .. 
    .............                        0.09      1,601      204      0.08       1,394       746      0.08       1,384       190 
 
     *    second interim dividend . 
    ..........                           0.09      1,603      178      0.08       1,402       735      0.08       1,385       696 
 
     *    third interim dividend .. 
    ............                         0.09      1,605      720      0.08       1,408       205      0.08       1,391       160 
 
                                         0.39      6,928    2,232      0.34       5,937     2,524      0.34       5,370     1,670 
                                     ----------  -------  -------  -----------  -------  --------  -----------  -------  -------- 
 
Quarterly dividends 
 on preference 
 shares classified 
 as equity 
      March dividend 
       ............................ 
       ..                              15.50          22             15.50           22              15.50           22 
      June dividend 
       ............................ 
       .....                           15.50          23             15.50           23              15.50           23 
      September dividend 
       ........................        15.50          22             15.50           22              15.50           22 
      December dividend 
       .........................       15.50          23             15.50           23              15.50           23 
                                     ----------  -------           -----------  -------            -----------  ------- 
 
                                       62.00          90             62.00           90              62.00           90 
                                     ----------  -------           -----------  -------            -----------  ------- 
 

Quarterly coupons on capital securities classified as equity(1)

 
                                  2011                                    2010                                      2009 
                     Per share                 Total         Per share                  Total          Per share                  Total 
                               US$           US$m                    US$               US$m                    US$               US$m 
 
      January 
       coupon 
       ......... 
       ......... 
       ......... 
       .                     0.508                  44             0.508                     44              0.508                     44 
      March 
       coupon 
       ......... 
       ......... 
       ......... 
       ...                   0.500                  76                    -                    -                    -                    - 
      April 
       coupon 
       ......... 
       ......... 
       ......... 
       .....                 0.508                  45             0.508                     45              0.508                     45 
      June 
       coupon 
       ......... 
       ......... 
       ......... 
       ......                0.500                  76                    -                    -                    -                    - 
      July 
       coupon 
       ......... 
       ......... 
       ......... 
       .......               0.508                  45             0.508                     45              0.508                     45 
      September 
       coupon 
       ......... 
       ......... 
       ......                0.500                  76             0.450                     68                     -                    - 
      October 
       coupon 
       ......... 
       ......... 
       ......... 
       .                     0.508                  45             0.508                     45              0.508                     45 
      December 
       coupon 
       ......... 
       ......... 
       .......               0.500                  76             0.500                     76                     -                    - 
                  ----------------  ------------------  -------------------  -------------------  -------------------  ------------------- 
 
                             4.032                483              2.982                   323               2.032                   179 
                  ----------------  ------------------  -------------------  -------------------  -------------------  ------------------- 
 

1 HSBC Holdings issued Perpetual Subordinated Capital Securities of US$3,800m in June 2010 and US$2,200m in April 2008, which are classified as equity under IFRSs.

The Directors declared after the end of the year a fourth interim dividend in respect of the financial year ended 31 December 2011 of US$0.14 per ordinary share, a distribution of approximately US$2,515m. The fourth interim dividend will be payable on 2 May 2012 to holders of record on 15 March 2012 on the Hong Kong Overseas Branch Register and 16 March 2012 on the Principal Register in the UK or the Bermuda Overseas Branch Register. No liability is recorded in the financial statements in respect of the fourth interim dividend for 2011.

On 17 January 2012, HSBC paid a further coupon on the capital securities of US$0.508 per security, a distribution of US$44m. No liability is recorded in the balance sheet at 31 December 2011 in respect of this coupon payment.

   12    Earnings per share 

Basic earnings per ordinary share was calculated by dividing the profit attributable to ordinary shareholders of the parent company by the weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding, excluding own shares held. Diluted earnings per ordinary share was calculated by dividing the basic earnings, which require no adjustment for the effects of dilutive potential ordinary shares, by the weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding, excluding own shares held, plus the weighted average number of ordinary shares that would be issued on conversion of dilutive potential ordinary shares.

Profit attributable to the ordinary shareholders of the parent company

 
                                                            2011    2010   2009 
                                                            US$m    US$m   US$m 
 
  Profit attributable to shareholders 
   of the parent company ............................     16,797  13,159  5,834 
  Dividend payable on preference shares 
   classified as equity ............................        (90)    (90)   (90) 
  Coupon payable on capital securities 
   classified as equity ...............................    (483)   (323)  (179) 
                                                          ------  ------  ----- 
 
  Profit attributable to the ordinary 
   shareholders of the parent company ........            16,224  12,746  5,565 
                                                          ------  ------  ----- 
 

Basic and diluted earnings per share

 
                                                          2011                              2010                               2009 
                                             -------------------------------  ---------------------------------  --------------------------------- 
                                                      Number           Per              Number            Per              Number            Per 
                                              Profit  of shares        share    Profit  of shares         share    Profit  of shares         share 
                                               US$m   (millions)       US$       US$m   (millions)        US$       US$m   (millions)        US$ 
 
Basic(1) 
 ........................................     16,224      17,700      0.92      12,746      17,404      0.73        5,565      16,277      0.34 
Effect of dilutive 
 potential ordinary 
 shares ......................                               222                               229                                143 
                                                      ----------                        ----------                         ---------- 
 
     *    Savings-related Share Option Plan 
          ......................                              45                                55                                 26 
 
     *    Other plans ..................... 
    ..                                                       177                               174                                117 
                                                      ----------                        ----------                         ---------- 
 
 
Diluted(1) 
 .....................................        16,224      17,922      0.91      12,746      17,633      0.72        5,565      16,420      0.34 
                                             -------  ----------  ----------  --------  ----------  -----------  --------  ----------  ----------- 
 

1 Weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding (basic) or assuming dilution (diluted).

The weighted average number of dilutive potential ordinary shares excludes 151m employee share options that were anti-dilutive (2010: 150m; 2009: 214m).

   13   Segmental analysis 

HSBC's operating segments are organised into six geographical regions, Europe, Hong Kong, Rest of Asia-Pacific, Middle East and North Africa ('MENA'), North America and Latin America.

Geographical information is classified by the location of the principal operations of the subsidiary or, for The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation, HSBC Bank, HSBC Bank Middle East and HSBC Bank USA, by the location of the branch responsible for reporting the results or advancing the funds.

HSBC's chief operating decision-maker is the Group Management Board ('GMB') which operates as a general management committee under the direct authority of the Board. Information provided to HSBC's chief operating decision-maker to make decisions about allocating resources to, and assessing the performance of, operating segments is measured in accordance with IFRSs. The financial information shown below includes the effects of intra-HSBC transactions between operating segments which are conducted on an arm's length basis and eliminated in a separate column. Shared costs are included in operating segments on the basis of the actual recharges made.

Products and services

HSBC provides a comprehensive range of banking and related financial services to its customers in its six geographical regions. The products and services offered to customers are organised by global business.

-- Retail Banking and Wealth Management ('RBWM') offers a broad range of products and services to meet the personal banking, consumer finance and wealth management needs of individual customers. Typically, customer offerings include personal banking products (current and savings accounts, mortgages and personal loans, credit cards, debit cards and local and international payment services) and wealth management services (insurance and investment products, global asset management services and financial planning services).

-- Commercial Banking ('CMB') product offerings include the provision of receivables financing services, payments and cash management, international trade finance, treasury and capital markets, commercial cards, insurance, cash and derivatives in foreign exchange and rates, and online and direct banking offerings.

-- Global Banking and Markets ('GB&M') provides tailored financial solutions to major government, corporate and institutional clients and private investors worldwide. The client-focused business lines deliver a full range of banking capabilities including financing, advisory and transaction services; a markets business that provides services in credit, rates, foreign exchange, money markets and securities services; and principal investment activities.

-- Global Private Banking ('GPB') provides a range of services to high net worth individuals and families with complex and international needs.

With effect from 1 March 2011, our Global Asset Management business was moved from Global Banking and Markets to Retail Banking and Wealth Management.

Financial information

In the following segmental analysis, the benefit of shareholders' funds impacts the analysis only to the extent that these funds are actually allocated to businesses in the segment by way of intra-HSBC capital and funding structures.

This information is provided by RNS

The company news service from the London Stock Exchange

END

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