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LINV Lendinvest Plc

27.50
0.00 (0.00%)
01 May 2024 - Closed
Delayed by 15 minutes
Share Name Share Symbol Market Type Share ISIN Share Description
Lendinvest Plc LSE:LINV London Ordinary Share GB00BMC2XX17 ORD 0.05P
  Price Change % Change Share Price Bid Price Offer Price High Price Low Price Open Price Shares Traded Last Trade
  0.00 0.00% 27.50 27.00 28.00 28.00 27.50 28.00 329 08:07:50
Industry Sector Turnover Profit EPS - Basic PE Ratio Market Cap
Mortgage Bankers & Loan Corr 91.8M 11.4M 0.0808 3.40 38.78M

Lendinvest PLC Interim Financial Results (2224X)

19/12/2023 7:00am

UK Regulatory


Lendinvest (LSE:LINV)
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From Nov 2023 to May 2024

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TIDMLINV

RNS Number : 2224X

Lendinvest PLC

19 December 2023

19 December 2023

LendInvest plc

HALF YEAR RESULTS FOR THE SIX MONTHSED 30 SEPTEMBER 2023

LendInvest plc (LSE: LINV; "LendInvest", the "Company" or the "Group") is a leading platform for mortgages in the UK. The LendInvest Mortgages Division provides mortgages to both professional Buy-to-Let landlords and Homeowners as well as a range of Bridging loans. The LendInvest Capital Division provides larger, more structured finance primarily to property developers.

Today it announces its unaudited results for the six months ended 30 September 2023.

Key features:

-- Net assets at 30 September were GBP67.5m (31 March 2023: GBP76.5m). Due to actions taken to strengthen the balance sheet, cash and cash equivalents has increased to GBP88.0m (31 March 2023: GBP46.7m)

-- Funds under Management increased by 21% year on year to GBP4,167.4m (2022: GBP3,442.1m) with new forward flow arrangements in H1 FY24 of GBP0.7bn

   --     Assets under management increased by 11% year on year to GBP2,695.1m (2022: GBP2,431.1m) 

-- New lending was 28% lower than the prior year at GBP415.2m (2022: GBP575.0m) due to market volatility and limited funding available during the period for new lending in the Capital Division

-- First half loss before tax of GBP15.1m (2022: profit before tax of GBP14.8m) reflecting the following:

o Net interest income GBP17.7m lower due to reduction in income generating assets on the balance sheet and a reduction in new lending. Prior year comparative includes a GBP9.2 million gain from the exercise of the call option in our first securitisation, Mortimer 2019-1 BTL plc

o Net gains on derecognition of financial assets in the period were GBP0.1m (2022: GBP3.8m). This includes a net loss of GBP10.7m realised on the loan book sale to Chetwood Financial Limited. The transaction was completed to strengthen the balance sheet and de-risk the business by reducing dilution of future net interest margin and by reducing group debt

o Impairment charge increased to GBP7.1m (2022: GBP1.9m). This primarily reflects accelerated management of recoveries coupled with an increase in expected credit losses on a small number of larger stage 3 Capital Division loans

o Administrative expenses increased to GBP21.1m (2022: GBP17.1m), driven by a cGBP0.9m increase in non-cash costs, cGBP0.9m of non-trading professional advisory costs and an increase in the average headcount compared to prior period.

o To address this, post period-end the business has restructured its people-related costs, reducing headcount by over 27%. This will reduce current payroll costs by cGBP5m per annum and, coupled with other cost savings, is expected to reduce administrative expenses to a level similar to those reported in FY23

-- The Board is not recommending the payment of an interim dividend but this position will be reviewed at the year end

 
                            6 months ended   6 months ended 
                Unaudited     30 September    30 September      Change 
                                      2023        2022 
 Funds under management 
  (FuM) (GBP'm)                    4,167.4          3,442.1        21% 
                           ---------------  ---------------  --------- 
 Assets under management 
  (AuM) (GBP'm)                    2,695.1          2,431.1        11% 
                           ---------------  ---------------  --------- 
 Proportion of AuM on 
  balance sheet                        31%              50%     -19pps 
                           ---------------  ---------------  --------- 
 New lending (GBP'm)                 415.2            575.0       -28% 
                           ---------------  ---------------  --------- 
 Net operating income 
  (GBP'm)                             13.1             33.8       -61% 
                           ---------------  ---------------  --------- 
 (Loss) profit before 
  tax (GBP'm)                       (15.1)             14.8      -203% 
                           ---------------  ---------------  --------- 
 Net assets (GBP'm)                   67.5             60.2        12% 
                           ---------------  ---------------  --------- 
 

Strategy overview

The market backdrop has been challenging this year and, against this backdrop, it was deemed appropriate to focus heavily on the fundamentals of strengthening the balance sheet and financial position of the business.

This has resulted in a substantial 88% increase in cash reserves since the last year end; it has delivered a material reduction in the balance sheet credit risk profile, with the proportion of loan assets held on the balance sheet reducing by 19pps to 31%; and funding facilities have also been increased and extended. This has included GBP700m of new forward flow capacity and, post period end, a refinance of the maturing retail bond, with a reduction in the parent guarantee, coupled with the largest BTL securitisation in the company's history.

However, this has required some difficult decisions that have impacted the results. The disposal of a cGBP250m low margin loan portfolio resulted in a substantial loss. And a robust approach to debt recovery has boosted cash but has led to a much higher impairment charge. Post period end, the business has also completed a major restructuring exercise, which will contribute to a material reduction in the cost base going forward.

Having strengthened the balance sheet and reduced the cost base, the focus is now on growing new lending and returning the business to profitability. We are confident that the business has strong foundations on which to build, and there are signs that the market backdrop will be more positive in the 2024 calendar year. Performance in the second half of FY24 is also expected to benefit from a sale of the residual interests in the most recent RMBS securitisation, which is in progress, and is expected to generate a pre-tax profit of at least GBP10m.

Rod Lockhart, Chief Executive of LendInvest, commented:

"After a challenging first half, management is focused on accelerating new lending and returning the business to profitability. The core strengths of our business remain strong and we're beginning to see encouraging signs of improvement in the broader market landscape. Combined with the tough but necessary measures we've implemented to streamline costs; these factors are positioning us well to return to profitability in the 2025 financial year."

Other strategic highlights

-- Successful launch of Residential Mortgages product, and LendInvest Mortgages and LendInvest Capital divisions to better align to our product suite and our customer base

-- Our strong reputation for quality products and excellent customer service continued, reflected by our Trustpilot rating of 4.5

-- Welcomed BNP Paribas to a GBP300 million funding syndicate with HSBC and Barclays to fund the business's short-term mortgages

-- Wells Fargo joined a GBP200 million financing syndicate with National Australia Bank (NAB) to support the continued growth of our Buy-to-Let proposition

-- Secured GBP500 million in funding from Chetwood Finance Limited to strengthen our Residential Mortgages and Buy-to-Let product offering

-- Issued our fourth listed bond from our second Euro Medium Term Note programme, the LendInvest Secured Income II plc bonds due 2027, raising GBP40 million

-- Completed fifth and largest oversubscribed RMBS transaction of GBP410m prime Buy-to-Let mortgages ("Mortimer BTL 2023-1 plc") in November, receiving the tightest pricing on a BTL RMBS transaction in the last six months

Analysts and investors presentation: 9.00am on Tuesday 19 December 2023

A webcast for analysts and investors will be hosted by Rod Lockhart, Chief Executive Officer, and David Broadbent, Chief Financial Officer at 9.00am today, Tuesday 19 December 2023. A playback facility will also be available in due course. To access the webcast, please register here

Enquiries:

 
 LendInvest via Teneo 
  Rod Lockhart, Chief Executive Officer 
  David Broadbent, Chief Financial 
  Officer 
  Leigh Rimmer, Head of Communications 
  investorrelations@lendinvest.com                    +44 (0)20 7353 4200 
 Panmure Gordon (NOMAD and Joint 
  Broker) 
  Atholl Tweedie / David Watkins                      +44 (0)20 7886 2500 
                                          ------------------------------- 
 Cavendish (Joint Broker) 
  Jonny Franklin-Adams / Tim Redfern                  +44 (0)20 7220 0500 
                                          ------------------------------- 
 Teneo (Financial PR) 
  Tom Murray / Ed Cropley / Olivia 
  Lucas                                               +44 (0)20 7353 4200 
                                          ------------------------------- 
 

Important notices

The information contained within this announcement is deemed by LendInvest to constitute inside

information as stipulated under the UK Market Abuse Regulation. By the publication of this announcement via

a Regulatory Information Service, this inside information is now considered to be in the public domain. The

person responsible for arranging for the release of this announcement on behalf of LendInvest is Rod Lockhart.

Forward-looking statements

Certain statements in this announcement are forward-looking statements. In some cases, these forward looking statements can be identified by the use of forward looking terminology including the terms "anticipate", "believe", "intend", "estimate", "expect", "may", "will", "seek", "continue", "aim", "target", "projected", "plan", "goal", "achieve" and words of similar meaning or in each case, their negative, or other variations or comparable terminology. Forward-looking statements are based on current expectations and assumptions and are subject to a number of known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other important factors that could cause results or events to differ material from what is expressed or implied by those statements. Many factors may cause actual results, performance or achievements of LendInvest to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. Important factors that could cause actual results, performance or achievements of LendInvest to differ materially from the expectations of LendInvest, include, among other things, general business and economic conditions globally, industry trends, competition, changes in government and changes in regulation and policy, changes in its business strategy, political and economic uncertainty and other factors. As such, undue reliance should not be placed on forward-looking statements. Any forward-looking statement is based on information available to LendInvest as of the date of the statement. All written or oral forward-looking statements attributable to LendInvest are qualified by this caution. Other than in accordance with legal and regulatory obligations, LendInvest undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Nothing in this announcement should be regarded as a profit forecast.

Operating review

Market backdrop

Since our last results announcement we have seen further increases in base rates and lower levels of mortgage approvals and property market transactions. Swap rates, which are effectively used to price fixed mortgages, continue to be volatile, with markets reacting to major macro events including military conflict, economic data, political uncertainty and bank failures.

When swap rates change, lenders need to change the pricing of the product range that they offer to the market. This volatility creates operational friction making it more challenging to maintain a consistent competitively priced product range in the market.

Alongside this, the cost of mortgages for borrowers has increased substantially over the last 2 years and house prices have been falling. This has had an impact on the overall volume of property transactions and it is estimated by UK Finance that BTL market activity has contracted by approximately 50% over the last 12 months.

The construction sector also remains challenged, with an increase in insolvencies and property developers suffering from both increased borrowing costs and inflationary pressures on both wages and materials. As a result, appetite for development finance is reduced, live developments are taking longer to complete and expected developers' returns are being impacted.

Despite these factors, expected credit losses on our BTL lending remain consistently low. Also, notwithstanding the increase in expected credit losses in the period, the lifetime credit losses on the overall portfolio remain in line with expectations. Also, the credit risk profile of the Group is improving as the proportion of AuM held on the Group's balance sheet continues to reduce.

Since the period end, we have seen potential early signs of a more positive outlook. Swap rates have fallen and improving capital market sentiment has been reflected in both the pricing and over-subscription of our recent RMBS securitisation. We are seeing a pick-up in BTL mortgage loan applications and there is the possibility that base rates may be approaching, or have potentially reached, their peak; and it would appear that the fall in residential house prices may not be as severe as originally thought.

Strategy execution

The market backdrop negatively impacted the performance of the business. However, the business has core fundamental strengths that enables it to navigate the market backdrop, which will be key to returning the business to profitability and sustainable profit growth thereafter.

Continuing to grow and diversify FuM

The business has a strong track record of securing funding from a diverse range of high-quality investors and institutions, which has underpinned continued growth in FuM. The different types of funding, including forward flow arrangements, allows the business to be agile from a product and pricing perspective, enabling it to remain in the market, whilst others with less flexible funding have had to periodically withdraw.

During the first half, the strength of our capital markets operations has been shown with total Funds under Management at 30 September 2023, including committed forward flow arrangements, increasing by cGBP562m to GBP4.17bn, a 21% increase on H1 FY23.

 
  Unaudited      30 September   31 March              30 September 
                         2023                                 2022 
                        GBP'm       2023     Growth        (GBP'm)     Growth 
                                   GBP'm       (%)                       (%) 
 Funds under 
  Management 
  ("FuM")             4,167.4    3,605.9     +16%          3,442.1     +21% 
               --------------  ---------  ---------  -------------  --------- 
 

This increase primarily reflects the previously announced GBP500m forward-flow agreement with Chetwood Financial Limited for BTL lending, and a further GBP200m of forward-flow commitments in respect of short-term mortgages.

FuM includes GBP55m of retail bonds, which matured on 6 October 2023 and carried a coupon of 5.375%. These bonds were refinanced by a new issue of GBP60m retail bonds. Of the new issuance, c.GBP20m are currently held in treasury and are included in FuM. The new bonds carry a coupon of 11.5%.

Subsequent to the period end, the business successfully completed its fifth public market securitisation transaction in respect of a GBP410m BTL loan portfolio. This is the largest securitisation completed by the business to date and received the tightest pricing on a BTL RMBS transaction in the previous six months. This transaction generated a cash inflow of cGBP34m. Due to the size of the transaction, the business intends to reduce the current surplus capacity in its warehouse facilities for BTL lending by cGBP355m, thereby reducing ongoing commitment fees.

A potential sale of the residual interests in the securitisation is in progress.

Strengthening the balance sheet

The business has well-embedded processes for product pricing to ensure that our lending delivers an appropriate risk-adjusted margin for each specific product line, which considers the cost of the relevant funding line, interest rate swaps and expected credit losses. Products that carry higher credit risk carry a consequently higher risk-adjusted margin. This pricing strategy reflects our service-led proposition, which is based on speed, agility and flexibility, all supported by our market-leading technology platform. The pricing is not set to achieve a certain market share; nor does the business write unprofitable business as a loss-leader in the expectation that those customers move onto a more profitable product in the future or revert onto a more favourable variable rate.

A core part of the strategy is to minimise the amount of credit risk exposure by maximising the amount of lending originated on behalf of and managed for third parties. We believe that this part of the strategy is particularly important at a time when the market conditions remain difficult. Significant progress has been made in this respect, with balance sheet exposures reducing substantially in the first half.

In this context, total Assets under Management at 30 September 2023 were GBP2.7bn, which represents a GBP108m increase since the financial year ended 31 March 2023 ('FY23') and an 11% increase on H1 FY23.

 
 Unaudited             30 September   31 March   Growth   30 September   Growth 
                               2023       2023      (%)           2022      (%) 
 Assets under 
  Management 
  ("AuM") (GBP'm)           2,695.1    2,587.0      +4%        2,431.1     +11% 
                      -------------  ---------  -------  -------------  ------- 
 On balance sheet 
  (GBP'm)                     822.4    1,168.5     -30%        1,213.2     -32% 
                      -------------  ---------  -------  -------------  ------- 
 Off balance 
  sheet (GBP'm)             1,872.7    1,418.5     +32%        1,217.9     +54% 
                      -------------  ---------  -------  -------------  ------- 
 Proportion of 
  assets on balance 
  sheet                         31%        45%   -14pps            50%   -19pps 
                      -------------  ---------  -------  -------------  ------- 
 

The forward-flow agreements noted above are a key part of the Group's strategy of becoming more 'capital-lite'. As a result, the proportion of AuM held on the balance sheet has fallen further from 45% at the end of FY23 to 31% at the end of September 2023 (H1 FY23: 50%). The main drivers of that reduction were:

-- The sale in April of the non-risk retention residual economic interest in the Mortimer BTL 2021-1 plc securitisation for a cash consideration of GBP8.6m. This transaction resulted in a reduction in the Group's gross loans and advances of GBP236m and generated a net pre-tax profit of GBP10.8m; and

-- The sale in May of a portfolio of BTL residential mortgages to Chetwood Financial Limited for a cash consideration of GBP243m inclusive of the proceeds from cancelled interest rate derivatives. The book value of the portfolio was c.GBP250m and the net pre-tax loss on the sale of the portfolio and the cancellation of the related derivatives was GBP10.7m. The net interest margin on the loan portfolio that was sold had been impacted by the sharp rise in interest rates in 2022. The decision was therefore taken to sell the portfolio at a loss to ensure that profitability in future periods was not diluted and to use the proceeds from the transaction to reduce debt and finance new lending at a better more normalised risk-adjusted margin.

The business has also taken opportunities to accelerate recoveries in respect of non-performing assets. This has contributed to the increase in impairment in the period but has also boosted cash reserves.

Building our product range: specialist residential mortgage proposition

A core fundamental strength of the business is the breadth of its product range and its ability to develop and bring to market new products and new product lines to take advantage of market opportunities. The most significant of these has been the development and roll out of the new specialist residential mortgage proposition.

LendInvest entered the UK residential mortgage market on a beta launch basis at the end of 2022. A small group of mortgage brokers were identified to help ensure that all aspects of the proposition were robust and fit for purpose, both in terms of technical capability, but also product and target market fit. After a successful start, distribution was gradually rolled out to the point where the proposition was technically the whole of the market in April 2023. Since then, we have continued to grow broker partners as demonstrated by the recent launch with the Legal & General Mortgage Club, the largest mortgage club in the UK. We have also commenced lending in Scotland.

In line with distribution build, LendInvest has also continued to improve its product offering. Whilst the key target market are those customers who have a more complex income make-up, including the self-employed, other aspects of the proposition are designed to help support Professionals and Key Workers. Additionally, we cater for those consumers who may have had some level of historical credit event but have been able to demonstrate recovery.

Since launch the business has received GBP128.2m of loan applications; it has built a loan pipeline of GBP36.5m and has an issued loan book of GBP40.9m (as at 30 November 2023).

In a highly intermediated market, LendInvest has a substantial distribution network and is a reputable and trusted partner. During the first half our distribution network continued to remain strong with over 300 active broker firms. Importantly, our Trustpilot rating remained high at 4.5, which demonstrates the continued excellent quality of the service we provide.

Further enhancing our market-leading Technology

During the period to 30 September 2023, we continued to invest in the development of our market-leading proprietary technology platform. This is fundamental to both our service proposition and our ability to build our product range.

During the period, additions to Intangible Assets held on the balance sheet were GBP2.2m (2022: GBP2.8m) and comprised key enhancements, which are expected to improve our operational effectiveness and have a direct impact on loan origination volumes.

This has included the development of the specialist residential proposition noted above and the launch of our new BTL Broker Portal (Next Gen BTL). Feedback from brokers has been overwhelmingly positive and we are now rolling this across the wider market. This will remove our dependence on certain third-party technology, which will have the twin benefit of reducing operating costs and will also facilitate product switches between Bridging and BTL loans.

Senior Management changes

David Broadbent has resigned as Chief Financial Officer and will leave the business in March to take up a new role. Hugo Davies, our Chief Capital Officer, will take on CFO responsibilities whilst the business conducts a market search for a permanent replacement. He will be supported by Stephen Shipley, who will join the business as Finance Director in January. Stephen was formerly the CFO of Foundation Home Loans and prior to that held various senior positions at Barclays including CFO of Group Treasury. He brings a wealth of market knowledge and experience to the team.

Review of the interim results

 
                                        6 months        6 months 
                                           ended           ended     Change 
   Unaudited                        30 September    30 September        (%) 
                                            2023            2022 
                                           GBP'm           GBP'm 
 Total Gross Assets under 
  Management                               2,695           2,431        11% 
                                  --------------  --------------  --------- 
 On balance sheet                            822           1,213       -32% 
                                  --------------  --------------  --------- 
 Off balance sheet                         1,873           1,218        54% 
                                  --------------  --------------  --------- 
 New lending                                 415             575       -28% 
                                  --------------  --------------  --------- 
 Net interest income                         6.3            24.0       -74% 
                                  --------------  --------------  --------- 
 Net fee income                              6.6             5.9        12% 
                                  --------------  --------------  --------- 
 Net gains on derecognition 
  of 
  financial assets                           0.1             3.8       -97% 
                                  --------------  --------------  --------- 
 Net other income                            0.1             0.1         0% 
                                  --------------  --------------  --------- 
 Net operating income                       13.1            33.8       -61% 
                                  --------------  --------------  --------- 
 Administrative expenses                  (21.1)          (17.1)        23% 
                                  --------------  --------------  --------- 
 Impairment losses on financial 
  assets                                   (7.1)           (1.9)       274% 
                                  --------------  --------------  --------- 
 Total operating expenses                 (28.2)          (19.0)        48% 
                                  --------------  --------------  --------- 
 (Loss) profit before 
  tax                                     (15.1)            14.8      -202% 
                                  --------------  --------------  --------- 
 

AuM at a group level increased by GBP264m at H1 FY24, an increase of 4% since the end of the last financial year. This reflects an increase in the BTL portfolio, the building of our new residential mortgage book and a particularly strong performance in respect of our short-term mortgages products which has grown by 44% in the last 12 months. There has also been an increase in the AuM for our more complex and larger structured bridging products, whilst AuM for our Development Finance has reduced by 6% since the year end.

As noted above, the market backdrop has had a negative impact on performance in the first half. This is primarily reflected in new lending volumes, which contracted by 28% when compared with the same period last year. This was partly driven by BTL volumes, which were impacted by swap volatility, resulting in significant friction from repeated re-pricing. This was exacerbated by the dependence on third-party technology which, as noted above, has now been removed. In contrast, short-term mortgage lending in the Mortgages Division was particularly strong, with professional landlords taking advantage of the fall in property prices. As noted above, the new specialist homeowner product is developing well.

Loan origination in the Capital Division in respect of Development Finance and more complex and larger Bridging continues to be impacted by a combination of macroeconomic factors, with demand for development finance reduced as a result of some property developers deferring new projects out of caution, and also the limited capacity for new lending in existing managed funds. With the launch of a new fund expected to take place around the end of Q1 2024, we expect to have more capacity for new lending in respect of these product lines in FY25.

Net interest income in the period has reduced by 74% to GBP6.3m (2022: GBP24.0m). This partly reflects the fact that the value of loans and advances held on the balance sheet has reduced by 33%, primarily as a result of the transactions noted in the strategy section above. Net interest income in the prior year also benefited from a GBP9.2 million gain arising from the cancellation of interest rate swaps on the call of the Mortimer BTL 2019-1 assets.

Net fee income in the period was 12% higher than the prior year at GBP6.6m (2022: GBP5.9m). This primarily represents asset management fees of GBP5.3m (2022: GBP4.6m). Fee income on origination of loans to third parties reduced in the period to GBP0.2m (2022: GBP2.3m) but this was largely offset by fee income on loans and advances, which was GBP1.3m in the period (2022: GBP0.7m), with the increase primarily related to extension fees.

As noted above, the net profit from the sale of residual interests in our third securitisation and the loan book sale to Chetwood Financial Limited are included in the GBP0.1m gain on derecognition of financial assets in the period. The prior year gain on derecognition of financial assets was primarily related to a GBP3.3 million gain recognised on the sale of the residual economic interest in our fourth securitisation, Mortimer BTL 2022-1 plc.

Administrative expenses

 
                                      6 months        6 months 
                                         ended           ended   Change 
 Unaudited                        30 September    30 September      (%) 
                                          2023            2022 
                                         GBP'm           GBP'm 
Wages and salaries                        10.2             8.9      14% 
                                --------------  --------------  ------- 
Share-based payments                       1.0             0.7      43% 
                                --------------  --------------  ------- 
Depreciation and amortisation              1.9             1.4      36% 
                                --------------  --------------  ------- 
Fees payable to the auditors               0.8             0.6      14% 
                                --------------  --------------  ------- 
Lease finance expense                      0.1             0.2     -50% 
                                --------------  --------------  ------- 
Other operating expenses                   7.1             5.3      37% 
                                --------------  --------------  ------- 
Total administrative expenses             21.1            17.1      23% 
                                --------------  --------------  ------- 
 

Administrative expenses increased by 23% to GBP21.1 million (2022: GBP17.1 million). This was partly driven by an increase in wages and salaries with the average headcount in the period c4% higher than the prior year. This also led to a related increase in the cost of share-based payments.

During the six months between March and September 2023, operational headcount has fallen from 275 to 247 employees. This resulted in redundancy costs in respect of permanent employees of cGBP0.3m, with the business also serving notice on a number of contractors, who also left the business. We have completed further headcount reduction since the period end.

Other operating expenses include cGBP0.9m of non-trading professional advisory costs. Whilst these are non-recurring costs, they relate to projects that will continue into the second half of FY24, albeit at a lower level.

Impairment

The impairment charge increased in the period to GBP7.1m (2022: GBP1.9m) reflecting two main factors. Firstly, the business has been robust in its approach to recoveries, choosing to enforce certain positions to realise cash sooner but with a consequential acceleration in impairment. This accounted for GBP3.2m of the impairment charge in the period. Secondly, the Capital Division experienced an increase in provisions, with a small number of larger and more complex Structured Bridging and Development Finance loans being impacted by the more challenging macroeconomic backdrop. Whilst the charge in the period is higher than expected, the underlying expected credit losses on the vintages of these products remain in line with expectations at around 1-1.5%. Importantly, the historical portfolio of on-balance sheet lending in this Division continues to mature and the overall exposure continues to reduce.

Expected credit losses have continued to remain low in respect of BTL lending.

Segmental analysis

The LendInvest Mortgages Division provides mortgages to both professional BTL landlords and Residential homeowners as well as a range of Bridging loans. The LendInvest Capital Division provides larger, more structured finance primarily to property developers. An analysis of the first half result based on these segments is presented below.

In accordance with the provision of paragraphs 29 and 30 of IFRS 8 Operating Segments, the prior year segmental analysis has not been re-stated for the new operating segments because the information is not readily available and the cost to develop it would be excessive.

 
 6 months ended 30 September 2023 GBP'm 
                               Mortgages   Capital   Central    Group 
   Unaudited                       GBP'm     GBP'm     GBP'm    GBP'm 
                              ----------  --------  --------  ------- 
 Total AuM                         2,076       619         -    2,695 
                              ----------  --------  --------  ------- 
 On balance sheet                    635       187         -      822 
                              ----------  --------  --------  ------- 
 Off balance sheet                 1,441       432         -    1,873 
                              ----------  --------  --------  ------- 
 New lending                         283       132         -      415 
                              ----------  --------  --------  ------- 
 Net interest income                 5.3       1.0         -      6.3 
                              ----------  --------  --------  ------- 
 Net fee income                      2.9       3.7         -      6.6 
                              ----------  --------  --------  ------- 
 Net gains on derecognition 
  of 
  financial assets                   0.1         -         -      0.1 
                              ----------  --------  --------  ------- 
 Net other income                    0.1         -         -      0.1 
                              ----------  --------  --------  ------- 
 Net operating income                8.4       4.7         -     13.1 
                              ----------  --------  --------  ------- 
 Administrative expenses           (5.4)     (2.5)    (13.2)   (21.1) 
                              ----------  --------  --------  ------- 
 Impairment losses 
  on financial assets              (0.7)     (6.4)         -    (7.1) 
                              ----------  --------  --------  ------- 
 Total operating expenses          (6.1)     (8.9)    (13.2)   (28.2) 
                              ----------  --------  --------  ------- 
 (Loss) profit before 
  tax                                2.3     (4.2)    (13.2)   (15.1) 
                              ----------  --------  --------  ------- 
 

Outlook

The prospect of a more stable and even falling interest rate environment is expected to have a positive impact on performance. However, the business is executing the following proactive strategies to accelerate the return to profitability as soon as possible:

   1.     Continued build out of the specialist residential proposition 

As noted above, the early development of the specialist residential mortgage proposition has gone to plan, and the business is well placed to build on this through the remainder of FY24 and into FY25. The product range is fully developed and, therefore, the key to growing this product line will be to continue to build awareness across the market, including brokers and mortgage clubs.

   2.     Increase BTL loan origination 

As noted above, the performance in respect of short-term mortgage loans in the Mortgages Division in the first half was strong and the business has benefitted from the development of its new specialist residential mortgage division. This trend is expected to continue.

However, loan origination in the Mortgages Division was 28% lower in the first half when compared to last year because of a subdued performance in respect of new BTL lending. This was largely related to swap rate volatility impacting our ability to maintain a competitively priced product set in the market. The aim is to increase BTL lending volumes through the technology improvements we have made, particularly the release of our new BTL broker portal, and through building out new and existing relationships with funding partners.

   3.     Secure new funding for the Capital Division 

The primary source of funding for the Capital Division is the Luxembourg fund, which is then supported by the additional leverage provided by facilities from HSBC, the British Business Bank and Shawbrook Bank. The Funds team is currently in the process of raising a new fund ('Fund 3') that will support new development finance and larger structured bridging lending. At this stage the team is working with potential cornerstone investors with a view to launching the new fund around the end of FY24.

The team is also in discussions with existing and potential new partners with a view to syndicating existing and future loans, thereby freeing up capacity for new lending and providing this division with additional upfront origination and arrangement fees.

   4.     Cost restructuring 

As noted above, the business has started to reduce its headcount in order to reduce overall administrative expenses. This is illustrated by the following table:

 
              31 March   30 September   31 March   30 September   30 November 
                2022         2022         2023         2023           2023 
 Headcount      227          277          275          247            199 
             ---------  -------------  ---------  -------------  ------------ 
 

Since the period end, the business has completed a restructuring exercise that has reduced headcount to less than 200 employees. Importantly, the restructuring has been designed so as not to impact the business' capacity for lending, so that it is well placed to take advantage when the market backdrop improves. The majority of the reduction in headcount relates to technology resources, recognising that the core build of our market leading proprietary technology platform is complete and does not require the same rate of investment going forward.

This restructuring will result in further redundancy costs of GBP1.2m in the second half of FY24 (FY24: GBP1.5m) and will reduce payroll costs from current levels by cGBP5m, or c25% per annum. The benefit to the profit and loss account from these changes will be lower, with the majority of costs related to staff working on technology development having been previously capitalised as additions to intangible assets. However, we expect the benefit of this in FY25, coupled with further reductions in third party costs, will return administrative expenses to a level similar to those reported in FY23.

Outlook summary

In line with previous securitisations, the business is exploring a potential sale of residual interests in the most recent Mortimer 23 transaction. This is likely to be completed in the second half of FY24 and is expected to generate a pre-tax profit of at least GBP10m.

We then expect to see the benefit of the growth and cost reduction strategies noted above, hopefully coupled with a more positive market backdrop, to have a positive impact on performance with a view to the business returning to profitability by H2 FY25.

Finance Review

Summary of the Condensed consolidated interim statement of profit and loss

The summary of the Condensed consolidated interim statement of profit and loss account for the 6 months' period ended 30 September 2023 is shown below.

As noted at the time of the FY23 results announcement, in order to assist our stakeholders in understanding our financial statements and to be able to more easily compare them to our peer group, we have updated the layout of our Condensed consolidated interim statement of profit and loss. This separately shows net interest income recognised under IFRS 9, net fee income recognised under IFRS 15, net gains on derecognition of financial assets, and net other income. This new presentation helps to split income generated from assets held on our balance sheet from those managed on behalf of third parties.

 
                                        6 months        6 months 
                                           ended           ended     Change 
   Unaudited                        30 September    30 September        (%) 
                                            2023            2022 
                                           GBP'm           GBP'm 
 Net interest income                         6.3            24.0       -74% 
                                  --------------  --------------  --------- 
 Net fee income                              6.6             5.9        12% 
                                  --------------  --------------  --------- 
 Net gains on derecognition 
  of financial assets                        0.1             3.8       -97% 
                                  --------------  --------------  --------- 
 Net other income                            0.1             0.1         0% 
                                  --------------  --------------  --------- 
 Net operating income                       13.1            33.8       -61% 
                                  --------------  --------------  --------- 
 Administrative expenses                  (21.1)          (17.1)        24% 
                                  --------------  --------------  --------- 
 Impairment losses on financial 
  assets                                   (7.1)           (1.9)       274% 
                                  --------------  --------------  --------- 
 Total operating expenses                 (28.2)          (19.0)        48% 
                                  --------------  --------------  --------- 
 (Loss) profit before 
  tax                                     (15.1)            14.8      -202% 
                                  --------------  --------------  --------- 
 Income tax credit (charge)                  3.9           (2.4)      -263% 
                                  --------------  --------------  --------- 
 (Loss) profit after taxation             (11.2)            12.4      -190% 
                                  --------------  --------------  --------- 
 Earnings per share for 
  profit attributable to 
  the ordinary equity holders 
  of the Group: 
                                  --------------  --------------  --------- 
 Basic earnings per share 
  (pence/share)                           (8.18)           10.75      -176% 
                                  --------------  --------------  --------- 
 Diluted earnings per share 
  (pence/share)                           (8.18)           10.38      -176% 
                                  --------------  --------------  --------- 
 

Further information on performance in the period relative to the prior year is contained in the Operating Review and the Notes to the unaudited financial statements included within this announcement.

Basic and dilutive earnings per share are the same value as an exercise of options would lead to a decrease in the loss per share and would not be dilutive.

Cash, Cash Flow, and Free Cash Flow

Despite the first half loss, the business has increased its cash resources from a combination of asset sales coupled with robust management of working capital and debt recovery.

As at 30 September 2023, the business held cash and cash equivalents of GBP88.0m, an 88% increase during the 6 month period. Of this total, GBP54.7m is held for loan funding purposes and GBP3.5m of restricted cash balances is held on behalf of investors in the business's Self-Select Platform.

 
                                       6 months ended      6 months ended 
  Unaudited                         30 September 2023        30 September 
                                                GBP'm                2022 
                                                         GBP'm (restated) 
Net cash inflow from operations                 116.8                10.1 
                                  -------------------  ------------------ 
Net cash outflow from investing 
 activities                                     (2.9)              (21.0) 
                                  -------------------  ------------------ 
Net cash (outflow) inflow from 
 financing activities                          (72.6)                 6.0 
                                  -------------------  ------------------ 
Net increase (decrease) in 
 cash and cash equivalents                       41.3               (4.9) 
                                  -------------------  ------------------ 
Cash and cash equivalents at 
 beginning of the period                         46.7               118.2 
                                  -------------------  ------------------ 
Cash and cash equivalents 
 at end of the period                            88.0               113.3 
                                  -------------------  ------------------ 
 

In the period there was a net cash inflow from operations of GBP116.8m primarily as a result of a managed reduction in gross loan and advances. There was a net cash outflow from investing activities of GBP2.9m reflecting capitalised development costs. Additionally, there was a net cash outflow from financing activities of GBP72.6m, driven by a reduction in interest bearing liabilities and derecognition of securitisation facilities.

Free cash for in the period was also strong, reflecting the factors noted above.

Free cash flow is defined as the net cash outflow from operating activities, less purchases of property, plant and equipment and capitalisation of internally developed software. Additionally, an adjustment has been made to reverse movements in loans and advances. This reflects the operating model of the business to finance increases in loan and advances through increases in interest bearing liabilities, which are excluded from this calculation. Further to this, there was a reduction in restricted cash held on behalf of Platform investors of GBP2.8m which has been reversed, and a net cash outflow of GBP0.9m from lease-related financing activities.

 
                                    6 months ended      6 months ended 
  Unaudited                           30 September        30 September 
                                              2023                2022 
                                             GBP'm    GBP'm (restated) 
Net cash flow from operations                116.8                 7.9 
                                   ---------------  ------------------ 
Reverse movements in loans and 
 advances                                   (81.5)                 4.8 
                                   ---------------  ------------------ 
Adjusted net cash flow from 
 operations                                   35.3                12.7 
                                   ---------------  ------------------ 
Capitalisation of internally 
 developed software                          (2.2)               (2.8) 
                                   ---------------  ------------------ 
PPE additions                                    -               (0.2) 
                                   ---------------  ------------------ 
Reverse movement in restricted 
 cash from Platform investors                  2.8                12.1 
                                   ---------------  ------------------ 
Cash outflows from lease related 
 financing activities                        (0.9)               (0.7) 
                                   ---------------  ------------------ 
Free cash flow                                35.0                23.8 
                                   ---------------  ------------------ 
 

The free cash flow in the six months to 30 September 2023 was GBP35.0 million. A full year dividend of 4.5 pence per share (approximately GBP4.5 million) was approved at the AGM on 18 September 2023, and paid on 13 October 2023 in respect of the financial year ended 31 March 2023.

Net assets

 
              30 September   30 September 
 Unaudited            2023           2022 
                     GBP'm          GBP'm 
Net assets            67.5           60.2 
             -------------  ------------- 
 

Net assets at 30 September were GBP67.5m (31 March 2023: GBP76.5m; 30 September 2022: GBP60.2m) with the increase on prior year primarily reflecting fair value gains on loans and advances recognised in H2 FY23.

Going Concern

The interim results have been prepared on a going concern basis. To assess the appropriateness of this basis, the Directors considered a wide range of information relating to present and future conditions, including the Group's current financial position and future projections of profitability, cash flows and capital resources.

The information included financial forecasts that have been prepared across a range of potential scenarios as well as detailed consideration of potential risks, including the impact of funding lines maturing in the next 12 months from the date of approval of these financial statements. The Directors believe that the Group will be able to refinance facilities falling due within the next 12 months either with the existing funding provider or with new third parties to continue its growth trajectory. If these facilities were not to be refinanced, the Group would be able to sell individual loans or portfolio of loans to facilitate the repayment of the outstanding amounts. This strategy is in line with the existing approach of the Group to both hold assets on its balance sheet and sell to third parties. The Directors do not consider that this creates a material uncertainty in the going concern assessment of the Group.

The Directors have also considered the factors likely to affect its future development, as set out in the Operating Review, and any associated risks alongside the Group's financial plan. Having reviewed these plans and other relevant information, the Directors consider the Group to have sufficient resources to continue to operate for a period of at least 12 months from the signing of these accounts and it is on this basis that the Directors have continued to prepare the accounts on a going concern basis.

Responsibility statement of the directors in respect of the interim consolidated financial statements for the six-month period ended 30 September 2023

We confirm that to the best of our knowledge:

-- the condensed set of financial statements has been prepared in accordance the UK-adopted International Accounting Standard 34, 'Interim Financial Reporting' and the Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules sourcebook of the United Kingdom's Financial Conduct Authority

Approved on behalf of the board:

Roderick Lockhart

Director

18 December 2023

INDEPENT REVIEW REPORT TO LendInvest PLC

Conclusion

Based on our review, nothing has come to our attention that causes us to believe that the condensed set of financial statements in the half-yearly financial report for the six months ended 30 September 2023 is not prepared, in all material respects, in accordance with UK adopted International Accounting Standard 34 and the London Stock Exchange AIM Rules for Companies.

We have been engaged by the company to review the condensed set of financial statements in the half-yearly financial report for the six months ended 30 September 2023 which comprises the Condensed consolidated interim statement of profit or loss, Condensed consolidated interim statement of other comprehensive income, Condensed consolidated interim statement of financial position, Condensed consolidated interim statement of changes in equity, condensed interim statements of cash flows and notes to the condensed interim financial statements.

Basis for conclusion

We conducted our review in accordance with International Standard on Review Engagements (UK) 2410, "Review of Interim Financial Information Performed by the Independent Auditor of the Entity" ("ISRE (UK) 2410"). A review of interim financial information consists of making enquiries, primarily of persons responsible for financial and accounting matters, and applying analytical and other review procedures. A review is substantially less in scope than an audit conducted in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK) and consequently does not enable us to obtain assurance that we would become aware of all significant matters that might be identified in an audit. Accordingly, we do not express an audit opinion.

As disclosed in note 1.2, the annual financial statements of the group are prepared in accordance with UK adopted international accounting standards. The condensed set of financial statements included in this half-yearly financial report has been prepared in accordance with UK adopted International Accounting Standard 34, "Interim Financial Reporting.

Conclusions relating to going concern

Based on our review procedures, which are less extensive than those performed in an audit as described in the Basis for conclusion section of this report, nothing has come to our attention to suggest that the directors have inappropriately adopted the going concern basis of accounting or that the directors have identified material uncertainties relating to going concern that are not appropriately disclosed.

This conclusion is based on the review procedures performed in accordance with ISRE (UK) 2410, however future events or conditions may cause the group to cease to continue as a going concern.

Responsibilities of directors

The directors are responsible for preparing the half-yearly financial report in accordance with

the London Stock Exchange AIM Rules for Companies which require that the half-yearly report be presented and prepared in a form consistent with that which will be adopted in the Company's annual accounts having regard to the accounting standards applicable to such annual accounts.

In preparing the half-yearly financial report, the directors are responsible for assessing the company's ability to continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going concern and using the going concern basis of accounting unless the directors either intend to liquidate the company or to cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so.

Auditor's responsibilities for the review of the financial information

In reviewing the half-yearly report, we are responsible for expressing to the Company a conclusion on the condensed set of financial statement in the half-yearly financial report. Our conclusion, including our Conclusions Relating to Going Concern, are based on procedures that are less extensive than audit procedures, as described in the Basis for Conclusion paragraph of this report.

Use of our report

Our report has been prepared in accordance with the terms of our engagement to assist the Company in meeting the requirements of the rules of the London Stock Exchange AIM Rules for Companies for no other purpose. No person is entitled to rely on this report unless such a person is a person entitled to rely upon this report by virtue of and for the purpose of our terms of engagement or has been expressly authorised to do so by our prior written consent. Save as above, we do not accept responsibility for this report to any other person or for any other purpose and we hereby expressly disclaim any and all such liability.

BDO LLP

Chartered Accountants

London, UK

18 December 2023

BDO LLP is a limited liability partnership registered in England and Wales (with registered number OC305127).

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED INTERIM STATEMENT OF PROFIT AND LOSS

 
                                   Note   6 months ended      6 months ended 
                                            30 September        30 September 
                                                    2023                2022 
                                                   GBP'm    GBP'm (restated) 
                                             (Unaudited)         (Unaudited) 
                                  -----  ---------------  ------------------ 
 Interest income calculated 
  using the effective interest 
  rate                              4               34.1                31.6 
                                  -----  ---------------  ------------------ 
 Other interest and similar 
  income                            4              (0.3)                 2.5 
                                  -----  ---------------  ------------------ 
 Interest expense and similar 
  charges                           5             (27.5)              (10.1) 
                                  -----  ---------------  ------------------ 
 Net interest income                                 6.3                24.0 
                                  -----  ---------------  ------------------ 
 Fee income                         6                7.7                 7.6 
                                  -----  ---------------  ------------------ 
 Fee expenses                       6              (1.1)               (1.7) 
                                  -----  ---------------  ------------------ 
 Net fee income                     6                6.6                 5.9 
                                  -----  ---------------  ------------------ 
 Net gains on derecognition 
  of financial assets               7               10.8                 3.8 
                                  -----  ---------------  ------------------ 
 Loss on sale of loan portfolio     7             (10.7)                   - 
                                  -----  ---------------  ------------------ 
 Net other operating income                          0.1                 0.1 
                                  -----  ---------------  ------------------ 
 Net operating income                               13.1                33.8 
                                  -----  ---------------  ------------------ 
 Administrative expenses                          (21.1)              (17.1) 
                                  -----  ---------------  ------------------ 
 Impairment losses on financial 
  assets                            13             (7.1)               (1.9) 
                                  -----  ---------------  ------------------ 
 Total operating expenses                         (28.2)              (19.0) 
                                  -----  ---------------  ------------------ 
 Profit (loss) before 
  tax                                             (15.1)                14.8 
                                  -----  ---------------  ------------------ 
 Income tax (charge) credit                          3.9               (2.4) 
                                  -----  ---------------  ------------------ 
 Profit (loss) after taxation                     (11.2)                12.4 
                                  -----  ---------------  ------------------ 
 Earnings per share for 
  profit attributable to 
  the ordinary equity holders 
  of the Group: 
                                  -----  ---------------  ------------------ 
 Basic earnings per share 
  (pence/share)                     24            (8.18)               10.75 
                                  -----  ---------------  ------------------ 
 Diluted earnings per 
  share (pence/share)               24            (8.18)               10.38 
                                  -----  ---------------  ------------------ 
 

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED INTERIM STATEMENT OF OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

 
                                      Note   6 months ended      6 months ended 
                                               30 September        30 September 
                                                       2023                2022 
                                                      GBP'm    GBP'm (restated) 
                                                (Unaudited)         (Unaudited) 
                                     -----  ---------------  ------------------ 
 (Loss) Profit for the 
  period                                             (11.2)                12.4 
                                     -----  ---------------  ------------------ 
 Other comprehensive income: 
                                     -----  ---------------  ------------------ 
 Items that will or may 
  be reclassified to profit 
  or loss: 
                                     -----  ---------------  ------------------ 
 Cash flow hedge adjustment 
  recycled to profit or 
  loss                                 25            (21.5)                   - 
                                     -----  ---------------  ------------------ 
 Cash flow hedge adjustment 
  recorded in OCI                      25                 -                26.5 
                                     -----  ---------------  ------------------ 
 Fair value gain (loss) 
  on loans and advances 
  and hedge items measured 
  at fair value through 
  OCI                                  25              37.2              (81.5) 
                                     -----  ---------------  ------------------ 
 Cumulative gain (loss) 
  on financial assets reclassified 
  to profit or loss upon 
  disposal and reclassification 
  from FVTOCI to FVTPL                 25             (7.2)                27.4 
                                     -----  ---------------  ------------------ 
 Deferred tax charge on 
  gross movements through 
  OCI                                  25             (2.1)                 6.9 
                                     -----  ---------------  ------------------ 
 Other comprehensive income 
  (loss) for the period                                 6.4              (20.7) 
                                     -----  ---------------  ------------------ 
 Total comprehensive (loss) 
  for the period                                      (4.8)               (8.3) 
                                     -----  ---------------  ------------------ 
 

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED INTERIM STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION

 
                                  Note   As at 30 September   As at 31 March 
                                                       2023             2023 
                                                      GBP'm            GBP'm 
 Assets                                         (Unaudited)        (Audited) 
                                 -----  -------------------  --------------- 
 Cash and cash equivalents         12                  88.0             46.7 
                                 -----  -------------------  --------------- 
 Trade and other receivables       11                   4.5              6.1 
                                 -----  -------------------  --------------- 
 Loans and advances                13                 807.5          1,122.9 
                                 -----  -------------------  --------------- 
 Fair value adjustment 
  for portfolio hedged risk                             0.2              0.1 
                                 -----  -------------------  --------------- 
 Investment securities             14                  23.5             23.9 
                                 -----  -------------------  --------------- 
 Property, plant and equipment     15                   1.8              2.2 
                                 -----  -------------------  --------------- 
 Intangible assets                 17                  11.3             10.5 
                                 -----  -------------------  --------------- 
 Derivative financial assets       22                  12.0             46.0 
                                 -----  -------------------  --------------- 
 Net investment in sublease                             0.8              1.0 
                                 -----  -------------------  --------------- 
 Investment in joint venture                            0.2              0.2 
                                 -----  -------------------  --------------- 
 Investment in third parties                            2.0              2.0 
                                 -----  -------------------  --------------- 
 Corporate tax receivable          10                   2.7                - 
                                 -----  -------------------  --------------- 
 Deferred taxation asset           10                     -              1.2 
                                 -----  -------------------  --------------- 
 Total assets                                         954.5          1,262.8 
                                 -----  -------------------  --------------- 
 Liabilities 
                                 -----  -------------------  --------------- 
 Trade and other payables          18                (30.3)           (23.7) 
                                 -----  -------------------  --------------- 
 Interest bearing liabilities      19               (853.3)        (1,159.3) 
                                 -----  -------------------  --------------- 
 Lease liabilities                 16                 (2.8)            (3.3) 
                                 -----  -------------------  --------------- 
 Deferred taxation liability       10                 (0.6)                - 
                                 -----  -------------------  --------------- 
 Total liabilities                                  (887.0)        (1,186.3) 
                                 -----  -------------------  --------------- 
 Net assets                                            67.5             76.5 
                                 -----  -------------------  --------------- 
 

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED INTERIM STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION (continued)

 
                                 As at 30 September   As at 31 March 
   Equity                                      2023             2023 
                                              GBP'm            GBP'm 
 Share capital              23                  0.1              0.1 
                           ---  -------------------  --------------- 
 Share premium              23                 55.2             55.2 
                           ---  -------------------  --------------- 
 Employee share reserve     25                  4.3              3.3 
                           ---  -------------------  --------------- 
 Own Share Reserve          25                (0.6)            (0.6) 
                           ---  -------------------  --------------- 
 Fair value reserve         25                  6.0           (16.5) 
                           ---  -------------------  --------------- 
 Cash flow hedge reserve                          -             16.1 
                           ---  -------------------  --------------- 
 Retained earnings          25                  2.5             18.9 
                           ---  -------------------  --------------- 
 Total equity                                  67.5             76.5 
                           ---  -------------------  --------------- 
 

These condensed consolidated interim financial statements of LendInvest plc, with registered number 08146929, were approved by the Board of Directors and authorised for issue on 19 December 2023. Signed on behalf of the Board of Directors by:

Roderick Lockhart

Director

18 December 2023

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED INTERIM STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY

 
                            Own      Share      Share   Employee           Fair           Cash    Retained    Total 
                          share    capital    premium      Share          value           flow    earnings    GBP'm 
                        reserve      GBP'm      GBP'm    Reserve        reserve          hedge       GBP'm 
                          GBP'm                            GBP'm            net        reserve 
                                                                    of deferred            net 
                                                                            tax    of deferred 
                                                                          GBP'm            tax 
                                                                                         GBP'm 
                                                               (Unaudited) 
                      --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
 Balance 
  as at 1 April 
  2023                    (0.6)        0.1       55.2        3.3         (16.5)           16.1        18.9     76.5 
                      ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  -------------  -------------  ----------  ------- 
 Profit (loss) 
  after taxation              -          -          -          -              -              -      (11.2)   (11.2) 
                      ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  -------------  -------------  ----------  ------- 
 Recognition 
  of employee 
  share options 
  schemes                     -          -          -        1.0              -              -           -      1.0 
                      ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  -------------  -------------  ----------  ------- 
 Deferred 
  tax on employee 
  share option 
  scheme deduction            -          -          -          -              -              -       (0.7)    (0.7) 
                      ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  -------------  -------------  ----------  ------- 
 FY23 final 
  dividend 
  declared                    -          -          -          -              -              -       (4.5)    (4.5) 
                      ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  -------------  -------------  ----------  ------- 
 Fair value 
  adjustments 
  on 
  loan & advances 
  through OCI                 -          -          -          -           22.5              -           -     22.5 
                      ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  -------------  -------------  ----------  ------- 
 Cash flow 
  hedge adjustments 
  through OCI                 -          -          -          -              -         (16.1)           -   (16.1) 
                      ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  -------------  -------------  ----------  ------- 
 Balance 
  as at 30 
  September 
  2023                    (0.6)        0.1       55.2        4.3            6.0              -         2.5     67.5 
                      ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  -------------  -------------  ----------  ------- 
 

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED INTERIM STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY (continued)

 
                         Own      Share      Share   Employee           Fair           Cash    Retained          Total 
                       share    capital    premium      Share          value           flow    earnings          GBP'm 
                     reserve      GBP'm      GBP'm    Reserve        reserve          hedge       GBP'm    (re-stated) 
                       GBP'm                            GBP'm         net of        reserve 
                                                                    deferred            net 
                                                                         tax    of deferred 
                                                                       GBP'm            tax 
                                                                 (re-stated)          GBP'm 
                                                               (Unaudited) 
                   --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
 Balance 
  as at 1 
  April 2022               -        0.1       55.2        2.7            3.8           19.8        15.9           97.5 
                   ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  -------------  -------------  ----------  ------------- 
 Profit after 
  taxation                 -          -          -          -              -              -        12.4           12.4 
                   ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  -------------  -------------  ----------  ------------- 
 Recognition 
  of employee 
  share options 
  schemes                  -          -          -        0.7              -              -           -            0.7 
                   ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  -------------  -------------  ----------  ------------- 
 Transfer 
  from share 
  reserve 
  to retained 
  earnings                 -          -          -      (1.2)              -              -         1.2              - 
                   ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  -------------  -------------  ----------  ------------- 
 Dividends 
  paid                     -          -          -          -              -              -       (6.2)          (6.2) 
                   ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  -------------  -------------  ----------  ------------- 
 Shares purchased 
  by EBT               (3.0)          -          -          -              -              -           -          (3.0) 
                   ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  -------------  -------------  ----------  ------------- 
 Shares issued 
  from own 
  share reserve          1.8          -          -          -              -              -       (1.8)              - 
                   ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  -------------  -------------  ----------  ------------- 
 Fair value 
  adjustments 
  on 
  loan & advances 
  through 
  OCI                      -          -          -          -         (40.6)              -           -         (40.6) 
                   ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  -------------  -------------  ----------  ------------- 
 Cash flow 
  hedge 
  adjustments 
  through 
  OCI                      -          -          -          -              -           20.0           -           20.0 
                   ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  -------------  -------------  ----------  ------------- 
 Balance 
  as at 30 
  September 
  2022                 (1.2)        0.1       55.2        2.2         (36.8)           39.8        21.5           80.8 
                   ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  -------------  -------------  ----------  ------------- 
 

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED INTERIM STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS

 
                                 Note       6 months ended       6 months ended 
                                         30 September 2023    30 September 2022 
                                                     GBP'm     GBP'm (restated) 
                                               (Unaudited)          (Unaudited) 
                                -----  -------------------  ------------------- 
 Cash flows from operating 
  activities 
                                -----  -------------------  ------------------- 
 (Loss) profit for the 
  period                                            (11.2)                 14.8 
                                -----  -------------------  ------------------- 
 Adjusted for: 
                                -----  -------------------  ------------------- 
 Depreciation of property, 
  plant and equipment             15                   0.1                  0.2 
                                -----  -------------------  ------------------- 
 Amortisation of intangible 
  fixed assets                    17                   1.4                  0.8 
                                -----  -------------------  ------------------- 
 Share-based payment expenses 
  to reserves                     9                    1.0                  0.7 
                                -----  -------------------  ------------------- 
 Finance income                                          -                (0.2) 
                                -----  -------------------  ------------------- 
 Income tax expense                                  (3.9)                    - 
                                -----  -------------------  ------------------- 
 Derivative unrealised 
  (loss)/gain and hedge 
  accounting                                           0.3                (2.5) 
                                -----  -------------------  ------------------- 
 Derivative fair value 
  gains reclassified to 
  profit and loss                                        -               (21.2) 
                                -----  -------------------  ------------------- 
 Fair value re-cycled to 
  line item 'loss on sale 
  of loan portfolio' in 
  profit or loss                                    (20.0)                    - 
                                -----  -------------------  ------------------- 
 Derivative settlements                                  -                 19.3 
                                -----  -------------------  ------------------- 
 Impairment provision(1)          13                   7.1                  2.0 
                                -----  -------------------  ------------------- 
 Income from sublease                                (0.1)                    - 
                                -----  -------------------  ------------------- 
 Depreciation of right 
  of use asset                    15                   0.3                  0.3 
                                -----  -------------------  ------------------- 
 Interest expense of right 
  of use asset                                         0.2                  0.2 
                                -----  -------------------  ------------------- 
 Loss/(gain) on disposal 
  of portfolios                                       30.6                (3.8) 
                                -----  -------------------  ------------------- 
 Gain on disposal of residual 
  interest                                          (10.8)                    - 
                                -----  -------------------  ------------------- 
 
 Proceeds from sale of 
  residual notes                                       8.6                  5.7 
                                -----  -------------------  ------------------- 
 Income tax (paid)                                       -                (2.1) 
                                -----  -------------------  ------------------- 
 Change in working capital 
                                -----  -------------------  ------------------- 
 Decrease/(increase) in 
  loans and advances              13                  81.5                (4.8) 
                                -----  -------------------  ------------------- 
 Decrease/(increase) in 
  trade and other receivables     11                   1.7                (6.4) 
                                -----  -------------------  ------------------- 
 Increase in trade and 
  other payables                  18                   2.4                  7.1 
                                -----  -------------------  ------------------- 
 Derivative settlements                               27.6                    - 
                                -----  -------------------  ------------------- 
 Net cash inflow from 
  operations                                         116.8                 10.1 
                                -----  -------------------  ------------------- 
 

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED INTERIM STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS (continued)

 
 Cash flow from investing 
  activities 
 Purchase of property, 
  plant and equipment               15         -     (0.2) 
                                   ---  --------  -------- 
 Capitalisation of internally 
  developed software                17     (2.2)     (2.8) 
                                   ---  --------  -------- 
 Interest received                             -       0.2 
                                   ---  --------  -------- 
 Swap initial exchange 
  costs                                    (0.8)    (18.2) 
                                   ---  --------  -------- 
 Income from sublease                        0.1         - 
                                   ---  --------  -------- 
 Net cash outflow from 
  investing activities                     (2.9)    (21.0) 
                                   ---  --------  -------- 
 Cash flow from financing 
  activities 
                                   ---  --------  -------- 
 Cash receipt from interest 
  bearing liabilities               19     164.9      38.7 
                                   ---  --------  -------- 
 Proceeds to fund securitisation 
  repayments                                   -     437.3 
                                   ---  --------  -------- 
 Redemption of securitisation 
  facilities                        19         -   (444.4) 
                                   ---  --------  -------- 
 Repayment of funding line 
  post sale of loan portfolio       19   (236.8)         - 
                                   ---  --------  -------- 
 Repayment of retail bonds                     -    (28.1) 
                                   ---  --------  -------- 
 Proceeds from issuance 
  of retail bonds                              -       9.3 
                                   ---  --------  -------- 
 Principal elements of 
  finance lease payments            16     (0.5)     (0.5) 
                                   ---  --------  -------- 
 Interest expense of right 
  of use asset                      16     (0.2)     (0.2) 
                                   ---  --------  -------- 
 Dividends paid                     26         -     (6.1) 
                                   ---  --------  -------- 
 Net cash (outflow) from 
  financing activities                    (72.6)       6.0 
                                   ---  --------  -------- 
 Net (decrease)/increase 
  in cash and cash equivalents              41.3     (4.9) 
                                   ---  --------  -------- 
 Cash and cash equivalents 
  at beginning of the period        12      46.7     118.2 
                                   ---  --------  -------- 
 Cash and cash equivalents 
  at end of the period (2)          12      88.0     113.3 
                                   ---  --------  -------- 
 

(1) The non-cash movement in the impairment provision differs from the charge to the statement of profit and loss in respect to the impairment provision for the six-month period ended 30 September 2022. This is due to the charge to the statement of profit and loss including a credit of 0.1m in respect of cash amounts recovered in the period on loans that have previously been written off.

(2) Cash and cash equivalents include restricted cash of GBP3.5m received from Platform Investors.

NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED INTERIM FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

1. Basis of preparation

1.1 General information

LendInvest plc is a public company incorporated on 17 July 2012 in the United Kingdom under the Companies Act. The company listed on AIM on 14 July 2021. The address of its registered office is Two Fitzroy Place, 8 Mortimer Street, London W1T 3JJ.

These Condensed consolidated interim financial statements of LendInvest plc, for the six-month period ended 30 September 2023, comprise the results of the Company and its subsidiaries (together referred to as "the Group") (collectively "these financial statements").

1.2 Basis of accounting

These condensed consolidated interim financial statements have been prepared in accordance with IAS 34 "Interim Financial Reporting" and have been prepared on a historical cost basis, except as required in the valuation of certain financial instruments which are carried at fair value. These condensed consolidated interim financial statements have been prepared applying the accounting policies and presentation that were applied in the preparation of the Group's published financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2023.

These condensed consolidated interim financial statements are not statutory accounts. The Group statutory accounts for the year ended 31 March 2023 have been reported on by its auditor and delivered to the Registrar of Companies. The report of the auditor on those statutory accounts was unqualified, did not include a reference to any matters to which the auditor drew attention by way of emphasis without qualifying their report, and did not contain a statement under Section 498(2) or (3) of the Companies Act 2006.

All amounts are presented in pounds sterling, which is the functional currency of the Company and all its subsidiaries. Amounts are rounded to the nearest million, except where otherwise indicated.

1.2.1 Going Concern

The Group's business activities together with the factors likely to affect its future development and position are set out in the Operating Review. The Directors have a reasonable expectation that the Group will have adequate resources to continue to operate for a period of at least 12 months from the signing of these accounts and therefore it is on this basis that the Directors have continued to prepare the accounts on a going concern basis.

The Directors believe that the Group will be able to refinance facilities falling due within the next 12 months either with the existing funding provider or with new third parties to continue its growth trajectory. If these facilities were not to be refinanced, the Group would be able to sell individual loans or portfolio of loans to facilitate the repayment of the outstanding amounts. This strategy is in line with the existing approach of the Group to both hold assets on its balance sheet and sell to the third parties. The Directors do not consider that this creates a material uncertainty in the going concern assessment of the Group. More information on the Directors' assessment of going concern is set out in the Finance Review.

1.3 Accounting policies

The accounting policies and methods of computation are consistent with those set out in the Annual Report 2023.

1.4 Changes in the presentation of the Consolidated interim statement of profit and loss

The purpose of IAS 1 - Presentation of Financial Statements - is to prescribe the basis of general-purpose financial statements, to ensure comparability both within the entity's financial statements of previous periods and the financial statements of other entities. During the year, the composition of the Consolidated interim statement of profit and loss has been amended to more clearly reflect the nature of the profits from operations and to align the Consolidated interim statement of profit and loss to wider industry standards to enable comparability.

The cost of sales and gross profit lines items as reported in the Consolidated interim statement of profit and loss in prior periods are not terms generally associated with financial services entities and the components of this line item has been reclassified to enhance comparability to our peers.

The interest expense and funding line costs line items are directly related to the derivation of interest on loans and advances under IFRS 9 - Financial Instruments and are reported as an element of net interest income. Origination fees, and asset management and fund fees, relate to fee income under IFRS 15 - Revenue recognition, and are reported as a component of net fee income. Please refer to notes 4-7 for enhanced disclosure of the composition of the amended line items.

The revised layout is a truer reflection of these two main categories of profit drivers:

-- Net interest income: reflective of profits/losses from interest and similar charges accounted for under the effective interest rate basis as prescribed by IFRS 9 - Financial Instruments.

-- Net fee income: reflective of profits from fees and similar income accounted for under IFRS 15 - Revenue from Contracts with Customers.

The table below shows the comparative position for those items which have been reclassified and where those amounts have been reclassified to in the Consolidated interim statement of profit and loss.

 
 
                                                                         6 months ended 30 September 
   Consolidated interim statement of profit                                                     2022 
   and loss extract                                                                            GBP'm 
 Gain on derecognition of financial assets                                                       3.8 
                                                                      ------------------------------ 
 
          *    Report as gain on derecognition of financial assets                               3.8 
                                                                      ------------------------------ 
 Cost of sales                                                                                (11.4) 
                                                                      ------------------------------ 
 
          *    Amounts reclassified to interest expense and similar 
               charges                                                                         (9.7) 
                                                                      ------------------------------ 
 
          *    Amounts reclassified to fee expenses                                            (1.7) 
                                                                      ------------------------------ 
 Finance income                                                                                  2.7 
                                                                      ------------------------------ 
 
          *    Amounts reclassified to interest and similar income                               2.7 
                                                                      ------------------------------ 
 

This change has no effect on the Group's profits or net assets.

1.5 Prior period adjustments

i) For the prior period adjustment noted during FY23 in relation to fair value hedge accounting, the Group restated its FY22 Condensed consolidated interim statement of financial position, Condensed consolidated interim statement of other comprehensive income, and Condensed consolidated interim statement of changes in equity, in accordance with IFRS 9. Please refer to Note 1.26 in FY23 Annual Report. The Group considered the prior period adjustment for interim reporting at 30th September 2023 as per IAS 34 disclosure requirements. For the period ending H1 FY24, the Group has correctly reclassified amounts relating to changes in the hedged risk from OCI to profit or loss over the hedged period for macro portfolio hedging. This is in line with the hedge accounting policy referred to in the FY23 Annual Report. In line with the above, the Group restated its September 2022 Condensed consolidated interim statement of other comprehensive income and Condensed consolidated interim statement of changes in equity in accordance with IAS 8 and IFRS 9. This change does not impact the Condensed consolidated interim statement of profit and loss or Condensed consolidated interim statement of financial position for the reporting period. There is no change to the earnings per share of the Group.

ii) During a review of the H1 FY23 interim financial statements, it was identified that non-cash transactions related to the issuance and redemption of bonds were included in the Condensed consolidated statement of cashflows. There is no change to the Condensed consolidated interim statement of profit and loss and Consolidated statement of financial position. However, a change in the Consolidated statement of cash flows statement is included in respect of the six months to 30 September 2022. The audited financial statements at 31 March 2023 takes into account the non-cash transaction treatment related to financing activities.

 
 
   Restated Condensed consolidated        As at 30 September     Adjustment     As at 30 September 
   interim statement of other                           2022      (i) GBP'm                   2022 
   comprehensive income                     GBP'm (reported)                      GBP'm (restated) 
 Profit after taxation                                  12.4              -                   12.4 
                                       ---------------------  -------------  --------------------- 
 Other comprehensive (loss)/income: 
                                       ---------------------  -------------  --------------------- 
 Fair value loss on loans 
  and advances measured at 
  fair value through other 
  comprehensive income                                (81.5)                                (81.5) 
                                       ---------------------  -------------  --------------------- 
 Cumulative gain (loss) 
  on financial 
  assets reclassified to 
  profit or loss 
  upon disposal and reclassification 
  from FVTOCI to FVTPL                                     -           27.4                   27.4 
                                       ---------------------  -------------  --------------------- 
 Cash flow hedge adjustment                             26.5              -                   26.5 
                                       ---------------------  -------------  --------------------- 
 Deferred tax credit on 
  gross movements through 
  OCI                                                   13.7          (6.9)                    6.8 
                                       ---------------------  -------------  --------------------- 
 Other comprehensive (loss)/income 
  for the year                                        (41.3)           20.5                 (20.8) 
                                       ---------------------  -------------  --------------------- 
 Total comprehensive income 
  for the year                                        (28.9)           20.5                  (8.4) 
                                       ---------------------  -------------  --------------------- 
 
 
 Restated               Share      Share        Own   Employee        Fair        Cash    Retained    Total 
  Condensed           capital    premium      share      share       value        flow    earnings    GBP'm 
  consolidated          GBP'm      GBP'm    reserve    reserve     reserve       hedge       GBP'm 
  interim                                     GBP'm      GBP'm      net of     reserve 
  statement                                                       deferred      net of 
  of changes                                                           tax    deferred 
  in equity                                                          GBP'm         tax 
                                                                                 GBP'm 
 Balance 
  as at 30 
  September 
  2022 (reported)         0.1       55.2      (1.2)        2.2      (57.4)        39.8        21.5     60.2 
                    ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ------- 
 Adjustment 
  (i)                       -          -          -          -        20.6           -           -     20.6 
                    ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ------- 
 Balance 
  as at 30 
  September 
  2022 (restated)         0.1       55.2      (1.2)        2.2      (36.8)        39.8        21.5     80.8 
                    ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ------- 
 
 
 
   Restated Consolidated      As at 30 September     Adjustment     Adjustment     As at 30 September 
   statement of cash                        2022      (i) GBP'm           (ii)                   2022 
   flows (extract)              GBP'm (reported)                         GBP'm       GBP'm (restated) 
 Cash generated 
  from financing 
  activities 
                           ---------------------  -------------  -------------  --------------------- 
 Repayment of retail 
  bonds                                   (57.7)              -           29.6                 (28.1) 
                           ---------------------  -------------  -------------  --------------------- 
 Proceeds from issuance 
  of retail bonds                           38.9              -         (29.6)                    9.3 
                           ---------------------  -------------  -------------  --------------------- 
 Cash generated 
  from financing 
  activities                                 6.0              -              -                    6.0 
                           ---------------------  -------------  -------------  --------------------- 
 

2. Financial risk management

General objectives, policies and processes

The Board has the overall responsibility for the establishment and oversight of the Group's risk management framework. The Group's risk management activities and exposure to credit, liquidity and market risk are consistent with those set out in the Annual Report 2023. The tables below analyse the Group's contractual undiscounted cash flows of its financial assets and liabilities:

 
 
                         Carrying     Gross nominal       Amounts     Amounts         Amounts       Amounts 
   As at                   amount           inflow/        due in      due in     due between        due in 
   30 September             GBP'm         (outflow)     less than      6 - 12         one and     more than 
   2023                                       GBP'm      6 months      months      five years       5 years 
                                                            GBP'm       GBP'm           GBP'm         GBP'm 
                                                           (Unaudited) 
                      ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
 Financial 
  assets 
                      -----------  ----------------  ------------  ----------  --------------  ------------ 
 Cash and 
  cash equivalents           88.0              88.0          88.0           -               -             - 
                      -----------  ----------------  ------------  ----------  --------------  ------------ 
 Trade and 
  other receivables           1.9               1.9           1.9           -               -             - 
                      -----------  ----------------  ------------  ----------  --------------  ------------ 
 Derivative 
  financial 
  asset                      12.0              12.0           0.1         2.4             4.5           5.0 
                      -----------  ----------------  ------------  ----------  --------------  ------------ 
 Loans and 
  advances                  807.5           1,099.2         219.8       161.2           186.0         532.3 
                      -----------  ----------------  ------------  ----------  --------------  ------------ 
 Investment 
  securities                 23.5              27.0           0.8         0.8            25.4             - 
                      -----------  ----------------  ------------  ----------  --------------  ------------ 
                            932.9           1,228.9         310.6       164.4           215.9         537.3 
                      -----------  ----------------  ------------  ----------  --------------  ------------ 
 Financial 
  liabilities 
                      -----------  ----------------  ------------  ----------  --------------  ------------ 
 Trade and 
  other payables             29.1              29.1          29.1           -               -             - 
                      -----------  ----------------  ------------  ----------  --------------  ------------ 
 Interest 
  bearing 
  liabilities(1)            853.3             921.4         214.6        21.2           653.2          32.4 
                      -----------  ----------------  ------------  ----------  --------------  ------------ 
 Lease liability              2.8               3.0           0.7         0.7             1.6             - 
                      -----------  ----------------  ------------  ----------  --------------  ------------ 
                            885.2             953.5         244.4        21.9           654.8          32.4 
                      -----------  ----------------  ------------  ----------  --------------  ------------ 
 

(1) The maturity profile of the loan note liability is based on the asset recall option exercise date, as the asset recall triggers the repayment of the outstanding loan notes. The maturity profile of the loan notes does not match the maturity profile of the loans and advances which is based on the expected redemptions of the underlying mortgages which will be transferred on to another entity when the asset recall option is exercised.

 
                        Carrying   Gross nominal          Amounts   Amounts        Amounts      Amounts 
                          amount         inflow/      due in less    due in    due between       due in 
   As at                               (outflow)    than 6 months    6 - 12        one and    more than 
   31 March                GBP'm           GBP'm            GBP'm    months     five years      5 years 
   2023                                                               GBP'm          GBP'm        GBP'm 
                                                                                              (Audited) 
                      --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
 Financial 
  assets 
                      ----------  --------------  ---------------  --------  -------------  ----------- 
 Cash and 
  cash equivalents          46.7            46.7             46.7         -              -            - 
                      ----------  --------------  ---------------  --------  -------------  ----------- 
 Trade and 
  other receivables          4.2             4.2              3.0         -            1.2            - 
                      ----------  --------------  ---------------  --------  -------------  ----------- 
 Loans and 
  advances               1,122.9         1,927.1            205.3     164.6          203.9      1,353.3 
                      ----------  --------------  ---------------  --------  -------------  ----------- 
 Derivative 
  financial 
  asset                     46.0            46.0              9.1       7.9           26.4          2.6 
                      ----------  --------------  ---------------  --------  -------------  ----------- 
 Investment 
  securities                23.9            25.6             11.1       0.4           14.1            - 
                      ----------  --------------  ---------------  --------  -------------  ----------- 
                         1,243.7         2,049.6            275.2     172.9          245.6      1,355.9 
                      ----------  --------------  ---------------  --------  -------------  ----------- 
 Financial 
  liabilities 
                      ----------  --------------  ---------------  --------  -------------  ----------- 
 Trade and 
  other payables          (22.3)          (22.3)           (22.3)         -              -            - 
                      ----------  --------------  ---------------  --------  -------------  ----------- 
 Interest 
  bearing 
  liabilities          (1,159.3)       (1,371.6)          (257.8)   (305.9)        (415.9)      (392.0) 
                      ----------  --------------  ---------------  --------  -------------  ----------- 
 Lease liability           (3.3)           (3.8)            (0.7)     (0.7)          (2.4)            - 
                      ----------  --------------  ---------------  --------  -------------  ----------- 
                       (1,184.9)       (1,397.7)          (280.8)   (306.6)        (418.3)      (392.0) 
                      ----------  --------------  ---------------  --------  -------------  ----------- 
 
 
 Lease liability      2.8     3.0     0.7    0.7     1.6      - 
                    885.2   953.5   244.4   21.9   654.8   32.4 
                   ------  ------  ------  -----  ------  ----- 
 

3. Segmental analysis

In prior periods the business has been managed on the basis of two core segments, namely short-term lending and BTL lending. From the beginning of this financial period, the management structure of the business has changed to better reflect the service and operating model of the Group's different product propositions:

-- Mortgages Division: provides mortgages to both professional BTL landlords and Homeowners as well as a range of Bridging loans. These are typically higher volume, lower value transactions that rely on technology supporting a highly efficient underwriting and onboarding process.

-- Capital Division: provides larger, more structured finance primarily to property developers. These are typically higher value, lower volume transactions that require more bespoke management and a more in-depth underwriting analysis.

In accordance with the provision of paragraphs 29 and 30 of IFRS 8 Operating Segments, due to the information to restate prior periods not being available, and because the costs to develop would be excessive, the prior year segmental analysis has not been re-stated.

Current year

The Group's lending operations are carried out solely in the UK, and effective from 1(st) April 2023, were carried out solely from the Group's LendInvest Mortgages and Capital Divisions, reflective of the product offerings. The results and net assets of the Group are derived from the provision of property related loans only. The following describes the operations of the two reportable segments for the 6 months ended 30 September 2023:

LendInvest Mortgages

LendInvest Mortgages provides mortgages to both professional BTL landlords and Homeowners as well as a range of short-term Bridging loans.

LendInvest Capital

The LendInvest Capital division provides larger, more structured finance primarily to property developers and larger Bridging loans & houses the Fund and Self-Select Platform.

In prior periods the Group's lending operations were previously carried out alongside the two main lending products: short-term lending and BTL mortgages. Due the costs associated with restating the prior period, management have made the decision to not restate prior period results in the new reportable segments.

The segmental analysis of the condensed consolidated interim statement of profit and loss is as follows:

 
 
   6 months ended 30             Mortgages     Capital     Central     Total 
   September 2023                    GBP'm       GBP'm       GBP'm     GBP'm 
 Statement of Profit 
  and Loss Information                          (Unaudited) 
                              ---------------------------------------------- 
 Interest income calculated 
  using the effective 
  interest rate                       26.3         7.8           -      34.1 
                              ------------  ----------  ----------  -------- 
 Other interest and 
  similar income                     (0.3)           -           -     (0.3) 
                              ------------  ----------  ----------  -------- 
 Interest charges and 
  similar charges                   (20.7)       (6.8)           -    (27.5) 
                              ------------  ----------  ----------  -------- 
 Net interest income                   5.3         1.0           -       6.3 
                              ------------  ----------  ----------  -------- 
 Fee income                            3.4         4.3           -       7.7 
                              ------------  ----------  ----------  -------- 
 Fees expenses                       (0.5)       (0.6)                 (1.1) 
                              ------------  ----------  ----------  -------- 
 Net fee income                        2.9         3.7           -       6.6 
                              ------------  ----------  ----------  -------- 
 Gain on derecognition 
  of financial assets                 10.8           -           -      10.8 
                              ------------  ----------  ----------  -------- 
 Loss on sale of loan 
  portfolio                         (10.7)           -           -    (10.7) 
                              ------------  ----------  ----------  -------- 
 Net other income                      0.1           -           -       0.1 
                              ------------  ----------  ----------  -------- 
 Net segment operating 
  income                               8.4         4.7           -      13.1 
                              ------------  ----------  ----------  -------- 
 Administrative expenses             (5.4)       (2.5)      (13.2)    (21.1) 
                              ------------  ----------  ----------  -------- 
 Impairment losses 
  on financial assets                (0.7)       (6.4)           -     (7.1) 
                              ------------  ----------  ----------  -------- 
 Total segment operating 
  expenses                           (6.1)       (8.9)      (13.2)    (28.2) 
                              ------------  ----------  ----------  -------- 
 Segment profit/ (loss) 
  before tax                           2.3       (4.2)      (13.2)    (15.1) 
                              ------------  ----------  ----------  -------- 
 

Central administrative expenses represent the cost of providing central services that are not directly attributable to the operating segments.

The segmental analysis of the condensed consolidated interim statement of financial position is as follows:

 
 
                                   Mortgages     Capital     Central     Total 
   As at 30 September                  GBP'm       GBP'm       GBP'm     GBP'm 
   2023 
 Statement of Financial 
  Position Information                            (Unaudited) 
                                ---------------------------------------------- 
 Loans and advances                    635.8       171.7           -     807.5 
                                ------------  ----------  ----------  -------- 
 Derivative financial 
  asset                                 12.0           -           -      12.0 
                                ------------  ----------  ----------  -------- 
 Fair value adjustment 
  for portfolio hedged 
  risk asset                             0.2           -           -       0.2 
                                ------------  ----------  ----------  -------- 
 Investment in securities               23.5           -           -      23.5 
                                ------------  ----------  ----------  -------- 
 Total segment assets                  671.5       171.7           -     843.2 
                                ------------  ----------  ----------  -------- 
 Cash and cash equivalents                 -           -        88.0      88.0 
                                ------------  ----------  ----------  -------- 
 Trade and other receivables               -           -         4.5       4.5 
                                ------------  ----------  ----------  -------- 
 Property, plant and 
  equipment                                -           -         1.8       1.8 
                                ------------  ----------  ----------  -------- 
 Net investment in 
  sublease                                 -           -         0.8       0.8 
                                ------------  ----------  ----------  -------- 
 Intangible fixed assets                   -           -        11.3      11.3 
                                ------------  ----------  ----------  -------- 
 Investment in joint 
  venture                                  -           -         0.2       0.2 
                                ------------  ----------  ----------  -------- 
 Investment in third 
  parties                                  -           -         2.0       2.0 
                                ------------  ----------  ----------  -------- 
 Corporate tax receivable                  -           -         2.7       2.7 
                                ------------  ----------  ----------  -------- 
 Total Assets                          671.5       171.7       111.3     954.5 
                                ------------  ----------  ----------  -------- 
 Liabilities 
                                ------------  ----------  ----------  -------- 
 Interest bearing liabilities        (675.8)     (177.5)           -   (853.3) 
                                ------------  ----------  ----------  -------- 
 Total segment liabilities           (675.8)     (177.5)           -   (853.3) 
                                ------------  ----------  ----------  -------- 
 Trade and other payables                  -           -      (30.3)    (30.3) 
                                ------------  ----------  ----------  -------- 
 Lease liabilities                         -           -       (2.8)     (2.8) 
                                ------------  ----------  ----------  -------- 
 Deferred taxation                         -           -       (0.6)     (0.6) 
                                ------------  ----------  ----------  -------- 
 Total liabilities                   (675.8)     (177.5)      (33.7)   (887.0) 
                                ------------  ----------  ----------  -------- 
 

For comparative purposes the current year results have been included in the reportable segments which were used in the prior year.

 
 
   6 months ended 30        Short Term Lending     Buy-to-Let     Total 
   September 2023                        GBP'm          GBP'm     GBP'm 
 Statement of Profit 
  and Loss Information                     (Unaudited) 
                         ---------------------------------------------- 
 Interest revenue                         19.1           12.6      31.7 
                         ---------------------  -------------  -------- 
 Fee and other income                      8.8            4.6      13.4 
                         ---------------------  -------------  -------- 
 Gain on derecognition 
  of financial asset                         -            0.1       0.1 
                         ---------------------  -------------  -------- 
 Segment Revenue                          27.9           17.3      45.2 
                         ---------------------  -------------  -------- 
 Interest expense                       (13.1)         (13.1)    (26.2) 
                         ---------------------  -------------  -------- 
 Cost of sales (other)                   (4.4)          (1.7)     (6.1) 
                         ---------------------  -------------  -------- 
 Impairment provision                    (6.9)          (0.2)     (7.1) 
                         ---------------------  -------------  -------- 
 Finance income                            0.4              -       0.4 
                         ---------------------  -------------  -------- 
 Finance expense                             -          (0.2)     (0.2) 
                         ---------------------  -------------  -------- 
 Segment Profit                            3.9            2.1       6.0 
                         ---------------------  -------------  -------- 
 Operating expenses                          -              -    (21.1) 
                         ---------------------  -------------  -------- 
 Profit before tax                         3.9            2.1    (15.1) 
                         ---------------------  -------------  -------- 
 

Central administrative expenses represent the cost of providing central services that are not directly attributable to the operating segments.

The segmental analysis of the condensed consolidated interim statement of financial position is as follows:

 
 
   As at 30 September              Short Term     Buy-to-Let     Central     Total 
   2023                               Lending          GBP'm       GBP'm     GBP'm 
                                        GBP'm 
 Statement of Financial 
  Position Information                              (Unaudited) 
                                -------------------------------------------------- 
 Loans and advances                     359.5          448.0           -     807.5 
                                -------------  -------------  ----------  -------- 
 Derivative financial 
  asset                                     -           12.0           -      12.0 
                                -------------  -------------  ----------  -------- 
 Fair value adjustment 
  for portfolio hedged 
  risk asset                                -            0.2           -       0.2 
                                -------------  -------------  ----------  -------- 
 Total segment assets                   359.5          460.2           -     819.7 
                                -------------  -------------  ----------  -------- 
 Cash and cash equivalents                  -              -        88.0      88.0 
                                -------------  -------------  ----------  -------- 
 Trade and other receivables                -              -         4.5       4.5 
                                -------------  -------------  ----------  -------- 
 Property, plant and 
  equipment                                 -              -         1.8       1.8 
                                -------------  -------------  ----------  -------- 
 Investment in securities                   -              -        23.5      23.5 
                                -------------  -------------  ----------  -------- 
 Net investment in 
  sublease                                  -              -         0.8       0.8 
                                -------------  -------------  ----------  -------- 
 Intangible fixed assets                    -              -        11.3      11.3 
                                -------------  -------------  ----------  -------- 
 Investment in joint 
  venture                                   -              -         0.2       0.2 
                                -------------  -------------  ----------  -------- 
 Corporation Tax Receivable                 -              -         2.7       2.7 
                                -------------  -------------  ----------  -------- 
 Investment in third 
  parties                                   -              -         2.0       2.0 
                                -------------  -------------  ----------  -------- 
 Total Assets                           359.5          460.2       134.8     954.5 
                                -------------  -------------  ----------  -------- 
 Liabilities 
                                -------------  -------------  ----------  -------- 
 Interest bearing liabilities         (374.5)        (478.8)           -   (853.3) 
                                -------------  -------------  ----------  -------- 
 Total segment liabilities            (374.5)        (478.8)           -   (853.3) 
                                -------------  -------------  ----------  -------- 
 Trade and other payables                   -              -      (30.3)    (30.3) 
                                -------------  -------------  ----------  -------- 
 Lease liabilities                          -              -       (2.8)     (2.8) 
                                -------------  -------------  ----------  -------- 
 Deferred Taxation                          -              -       (0.6)     (0.6) 
                                -------------  -------------  ----------  -------- 
 Total liabilities                    (374.5)        (478.8)      (33.7)   (887.0) 
                                -------------  -------------  ----------  -------- 
 

Prior year

The Group's lending operations were carried out solely in the UK with two main lending products: short-term lending and Buy-to-Let mortgages. The results and net assets of the Group are derived from the provision of property related loans only. The following summary describes the operations of the two reportable segments:

Short term lending

Provides finance for borrowers who need to quickly secure property, generate cash flow or fund works through the Group's bridging products, and provides property developers with funding to start or exit a project through development products. The term of these loans is up to 24 months.

Buy-to-let lending

Provides finance for professional portfolio landlords looking to purchase or remortgage BTL investment properties in England, Wales and Scotland. The mortgages are available to both individual and corporate borrowers, and funds are lent against standard properties as well as houses in multiple occupation and multi-unit freehold blocks. The term of these loans is up to 30 years.

The segmental analysis of the condensed consolidated interim statement of profit and loss is as follows:

 
 
   6 months ended 30        Short Term Lending     Buy-to-Let     Total 
   September 2022                        GBP'm          GBP'm     GBP'm 
 Statement of Profit 
  and Loss Information                     (Unaudited) 
                         ---------------------------------------------- 
 Interest revenue                         10.5           20.7      31.2 
                         ---------------------  -------------  -------- 
 Fee and other income                      4.7            2.8       7.5 
                         ---------------------  -------------  -------- 
 Gain on derecognition 
  of financial asset                       0.5            3.3       3.8 
                         ---------------------  -------------  -------- 
 Segment Revenue                          15.7           26.8      42.5 
                         ---------------------  -------------  -------- 
 Interest expense                        (6.4)          (2.1)     (8.5) 
                         ---------------------  -------------  -------- 
 Cost of sales (other)                   (1.1)          (1.8)     (2.9) 
                         ---------------------  -------------  -------- 
 Impairment Provision                    (1.4)          (0.5)     (1.9) 
                         ---------------------  -------------  -------- 
 Finance income                              -            2.7       2.7 
                         ---------------------  -------------  -------- 
 Finance expense                             -              -         - 
                         ---------------------  -------------  -------- 
 Segment Profit                            6.8           25.1      31.9 
                         ---------------------  -------------  -------- 
 Operating expenses                          -              -    (17.1) 
                         ---------------------  -------------  -------- 
 Profit before tax                           -              -      14.8 
                         ---------------------  -------------  -------- 
 

All other cost lines in the condensed consolidated interim statement of profit and loss were centrally incurred and were not allocated to either operating segment. These centrally incurred costs were not included in the measure of segment profit and loss reviewed management.

The segmental analysis of the condensed consolidated interim statement of financial position is as follows:

 
 
                                   Short Term     Buy-to-Let     Central       Total 
   As at 31 March 2023                Lending          GBP'm       GBP'm       GBP'm 
                                        GBP'm 
 Statement of Financial                               (Audited) 
  Position Information 
                                ---------------------------------------------------- 
 Loans and advances                     329.9          793.0           -     1,122.9 
                                -------------  -------------  ----------  ---------- 
 Derivative financial 
  asset                                     -           46.0           -        46.0 
                                -------------  -------------  ----------  ---------- 
 Fair value adjustment 
  for portfolio hedged 
  risk asset                                -            0.1           -         0.1 
                                -------------  -------------  ----------  ---------- 
 Total segment assets                   329.9          839.1           -     1,169.0 
                                -------------  -------------  ----------  ---------- 
 Cash and cash equivalents                  -              -        46.7        46.7 
                                -------------  -------------  ----------  ---------- 
 Trade and other receivables                -              -         6.1         6.1 
                                -------------  -------------  ----------  ---------- 
 Property, plant and 
  equipment                                 -              -         2.2         2.2 
                                -------------  -------------  ----------  ---------- 
 Investment in securities                   -              -        23.9        23.9 
                                -------------  -------------  ----------  ---------- 
 Net investment in 
  sublease                                  -              -         1.0         1.0 
                                -------------  -------------  ----------  ---------- 
 Intangible fixed assets                    -              -        10.5        10.5 
                                -------------  -------------  ----------  ---------- 
 Investment in joint 
  venture                                   -              -         0.2         0.2 
                                -------------  -------------  ----------  ---------- 
 Investment in third 
  parties                                   -              -         2.0         2.0 
                                -------------  -------------  ----------  ---------- 
 Deferred taxation                          -              -         1.2         1.2 
                                -------------  -------------  ----------  ---------- 
 Total Assets                           329.9          839.1        93.8     1,262.8 
                                -------------  -------------  ----------  ---------- 
 Liabilities 
                                -------------  -------------  ----------  ---------- 
 Interest bearing liabilities         (331.5)        (827.8)           -   (1,159.3) 
                                -------------  -------------  ----------  ---------- 
 Total segment liabilities            (331.5)        (827.8)           -   (1,159.3) 
                                -------------  -------------  ----------  ---------- 
 Trade and other payables                   -              -      (23.7)      (23.7) 
                                -------------  -------------  ----------  ---------- 
 Lease liabilities                          -              -       (3.3)       (3.3) 
                                -------------  -------------  ----------  ---------- 
 Total liabilities                    (331.5)        (827.8)      (27.0)   (1,186.3) 
                                -------------  -------------  ----------  ---------- 
 

All other lines in the condensed consolidated interim statement of financial position are centrally allocated and are not allocated to either operating segment.

   4.    Interest and similar income 
 
                                            6 months ended   6 months ended 
                                         30 September 2023     30 September 
                                                     GBP'm             2022 
                                                                      GBP'm 
                                               (Unaudited)      (Unaudited) 
                                       -------------------  --------------- 
 Interest income calculated 
  using the effective interest 
  rate method 
                                       -------------------  --------------- 
 On loans and advances to customers                   32.7             31.3 
                                       -------------------  --------------- 
 On investment securities                              0.9              0.1 
                                       -------------------  --------------- 
 On cash deposits                                      0.5              0.2 
                                       -------------------  --------------- 
 Total interest income calculated 
  using the effective interest 
  rate method                                         34.1             31.6 
                                       -------------------  --------------- 
 
 Other interest and similar 
  income 
                                       -------------------  --------------- 
 On derivative financial instruments 
  and hedge accounting                               (0.3)              2.5 
                                       -------------------  --------------- 
 Total other interest and similar 
  income                                             (0.3)              2.5 
                                       -------------------  --------------- 
 
 Total interest and similar 
  income                                              33.8             34.1 
                                       -------------------  --------------- 
 
   5.    Interest expense and similar expense 
 
                                           6 months ended   6 months ended 
                                        30 September 2023     30 September 
                                                    GBP'm             2022 
                                                                     GBP'm 
                                              (Unaudited)      (Unaudited) 
                                      -------------------  --------------- 
 On amounts due to funding partners                (22.6)            (7.0) 
                                      -------------------  --------------- 
 On debt securities in issue                        (3.6)            (1.3) 
                                      -------------------  --------------- 
 Funding line cost amortisation                     (1.3)            (1.8) 
                                      -------------------  --------------- 
 Total interest expense and 
  similar charges                                  (27.5)           (10.1) 
                                      -------------------  --------------- 
 
   6.    Net fee income 
 
                                         6 months ended   6 months ended 
                                      30 September 2023     30 September 
                                                  GBP'm             2022 
                                                                   GBP'm 
                                            (Unaudited)      (Unaudited) 
                                    -------------------  --------------- 
 Fee income on loans and advances                   1.7              0.7 
                                    -------------------  --------------- 
 Fee income on asset management                     5.9              4.6 
                                    -------------------  --------------- 
 Fee income on origination of 
  loans to third parties                            0.2              2.3 
                                    -------------------  --------------- 
 Fee income                                         7.7              7.6 
                                    -------------------  --------------- 
 
 Fee expense on origination of 
  loans to third parties                          (0.5)            (1.3) 
                                    -------------------  --------------- 
 Fee expense on asset management                  (0.6)            (0.4) 
                                    -------------------  --------------- 
 Fee expense                                      (1.1)            (1.7) 
                                    -------------------  --------------- 
 
 Net fee and commission income                      6.6              5.9 
                                    -------------------  --------------- 
 

7. Derecognition of financial assets

 
                                               6 months ended   6 months ended 
                                            30 September 2023     30 September 
                                                        GBP'm             2022 
                                                                         GBP'm 
                                                  (Unaudited)      (Unaudited) 
                                          -------------------  --------------- 
 Net gains on sale of loans and 
  loan portfolios                                           -              0.5 
                                          -------------------  --------------- 
 (Loss) on sale of loan portfolio                      (10.7)                - 
                                          -------------------  --------------- 
 Profit on derecognition of securitised 
  loan portfolios                                        10.8              3.3 
                                          -------------------  --------------- 
 Net gains on derecognition of 
  financial assets                                        0.1              3.8 
                                          -------------------  --------------- 
 

On 14 April 2023, the Group sold its non-risk retention residual economic interest in the Mortimer BTL 2021-1 plc securitisation for a cash consideration of GBP8.6m. This transaction resulted in a reduction in the Group's gross loans and advances of GBP236m, a reduction in interest-bearing liabilities of GBP228m and generated a net pre-tax profit of GBP10.8m. Please refer to note 25 reserves for the related cash flow hedge reserve movement due to sale of residual notes.

On 26 May 2023, the Group sold a portfolio of BTL residential mortgages to Chetwood Financial Limited for a cash consideration of GBP243m inclusive of the proceeds from cancelled interest rate derivatives. The book value of the portfolio was c.GBP250m and the net pre-tax loss on the sale of the portfolio and the cancellation of the related derivatives was GBP10.7m. GBP234m of interest-bearing liabilities were re-paid on completion of the transaction. Please refer to note 25 reserves for the related fair value reserve movement due to sale of BTL mortgage portfolio.

8 . (Loss) / profit before taxation

(Loss) / profit before taxation has been stated after charging:

 
                                         6 months ended   6 months ended 
                                      30 September 2023     30 September 
                                                  GBP'm             2022 
                                                                   GBP'm 
                                            (Unaudited)      (Unaudited) 
                                    -------------------  --------------- 
 Wages and salaries                                10.3              8.9 
                                    -------------------  --------------- 
 Depreciation and amortisation                      1.9              1.4 
                                    -------------------  --------------- 
 Audit related assurance services                   0.7              0.6 
                                    -------------------  --------------- 
 Fees payable to the auditors 
  for other assurance services                      0.1              0.1 
                                    -------------------  --------------- 
 Share-based payments                               1.0              0.7 
                                    -------------------  --------------- 
 Lease finance expense                              0.1              0.2 
                                    -------------------  --------------- 
 

9. Share-based payments

Company Share Option Plans

During the six months ended 30 September 2023, the Group issued awards under the Long-Term Incentive Plan (LTIP), the Deferred Bonus Plan (DBP, which forms part of the LTIP) and the Share Incentive Plan (SIP), to certain employees.

The number of options/awards made under the plans are as follows:

LTIP: 2,719,000

DBP: 1,358,755

SIP: 1,020,559

There were no options or awards which vested in the LTIP or SIP share-based plan respectively in the period. Under the DBP, a total of 161,001 options vested in the period.

The grant of shares or options under these schemes may be made on an annual or on an ad hoc basis. The DBP and LTIP options awards aforementioned are pro-rated due to leavers during the period.

Share Option expense recognised

During the six months ended 30 September 2023, the Group recognised a GBP1.0 million expense as a result of issued share options vesting.

 
                                                  6 months ended   6 months ended 
                                               30 September 2023     30 September 
                                                           GBP'm             2022 
                                                                            GBP'm 
                                                     (Unaudited)      (Unaudited) 
                                             -------------------  --------------- 
 The expense is included in administrative 
  expenses                                                   1.0              0.7 
                                             -------------------  --------------- 
 

10. Taxation on profit on ordinary activities

The Group is subject to all taxes applicable to a commercial company in the United Kingdom. The UK business profits of the Group are subject to UK income tax at the prevailing basic rate of 25% (2022: 19%).

As of 30 September 2023, the Group had a deferred tax liability of GBP(0.6)m (31 March 2023: net deferred tax asset of GBP1.2m). The deferred tax (liability) / asset include:

-- Asset of GBP0.8m (31 March 2023: Asset of GBP1.4m) related to temporary differences arising between the tax base of share-based payments and the carrying amount;

-- Liability of GBP(0.1)m (31 March 2023: Liability of GBP(0.1)m) related to temporary differences arising between the tax base of property, plant and equipment and the carrying amount;

-- Liability of GBP(2.0)m (31 March 2023: Asset of GBP0.2m) related to the fair value reserve on loans and advances and cash flow hedge reserve;

-- Asset of GBP0.1m (31 March 2023: Asset of GBP0.1m) related to the ECL provision on transition to IFRS 9;

   --     Asset of GBP0.1m (31 March 2023: Asset of GBP0.1m) related to transition to IFRS 16; 

-- Asset of GBP0.7m (31 March 2023: nil) related to recognised tax losses available for offset against future taxable profits ; and

-- Liability of GBP0.2m (31 March 2023: Liability of GBP(0.5)m) related to accelerated deductions from research and development activity.

11. Trade and other receivables

 
                                      As at 30 September   As at 31 March 
                                                    2023             2023 
                                                   GBP'm            GBP'm 
                                             (Unaudited)        (Audited) 
                                     -------------------  --------------- 
 Due within one year 
                                     -------------------  --------------- 
 Trade receivables                                   1.7              0.5 
                                     -------------------  --------------- 
 Other receivables: 
                                     -------------------  --------------- 
    Prepayments and accrued income                   2.6              1.9 
                                     -------------------  --------------- 
    Other receivables                                0.2              2.5 
                                     -------------------  --------------- 
 Due after one year 
                                     -------------------  --------------- 
 Rent deposit                                          -              1.2 
                                     -------------------  --------------- 
                                                     4.5              6.1 
                                     -------------------  --------------- 
 

12. Cash and cash equivalents

 
                      As at 30 September   As at 31 March 
                                    2023             2023 
                                   GBP'm            GBP'm 
                             (Unaudited)        (Audited) 
                     -------------------  --------------- 
 Cash                               84.5             40.4 
                     -------------------  --------------- 
 Cash equivalents                      -                - 
                     -------------------  --------------- 
 Trustee's account                   3.5              6.3 
                     -------------------  --------------- 
                                    88.0             46.7 
                     -------------------  --------------- 
 

Trustees' accounts relate to monies held on account for the benefit of our investors in the Self-select Platform, prior to them either investing in loans or withdrawing their capital. Operationally, the Company does not treat the Trustees' balances as available funds. An equal and opposite payable amount is included within the trade payables balance (see note 18).

13. Loans and advances

On 14 April 2023, the Group sold its non-risk retention residual economic interest in the Mortimer BTL 2021-1 plc securitisation. This transaction resulted in a reduction in the Group's gross loans and advances of GBP236m.

On 26 May 2023, the Group sold a portfolio of BTL residential mortgages to Chetwood Financial Limited. The book value of the portfolio was c.GBP250m.

 
                              As at 30 September   As at 31 March 
                                            2023             2023 
                                           GBP'm            GBP'm 
                                     (Unaudited)        (Audited) 
                             -------------------  --------------- 
 Gross loans and advances                  822.4          1,168.5 
                             -------------------  --------------- 
 ECL provision                            (15.5)            (9.1) 
                             -------------------  --------------- 
 Fair value adjustment (*)                   0.6           (36.5) 
                             -------------------  --------------- 
 Loans and advances                        807.5          1,122.9 
                             -------------------  --------------- 
 

(*) Fair value adjustment to gross loans and advances due to classification as FVTOCI. Fair value adjustments are a function of changes in discount rates on the Group's loan assets. The changes in the underlying variables during the period and effect on fair value is discussed in Note 25.

ECL provision

 
 Movement in the period                            GBP'm 
 Under IFRS 9 at 1 April 2023 (Audited)            (9.1) 
                                                 ------- 
 Additional provisions made during the 
  period(1)                                        (8.1) 
                                                 ------- 
 Utilised in the period(2)                           1.2 
                                                 ------- 
 Recoveries of amounts previously written 
  off                                                0.5 
                                                 ------- 
 Under IFRS 9 at 30 September 2023 (Unaudited)    (15.5) 
                                                 ------- 
 
 
 Movement in the period                            GBP'm 
 Under IFRS 9 at 1 April 2022 (Audited)           (11.0) 
                                                 ------- 
 Additional provisions made during the 
  period(1)                                        (2.8) 
                                                 ------- 
 Utilised in the period(2)                             - 
                                                 ------- 
 Recoveries of amounts previously written 
  off                                                0.1 
                                                 ------- 
 Under IFRS 9 at 30 September 2022 (Unaudited)    (13.7) 
                                                 ------- 
 

(1) The increase in provision during the period primarily related to individual assessments in respect of a small number of larger and more complex structured bridging and development finance loans. The increased provision therefore reflects idiosyncratic factors on particular loans, rather than a systemic increase in the risk profile of the overall loan portfolio. Additional provisions made during the period include GBP0.5m (2022: GBP0.7m) of expected credit losses incurred on the interest income recognised on stage 3 loans and advances.

(2) The provision utilised in the period includes GBP0.5m in respect of loans that have been written off. Loans that are written off can still be subject to enforcement activities in order to comply with the Group's procedures for recovery of amounts due. The contractual amount outstanding on loans and advances that have previously been written off and are still subject to enforcement activity is GBP4.8m (2022: GBP9.0m). The remaining balance of the provision utilised in the period of GBP0.7m represents the ECL provision that was being carried in respect of the loan portfolio that was sold to Chetwood Financial Limited. This has been recycled to the related loss on derecognition of financial assets.

The net movement on the ECL provision for the period to 30 September 2023 that has impacted the condensed consolidated interim statement of profit and loss is GBP6.4m (2022: GBP2.7m). The impairment charge for the period is GBP7.1m (2022: GBP1.9m), the difference being the GBP0.7m of provision related to the loan portfolio sale referenced above.

Analysis of loans and advances by stage

 
                              Stage 1       Stage 2       Stage 3         Total 
   As at 30 September           GBP'm         GBP'm         GBP'm         GBP'm 
   2023 
                          (Unaudited)   (Unaudited)   (Unaudited)   (Unaudited) 
                         ------------  ------------  ------------  ------------ 
 Gross loans and 
  advances                      614.3         150.8          57.3         822.4 
                         ------------  ------------  ------------  ------------ 
 ECL provision                  (0.3)         (1.7)        (13.5)        (15.5) 
                         ------------  ------------  ------------  ------------ 
 Fair value adjustment              -           0.6             -           0.6 
                         ------------  ------------  ------------  ------------ 
 Loans and advances             614.0         149.7          43.8         807.5 
                         ------------  ------------  ------------  ------------ 
 

The maximum LTV on stage 1 loans is 90%. The maximum LTV on stage 2 loans is 92%. The maximum LTV on Stage 3 loans is 103% and the total value of collateral (capped at the gross loan value) held on stage 3 loans is GBP54.9m.

 
                            Stage 1     Stage 2     Stage 3       Total 
   As at 31 March             GBP'm       GBP'm       GBP'm       GBP'm 
   2023 
                          (Audited)   (Audited)   (Audited)   (Audited) 
                         ----------  ----------  ----------  ---------- 
 Gross loans and 
  advances                    935.7       196.7        36.1     1,168.5 
                         ----------  ----------  ----------  ---------- 
 ECL provision                (0.5)       (1.3)       (7.3)       (9.1) 
                         ----------  ----------  ----------  ---------- 
 Fair value adjustment       (32.9)       (3.6)           -      (36.5) 
                         ----------  ----------  ----------  ---------- 
 Loans and advances           902.3       191.8        28.8     1,122.9 
                         ----------  ----------  ----------  ---------- 
 

The maximum LTV on stage 1 loans is 82%. The maximum LTV on stage 2 loans is 87%. The maximum LTV on Stage 3 loans is 247% and the total value of collateral (capped at the gross loan value) held on stage 3 loans is GBP34.3m.

The fair value adjustments on Stage 3 loans are not applied. Loans and Advances recognised as Stage 3 are credit impaired and their carrying value represents the discounted cashflows which could be recovered after assessing the likelihood of the borrower rehabilitating or the alternative outcome which involves reliance on the proceeds from the sale of security The discounted cash flows are arrived based on a proprietary model which considers macroeconomic as well as behavioural factors.

Credit risk on gross loans and advances

The table below provides information on the Group's loans and advances by stage and risk grade.

Risk grades detailed in the table range from 1 to 10 with a risk grade of 1 being assigned to cases with the lowest credit risk and 10 representing cases in default. Equifax Risk Navigator (RN) scores are used to assign the initial Risk Grade score with additional SICR rules used to generate the final Risk Grade.

 
                             Stage 1       Stage 2       Stage 3         Total 
   As at 30 September          GBP'm         GBP'm         GBP'm         GBP'm 
   2023 
                         (Unaudited)   (Unaudited)   (Unaudited)   (Unaudited) 
                        ------------  ------------  ------------  ------------ 
 Risk Grades 1 
  - 5                          612.9         120.5             -         733.4 
                        ------------  ------------  ------------  ------------ 
 Risk Grades 6 
  - 9                            1.4          30.3             -          31.7 
                        ------------  ------------  ------------  ------------ 
 Default                           -             -          57.3          57.3 
                        ------------  ------------  ------------  ------------ 
 Total                         614.3         150.8          57.3         822.4 
                        ------------  ------------  ------------  ------------ 
 
 
                       Stage 1     Stage 2     Stage 3       Total 
   As at 31 March        GBP'm       GBP'm       GBP'm       GBP'm 
   2023 
                     (Audited)   (Audited)   (Audited)   (Audited) 
                    ----------  ----------  ----------  ---------- 
 Risk Grades 1 
  - 5                    934.2       170.2           -     1,104.4 
                    ----------  ----------  ----------  ---------- 
 Risk Grades 6 
  - 9                      1.5        26.5           -        28.0 
                    ----------  ----------  ----------  ---------- 
 Default                     -           -        36.1        36.1 
                    ----------  ----------  ----------  ---------- 
 Total                   935.7       196.7        36.1     1,168.5 
                    ----------  ----------  ----------  ---------- 
 

Impairment provisions are calculated on an expected credit loss ('ECL') basis. Financial assets are classified individually into one of the categories below:

Stage 1 - assets are allocated to this stage on initial recognition and remain in this stage if there is no significant increase in credit risk since initial recognition. Impairment provisions are recognised to cover 12-month ECL, being the proportion of lifetime ECL arising from default events expected within 12 months of the reporting date.

Stage 2 - assets where it is determined that there has been a significant increase in credit risk since initial recognition, but where there is no objective evidence of impairment. Impairment provisions are recognised to cover lifetime probability of default.

Stage 3 - assets where there is objective evidence of impairment, i.e. they are considered to be in default. Impairment provisions are recognised against lifetime ECL. For assets allocated to stage 3, interest income is recognised on the balance net of impairment provision.

Purchased or originated credit impaired ('POCI') - POCI assets are financial assets that are credit impaired on initial recognition. On initial recognition, they are recorded at fair value. ECLs are only recognised or released to the extent that there is a subsequent change in the ECLs. Their ECLs are always measured on a lifetime basis.

Where there is objective evidence that asset quality has improved, assets will be allocated to a lower risk category. For example, loans no longer in default (stage 3) will be allocated to either stage 2 or stage 1. Evidence that asset quality has improved will include:

   --      repayment of arrears; 
   --      improved credit worthiness; and 
   --      term extensions and the ability to service outstanding debt. 

If a loss is ultimately realised, it is written off against the provision previously provided for with any excess charged to the impairment provision in the statement of profit and loss.

Movement analysis of net loans by stage

 
                                         Stage   Stage   Stage    Total 
                                             1       2       3    GBP'm 
                                         GBP'm   GBP'm   GBP'm 
 
As at 1 April 2023 (1)                   902.2   191.8    28.9  1,122.9 
                                       -------  ------  ------  ------- 
 
Transfer to stage 1                       21.6  (21.6)       -        - 
                                       -------  ------  ------  ------- 
Transfer to stage 2                     (75.7)    75.9   (0.2)        - 
                                       -------  ------  ------  ------- 
Transfer to stage 3                     (10.7)  (21.6)    32.3        - 
                                       -------  ------  ------  ------- 
New financial assets originated          300.7       -       -    300.7 
                                       -------  ------  ------  ------- 
New financial assets originated and 
 transferred to stage 2 or 3            (23.5)    23.0     0.5        - 
                                       -------  ------  ------  ------- 
Financial assets which have repaid     (109.0)  (48.8)   (2.5)  (160.3) 
                                       -------  ------  ------  ------- 
Balance movement in loans              (391.6)  (49.0)  (15.2)  (455.8) 
                                       -------  ------  ------  ------- 
 
Total movement in loans and advances   (288.2)  (42.1)    14.9  (315.4) 
                                       -------  ------  ------  ------- 
 
As at 30 September 2023                  614.0   149.7    43.8    807.5 
                                       -------  ------  ------  ------- 
 

Movement analysis of gross loans by stage

 
                                         Stage   Stage   Stage    Total 
                                             1       2       3    GBP'm 
                                         GBP'm   GBP'm   GBP'm 
 
As at 1 April 2023 (1)                   935.7   196.7    36.1  1,168.5 
                                       -------  ------  ------  ------- 
 
Transfer to stage 1                       22.5  (22.5)       -        - 
                                       -------  ------  ------  ------- 
Transfer to stage 2                     (77.2)    77.4   (0.3)    (0.1) 
                                       -------  ------  ------  ------- 
Transfer to stage 3                     (10.6)  (21.5)    32.2      0.1 
                                       -------  ------  ------  ------- 
New financial assets originated          296.6       -       -    296.6 
                                       -------  ------  ------  ------- 
New financial assets originated and 
 transferred to stage 2 or 3            (23.1)    22.6     0.5        - 
                                       -------  ------  ------  ------- 
Financial assets which have repaid     (109.2)  (49.2)   (2.8)  (161.2) 
                                       -------  ------  ------  ------- 
Balance movement in loans              (420.4)  (52.7)   (7.9)  (481.0) 
                                       -------  ------  ------  ------- 
Write offs                                   -       -   (0.5)    (0.5) 
                                       -------  ------  ------  ------- 
 
Total movement in loans and advances   (321.4)  (45.9)    21.2  (346.1) 
                                       -------  ------  ------  ------- 
 
As at 30 September 2023                  614.3   150.8    57.3    822.4 
                                       -------  ------  ------  ------- 
 

Movement analysis of ECL by stage

 
                                          Stage   Stage   Stage   Total 
                                              1       2       3   GBP'm 
                                          GBP'm   GBP'm   GBP'm 
 
As at 1 April 2023 (1)                      0.5     1.2     7.4     9.1 
                                         ------  ------  ------  ------ 
 
Transfer to stage 1                         0.2   (0.2)       -       - 
                                         ------  ------  ------  ------ 
Transfer to stage 2                           -     0.1   (0.1)       - 
                                         ------  ------  ------  ------ 
Transfer to stage 3                           -       -       -       - 
                                         ------  ------  ------  ------ 
New financial assets originated             0.5       -       -     0.5 
                                         ------  ------  ------  ------ 
New financial assets originated and 
 transferred to stage 2 or 3              (0.4)     0.3     0.1       - 
                                         ------  ------  ------  ------ 
Financial assets which have repaid        (0.1)   (0.2)   (0.4)   (0.7) 
                                         ------  ------  ------  ------ 
Changes in models/risk parameters         (0.4)     0.5     6.5     6.6 
                                         ------  ------  ------  ------ 
Adjustments for interest on impaired 
 loans                                        -       -     0.5     0.5 
                                         ------  ------  ------  ------ 
Write offs                                    -       -   (0.5)   (0.5) 
                                         ------  ------  ------  ------ 
 
Total movement in impairment provision    (0.2)     0.5     6.1     6.4 
                                         ------  ------  ------  ------ 
 
As at 30 September 2023                     0.3     1.7    13.5    15.5 
                                         ------  ------  ------  ------ 
 

Critical accounting estimates relating to the impairment of financial assets:

The calculation of ECLs requires the Company to make a number of assumptions and estimates. The accuracy of the ECL calculation would be impacted by movements in the forward-looking economic scenarios used, or the probability weightings applied to these scenarios and by unanticipated changes to model assumptions that differ from actual outcomes.

The key assumptions and estimates that, depending on a range of factors, could result in a material adjustment in the next financial year relate to the use of forward-looking information in the calculation of ECLs and the inputs and assumptions used in the ECL models.

Forward-looking information

The Company incorporates forward-looking information into the calculation of ECLs and the assessment of whether there has been a significant increase in credit risk ('SICR'). The use of forward-looking information represents a key source of estimation uncertainty. The Company uses three forward-looking economic scenarios:

   1.     a central scenario aligned to the Company's business plan; 
   2.     a downside scenario as modelled in the Company's risk management process; and 

3. an upside scenario representing the impact of modest improvements to assumptions used in the central scenario.

The probability weightings applied to the above scenarios are another area of estimation uncertainty. They are generally set to ensure that there is an asymmetry in the ECL. The probability weightings applied to the three economic scenarios used are as follows:

 
             As at 30 September   As at 31 March 
                           2023             2023 
 Base                       40%              40% 
            -------------------  --------------- 
 Upside                     40%              40% 
            -------------------  --------------- 
 Downside                   20%              20% 
            -------------------  --------------- 
 

The macroeconomic data inputs applied in determining the Group's expected credit losses are sourced from Oxford Economics (a third-party provider of global economic forecasting and analysis). Oxford Economics combines two decades of forecast errors with its quantitative assessment of the current risks facing the global and domestic economy to produce robust forward-looking distributions for the economy.

Using specific percentile points in the distribution of several key metrics such as GDP, unemployment, house prices and commercial real estate prices, three alternative scenarios are derived, relating to a base case (most likely), downside (broadly equivalent to a one-in-ten years event) and a moderate upside scenario. Assumptions on the likely out-turn represent a weighted average of these three scenarios provided by Oxford Economics, and are detailed below:

As at 30 September 2023

 
Macro Assumptions      2024    2025   2026   2027   2028   2029   2030   2031   2032 
Real GDP growth (% growth YoY) 
Base                  0.38%   1.47%  2.26%  1.54%  1.65%  1.53%  1.40%  1.36%  1.36% 
                    -------  ------  -----  -----  -----  -----  -----  -----  ----- 
Upside                4.89%   3.07%  3.25%  1.62%  1.51%  1.38%  1.26%  1.21%  1.21% 
                    -------  ------  -----  -----  -----  -----  -----  -----  ----- 
Downside             -3.23%   0.62%  1.87%  1.56%  1.76%  1.64%  1.52%  1.47%  1.47% 
                    -------  ------  -----  -----  -----  -----  -----  -----  ----- 
Unemployment % 
Base                  4.60%   4.40%  3.90%  3.90%  3.80%  3.80%  3.80%  3.70%  3.70% 
                    -------  ------  -----  -----  -----  -----  -----  -----  ----- 
Upside                3.55%   2.74%  2.23%  2.26%  2.30%  2.37%  2.49%  2.60%  2.71% 
                    -------  ------  -----  -----  -----  -----  -----  -----  ----- 
Downside              5.80%   6.80%  7.00%  6.80%  6.60%  6.30%  6.10%  5.90%  5.70% 
                    -------  ------  -----  -----  -----  -----  -----  -----  ----- 
House price inflation % 
Base                 -7.10%  -2.84%  4.62%  7.06%  5.98%  4.51%  3.65%  2.90%  2.97% 
                    -------  ------  -----  -----  -----  -----  -----  -----  ----- 
Upside               -2.84%   0.70%  7.74%  6.79%  5.71%  4.24%  3.38%  2.64%  2.71% 
                    -------  ------  -----  -----  -----  -----  -----  -----  ----- 
Downside            -12.60%  -7.52%  1.01%  7.43%  6.34%  4.86%  3.99%  3.26%  3.32% 
                    -------  ------  -----  -----  -----  -----  -----  -----  ----- 
Commercial real estate (% growth YoY) 
Base                  2.04%   3.73%  3.21%  2.86%  2.18%  1.66%  1.28%  1.15%  0.91% 
                    -------  ------  -----  -----  -----  -----  -----  -----  ----- 
Upside                9.94%   4.95%  2.80%  1.01%  0.52%  0.26%  0.17%  0.16%  0.25% 
                    -------  ------  -----  -----  -----  -----  -----  -----  ----- 
Downside             -3.41%   3.53%  3.84%  4.52%  3.67%  2.65%  2.22%  1.69%  1.54% 
                    -------  ------  -----  -----  -----  -----  -----  -----  ----- 
 

As at 31 March 2023

 
Macro Assumptions      2023     2024    2025    2026    2027    2028    2029   2030   2031   2032 
Real GDP growth (% growth YoY) 
Base                  0.01%    0.60%   2.40%   2.62%   1.43%   1.44%   1.33%  1.36%  1.37%  1.38% 
                    -------  -------  ------  ------  ------  ------  ------  -----  -----  ----- 
Upside                0.00%    5.90%   3.80%   3.80%   1.30%   1.30%   1.20%  1.20%  1.20%  1.20% 
                    -------  -------  ------  ------  ------  ------  ------  -----  -----  ----- 
Downside              0.01%   -3.84%   1.70%   2.25%   1.54%   1.56%   1.44%  1.47%  1.49%  1.49% 
                    -------  -------  ------  ------  ------  ------  ------  -----  -----  ----- 
Unemployment % 
Base                  3.87%    4.26%   4.04%   3.76%   3.75%   3.75%   3.75%  3.75%  3.75%  3.75% 
                    -------  -------  ------  ------  ------  ------  ------  -----  -----  ----- 
Upside                3.87%    3.22%   2.40%   2.12%   2.16%   2.27%   2.39%  2.50%  2.61%  2.73% 
                    -------  -------  ------  ------  ------  ------  ------  -----  -----  ----- 
Downside              3.87%    5.58%   6.60%   6.93%   6.71%   6.50%   6.29%  6.08%  5.88%  5.67% 
                    -------  -------  ------  ------  ------  ------  ------  -----  -----  ----- 
House price inflation % 
Base                  1.16%   -7.15%  -2.06%   2.68%   5.93%   5.07%   3.70%  3.39%  3.37%  3.40% 
                    -------  -------  ------  ------  ------  ------  ------  -----  -----  ----- 
Upside                1.16%   -1.45%   1.59%   6.38%   5.68%   4.82%   3.45%  3.14%  3.11%  3.15% 
                    -------  -------  ------  ------  ------  ------  ------  -----  -----  ----- 
Downside              1.16%  -13.37%  -6.72%  -2.58%   6.32%   5.45%   4.07%  3.77%  3.74%  3.77% 
                    -------  -------  ------  ------  ------  ------  ------  -----  -----  ----- 
Commercial real estate (% growth YoY) 
Base                -10.08%    3.34%   2.16%   3.11%   1.80%   1.68%   1.29%  1.22%  1.11%  1.02% 
                    -------  -------  ------  ------  ------  ------  ------  -----  -----  ----- 
Upside              -10.08%    15.5%   4.08%   3.83%  -0.48%  -0.15%  -0.17%  0.04%  0.16%  0.25% 
                    -------  -------  ------  ------  ------  ------  ------  -----  -----  ----- 
Downside            -10.08%   -6.39%   1.63%   3.44%   3.56%   3.09%   2.42%  2.12%  1.83%  1.60% 
                    -------  -------  ------  ------  ------  ------  ------  -----  -----  ----- 
 

GDP, unemployment rates and HPI are key metrics that indicate the appetite for credit within the economy, the ability of borrowers to service debt and the value of underlying securities that underpin credit risk management; all of which directly impact the Group's operational activities and success.

The Company undertakes a review of its economic scenarios and the probability weightings applied at least quarterly, and more frequently if required.

As at 30 September 2023

 
                                                  ECL provision 
  Scenario                                                GBP'm 
Expected credit losses - 100% upside scenario              13.5 
                                                  ------------- 
Expected credit losses - 100% downside scenario            16.9 
                                                  ------------- 
 

As at 31 March 2023

 
                                                  ECL provision 
  Scenario                                                GBP'm 
Expected credit losses - 100% upside scenario               7.9 
                                                  ------------- 
Expected credit losses - 100% downside scenario            10.0 
                                                  ------------- 
 

The results of this review are recommended to the Audit & Risk Committee and the Group's Board. Given the steep rise in the Bank of England Base Rate, the impairment charge for Buy-to-Let loans includes a post model adjustment to account for an increased risk of default as borrowers' revert to materially higher variable rates, from low fixed rates, over the next 12 months resulting in an additional impairment charge of GBP0.2m (2022: GBP0.6m). This is the only post model adjustment.

Model estimations

ECL calculations are outputs of complex models with a number of underlying assumptions regarding the choice of variable inputs and their interdependencies. The Group considers the key assumptions impacting the ECL calculation to be the Probability of Default ('PD') and Loss Given Default ('LGD'). Sensitivity analysis is performed by the Group to assess the impact of changes in these key assumptions on the expected credit loss provision recognised on loans and advances. A summary of the key assumptions and sensitivity analysis as at 30 September 2023 is provided in the following table:

 
                                                                   Impact 
  Assumption             Sensitivity analysis                      on ECL 
                                                                    GBP'm 
Unemployment           20% increase in the unemployment rate          0.0 
                       -----------------------------------------  ------- 
                       10% absolute increase in the forced sale 
Forced sale discount    discount                                      0.7 
                       -----------------------------------------  ------- 
 

As at 31 March 2023

 
                                                                   Impact 
  Assumption             Sensitivity analysis                      on ECL 
                                                                    GBP'm 
Unemployment           20% increase in the unemployment rate          0.1 
                       -----------------------------------------  ------- 
                       10% absolute increase in the forced sale 
Forced sale discount    discount                                      0.2 
                       -----------------------------------------  ------- 
 

Critical judgements relating to the impairment of financial assets

The Company reviews and updates the key judgements relating to impairment of financial assets bi-annually, in advance of the Interim Financial Report and the Annual Report and Accounts. All key judgements are reviewed and recommended to the Audit & Risk Committee for approval prior to implementation.

Assessing whether there has been a significant increase in credit risk ('SICR')

If a financial asset shows a SICR, it is transferred to Stage 2 and the ECL recognised changes from a 12-month ECL to a lifetime ECL. The assessment of whether there has been a SICR requires a high level of judgement. The assessment of whether there has been a SICR also incorporates forward-looking information. The Company considers that a SICR has occurred when any of the following have occurred:

1. The overall creditworthiness of the borrower has materially worsened, indicated by a migration to a higher risk grade (see below for risk grades and probability of default ("PDs") by product);

2. Where a borrower is currently one month or more in arrears;

3. Where a borrower has sought some form of forbearance;

4. Where the overall leverage of the account has surpassed a predetermined level. 75% Loan to Gross Development Value for bridging loans and 85% for all other products;

5. Where a short-term bridging loan has less than one month before maturity; and

6. Where there is a material risk that a development loan will not reach practical completion on time.

These factors reflect the credit lifecycle for each product and are based on prior experience as well as insight gained from the development of risk ratings models (probability of default).

Stage 2 criteria are designed to be effective indicators of a SICR. As part of the bi-annual review of key impairment judgements, the Company undertakes detailed analysis to confirm that the Stage 2 criteria remain effective. This includes (but is not limited to):

-- Criteria effectiveness: this includes the emergence to default for each Stage 2 criterion when compared to Stage 1; Stage 2 outflow as a percentage of Stage 2; percentage of new defaults that were in Stage 2 in the months prior to default; time in Stage 2 prior to default; and percentage of the book in Stage 2 that are not progressing to default or curing.

   --      Stage 2 stability: this includes stability of inflows and outflows from Stage 2 and 3. 

-- Portfolio analysis: this includes the percentage of the portfolio that is in Stage 2 and not defaulted; the percentage of the Stage 2 transfer driven by Stage 2 criterion other than the backstops; and back-testing of the defaulted accounts.

For low credit risk exposures, it is permitted to assume, without further analysis, that the credit risk on a financial asset has not increased significantly since initial recognition if the financial asset is determined to have low credit risk at the reporting date. The Group has opted not to apply this low credit risk exemption.

A summary of the Risk grade distribution is provided in the table below. As the Company utilises three different risk rating models, three separate PDs have been provided for each portfolio. Risk Grades 1-9 are for non-defaulted accounts with 10 indicating default. Therefore, all Stage 3 loans are assigned to this grade. As stated above, degradation in a borrower's creditworthiness is an indication of SICR. Therefore, as shown in the table below, Stage 2 loan distributions are in the main assigned to risk grades higher than Risk Grade 1.

As at 30 September 2023

 
             Balances (GBP'm)           ECL (GBP'm)                   Probability of default 
 Risk      Stage   Stage   Stage   Stage   Stage   Stage    Bridging   Development   BTL    Residential 
  Grade     1       2       3       1       2       3 
          ------  ------  ------  ------  ------  -------  ---------  ------------  -----  ------------ 
 RG1       560.0   0.9     -       (0.3)   -       -        7%         0%            0%     0% 
          ------  ------  ------  ------  ------  -------  ---------  ------------  -----  ------------ 
 RG2       30.0    56.0    -       -       (0.8)   -        12%        1%            0%     0% 
          ------  ------  ------  ------  ------  -------  ---------  ------------  -----  ------------ 
 RG3       13.7    23.6    -       -       (0.3)   -        19%        2%            1%     1% 
          ------  ------  ------  ------  ------  -------  ---------  ------------  -----  ------------ 
 RG4       3.9     12.9    -       -       (0.2)   -        30%        3%            1%     1% 
          ------  ------  ------  ------  ------  -------  ---------  ------------  -----  ------------ 
 RG5       5.4     27.1    -       -       (0.1)   -        45%        4%            2%     2% 
          ------  ------  ------  ------  ------  -------  ---------  ------------  -----  ------------ 
 RG6       1.3     23.1    -       -       (0.2)   -        69%        6%            4%     4% 
          ------  ------  ------  ------  ------  -------  ---------  ------------  -----  ------------ 
 RG7       -       2.0     -       -       -       -        79%        8%            7%     7% 
          ------  ------  ------  ------  ------  -------  ---------  ------------  -----  ------------ 
 RG8       -       0.4     -       -       -       -        88%        11%           12%    12% 
          ------  ------  ------  ------  ------  -------  ---------  ------------  -----  ------------ 
 RG9       -       4.8     -       -       (0.1)   -        93%        15%           19%    19% 
          ------  ------  ------  ------  ------  -------  ---------  ------------  -----  ------------ 
 RG10      -       -       57.3    -       -       (13.5)   100%       100%          100%   100% 
          ------  ------  ------  ------  ------  -------  ---------  ------------  -----  ------------ 
 Total     614.3   150.8   57.3    (0.3)   (1.7)   (13.5)   -          -             -      - 
          ------  ------  ------  ------  ------  -------  ---------  ------------  -----  ------------ 
 

As at 31 March 2023

 
             Balances (GBP'm)           ECL (GBP'm)           Probability of default 
 Risk      Stage   Stage   Stage   Stage   Stage   Stage   Bridging   Development   BTL 
  Grade     1       2       3       1       2       3 
          ------  ------  ------  ------  ------  ------  ---------  ------------  ----- 
 RG1       882.1   0.9     -       (0.4)   -       -       7%         0%            0% 
          ------  ------  ------  ------  ------  ------  ---------  ------------  ----- 
 RG2       34.1    93.9    -       (0.1)   (0.4)   -       12%        1%            0% 
          ------  ------  ------  ------  ------  ------  ---------  ------------  ----- 
 RG3       7.3     37.7    -       -       (0.3)   -       19%        2%            1% 
          ------  ------  ------  ------  ------  ------  ---------  ------------  ----- 
 RG4       4.3     24.7    -       -       (0.2)   -       30%        3%            1% 
          ------  ------  ------  ------  ------  ------  ---------  ------------  ----- 
 RG5       6.4     13.0    -       -       (0.1)   -       45%        4%            2% 
          ------  ------  ------  ------  ------  ------  ---------  ------------  ----- 
 RG6       1.2     21.1    -       -       (0.1)   -       69%        6%            4% 
          ------  ------  ------  ------  ------  ------  ---------  ------------  ----- 
 RG7       0.3     1.5     -       -       (0.1)   -       79%        8%            7% 
          ------  ------  ------  ------  ------  ------  ---------  ------------  ----- 
 RG8       -       0.5     -       -       -       -       88%        11%           12% 
          ------  ------  ------  ------  ------  ------  ---------  ------------  ----- 
 RG9       -       3.4     -       -       (0.1)   -       93%        15%           19% 
          ------  ------  ------  ------  ------  ------  ---------  ------------  ----- 
 RG10      -       -       36.1    -       -       (7.3)   100%       100%          100% 
          ------  ------  ------  ------  ------  ------  ---------  ------------  ----- 
 Total     935.7   196.7   36.1    (0.5)   (1.3)   (7.3)   -          -             - 
          ------  ------  ------  ------  ------  ------  ---------  ------------  ----- 
 

Determining whether a financial asset is in default or credit impaired

When there is objective evidence of impairment and the financial asset is considered to be in default, or otherwise credit-impaired, it is transferred to Stage 3. The Company's definition of default follows product-specific characteristics allowing for the provision to reflect operational management of the portfolio. Below is a short description of each product type and the Company's definition of default as specific to each product.

Bridging Loans - Bridging loans are short-term loans designed for customers requiring timely access to funds to facilitate property purchases. Typically, loans involve residential securities, however, commercial, semi-commercial and land is also taken as security. A bridging loan is considered to be in default if a borrower fails to repay their loan after 30 days and does not seek an authorised extension; or it is structured and the loan is two months in arrears.

Development Loan - Development loans support borrowers looking to undertake a significant property or site development. The resulting site should be for residential purposes only. Loan terms are typically for the short term (less than three years) with no structured repayments. A development loan is defined as being in default if it has not been redeemed 60 days after the maturity of the loan.

Buy-to-let (BTL) Loans - BTL loans are extended to borrowers looking to purchase a new rental property or refinance an existing rental property. A BTL loan is considered to be in default if the loan is three months in arrears.

Specialist Residential - Residential loans support borrowers looking to purchase or refinance their primary residence. A residential loan defined as in default if the loan is three months in arrears; or if the borrower has been declared bankrupt.

The Company does not apply the rebuttable presumption that default does not occur later when a financial asset is 90 days past due.

Improvement in credit risk or cure

There is no cure period assumed for loans showing improvement in credit risk. This means that any loan that does not meet the SICR criteria is assigned to Stage 1.

14. Investment securities

 
                            As at 30 September   As at 31 March 
                                          2023             2023 
                                         GBP'm            GBP'm 
                                   (Unaudited)        (Audited) 
                           -------------------  --------------- 
 Retained interest in 
                           -------------------  --------------- 
 Mortimer BTL 2020-1 PLC                     -             10.7 
                           -------------------  --------------- 
 Mortimer BTL 2021-1 PLC                  10.7                - 
                           -------------------  --------------- 
 Mortimer BTL 2022-1 PLC                  12.8             13.2 
                           -------------------  --------------- 
 Total                                    23.5             23.9 
                           -------------------  --------------- 
 

The Group sold its residual interest it held in Mortimer BTL 2020 - PLC on 1 March 2023. The sale of the certificate and Mortimer 2020 asset being called on March 1 2023 resulted in a derecognition event, as substantially all of the risk, rewards and control of the vehicle passed to the Purchaser. As the variable returns, and control of the vehicle had been transferred, the Mortimer BTL 2020-1 plc entity has also been deconsolidated from the Group's results. Subsequent to this, Mortimer BTL 2020-1 plc was called by the certificate holder in June 2023, redeeming all notes at par value. Therefore, the retained interest was repaid at par value such that there is no longer any retained interest in Mortimer BTL 202-1 Plc held by the Group.

The Group sold its holding of the certificate for Mortimer BTL 2021 - PLC on the 19 April 2023. The sale of the certificate represents the excess spreads in the securitisation vehicle as well as an option to repurchase the asset from the vehicle on June 25 2026. The sale of the certificate and call options resulted in a derecognition event as substantially all the risks, rewards, and control of the vehicle passed to the purchaser. As the variable returns and control of the vehicle had been transferred, the Mortimer BTL 2021-1 plc entity has also been deconsolidated from the Group's results. The investment securities of GBP10.7m represent the retained risk retention in the form of debt securities issued by unconsolidated structured entities as part of the securitisation transactions that are retained by the Group.

The Group securitised a portfolio of mortgage loans on 12 May 2022. On 14 August 2022, the Group sold its holdings of residual notes in the securitisation vehicle, Mortimer BTL 2022-1 plc. The sale of the residual notes represented the excess spreads in the securitisation vehicle as well as an option to repurchase the assets from the vehicle on 23 June 2025. The sale of the residual notes and call options resulted in a derecognition event as substantially all of the risks, rewards and control of the vehicle passed to the purchaser. As the variable returns and control of the vehicle had been transferred, the Mortimer BTL 2022-1 plc entity has also been deconsolidated from the Group's results. The investment securities of GBP12.8m represent the retained risk retention in the form of debt securities issued by unconsolidated structured entities as part of the securitisation transactions that are retained by the group.

15. Property, plant and equipment

 
                                 Computer       Furniture       Leasehold     Right    Total 
                                equipment    and fittings    improvements    of use    GBP'm 
   Cost                             GBP'm           GBP'm           GBP'm     asset 
                                                                              GBP'm 
 Balance as at 
  31 March 2023                       0.4             0.1             0.4       5.2      6.1 
                              -----------  --------------  --------------  --------  ------- 
 Additions                              -               -               -         -        - 
                              -----------  --------------  --------------  --------  ------- 
 Balance as at 
  30 September 2023                   0.4             0.1             0.4       5.2      6.1 
                              -----------  --------------  --------------  --------  ------- 
 
                                                                              Right 
   Accumulated depreciation      Computer       Furniture       Leasehold    of use 
   and impairment               equipment    and fittings    improvements     asset    Total 
                                    GBP'm           GBP'm           GBP'm     GBP'm    GBP'm 
                              -----------  --------------  --------------  --------  ------- 
 Balance as at 
  31 March 2023                       0.2             0.1             0.2       3.4      3.9 
                              -----------  --------------  --------------  --------  ------- 
 Charge for the 
  period                              0.1               -               -       0.3      0.4 
                              -----------  --------------  --------------  --------  ------- 
 Balance as at 
  30 September 2023                   0.3             0.1             0.2       3.7      4.3 
                              -----------  --------------  --------------  --------  ------- 
 
 Net carrying 
  value as at 30 
  September 2023                      0.1               -             0.2       1.5      1.8 
                              -----------  --------------  --------------  --------  ------- 
 
 Net carrying value 
  as at 31 March 
  2023                                0.2               -             0.2       1.8      2.2 
                              -----------  --------------  --------------  --------  ------- 
 

16. Lease arrangements

Future minimum payments under non-cancellable leases:

 
                           As at 30 September   As at 31 March 
   Premises                              2023             2023 
                                        GBP'm            GBP'm 
 Due within a year                        0.6              1.1 
                          -------------------  --------------- 
 Due between 1-5 years                    2.2              2.2 
                          -------------------  --------------- 
 Due later than 5 years                     -                - 
                          -------------------  --------------- 
                                          2.8              3.3 
                          -------------------  --------------- 
 

The Group has a dilapidation requirement to return the leased office to the specification as per the lease agreement. The total dilapidation is expected to be GBP9.54 per square foot. The Group and the Company have no significant contingent liabilities at the period end.

17. Intangible fixed assets

Internally developed software has been capitalised as an intangible fixed asset and is being amortised over a useful economic life of five years. During this period, the Group capitalised internal costs of GBP2.2m (the six months ended 30 September 2022: GBP2.8m). Amortisation: During the six months ended 30 September 2023, the Group amortised GBP1.4m against intangible fixed assets (the six months ended 30 September 2022: GBP0.8m).

 
 
                                 Software     Internally developed 
                                 licences                 software     Total 
   Cost                             GBP'm                    GBP'm     GBP'm 
 Balance as at 31 March 
  2023                                0.7                     18.3      19.0 
                              -----------  -----------------------  -------- 
 Additions                              -                      2.2       2.2 
                              -----------  -----------------------  -------- 
 Balance as at 30 September 
  2023                                0.7                     20.5      21.2 
                              -----------  -----------------------  -------- 
 
 
                                 Software     Internally developed 
   Accumulated amortisation      licences                 software     Total 
   and impairment                   GBP'm                    GBP'm     GBP'm 
                              -----------  -----------------------  -------- 
 Balance as at 31 March 
  2023                                0.7                      7.8       8.5 
                              -----------  -----------------------  -------- 
 Charge for the period                  -                      1.4       1.4 
                              -----------  -----------------------  -------- 
 Balance as at 30 September 
  2023                                0.7                      9.2       9.9 
                              -----------  -----------------------  -------- 
 
 Net carrying value as 
  at 30 September 2023                  -                     11.3      11.3 
                              -----------  -----------------------  -------- 
 Net carrying value as 
  at 31 March 2023                      -                     10.5      10.5 
                              -----------  -----------------------  -------- 
 

18. Trade and other payables

 
                                                                    As at 30 September   As at 31 March 
                                                                                  2023             2023 
                                                                                 GBP'm            GBP'm 
                                                                           (Unaudited)        (Audited) 
                                          --------------------------------------------  --------------- 
 Trade payables                                                                   14.5             15.1 
                                          --------------------------------------------  --------------- 
 Other payables: 
                                          --------------------------------------------  --------------- 
       Taxation and social security 
        costs                                                                      1.4              1.4 
                                          --------------------------------------------  --------------- 
       Accruals and deferred income                                                9.7              7.0 
                                          --------------------------------------------  --------------- 
       Sub - lease deposit rent payable                                            0.2              0.2 
                                          --------------------------------------------  --------------- 
 FY23 Final Dividend placeholder                                                   4.5                - 
                                          --------------------------------------------  --------------- 
                                                                                  30.3             23.7 
                                          --------------------------------------------  --------------- 
 

The trade payables balance includes Trustees' balances of GBP3.5m in respect of uninvested cash held on the self-select platform, which may be withdrawn by investors at any time. The Company has no non-current trade and other payables. The carrying value of trade and other payables approximates fair value.

The accruals and deferred income balance includes a GBP4.5m accrual for the FY23 dividend declared on 18 September 2023 but paid on 13 October 2023.

19. Interest bearing liabilities

 
                                      As at 30 September   As at 31 March 
                                                    2023             2023 
                                                   GBP'm            GBP'm 
                                             (Unaudited)        (Audited) 
                                     -------------------  --------------- 
 Funds from investors and partners                 853.4          1,159.6 
                                     -------------------  --------------- 
 Accrued Interest                                    3.4              4.3 
                                     -------------------  --------------- 
 Funding line costs                                (3.5)            (4.6) 
                                     -------------------  --------------- 
                                                   853.3          1,159.3 
                                     -------------------  --------------- 
 

On 14 April 2023, the Group sold its non-risk retention residual economic interest in the Mortimer BTL 2021-1 plc securitisation for a cash consideration of GBP8.6m. This transaction resulted in a reduction in the Group's interest-bearing liabilities of GBP234m.

On 26 May 2023, the Group sold a portfolio of BTL residential mortgages to Chetwood Financial Limited for a cash consideration of GBP243m inclusive of the proceeds from cancelled interest rate derivatives. GBP237m of interest-bearing liabilities were re-paid on completion of the transaction.

During the six-month period, the Group drew down GBP165m from funding lines to finance new originations.

The Group's interest on funding has ranged between 1% to 8% in the 6 months period ended 30 September 2023.

Funding line costs are amortised on an effective interest rate basis. Interest bearing liabilities are secured by charges over the assets and operations of the Group.

20. Reconciliation of liabilities arising from financing activities

 
                                   Interest bearing   Leases   Derivatives 
                                        liabilities    GBP'm         GBP'm 
                                              GBP'm 
 31 March 2022 (Audited)                  (1,214.1)    (4.1)          32.5 
                                  -----------------  -------  ------------ 
 Cash flows                                    54.8      1.4         (8.4) 
                                  -----------------  -------  ------------ 
 Fair value changes                               -        -          21.9 
                                  -----------------  -------  ------------ 
 Reinstatement of dilapidations 
  provision                                       -    (0.1)             - 
                                  -----------------  -------  ------------ 
 Lease liability interest                         -    (0.5)             - 
                                  -----------------  -------  ------------ 
 31 March 2023 (Audited)                  (1,159.3)    (3.3)          46.0 
                                  -----------------  -------  ------------ 
 Cash flows                                    71.8      0.7          26.6 
                                  -----------------  -------  ------------ 
 Fair value changes                               -        -        (60.6) 
                                  -----------------  -------  ------------ 
 Leases finance expense                           -    (0.2)             - 
                                  -----------------  -------  ------------ 
 De-consolidation                             234.2        -             - 
                                  -----------------  -------  ------------ 
 30 September 2023 
  ( Unaudited)                              (853.3)    (2.8)          12.0 
                                  -----------------  -------  ------------ 
 

21. Financial instruments

Principal financial instruments

The principal financial instruments used by the Group, from which financial instrument risk arises, are loans and advances, trade and other receivables, cash and cash equivalents, loans and borrowings, derivatives, and trade and other payables.

Categorisation of financial assets and financial liabilities

With the exception of loan commitments classified as fair value through profit or loss, all financial assets of the Group are carried at amortised cost or fair value through other comprehensive income as at 30 September 2023 and 31 March 2023 depending on the business model under which the Group manages the financial assets. All financial liabilities of the Group are carried at amortised cost as at 30 September 2023 and 31 March 2023 due to the nature of the liability.

Financial instruments measured at amortised cost, rather than fair value, include cash and cash equivalents, trade and other receivables, trade and other payables, rent deposit and interest-bearing liabilities. Due to their short-term nature, the carrying value of cash and cash equivalents, trade and other receivables, and trade and other payables approximates their fair value.

(a) Carrying amount of financial instruments

A summary of the financial instruments held by category is provided below:

 
                                        As at 30 September   As at 31 March 
                                                      2023             2023 
                                                     GBP'm            GBP'm 
                                               (Unaudited)        (Audited) 
                                       -------------------  --------------- 
 Financial assets at amortised 
  cost 
                                       -------------------  --------------- 
 Cash and cash equivalents                            88.0             46.7 
                                       -------------------  --------------- 
 Trade and other receivables                           4.5              4.2 
                                       -------------------  --------------- 
 Loans and advances(1)                               148.2            174.2 
                                       -------------------  --------------- 
 Investment securities                                23.5             23.9 
                                       -------------------  --------------- 
 Financial assets at fair value 
  through other comprehensive 
  income 
                                       -------------------  --------------- 
 Loans and advances                                  659.3            948.7 
                                       -------------------  --------------- 
 Fair value adjustment for portfolio 
  hedged risk                                          0.2              0.1 
                                       -------------------  --------------- 
 Financial assets at fair value 
  through profit and loss 
                                       -------------------  --------------- 
 Derivative financial asset                           12.0             46.0 
                                       -------------------  --------------- 
 Total financial assets                              935.7          1,243.8 
                                       -------------------  --------------- 
 Financial liabilities at amortised 
  cost 
                                       -------------------  --------------- 
 Trade and other payables                           (30.3)           (22.3) 
                                       -------------------  --------------- 
 Interest bearing liabilities                      (853.3)        (1,159.3) 
                                       -------------------  --------------- 
 Lease liabilities                                   (2.8)            (3.3) 
                                       -------------------  --------------- 
 Total financial liabilities                       (886.4)        (1,184.9) 
                                       -------------------  --------------- 
 

(1) The balance relates to a portfolio of loans which was repurchased from the Mortimer 2019-1 BTL plc securitisation vehicle. This portfolio is managed under a hold to collect business model and therefore measured at amortised cost.

(b) Carrying amount versus fair value

The following table compares the carrying amounts and fair values of the Group's financial assets and financial liabilities.

 
                                 As at 30     As at 30          As at 31      As at 31 
                                September    September        March 2023    March 2023 
                                     2023         2023             GBP'm         GBP'm 
                                    GBP'm        GBP'm 
                          Carrying Amount   Fair Value   Carrying Amount    Fair Value 
                         ----------------  -----------  ----------------  ------------ 
                                           (Unaudited)                       (Audited) 
                         -----------------------------  ------------------------------ 
 Financial assets 
                         ----------------  -----------  ----------------  ------------ 
 Cash and cash 
  equivalents                        88.0         88.0              46.7          46.7 
                         ----------------  -----------  ----------------  ------------ 
 Trade and other 
  receivables                         4.5          4.5               4.2           4.2 
                         ----------------  -----------  ----------------  ------------ 
 Loans and advances                 807.5        812.4           1,122.9       1,122.9 
                         ----------------  -----------  ----------------  ------------ 
 Investment securities               23.5         22.6              23.9          23.9 
                         ----------------  -----------  ----------------  ------------ 
 Derivative financial 
  asset                              12.0         12.0              46.0          46.0 
                         ----------------  -----------  ----------------  ------------ 
 Fair value adjustment 
  for portfolio 
  hedged risk asset                   0.2          0.2               0.1           0.1 
                         ----------------  -----------  ----------------  ------------ 
 Total financial 
  assets                            935.7        939.7           1,243.8       1,243.8 
                         ----------------  -----------  ----------------  ------------ 
 Financial liabilities 
                         ----------------  -----------  ----------------  ------------ 
 Trade and other 
  payables                         (30.3)       (30.3)            (22.3)        (22.3) 
                         ----------------  -----------  ----------------  ------------ 
 Interest bearing 
  liabilities                     (853.3)      (847.0)         (1,159.3)     (1,157.9) 
                         ----------------  -----------  ----------------  ------------ 
 Lease liabilities                  (2.8)        (2.8)             (3.3)         (3.3) 
                         ----------------  -----------  ----------------  ------------ 
 Total financial 
  liabilities                     (886.4)      (880.1)         (1,184.9)     (1,183.5) 
                         ----------------  -----------  ----------------  ------------ 
 

The fair value of the Retail Bond 2 interest bearing liability is calculated based on the mid-market price of GBP99.50 on 30 September 2023 (31 March 2023: GBP98.1).

The fair value of the Retail Bond 3 interest bearing liability is calculated based on the mid-market price of GBP85.50 on 30 September 2023 (31 March 2023: GBP98.7).

Loans and advances are classified as fair value through other comprehensive income and any changes to fair value are calculated based on a fair value model using level 3 inputs and recognised through the Statement of Other Comprehensive Income. Interest bearing liabilities are classified at amortised cost and the fair value measured using level 1 inputs in the table above is for disclosure purposes only.

22. Derivatives held for risk management and hedge accounting

 
                        As at 30 September 2023     As at 31 March 2023 
                                    (Unaudited)               (Audited) 
                     --------------------------  ---------------------- 
                          Asset       Liability      Asset    Liability 
   Instrument type        GBP'm           GBP'm      GBP'm        GBP'm 
                     ----------  --------------  ---------  ----------- 
 Interest rate 
  swap                     12.0               -       46.0            - 
                     ----------  --------------  ---------  ----------- 
 

The Condensed consolidated interim statement of financial position as at 30 September 2023 includes a balance for derivative financial assets of GBP12.0m. This includes the GBP12.0m fair value of interest rate swap derivatives held for risk management.

All derivatives are accounted for at fair value for the purpose of hedging fair value risk exposures associated with the BTL and Homeowner mortgage portfolios. The net notional principal amount of the outstanding interest rate swap contracts at 30 September 2023 was GBP358.3m (31 March 2023: GBP779.1m).

During the period, the fair value of the derivatives positions decreased by GBP34m (six months ended 30 September 2022: GBP64.6m increase).

23. Share capital

 
                                 As at 30 September   As at 31 March 
                                               2023             2023 
                                             number           number 
                                        (Unaudited)        (Audited) 
                                -------------------  --------------- 
 Issued and fully paid up 
                                -------------------  --------------- 
 Ordinary shares of GBP0.0005 
  each                                  141,032,025      139,631,046 
                                -------------------  --------------- 
                                        141,032,025      139,631,046 
                                -------------------  --------------- 
 
 
                                 As at 30 September   As at 31 March 
                                               2023             2023 
                                              GBP'm            GBP'm 
 Issued and fully paid up               (Unaudited)        (Audited) 
                                -------------------  --------------- 
 Ordinary Shares of GBP0.0005 
  each                                          0.1              0.1 
                                -------------------  --------------- 
                                                0.1              0.1 
                                -------------------  --------------- 
 
 
                    As at 30 September   As at 31 March 
   Share premium                  2023             2023 
                                 GBP'm            GBP'm 
                           (Unaudited)        (Audited) 
                   -------------------  --------------- 
 Closing balance                  55.2             55.2 
                   -------------------  --------------- 
 

The balance on the share capital account represents the aggregate nominal value of all ordinary and preferred shares in issue. There is no maximum number of shares authorised by the articles of association.

The balance on the share premium account represents the amounts received in excess of the nominal value of the ordinary and preferred shares. All ordinary and preferred shares have a nominal value of GBP0.0005.

Reconciliation of movements during the period

 
                                               Ordinary Shares 
 As at 1 April 2023                                139,631,046 
                                              ---------------- 
 Shares issued on exercise of company share 
  option scheme options                              1,400,979 
                                              ---------------- 
 As at 30 September 2023                           141,032,025 
                                              ---------------- 
 

On 5 September 2023, the company issued and allotted the remaining 67,592 ordinary shares from its existing block admission (completed in August 2021) for the purposes of granting share awards under the company's SIP. The remainder of the shares granted under the SIP were sourced from the EBT.

On 25 September 2023, the company issued a further 1,333,387 ordinary shares into the EBT to satisfy the expected exercise of vested share options held by employees under the Company's share plans.

24. Earnings per share

(a)

 
                                        6 months ended    6 months ended 
   Basic earnings per share          30 September 2023      30 September 
                                                                    2022 
                                           (Unaudited)       (Unaudited) 
                                           Pence/share       Pence/share 
                                  --------------------  ---------------- 
 Total basic earnings per share 
  attributable to the ordinary 
  equity holders of the Group                   (8.18)             10.75 
                                  --------------------  ---------------- 
 

(b)

 
                                          6 months ended    6 months ended 
   Diluted earnings per share          30 September 2023      30 September 
                                                                      2022 
                                             (Unaudited)       (Unaudited) 
                                             Pence/share       Pence/share 
                                    --------------------  ---------------- 
 Total diluted earnings per share 
  attributable to the ordinary 
  equity holders of the Group                     (8.18)             10.38 
                                    --------------------  ---------------- 
 

(c)

 
                                                6 months ended    6 months ended 
   Number of shares used as denominator      30 September 2023      30 September 
                                                                            2022 
                                                   (Unaudited)       (Unaudited) 
 Number of ordinary shares used 
  as the denominator in calculating 
  basic earnings per share                         137,965,198       137,500,867 
                                          --------------------  ---------------- 
 Adjustments for calculations 
  of diluted earnings per share: 
  Options                                                    -         4,895,852 
                                          --------------------  ---------------- 
 Number of ordinary shares and 
  potential ordinary shares used 
  as denominator in calculating 
  diluted earnings per share                       137,965,198       142,396,719 
                                          --------------------  ---------------- 
 

The loss after tax reported in the Condensed consolidated interim statement of profit and loss, GBP11.2m (30 September 2022: profit after tax GBP12.4m), is the numerator (earnings) used in calculating earnings per share.

25. Reserves

Fair value hierarchy

The level in the fair value hierarchy within which the financial asset or financial liability is categorised is determined on the basis of the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement. Financial assets and liabilities are classified in their entirety into only one of the three levels. The fair value hierarchy has the following levels:

   1.     Quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities; 

2. Inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly (i.e. prices) or indirectly (i.e. derived from prices); and

3. Inputs for the asset or liability that are not based on observable market data (unobservable inputs).

The objective of valuation techniques is to arrive at a fair value measurement that reflects the price that would be received to sell the asset or paid to transfer the liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date.

 
 
                                      As at 30 September     Level     Level     Level 
   Financial instruments                            2023         1         2         3 
                                                   GBP'm     GBP'm     GBP'm     GBP'm 
 Interest rate swap* (Unaudited)                    12.0         -      12.0         - 
                                   ---------------------  --------  --------  -------- 
 Loans and advances* (Unaudited)                   659.3         -         -     659.3 
                                   ---------------------  --------  --------  -------- 
 

*Measured at fair value

For all other financial instruments, the fair value is equal to the carrying value and has not been included in the table above.

 
 
                                    As at 31 March     Level     Level     Level 
   Financial instruments                      2023         1         2         3 
                                             GBP'm     GBP'm     GBP'm     GBP'm 
 Interest rate swap* (Audited)                46.0         -      46.0         - 
                                 -----------------  --------  --------  -------- 
 Loans and advances* (Audited)               948.7         -         -     948.7 
                                 -----------------  --------  --------  -------- 
 

*Measured at fair value

Level 2 instruments include interest rate swaps which are either two, three or five years in length. These lengths are aligned with the fixed interest periods of the underlying loan book. These interest rate swaps are valued using models used to calculate the present value of expected future cash flows and may be employed when there are no quoted prices available for similar instruments in active markets.

Level 3 instruments include loans and advances. The valuation of the asset is not based on observable market data (unobservable inputs). Valuation techniques include net present value and discounted cash flow methods. The assumptions used in such models include benchmark interest rates and borrower risk profile. The objective of the valuation technique is to determine a fair value that reflects the price of the financial instrument that would have been used by two counterparties in an arm's length transaction.

 
  Financial         Valuation            Significant         Range at       Range at 
  instrument        techniques           unobservable       30 September     31 March 
                       used                 inputs              2023           2023 
  Loans and         Discounted         Prepayment Rate       2% - 14%      2% - 12.4% 
   advances     cash flow valuation 
                                        Probability of       16% - 84%      16% - 84% 
                                        default Discount 
                                              Rate 
                                                             2.5% - 10%     2.5% - 10% 
              ---------------------  -------------------  --------------  ------------ 
 

Financial assets and liabilities at fair value: Level 3 analysis:

The following section provides additional analysis of the Group's financial instruments measured at fair value that are categorised as Level 3:

 
                                                          Loans and advances 
   Six months ended 30 September 2023 (Unaudited)     to customers at FVOCI: 
 As at 1 April 2023                                                    948.7 
                                                    ------------------------ 
 Additions(1)                                                          300.6 
                                                    ------------------------ 
 Movement in expected credit losses                                    (6.4) 
                                                    ------------------------ 
 Net fair value gains/(losses) recognised 
  in other comprehensive income                                          0.6 
                                                    ------------------------ 
 Balance movements                                                   (448.0) 
                                                    ------------------------ 
 Settlements/repayments                                              (136.2) 
                                                    ------------------------ 
 As at 30 September 2023                                               659.3 
                                                    ------------------------ 
 

(1) Additions include new financial assets originated, additional drawdowns and accrued interest.

Information about sensitivity to change in significant unobservable inputs

The significant unobservable inputs used in the fair value measurement of the reporting entity's loans and advances are prepayment rates, probability of default and discount rates. Significant increase / (decrease) in any of those inputs in isolation would result in a lower / (higher) fair value measurement. A change in the assumption of these inputs will not correlate to a change in the other inputs.

Sensitivity Analysis

 
                                         Gain or (loss)   +100bps   -100bps 
   Impact of changes in unobservable                 at     GBP'm     GBP'm 
   inputs                                  30 September 
                                                   2023 
                                                  GBP'm 
 Prepayment rates (Unaudited)                       0.6       0.4       0.8 
                                       ----------------  --------  -------- 
 Discount rate (Unaudited)                          0.6    (12.0)      13.9 
                                       ----------------  --------  -------- 
 

Reserves are comprised of retained earnings, own share reserve, the employee share reserve, fair value reserve and cashflow hedge reserve.

Retained earnings represent all net gains and losses of the Group less directly attributable costs associated with the issue of new equity and dividends paid out to shareholders.

The employee share reserve represents the fair value of share options issued to employees but not exercised.

The own share reserve represents treasury shares held in the Group's Employee Benefit Trust which are held to be provided to staff on the exercising of options, or to be granted as part of the Group's bonus scheme.

Cash flow hedge reserve

The cash flow hedge reserve is the deferred portion of the change in the fair value of the hedging instrument that is deemed to be effective.

 
                                       Financial   Deferred        Cash Flow 
   Six months ended 30 September     Liabilities        tax    Hedge Reserve 
   2023                                    GBP'm      GBP'm            GBP'm 
 Balance as at 1 April 2023 
  (Audited)                                 21.5      (5.4)             16.1 
                                   -------------  ---------  --------------- 
 Cash flow hedge adjustment 
  through other comprehensive 
  income                                  (21.5)        5.4           (16.1) 
                                   -------------  ---------  --------------- 
 Cash flow hedge reserve at 
  30 September 2023 (Unaudited)                -          -                - 
                                   -------------  ---------  --------------- 
 

On 14 April 2023, the Group sold its non-risk retention residual economic interest in the Mortimer BTL 2021-1 plc securitisation for a cash consideration of GBP8.66m. The sale of the certificate (residual notes) resulted in a derecognition event as substantially all the risks, rewards, and control of the vehicle passed to the investor. As the control of the vehicle (Mortimer BTL 2021-1) had been transferred, the vehicle has been deconsolidated from the Group's results. This also resulted in the re-cycling of a loss of GBP21.5m from the cash flow hedge reserves to the line item 'Net gain on derecognition of financial assets' in the profit and loss.

Fair value reserve

The fair value reserve represents movements in the fair value of the financial assets classified as FVTOCI. The movements in fair value are a function of changes in credit spreads, interest rate curves and size of the loan portfolio. A significant change in any of these variables will have a consequential effect on fair value movements and therefore the Group's reported reserves.

 
                                     Gross   Deferred      Net 
   Six months ended 30 September     GBP'm        tax    GBP'm 
   2023                                         GBP'm 
 Balance as at 1 April 2023 
  (Audited)                         (22.0)        5.5   (16.5) 
                                   -------  ---------  ------- 
 Fair value movement on loans 
  and advances during the period      37.2      (9.3)     27.9 
                                   -------  ---------  ------- 
 Fair value on hedged items           12.8      (3.2)      9.6 
                                   -------  ---------  ------- 
 Fair value re-cycled to line 
  item 'loss on sale of loan 
  portfolio' in profit or loss      (20.0)        5.0   (15.0) 
                                   -------  ---------  ------- 
 Fair value reserve at 30 
  September 2023 (Unaudited)           8.0      (2.0)      6.0 
                                   -------  ---------  ------- 
 

On 26 May 2023, the Group sold a portfolio of BTL residential mortgages to Chetwood Financial Limited. On completion of the sale, the associated fair value adjustment amounting to GBP20m was recycled to the line item 'loss on sale of loan portfolio' in the profit and loss.

26. Dividends

No dividends (2022: GBP6.2mil) were paid during the period. The final dividend in respect of the year ended 31 March 2023 of 4.5 pence per share (amounting to GBP4.5m) was approved on 18 September 2023, and paid on 13 October 2023.

The Board is not recommending the payment of an interim dividend in respect of the 6 months ended 30 September 2023.

27. Related party transactions

Key management personnel compensation

Key management personnel are those persons having authority and responsibility for planning, directing and controlling the activities of the Group. Key management is defined as the directors of LendInvest plc.

 
                                     6 months ended   6 months ended 
                                  30 September 2023     30 September 
                                              GBP'm             2022 
                                                               GBP'm 
                                        (Unaudited)      (Unaudited) 
                                -------------------  --------------- 
 Salary & bonus                                 0.5              0.7 
                                -------------------  --------------- 
 Defined contribution pension                     -                - 
  cost 
                                -------------------  --------------- 
 Share based payments                             -              0.1 
                                -------------------  --------------- 
 Total                                          0.5              0.8 
                                -------------------  --------------- 
 

28. Events after reporting date

On 6 October 2023 GBP55m of retail bonds matured, which carried a coupon of 5.375%. These bonds were refinanced by a new issue of GBP60m retail bonds. Of the new issuance, c.GBP20m are currently held in treasury and are included in FuM. The new bonds carry a coupon of 11.5%.

On 29 November 2023, the business successfully completed its fifth public market securitisation transaction in respect of a GBP410m BTL loan portfolio. This transaction generated a cash inflow of cGBP34m which was used to repay cGBP17m of third-party mezzanine debt, with the remainder available for new lending and general business purposes. Due to the size of the transaction, the business intends to reduce the current surplus capacity in its warehouse facilities for BTL lending by cGBP355m, thereby reducing ongoing commitment fees. This will have a corresponding impact on FuM.

Glossary

Alternative Performance Measures

In the reporting of financial information, the Directors have adopted various alternative performance measures (APMs). APMs should be considered in addition to IFRS measurements. The Directors believe that these APMs assist in providing useful information on the underlying performance of the Group, enhance the comparability of information between reporting periods, and are used internally by the Directors to measure the Group's performance. They are not necessarily comparable to other entities' APMs.

Assets under Management ('AuM')

The Group defines AuM as the sum of (i) the total amount of outstanding loans and advances (including accrued interest, before impairment provisions and fair value adjustments), as reported on an IFRS basis in the notes to the accounts in the Group's Financial Statements, and (ii) off-balance sheet assets, which represents the total amount of outstanding loans and advances (including accrued interest) that the Group originates but does not hold on its balance sheet, comprising those loans that are held by its off-balance sheet entities. Off-Balance Sheet Assets are not presented net of any impairment provisions relating thereto.

The Directors view AuM as a useful measure because it is used to analyse and evaluate the volume of revenue-generating assets of the platform on an aggregate basis and is therefore helpful for understanding the performance of the business.

The following table provides a reconciliation from the Group's reported gross loans and advances.

 
                                 6 months ended   6 months ended 
                              30 September 2023     30 September 
                                          GBP'm             2022 
                                                           GBP'm 
                                    (Unaudited)      (Unaudited) 
                            -------------------  --------------- 
 Gross Loans and advances                 822.4          1,213.2 
                            -------------------  --------------- 
 Off-Balance sheet Assets               1,872.7          1,217.9 
                            -------------------  --------------- 
 Total                                  2,695.1          2,431.1 
                            -------------------  --------------- 
 

Funds under Management ('FuM')

The Group defines FuM as the aggregate sum available to the Group under each of its funding lines. The Group's FuM are used to originate revenue generating AuM. The Directors view the difference between the Group's FuM and Platform AuM as the headroom for future growth.

New lending/loan origination

The Group defines new lending as the total new money lent on loans which have originated in the period, or when an existing product has been refinanced with a new loan.

Diluted earnings per share

The Group defines diluted earnings per share as earnings per share divided by the weighted average number of dilutive shares including adjustments for share options.

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