ADVFN Logo ADVFN

We could not find any results for:
Make sure your spelling is correct or try broadening your search.

Trending Now

Toplists

It looks like you aren't logged in.
Click the button below to log in and view your recent history.

Hot Features

Registration Strip Icon for alerts Register for real-time alerts, custom portfolio, and market movers

LSE London Stock Exchange Group Plc

8,620.00
0.00 (0.00%)
26 Apr 2024 - Closed
Delayed by 15 minutes
Share Name Share Symbol Market Type Share ISIN Share Description
London Stock Exchange Group Plc LSE:LSE London Ordinary Share GB00B0SWJX34 ORD SHS 6 79/86P
  Price Change % Change Share Price Bid Price Offer Price High Price Low Price Open Price Shares Traded Last Trade
  0.00 0.00% 8,620.00 8,602.00 8,606.00 0.00 01:00:00
Industry Sector Turnover Profit EPS - Basic PE Ratio Market Cap
0 0 N/A 0

London Stock Exchange Group PLC Half-year Report (5564W)

02/08/2018 7:01am

UK Regulatory


London Stock Exchange (LSE:LSE)
Historical Stock Chart


From Apr 2019 to Apr 2024

Click Here for more London Stock Exchange Charts.

TIDMLSE

RNS Number : 5564W

London Stock Exchange Group PLC

02 August 2018

2 August 2018

LONDON STOCK EXCHANGE GROUP PLC

INTERIM RESULTS FOR THE 6 MONTHSED 30 JUNE 2018

Unless otherwise stated, all figures below refer to continuing operations for the six months ended 30 June 2018. Comparative figures are for continuing operations for the six months ended 30 June 2017 (H1 2017).

-- Strong financial performance - with double-digit revenue growth in Information Services, LCH and Capital Markets

-- Revenue up 12% to GBP953 million (H1 2017: GBP853 million); total income up 12% to GBP1,060 million (H1 2017: GBP946 million)

-- Adjusted operating profit(1) up 21% to GBP480 million (H1 2017: GBP398 million), with underlying operating expenses on an organic and constant currency basis up 5% as the Group continues to invest in growth and efficiencies

-- On a reported basis, operating profit up 29% to GBP393 million (H1 2017: GBP305 million); profit before tax up 30% to GBP360 million (H1 2017: GBP277 million); profit after tax of GBP283 million (H1 2017: GBP208 million)

-- Adjusted EPS(1) up 25% to 88.7 pence (H1 2017: 71.2 pence); basic EPS up 41% to 71.1 pence (H1 2017: 50.4 pence)

-- Interim dividend increased 19% to 17.2 pence per share (H1 2017: 14.4 pence per share), in line with stated dividend policy

-- Strong balance sheet position with leverage reduced to 1.6 times adjusted net debt: pro forma EBITDA

-- During the period, capital deployed for acquisitions, including increasing stake in LCH Group to 68%; 100% ownership of FTSE TMX; and c.16% minority stake in AcadiaSoft alongside organic investment to capitalise on multiple growth opportunities

-- FTSE Russell integration of The Yield Book is on track, delivering further expanded multi-asset index capabilities, data and analytics

-- LCH continues global leadership with record clearing volume at SwapClear, and successfully launched non-deliverable and SOFR IRS. ForexClear launched options clearing

   --     Group is well positioned to drive further growth as a diversified, global financial markets infrastructure business - operating on an open access basis in partnership with customers 

David Schwimmer, Group CEO, said:

"I am delighted to join the Group, which continues to deliver strong growth. The Group's strategy, based on an open access and customer partnership approach, provides a great foundation for further success. My immediate focus is to meet with colleagues, customers, shareholders and other stakeholders, and to ensure we continue our focus on driving operational excellence across LSEG as I work with the executive team to develop the Group's many opportunities ahead."

David Warren, Group CFO, said:

"The Group has delivered another strong performance, with growth across all business areas. LCH has launched new products and set new records for clearing levels in the SwapClear and ForexClear services, while FTSE Russell has produced another good result. Capital Markets performed well with increases in primary and secondary markets activity. We are in a strong position as we work to execute on our strategy and to meet our financial targets while continuing to invest for further growth."

(1) before amortisation of purchased intangible assets and non-underlying items

Organic growth is calculated in respect of businesses owned for at least 6 months in either period and so excludes ISPS, The Yield Book and Citi Fixed Income Indices, MillenniumIT ESP and Exactpro. The Group's principal foreign exchange exposure arises from translating our European based Euro and US based USD reporting businesses into Sterling.

Figures are for the Group on a continuing basis so exclude businesses classified as discontinued during 2017.

London Stock Exchange Group uses non-GAAP performance measures as key financial indicators as the Board believes these better reflect the underlying performance of the business. As in previous years, adjusted operating expenses, adjusted operating profit, adjusted profit before tax and adjusted earnings per share all exclude amortisation and impairment of purchased intangibles assets and goodwill and non-underlying items.

Further information is available from:

 
                          Gavin Sullivan / Lucie              +44 (0) 20 7797 1222 
                           Holloway / Ramesh Chhabra 
 London Stock Exchange     - Media                             +44 (0) 20 7797 
  Group plc                Paul Froud - Investor Relations     3322 
 

Additional information on London Stock Exchange Group can be found at www.lseg.com

The Group will host a conference call for analysts and institutional shareholders today at 08:30am (UK time). On the call to discuss the H1 results will be David Warren (CFO) and Paul Froud (Head of Investor Relations).

To access the telephone conference call dial 0800 376 7922 or +44 (0) 2071 928 000

Conference ID: 518 9224

For further information, please call the Group's Investor Relations team on +44 (0) 20 7797 3322.

Group CEO statement

I am delighted to have started my position at London Stock Exchange Group as of 1 August. I join a Group that has a strong financial position as well as a proven strategy, underpinned by its customer partnership approach, which is being executed by a highly capable and experienced management team. I am excited by the many opportunities for further growth, both organically and inorganically, as we continue to execute and develop the business.

My immediate priority in the coming weeks is to meet with colleagues, customers, shareholders and other key stakeholders. I intend to continue the focus on driving operational excellence across the Group, and I will work with the executive team to implement plans for further growth and value creation. I look forward to sharing more thoughts in the future.

In the meantime, I would like to thank everyone at LSEG for the hard work that has produced this strong set of half-year results, and in particular, I would like to acknowledge David Warren's leadership as Interim CEO over the period.

Group CFO statement

Overview of H1 results

The Group has delivered another strong set of results, with growth across all business areas. The Group is well positioned as a global financial infrastructure business, providing critical services to clients around the world, based on a strategy with open access and customer partnership at its centre.

During the period, we have continued to invest for growth as we launch new products and drive further efficiencies across our businesses. On a reported basis, total income increased 12%, while operating expenses (before depreciation and amortisation) rose by 2%, with adjusted operating profit rising 21% to GBP480 million, and adjusted EPS increasing 25% to 88.7 pence per share.

Underpinning the income growth were strong performances at FTSE Russell and at LCH, with both businesses achieving the targeted double-digit revenue growth rates. LCH delivered record notional cleared volume at the SwapClear service, up 23% to $576 trillion, and compression activity increased 24% at $388 trillion. The ForexClear service also saw record clearing levels with $8.7 trillion cleared and 1.26 million trades, up by 79% and 87% respectively. Capital Markets performed well, with good growth in the period in Primary Markets, where issuance was strong, and in Secondary Markets, with increased equities, derivatives and repo trading.

Other selected developments:

- FTSE Russell acquired minority interests to assume 100% ownership of FTSE TMX Global Debt Capital Markets Limited, further strengthening its global fixed income capabilities, following the acquisition of The Yield Book, where integration is on track

- LSEG increased its stake in LCH Group to 68%, acquiring an additional 2% following a sale by a minority shareholder

- LSEG acquired c.16% minority stake in AcadiaSoft; LCH SwapAgent and AcadiaSoft signed heads of terms agreement

   -     LCH SwapClear continues to expand its spread of currencies from 18 to 21, clearing its first non-deliverable interest rate swaps denominated in Chinese Yuan, Korean Won and Indian Rupee; and, in June, gained approval to clear for counterparties domiciled in Mexico 
   -     LCH SwapClear launched Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR) clearing 
   -     LCH ForexClear launched clearing of FX options in early July 2018 

- Capital Markets - Increase in the number of new issues, with 87 companies joining the Group's markets

- LSEG announced plans to expand the global footprint of Group's shared services company, BSL, with the establishment a new Business Services Centre in Romania

We remain in a strong financial position, with leverage reduced to 1.6 times net debt to pro forma EBITDA, during a period in which we have also continued to invest in projects to deliver additional sales growth and to drive further operational efficiencies. In line with the Group's stated progressive dividend policy, we have increased the interim dividend by 19%, to 17.2 pence per share.

Further commentary on the Group's performance from continuing operations in the six month period is provided below.

Operational Performance

Information Services, the Group's largest business segment by revenue, delivered a 16% increase in revenue, to GBP412 million (up 9% on an organic and constant currency basis). FTSE Russell revenue increased by 19% to GBP309 million, including contributions from the Citi Fixed Income Indices and The Yield Book acquisition, and was 9% higher on an organic and constant currency basis. ETF AUM benchmarked to FTSE Russell indexes increased 22% to US$646 billion and subscription revenues for access to indexes and data increased, comprising c.65% of FTSE Russell revenues in H1. Revenue from other information services grew 21%, with UnaVista benefitting from increased demand for services following the introduction of MiFID II, while revenue from real time data was 1% lower as the number of terminals taking UK and Italian market data reduced. Cost of sales on an organic and constant currency basis rose 8%, with 10% growth in gross profit on an equivalent basis at GBP378 million.

Post Trade Services - LCH, the Group's majority-owned global clearing business, produced an 18% increase in total income, to GBP320 million (up 19% at constant currency). OTC clearing revenue increased 16%, reflecting a strong performance at SwapClear, with record clearing activity in terms of notional value cleared and compressed, plus a 29% increase in the number of client trades which account for c.50% of SwapClear's clearing revenue. Clearing volumes at CDSClear and ForexClear also rose well, with notional cleared value up 9% and 78%

respectively.   Membership numbers for all three OTC services increased during the period. 

Non-OTC products clearing revenue rose 2% (flat at constant currency), reflecting an uplift in fixed income clearing, offset by lower cash equities and derivatives clearing revenues. LCH net treasury income (NTI) increased 47%. With average cash collateral broadly unchanged at EUR86 billion, the increase in NTI is mainly driven by higher USD returns through investment positions that have benefitted from the USD rate environment, as well as a step change from further extension of counterparties for placing investments. While NTI is expected to remain strong in H2, absent from any further rate rises, NTI may not reach the H1 levels. Cost of sales for LCH rose 32%, reflecting the revenue share arrangements across a number of the OTC clearing services, with a resulting 16% increase in gross profit, at GBP267 million.

Total income for Post Trade Services in Italy, comprising CC&G and Monte Titoli, decreased 2% to GBP73 million (down 5% at constant currency). The headline decline reflects a change in the reporting of settlement activity, with the revenues and cost of sales for settlement through the T2S system now being netted, amounting to GBP5 million in H1. As a result there is a reduction in cost of sales, which reduced by 61%, with the result that gross profit rose 5% to GBP70 million (up 3% at constant currency). Clearing revenue rose 4% (up 2% at constant currency), reflecting higher clearing volumes in Italian equities, derivatives and repo markets. Settlement and custody revenue was down 12% on a reported basis, but flat after adjusting for the reporting changes, mentioned above. Assets under custody increased 2% to EUR3.30 trillion. Treasury income increased 9% to GBP21 million, with a reduction in average initial margin held offset by higher spreads over the period.

Capital Markets increased revenue by 13% (up 12% at constant currency) while cost of sales rose by just 1%, resulting in a 14% increase in gross profit to GBP206 million (up 13% on constant currency). In Primary Markets, revenue rose 31%, with an increase in number of new issues to 87 in the first half of the year (H1 2017: 81). In Secondary Markets, equities trading revenue increased 5%, with lower trading levels at Turquoise offset by increased trading volume at Borsa Italiana and higher UK value traded, up 5% and 13% respectively. Fixed income and derivatives trading revenue increased 10%, reflecting higher trading volumes.

Technology Services revenue decreased 22% on a reported basis, and up 18% on an organic and constant currency basis, principally adjusting for the disposals of the MillenniumIT ESP business and Exactpro.

Financial Summary

Unless otherwise stated, all figures below refer to continuing operations for the six months ended 30 June 2018. Comparative figures are for continuing operations for the six months ended 30 June 2017 (H1 2017). Variances are also provided on an organic and constant currency basis.

 
                                                                             Organic 
                                                                                 and 
                                                  Six months ended          constant 
                                                      30 June               currency 
                                             ------------------------- 
                                               2018    2017   Variance   variance(1) 
 Continuing operations                         GBPm    GBPm          %             % 
------------------------------------------   ------  ------  ---------  ------------ 
 
 Revenue 
 Information Services (1)                       412     355        16%            9% 
 Post Trade Services - LCH                      237     207        14%           14% 
 Post Trade Services - CC&G and 
  Monte Titoli                                   52      55       (6%)          (8%) 
 Capital Markets                                215     190        13%           12% 
 Technology Services (1)                         32      41      (22%)           18% 
 Other revenue                                    5       5          -             - 
-------------------------------------------  ------  ------  ---------  ------------ 
 Total revenue                                  953     853        12%           11% 
 
 Net treasury income through CCP 
  businesses                                    104      75        38%           39% 
 Other income                                     3      18          -             - 
-------------------------------------------  ------  ------  ---------  ------------ 
 Total income                                 1,060     946        12%           11% 
 Cost of sales                                (106)   (102)         4%           13% 
-------------------------------------------  ------  ------  ---------  ------------ 
 Gross profit                                   954     844        13%           11% 
 
 Operating expenses before depreciation 
  and amortisation                            (407)   (399)         2%            5% 
 Underlying depreciation and amortisation      (64)    (46)        39%           34% 
-------------------------------------------  ------  ------  ---------  ------------ 
 Total operating expenses                     (471)   (445)         6%            8% 
 Share of loss after tax of associate           (3)     (1)          -             - 
 Adjusted operating profit (2)                  480     398        21%           14% 
-------------------------------------------  ------  ------  ---------  ------------ 
 
 Add back underlying depreciation 
  and amortisation                               64      46        39%           34% 
                                                                        ------------ 
 Earnings before interest, tax, 
  depreciation and amortisation                 544     444        23%           16% 
                                             ------  ------  ---------  ------------ 
 
 Profit on disposal of business                   -       5          -             - 
 Amortisation of purchased intangible 
  assets and non-underlying items              (87)    (98)      (11%)         (10%) 
 Operating profit                               393     305        29%           19% 
-------------------------------------------  ------  ------  ---------  ------------ 
 
 Earnings per share 
 Basic earnings per share (p)                  71.1    50.4        41% 
 Adjusted basic earnings per share 
  (p) (2)                                      88.7    71.2        25% 
 
 Dividend per share (p)                        17.2    14.4        19% 
 

(1) Organic growth is calculated in respect of businesses owned for at least 6 months in either period and so excludes ISPS, The Yield Book and Citi Fixed Income Indices, MillenniumIT ESP and Exactpro. The Group's principal foreign exchange exposure arises from translating our European based Euro and US based USD reporting businesses into Sterling

(2) before amortisation of purchased intangible assets and non-underlying items

Note: Variances in all tables are calculated from underlying numbers

The Group has performed well. Revenue increased 12% to GBP953 million (H1 2017: GBP853 million), and up 11% on an organic and constant currency basis. As described in the operational performance section above, many parts of the Group have delivered good results, with strong contributions in particular from LCH and Information Services. Total income rose 12% to GBP1,060 million (H1 2017: GBP946 million), and up 11% on an organic and constant currency basis. Cost of sales increased 13% in underlying terms to GBP106 million, (up 4% as reported) primarily as a result of the growth in LCH and FTSE Russell, with gross profit increasing 13% to GBP954 million (H1 2017: GBP844 million).

Operating expenses excluding depreciation and amortisation rose by 2% on a reported basis and were 5% higher on an organic and constant currency basis. Underlying depreciation and amortisation at GBP64 million is 39% higher than last year, reflecting investments in previous periods. The Group is continuing to invest in new products and efficiency projects, to increase sales and to develop our infrastructure. Due to the phasing of spend during the year, operating expenses (including depreciation and amortisation) in the second half of the year are likely to be c.GBP25-30 million higher than H1.

Adjusted operating profit for the period, before amortisation of purchased intangible assets and non-underlying items, increased 21% to GBP480 million (H1 2017: GBP398 million). Operating profit also increased by 29%, to GBP393 million (H1 2017: GBP305 million).

Net finance costs were GBP33 million (H1 2017: GBP28 million) reflecting higher year on year average borrowings in the period following the acquisition of the Citi Fixed Income Indices and The Yield Book business in August 2017. Profit before tax was GBP360 million (H1 2017: GBP277 million). The underlying effective Group tax rate for the period (excluding prior year and one-off adjustments) was 23.0% (year ended 31 December 2017: 23.4%).

Adjusted basic EPS, before amortisation of purchased intangible assets and non-recurring items, increased 25% to 88.7 pence (H1 2017: 71.2 pence) while basic EPS was 71.1 pence (H1 2017: 50.4 pence).

Net cash inflow from operating activities was GBP287 million (H1 2017: GBP261 million), the increase reflecting stronger cash generation from operating activities. Capital expenditure in the period amounted to GBP90 million, (H1 2017: GBP88 million). Looking ahead, we expect capex to run at a slightly higher level in H2 as we continue to invest in further product development and projects to help scale-up our business. Net cash generated after capex, other investing activities and dividends, was GBP28 million (H1 2017: GBP79 million). Free cash flow per share on the same basis was 56.6 pence (30 June 2017: 59.4 pence).

During the period the Group commenced issuance under its GBP1 billion commercial paper programme in order to further diversify its funding sources and reduce its cost of borrowing. At 30 June 2018 EUR200 million was in issuance. The commercial paper is backed up by a GBP600 million multi-currency, committed swingline facility - available also for general corporate purposes. Committed undrawn credit lines available to the Group, after considering the euro commercial paper programme issuances, at 30 June 2018 totalled over GBP720 million, extending out to 2022.

At 30 June 2018, operating net debt had decreased to GBP1,627 million (after setting aside GBP1,005 million of cash for regulatory and operational support purposes), with cash generated by the business effectively funding the investment activities highlighted above as well as the regular debt servicing and dividend payments. Operating net debt: pro forma EBITDA reduced to 1.6 times (from 1.7 times at 31 December 2017), reflecting the continued strong organic cash generation during the period, partially offset by further organic and inorganic investment by the Group.

During the period, Standard & Poor's maintained its long term ratings of LSEG at A- and of LCH Limited and LCH SA at A+, but improved the outlooks to positive from stable for all three rated entities. Moody's maintained its A3 rating of LSEG with a stable outlook. The Group had net assets of GBP3,908 million at 30 June 2018 (31 December 2017: GBP3,752 million), including GBP1,299 million in cash and cash equivalents (31 December 2017: GBP1,381 million).

The Group's principal foreign exchange exposure arises as a result of translating and revaluing its foreign currency earnings, assets and liabilities into LSEG's reporting currency of Sterling. For the 6 months to 30 June 2018, the main translation exposures for the Group were its Euro reporting businesses (accounting for 31% of Group income and 29% of Group expenses) and its US dollar reporting businesses (accounting for 27% of income and 16% of expenses). A 10 cent movement in the average GBP/EUR rate for the six months and a 10 cent movement in the average GBP/US$ rate for the six months would have changed the Group's operating profit for the period before amortisation of purchased intangible assets and non-recurring items by approximately GBP14 million in each event. The Group continues to manage its translation risk exposure by matching the currency of its debt (including debt effectively issued in one currency and swapped into a different currency) to the currency of its earnings, where possible, to ensure its key financial ratios are protected from material foreign exchange rate volatility.

Interim Dividend

In line with the Group's dividend policy, the interim dividend is calculated as one-third of the prior full year dividend. Accordingly, the Directors have declared an interim dividend of 17.2 pence per share, an increase of 19% (H1 2017: 14.4 pence per share). The interim dividend will be paid on 18 September 2018 to shareholders on the register on 24 August 2018.

Board of Directors

David Schwimmer was appointed as Group Chief Executive Officer, joining the LSEG Board as an executive director on 1 August 2018.

Outlook

The Group has delivered a strong financial performance in H1, with revenue growth across our businesses as we invest further to drive further sales growth and operating efficiencies. We remain well positioned in an evolving regulatory and macroeconomic environment and remain focused on achieving the 2019 financial targets.

David Warren (Group CFO and Interim CEO during period)

2 August 2018

Operating Performance - Key statistics

To assist investors in understanding the underlying performance of the Group, percentage changes are also presented on an organic and constant currency basis.

Information Services

The Information Services division consists of global indices products, real time data products and a number of other discrete businesses including trade processing operations, desktop and work flow products.

 
                                                                   Organic 
                                                                       and 
                                Six months ended                  constant 
                                    30 June                       currency 
                              ------------------- 
                                   2018      2017   Variance   variance(1) 
                                   GBPm      GBPm          %             % 
 Revenue 
 FTSE Russell Indexes               309       261        19%            9% 
 Real time data                      47        47       (1%)          (2%) 
 Other information services          56        47        21%           25% 
 Total revenue                      412       355        16%            9% 
----------------------------  ---------  --------  ---------  ------------ 
 Cost of sales                     (34)      (30)        15%            8% 
                              ---------  -------- 
 Gross profit                       378       325        16%           10% 
----------------------------  ---------  --------  ---------  ------------ 
 

(1) Excludes The Yield Book and Citi Fixed Income Indices (acquired Q3 2017) from FTSE Russell Indexes and ISPS from Other information services (disposed Q1 2017)

 
                                      As at 
                                     30 June        Variance 
                               ------------------ 
                                   2018      2017          % 
 ETF assets under management 
  benchmarked ($bn) 
 FTSE                               387       315        23% 
 Russell Indexes                    259       215        20% 
-----------------------------                      --------- 
 Total                              646       530        22% 
-----------------------------  --------  --------  --------- 
 
 Terminals 
 UK                              68,000    70,000       (3%) 
 Borsa Italiana Professional 
  Terminals                     109,000   127,000      (14%) 
 

Post Trade Services - LCH

This LCH division comprises the Group's majority owned global clearing business.

 
                                 Six months ended               Constant 
                                     30 June                    currency 
                               ------------------- 
                                    2018      2017   Variance   variance 
                                    GBPm      GBPm          %          % 
 Revenue 
 OTC - SwapClear, ForexClear 
  & CDSClear                         130       112        16%        17% 
 Non OTC - Fixed income, 
  Cash equities & Listed 
  derivatives                         67        66         2%         0% 
 Other                                40        29        38%        37% 
                               ---------  -------- 
 Total revenue                       237       207        14%        14% 
-----------------------------  ---------  --------  ---------  --------- 
 Net treasury income                  83        56        47%        51% 
 Other income (1)                      -         7          -          - 
 Total income                        320       270        18%        19% 
-----------------------------  ---------  --------  ---------  --------- 
 Cost of sales (1)                  (53)      (40)        32%        29% 
                               ---------  -------- 
 Gross profit                        267       230        16%        17% 
-----------------------------  ---------  --------  ---------  --------- 
 

(1) Pass through of LIBOR data fees Cost of sales have now been netted off against Other income, 2018 H1 impact GBP5m

 
                                   Six months ended 
                                       30 June         Variance 
                                 ------------------- 
                                      2018      2017          % 
 
 OTC derivatives 
 SwapClear 
 IRS notional cleared 
  ($tn)                                576       468        23% 
 SwapClear members                     109       106         3% 
 Client trades ('000)                  785       610        29% 
 CDSClear 
 Notional cleared (EURbn)              325       298         9% 
 CDSClear members                       14        13         8% 
 ForexClear 
 Notional value cleared 
  ($bn)                              8,664     4,847        79% 
 ForexClear members                     32        27        19% 
-------------------------------  ---------  --------  --------- 
 Non-OTC 
 Fixed income - Nominal 
  value (EURtn)                       48.9      42.9        14% 
 Listed derivatives (contracts 
  m)                                  81.9      76.4         7% 
 Cash equities trades 
  (m)                                  414       419       (1%) 
-------------------------------  ---------  --------  --------- 
 
 Average cash collateral 
  (EURbn)                             85.9      86.5       (1%) 
 

Post Trade Services - CC&G and Monte Titoli

This division comprises the Group's Italian-based clearing, settlement and custody businesses.

 
                           Six months ended               Constant 
                               30 June                    currency 
                         ------------------- 
                              2018      2017   Variance   variance 
                              GBPm      GBPm          %          % 
 Revenue 
 Clearing                       22        21         4%         2% 
 Settlement, Custody & 
  other (1)                     30        34      (12%)      (15%) 
 Total revenue                  52        55       (6%)       (8%) 
-----------------------  ---------  --------  ---------  --------- 
 Net treasury income            21        19         9%         6% 
 Total income                   73        74       (2%)       (5%) 
-----------------------  ---------  --------  ---------  --------- 
 Cost of sales (1)             (3)       (8)      (61%)      (63%) 
                         ---------  -------- 
 Gross profit                   70        66         5%         3% 
-----------------------  ---------  --------  ---------  --------- 
 

(1) Pass through of T2S costs, Cost of sales have now been netted off against Settlement, Custody & other, 2018 H1 impact GBP5m

 
                                  Six months ended 
                                      30 June         Variance 
                                ------------------- 
                                     2018      2017          % 
 CC&G Clearing 
 Contracts (m)                       62.5      60.1         4% 
 Initial margin held (average 
  EURbn)                              9.7      12.8      (24%) 
 
 Monte Titoli 
 Settlement instructions 
  (trades m)                         23.9      22.9         4% 
 Custody assets under 
  management (average EURtn)         3.30      3.24         2% 
 

Capital Markets

Capital Markets comprises the Group's Primary Markets activities, providing access to capital for corporates and others, and the Secondary Market trading of cash equities, derivatives and fixed income.

 
                                  Six months ended               Constant 
                                      30 June                    currency 
                                ------------------- 
                                     2018      2017   Variance   variance 
                                     GBPm      GBPm          %          % 
 Revenue 
 Primary Markets                       62        48        31%        30% 
 Secondary Markets - Equities          89        84         5%         5% 
 Secondary Markets - Fixed 
  income, derivatives and 
  other                                64        58        10%         9% 
 Total revenue                        215       190        13%        12% 
------------------------------  ---------  --------  ---------  --------- 
 Cost of sales                        (9)       (9)         1%         1% 
                                ---------  -------- 
 Gross profit                         206       181        14%        13% 
------------------------------  ---------  --------  ---------  --------- 
 
 
 Capital Markets - Primary 
  Markets 
 
                               Six months ended 
                                   30 June         Variance 
                             ------------------- 
                                  2018      2017          % 
 New Issues 
 UK Main Market, PSM & 
  SFM                               38        42      (10%) 
 UK AIM                             36        28        29% 
 Borsa Italiana                     13        11        18% 
                             --------- 
 Total                              87        81         7% 
---------------------------  ---------  --------  --------- 
 
 Money Raised (GBPbn) 
 UK New                            1.9       2.4      (21%) 
 UK Further                       10.8       8.4        29% 
 Borsa Italiana new and 
  further                          2.3      12.2      (81%) 
 Total (GBPbn)                    15.0      23.0      (35%) 
---------------------------  ---------  --------  --------- 
 
 
 Capital Markets - Secondary 
  Markets 
                               Six months ended 
                                   30 June         Variance 
                             ------------------- 
 Equity                           2018      2017          % 
 Totals for period 
 UK value traded (GBPbn)           769       683        13% 
 Borsa Italiana (no of 
  trades m)                       39.4      37.5         5% 
 Turquoise value traded 
  (EURbn)                          464       556      (17%) 
 
 SETS Yield (basis points)        0.62      0.63       (2%) 
 
 Average daily 
 UK value traded (GBPbn)           6.2       5.5        13% 
 Borsa Italiana (no of 
  trades '000)                     312       295         6% 
 Turquoise value traded 
  (EURbn)                          3.7       4.4      (16%) 
 
 Derivatives (contracts 
  m) 
 LSE Derivatives                   4.1       3.2        28% 
 IDEM                             20.7      20.4         1% 
 Total                            24.8      23.6         5% 
---------------------------  ---------  --------  --------- 
 
 Fixed Income 
 MTS cash and BondVision 
  (EURbn)                        1,888     1,902       (1%) 
 MTS money markets (EURbn 
  term adjusted)                43,964    41,355         6% 
 

Technology Services

Technology Services comprises technology connections and data centre services for clients of London Stock Exchange and Borsa Italiana, plus the MillenniumIT software business, based in Sri Lanka, which provides technology for the Group as well as third party sales.

 
                                                                        Organic 
                                                                            and 
                                     Six months ended                  Constant 
                                         30 June                       currency 
                                   ------------------- 
                                        2018      2017   Variance   variance(1) 
 Revenue                                GBPm      GBPm          %             % 
 MillenniumIT & other technology          32        41      (22%)           18% 
---------------------------------  ---------  --------  ---------  ------------ 
 Cost of sales                           (5)      (13)      (57%)           93% 
                                   ---------  --------  ---------  ------------ 
 Gross profit                             27        28       (6%)           10% 
---------------------------------  ---------  --------  ---------  ------------ 
 

(1) Excludes MillenniumIT ESP and Exactpro (disposed Q4 2017 and Q1 2018)

Basis of Preparation

Results for the European and US businesses have been translated into Sterling using the exchange rates set out below. Constant currency growth rates have been calculated by translating prior period results at the average exchange rate for the current period.

 
                Average rate                    Average rate 
                               Closing rate                    Closing rate 
              6 months ended             at   6 months ended             at 
                30 June 2018   30 June 2018     30 June 2017   30 June 2017 
 GBP : EUR              1.14           1.13             1.16           1.14 
 GBP : USD              1.38           1.32             1.26           1.30 
             ---------------  -------------  ---------------  ------------- 
 

Condensed CONSOLIDATED Income Statement

 
                                                                                        Six months ended 30 
                                                                                             June 2017 
                                              Six months ended 30 June 
                                                   2018 (Unaudited)                         (Unaudited) 
                                          ---------------------------------      --------------------------------- 
                                          Underlying  Non-underlying             Underlying  Non-underlying 
                                               items           items  Total           items           items  Total 
                                                GBPm            GBPm   GBPm            GBPm            GBPm   GBPm 
                                                           (See note                              (See note 
                                   Notes                          5)                                     5) 
Continuing operations 
---------------------------------  -----  ----------  --------------  -----      ----------  --------------  ----- 
Revenue                                3         953               -    953             853               -    853 
Net treasury income 
 through CCP business                  3         104               -    104              75               -     75 
Other income                           3           3               -      3              18               -     18 
---------------------------------  -----  ----------  --------------  -----      ----------  --------------  ----- 
Total income                                   1,060               -  1,060             946               -    946 
Cost of sales                          3       (106)               -  (106)           (102)               -  (102) 
Gross profit                                     954               -    954             844               -    844 
 
Expenses 
Operating expenses 
 before depreciation 
 and amortisation                      4       (407)            (10)  (417)           (399)            (24)  (423) 
Profit on disposal 
 of business                                       -               -      -               -               5      5 
Share of loss after 
 tax of associates                               (3)               -    (3)             (1)               -    (1) 
 
Earnings before interest, 
 tax, depreciation 
 and amortisation                                544            (10)    534             444            (19)    425 
Depreciation and amortisation          4        (64)            (77)  (141)            (46)            (74)  (120) 
 
Operating profit/(loss)                3         480            (87)    393             398            (93)    305 
 
Finance income                                     6               -      6               4               -      4 
Finance expense                                 (39)               -   (39)            (32)               -   (32) 
                                          ----------  --------------  -----      ----------  --------------  ----- 
Net finance expense                    6        (33)               -   (33)            (28)               -   (28) 
---------------------------------  -----  ----------  --------------  -----      ----------  --------------  ----- 
Profit/(loss) before 
 tax from continuing 
 operations                                      447            (87)    360             370            (93)    277 
 
Taxation                               7       (101)              24   (77)            (88)              19   (69) 
---------------------------------  -----  ----------  --------------  -----      ----------  --------------  ----- 
Profit/(loss) for 
 the financial period 
 from continuing operations                      346            (63)    283             282            (74)    208 
---------------------------------  -----  ----------  --------------  -----      ----------  --------------  ----- 
 
Discontinued operations 
Loss after tax for 
 the period from discontinued 
 operations                            8           -               -      -               -            (22)   (22) 
---------------------------------  -----  ----------  --------------  -----      ----------  --------------  ----- 
Profit/(loss) for 
 the financial period                            346            (63)    283             282            (96)    186 
---------------------------------  -----  ----------  --------------  -----      ----------  --------------  ----- 
 
Profit/(loss) attributable 
 to: 
Equity holders 
Profit/(loss) for 
 the period from continuing 
 operations                                      307            (61)    246             247            (72)    175 
Loss for the period 
 from discontinued 
 operations                            8           -               -      -               -            (22)   (22) 
---------------------------------  -----  ----------  --------------  -----      ----------  --------------  ----- 
                                                 307            (61)    246             247            (94)    153 
---------------------------------  -----  ----------  --------------  -----      ----------  --------------  ----- 
 
Non-controlling interests 
Profit/(loss) from 
 continuing operations 
 attributable to non-controlling 
 interests                                        39             (2)     37              35             (2)     33 
Loss from discontinued 
 operations attributable 
 to non-controlling 
 interests                             8           -               -      -               -               -      - 
---------------------------------  -----  ----------  --------------  -----      ----------  --------------  ----- 
                                                  39             (2)     37              35             (2)     33 
---------------------------------  -----  ----------  --------------  -----      ----------  --------------  ----- 
                                                 346            (63)    283             282            (96)    186 
---------------------------------  -----  ----------  --------------  -----      ----------  --------------  ----- 
 
Earnings per share 
 attributable to equity 
 holders 
Basic earnings per 
 share                                 9                              71.1p                                  44.1p 
Diluted earnings per 
 share                                 9                              69.7p                                  43.2p 
Adjusted basic earnings 
 per share                             9                              88.7p                                  71.2p 
Adjusted diluted earnings 
 per share                             9                              87.0p                                  69.8p 
 
Earnings per share 
 for continuing operations 
 attributable to equity 
 holders 
Basic earnings per 
 share                                 9                              71.1p                                  50.4p 
Diluted earnings per 
 share                                 9                              69.7p                                  49.4p 
Adjusted basic earnings 
 per share                             9                              88.7p                                  71.2p 
Adjusted diluted earnings 
 per share                             9                              87.0p                                  69.8p 
 
Dividend per share 
 in respect of the 
 financial period 
Dividend per share 
 paid during the period               10                              37.2p                                  31.2p 
Dividend per share 
 declared for the period              10                              17.2p                                  14.4p 
---------------------------------  -----  ----------  --------------  -----      ----------  --------------  ----- 
 
 

Condensed CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT of comprehensive income

 
                                                                 Six months ended 30 
                                                                                June 
                                                        ---------------------------- 
                                                             2018               2017 
                                                        Unaudited          Unaudited 
                                                                   (re-presented)(1) 
                                                             GBPm               GBPm 
----------------------------------------------------    ---------  ----------------- 
Profit for the financial period                               283                186 
Other comprehensive income/(loss): 
Items that will not be subsequently reclassified 
 to profit or loss 
Defined benefit pension scheme remeasurement 
 gain                                                          31                 11 
Income tax relating to items that will not 
 be subsequently reclassified to profit or 
 loss                                                         (8)                (4) 
------------------------------------------------------  ---------  ----------------- 
                                                               23                  7 
  ----------------------------------------------------  ---------  ----------------- 
Items that may be subsequently reclassified 
 to profit or loss 
Net investment hedges                                           4                (8) 
Exchange gain/(loss) on translation of foreign 
 operations                                                    38               (15) 
Investments in debt instruments at fair value 
 through other comprehensive income: 
 - Net (losses)/gains from changes in fair 
  value                                                      (29)                  6 
 - Net gains reclassified to the consolidated 
  income statement on disposal                                  -                (1) 
Net gains reclassified to the consolidated 
 income statement on disposal of equity instruments 
 under IAS 39                                                   -                (7) 
Income tax relating to items to be subsequently 
 reclassified to profit or loss                                 9                  - 
                                                               22               (25) 
  ----------------------------------------------------  ---------  ----------------- 
Other comprehensive income/(loss), net of 
 tax                                                           45               (18) 
------------------------------------------------------  ---------  ----------------- 
Total comprehensive income for the financial 
 period                                                       328                168 
------------------------------------------------------  ---------  ----------------- 
 
Attributable to non-controlling interests                      35                 45 
Attributable to equity holders                                293                123 
------------------------------------------------------  ---------  ----------------- 
Total comprehensive income for the financial 
 period                                                       328                168 
------------------------------------------------------  ---------  ----------------- 
 (1) The comparatives have been re-presented to disclose fair value 
  gains on investments in equity and debt instruments separately. 
 
 

Condensed CONSOLIDATED balance sheet

 
                                                        30 June   31 December 
                                                           2018          2017 
                                                      Unaudited  (revised)(1) 
 
                                               Notes       GBPm          GBPm 
-------------------------------------------  -------  ---------  ------------ 
Assets 
Non-current assets 
Property, plant and equipment                               127           129 
Intangible assets                                 11      4,604         4,589 
Investment in associates                                     27             5 
Deferred tax assets                                          41            38 
Derivative financial instruments                  12          8             4 
Investments in financial assets                   12         30            86 
Retirement benefit assets                                    72            56 
Other non-current receivables                 12, 13         60            55 
-------------------------------------------  -------  ---------  ------------ 
                                                          4,969         4,962 
-------------------------------------------  -------  ---------  ------------ 
Current assets 
Trade and other receivables                   12, 13        792           689 
Derivative financial instruments                  12          1             - 
CCP financial assets                                    741,803       673,354 
CCP cash and cash equivalents (restricted)               73,340        61,443 
                                                      ---------  ------------ 
CCP clearing business assets                      12    815,143       734,797 
Current tax                                                 129           126 
Investments in financial assets                   12         62            19 
Cash and cash equivalents                         12      1,299         1,381 
-------------------------------------------  -------  ---------  ------------ 
                                                        817,426       737,012 
-------------------------------------------  -------  ---------  ------------ 
Assets held for sale                               8          -             6 
-------------------------------------------  -------  ---------  ------------ 
Total assets                                            822,395       741,980 
-------------------------------------------  -------  ---------  ------------ 
Liabilities 
Current liabilities 
Trade and other payables                      12, 14        785           598 
CCP clearing business liabilities                 12    815,125       734,981 
Current tax                                                 108            70 
Borrowings                                    12, 15        475           522 
Provisions                                                    1             1 
-------------------------------------------  -------  ---------  ------------ 
                                                        816,494       736,172 
Non-current liabilities 
Borrowings                                    12, 15      1,428         1,431 
Derivative financial instruments                  12         27            29 
Deferred tax liabilities                                    490           502 
Retirement benefit obligations                               16            36 
Other non-current payables                    12, 14         23            49 
Provisions                                                    9             9 
-------------------------------------------  -------  ---------  ------------ 
                                                          1,993         2,056 
Total liabilities                                       818,487       738,228 
-------------------------------------------  -------  ---------  ------------ 
Net assets                                                3,908         3,752 
-------------------------------------------  -------  ---------  ------------ 
Equity 
Capital and reserves attributable to the 
 Company's equity holders 
Ordinary share capital                                       24            24 
Share premium                                               964           964 
Retained earnings                                           570           419 
Other reserves                                            1,864         1,820 
-------------------------------------------  -------  ---------  ------------ 
Total shareholders' funds                                 3,422         3,227 
-------------------------------------------  -------  ---------  ------------ 
Non-controlling interests                                   486           525 
-------------------------------------------  -------  ---------  ------------ 
Total equity                                              3,908         3,752 
-------------------------------------------  -------  ---------  ------------ 
(1) The 31 December 2017 comparatives have been revised for IFRS 
 3 fair value adjustments on the acquisition of the Yield Book 
 business. 
 
 

Condensed CONSOLIDATED cash flow statement

 
                                                              Six months ended 30 
                                                                             June 
                                                           ---------------------- 
                                                                 2018        2017 
                                                            Unaudited   Unaudited 
                                                    Notes        GBPm        GBPm 
-------------------------------------------------   -----  ----------  ---------- 
Cash flow from operating activities 
Cash generated from operations (1)                     17         375         357 
Interest received                                                   1           3 
Interest paid                                                    (30)        (37) 
Corporation tax paid                                             (60)        (59) 
Withholding tax received/(paid)                                     1         (3) 
Net cash inflow from operating activities                         287         261 
--------------------------------------------------  -----  ----------  ---------- 
Cash flow from investing activities 
Purchase of property, plant and 
 equipment                                                       (14)        (27) 
Proceeds from disposal of property, 
 plant and equipment                                                -           5 
Purchase of intangible assets                                    (76)        (61) 
Net receipt/(payment) on sale of 
 a disposal group                                       8          27         (2) 
Acquisition of business, net of 
 cash acquired                                         18           3       (118) 
Investment in associates (2)                                     (27)           - 
Investment in government bonds (1)                                (3)           - 
Proceeds from divestment of government 
 bonds (1)                                                          -          14 
Cash disposed on sale of a subsidiary                   8         (2)           - 
                                                       5, 
Proceeds from disposal of businesses                    8           1           9 
Proceeds from disposal of investments 
 in financial instruments                                           -           7 
Net cash outflow from investing 
 activities                                                      (91)       (173) 
--------------------------------------------------  -----  ----------  ---------- 
Cash flow from financing activities 
Dividends paid to shareholders                         10       (129)       (109) 
Dividends paid to non-controlling 
 interests                                                       (39)        (18) 
Purchase of treasury shares relating 
 to share buyback                                                   -        (98) 
Acquisition of non-controlling interests 
 (3)                                                             (70)           - 
Redemption of preferred securities                                  -       (155) 
Proceeds from own shares on exercise 
 of employee share options                                          3           1 
Purchase of own shares by the employee 
 benefit trust                                                    (4)         (5) 
Repayments of finance lease                                       (2)           - 
Proceeds from the issue of commercial 
 paper                                                 15         176           - 
Additional drawdowns from bank facilities 
 (4)                                                                -         296 
Repayments made to bank facilities 
 (4)                                                            (227)           - 
--------------------------------------------------  -----  ----------  ---------- 
Net cash outflow from financing 
 activities                                                     (292)        (88) 
--------------------------------------------------  -----  ----------  ---------- 
Decrease in cash and cash equivalents                            (96)           - 
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of 
 period from continuing operations                              1,381       1,151 
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of 
 period classified as held for sale                                 1           - 
Exchange gain on cash and cash equivalents                         13          19 
Cash and cash equivalents at end 
 of period                                                      1,299       1,170 
--------------------------------------------------  -----  ----------  ---------- 
(1) Investments in financial assets have been reclassified from 
 net cash flow generated from operations to cash flow from investing 
 activities. Cash flows arising on financial assets are now presented 
 within investment in government bonds. There is no impact to cash 
 and cash equivalents at the end of the period as a result of this 
 change. 
(2) During the period, the Group acquired 15.7% equity interest 
 in AcadiaSoft Inc., an industry provider for margin automation, 
 risk optimisation and standards for collateral counterparties for 
 a consideration of GBP16m. A further GBP11m was invested in Curve 
 Global Limited. 
(3) Acquisition of non-controlling interests includes further investments 
 by the Group in LCH Group Holdings Limited of GBP31m and FTSE Global 
 Debt Capital Markets Limited of GBP39m. 
(4) Within cash from financing activities, the prior year net amount 
 of receipts and repayments of borrowings has been re-presented 
 to show the gross cash flows. 
 
Group cash flow does not include cash and cash equivalents held 
 by the Group's Post Trade operations on behalf of its clearing 
 members for use in its operation as manager of the clearing and 
 guarantee system. These balances represent margins and default 
 funds held for counterparties for short periods in connection with 
 this operation. 
 
 

Condensed CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY

 
                                          Attributable to equity holders 
                              ------------------------------------------------------- 
                                                                                Total 
                              Ordinary                                   attributable 
                                 share     Share   Retained      Other      to equity    Non-controll-    Total 
                               capital   premium   earnings   reserves        holders   -ing interests   equity 
                                  GBPm      GBPm       GBPm       GBPm           GBPm             GBPm     GBPm 
----------------------------  --------  --------  ---------  ---------  -------------  ---------------  ------- 
 
31 December 2016                    24       961        260      1,861          3,106              508    3,614 
 
Profit for the period                -         -        153          -            153               33      186 
Other comprehensive 
 income/(loss) for the 
 financial period                    -         -          1       (31)           (30)               12     (18) 
Final dividend relating 
 to the year ended 31 
 December 2016 (Note 
 10)                                 -         -      (109)          -          (109)                -    (109) 
Dividend payments to 
 non-controlling interests           -         -          -          -              -             (18)     (18) 
Employee share scheme 
 expenses                            -         -         14          -             14                -       14 
Tax in relation to employee 
 share scheme expenses               -         -          6          -              6                1        7 
Share buyback                        -         -      (200)          -          (200)                -    (200) 
Disposal of business 
 (Note 8)                            -         -          -         31             31                -       31 
30 June 2017 (Unaudited)            24       961        125      1,861          2,971              536    3,507 
----------------------------  --------  --------  ---------  ---------  -------------  ---------------  ------- 
 
31 December 2017 (as 
 previously presented)              24       964        419      1,820          3,227              525    3,752 
Adoption of new accounting 
 standards (Note 2)                  -         -         18          -             18                -       18 
----------------------------  --------  --------  ---------  ---------  -------------  ---------------  ------- 
1 January 2018 (restated)           24       964        437      1,820          3,245              525    3,770 
 
Profit for the period                -         -        246          -            246               37      283 
Other comprehensive 
 income/(loss) for the 
 financial period                    -         -          3         44             47              (2)       45 
Final dividend relating 
 to the year ended 31 
 December 2017 (Note 
 10)                                 -         -      (129)          -          (129)                -    (129) 
Dividend payments to 
 non-controlling interests           -         -          -          -              -             (42)     (42) 
Employee share scheme 
 expenses                            -         -         19          -             19                -       19 
Tax in relation to employee 
 share scheme expenses               -         -          4          -              4                -        4 
Purchase of non-controlling 
 interest within acquired 
 subsidiary                          -         -       (10)          -           (10)             (32)     (42) 
30 June 2018 (Unaudited)            24       964        570      1,864          3,422              486    3,908 
----------------------------  --------  --------  ---------  ---------  -------------  ---------------  ------- 
 

The other reserves are set out on page 113 of the Group's Annual Report for the year ended 31 December 2017. The movement in the current period includes a gain of GBP40m to the foreign exchange reserves (30 June 2017: loss of GBP23m) and a gain of GBP4m to the hedging reserve (30 June 2017: loss of GBP8m).

Purchase of non-controlling interests in the period relates to the acquisition of shareholdings from non-controlling equity holders in LCH Group Holdings Limited and FTSE Global Debt Capital Markets Limited.

NOTES TO THE interim condensed consolidated financial statements

The Interim Report for the London Stock Exchange Group plc (the 'Group' or the 'Company') for the six months ended 30 June 2018 was approved by the Directors on 2 August 2018.

   1.   Basis of preparation and accounting policies 

The interim condensed consolidated financial statements of London Stock Exchange Group plc and its subsidiaries (collectively, the 'Group') for the six months ended 30 June 2018 have been prepared in accordance with the Disclosure and Transparency Rules of the Financial Conduct Authority and with International Accounting Standard 34 (IAS 34), 'Interim Financial Reporting' as adopted by the European Union (EU).

The interim condensed consolidated financial statements do not include all the information and disclosures required in the annual financial statements, and should be read in conjunction with the Group's annual consolidated financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2017.

The principal accounting policies adopted in the preparation of these interim condensed consolidated financial statements are consistent with those followed in the preparation of the Group's annual consolidated financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2017, except for the adoption of new and amended standards and interpretations set out below.

Comparative amounts presented for the condensed consolidated balance sheet relate to the Group's position as at 31 December 2017. All other comparative amounts presented relate to the six months ended 30 June 2017.

All notes to the financial statements include amounts for continuing operations, unless otherwise stated.

The Company is a public company, incorporated and domiciled in England and Wales. The address of its registered office is 10 Paternoster Square, London, EC4M 7LS.

The following standards and interpretations have been issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB) and IFRS Interpretations Committee (IFRIC) and have been adopted by the Group in these interim condensed consolidated financial statements:

   --      IFRS 15 'Revenue from Contracts with Customers', amendments and clarifications; and 
   --      IFRS 9 'Financial Instruments' and amendments. 

The impact of adoption of these standards is explained further in Note 2.

The following standards and amendments to standards and interpretations have also been issued by the IASB and IFRIC, endorsed by the EU and adopted by the Group; however the adoption did not have a material impact on these interim condensed consolidated financial statements:

   --      Amendments to IAS 40, 'Transfers of Investment Property'; 
   --      IFRIC 22, 'Foreign Currency Transactions and Advance Consideration'; 

-- Amendment to IFRS 2, 'Share-based Payment' on classification and measurement of share-based payment transactions;

-- Amendment to IFRS 4, 'Insurance Contracts' regarding the implementation of IFRS 9, 'Financial Instruments'; and

   --      Annual improvements 2014-2016. 

The following standards and interpretations were issued by the IASB and IFRIC, but have not been adopted either because they were not endorsed by the EU at 30 June 2018 or they are not yet mandatory and the Group has not chosen to early adopt. The impact on the Group's financial statements of the below future standards, amendments and interpretations is still under review, and where appropriate, a description of the impact of certain standards and amendments is provided below:

 
 International accounting standards and interpretations   Effective date 
-------------------------------------------------------  --------------- 
 IFRIC 23, 'Uncertainty over Income Tax Treatments'       1 January 2019 
 IFRS 16, 'Leases'                                        1 January 2019 
-------------------------------------------------------  --------------- 
 

IFRS 16 'Leases' will be effective for the year ended 31 December 2019 and requires that all contracts that convey the right to control the use of an identified asset for a period of time in return for consideration are required to be recognised on the balance sheet, to the extent that the assets are individually material. Currently, IAS 17 'Leases' only requires leases categorised as finance leases to be recognised on the balance sheet, with leases categorised as operating leases not recognised. In broad terms, the impact will be to recognise a lease liability and corresponding asset for the current operating lease commitments.

The preparation of the interim condensed consolidated financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported income and expense, assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingencies at the date of the interim condensed consolidated financial statements. Although these estimates and assumptions are based on management's best judgement at the date of the interim condensed consolidated financial statements, actual results may differ from these estimates.

The statutory financial statements of London Stock Exchange Group plc for the year ended 31 December 2017, which carried an unqualified audit report, have been delivered to the Registrar of Companies and did not contain a statement under section 498 of the Companies Act 2006.

The interim condensed consolidated financial statements are unaudited but have been reviewed by the auditors and their review opinion is in included in this report.

The interim condensed consolidated financial statements do not constitute statutory financial statements within the meaning of section 434 of the Companies Act 2006.

2. Adoption of new accounting standards and interpretations

On 1 January 2018, the Group adopted two new accounting standards being IFRS 15 'Revenue from Contracts with Customers' and IFRS 9 'Financial Instruments'. The impact of adopting the new standards has been reflected through transition adjustments to the Group's opening retained earnings at the start of the current period, as presented in the condensed consolidated statement of changes in equity. The table below provides a summary of the impact at the date of transition:

 
                                                      Transition adjustments 
                                      As previously        IFRS          IFRS      After 
                                           reported          15             9   adoption 
                                        31 December                            1 January 
                                               2017                                 2018 
                               Notes           GBPm        GBPm          GBPm       GBPm 
----------------------------  ------  -------------  ----------  ------------  --------- 
Intangible assets (revised)       11          4,589          12             -      4,601 
Trade and other receivables       13            689           -            10        699 
----------------------------  ------  -------------  ----------  ------------  --------- 
Total assets                                741,980          12            10    742,002 
----------------------------  ------  -------------  ----------  ------------  --------- 
 
Deferred tax liabilities                        502           2             2        506 
----------------------------  ------  -------------  ----------  ------------  --------- 
Total liabilities                           738,228           2             2    738,232 
----------------------------  ------  -------------  ----------  ------------  --------- 
 
Retained earnings                               419          10             8        437 
Total equity                                  3,752          10             8      3,770 
----------------------------  ------  -------------  ----------  ------------  --------- 
 
 

Further details on the impact of each of the new accounting standards is provided below.

IFRS 15 Revenue from Contracts with Customers - impact of adoption

On 1 January 2018, the Group adopted IFRS 15 'Revenue from Contracts with Customers' (IFRS 15). This new accounting standard requires the Group to recognise revenue when the Group transfers promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the Group expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. The new guidance requires more detailed revenue disclosures and policies to identify the Group's performance obligations to customers.

The key area of judgement for the Group in adopting IFRS 15 is in relation to the identification of performance obligations and determining the timing of when performance obligations are satisfied in respect of admission and listing services, provided by the Primary Markets business within the Capital Markets segment.

Under IAS 18 'Revenue', initial admission fees were recognised at the time of admission to trading. The conversion to IFRS 15 requires management to make an assessment as to whether the initial admission service is a distinct service that is separate from the continual and ongoing listing service provided by the Group. In light of diverging views on this matter, the IFRIC will be considering whether sufficient guidance currently exists in the new standard to identify the performance obligation in the admissions and ongoing listing process (refer to AP8: IFRS Interpretation Committee work in progress of the June 2018 Agenda). As a result, and given the uncertainty that currently exists on this judgement, the Group has continued to recognise revenue from initial admission fees at the time of admission to trading in its interim condensed consolidated financial statements for the period ended 30 June 2018. The Group expects to have clarity on the accounting treatment for revenues from the admissions and listings services under IFRS 15 by the time it prepares its consolidated financial statements for the year ending 31 December 2018.

For all remaining revenue streams in the Group, the new rules set out in IFRS 15 have been adopted prospectively from 1 January 2018 under the modified retrospective approach, and consequently the comparative amounts in these interim condensed consolidated financial statements remain unchanged and are reported under IAS 18.

In addition to any potential IFRS 15 impact on the Primary Markets business as explained above, the adoption of the new standard required the Group's incremental sales commission costs that were previously expensed when incurred, to be capitalised when they are expected to be recovered. The capitalised contract costs are amortised over a period consistent with the transfer of goods and services to the customer, which the Group has determined to be between 3 to 5 years. As a result the Group recorded a GBP10m adjustment to opening retained earnings as at 1 January 2018, as presented in the condensed consolidated statement of changes in equity comprising a GBP12m increase in the intangible assets from capitalising sales commissions previously expensed prior to transition, and a consequential GBP2m increase in deferred tax liabilities.

The impact of capitalising contract costs under IFRS 15 on the Group's income statement for the period ended 30 June 2018 was a decrease in the Group's underlying operating expenses before depreciation and amortisation of GBP5m and an increase underlying depreciation and amortisation of GBP4m, along with an increase in the net book value of intangible assets of GBP13m and an associated GBP2m increase in deferred tax liabilities as at 30 June 2018.

For all remaining business lines, the adoption of IFRS 15 resulted in no material changes to the measurement or timing of revenue recognition in the income statement for the Group.

Comparative amounts presented in the notes to the Group's condensed consolidated balance sheet as at 31 December 2017 have been updated to adopt the new terminology used to describe certain balance sheet items under IFRS 15. Accrued income and deferred income are now referred to as 'contract assets' and 'contract liabilities' respectively. The previously reported amounts of accrued income of GBP156m and deferred income of GBP104m as at 31 December 2017, are now referred to as contract assets in Note 13 and contract liabilities in Note 14 respectively. There were no changes to the measurement or timing of recognition of these contract assets and contract liabilities on conversion to IFRS 15 and as such the Group's total equity as at 30 June 2017 and 31 December 2017 are unchanged as a result of adopting the new standard.

Revenue

The main source of the Group's revenue is through fees for services provided. Revenue is measured based on the consideration specified in a contract with a customer. Amounts deducted from revenue relate to discounts, value added tax and other sales related taxes, and revenue share arrangements whereby, as part of an operating agreement, amounts are due back to the customer.

The Group recognises revenue as services are performed and as it satisfies its obligations to provide a product or service to a customer. Further details of the Group's revenue accounting policy are set out below:

 
 Information          The Information Services segment generates revenues 
  Services             from the provision of information and data products 
                       including indexes, benchmarks, real time pricing 
                       data and trade reporting and reconciliation services. 
 
                       Data subscription and index licence fees are recognised 
                       over the licence or usage period as the Group meets 
                       its obligation to deliver data consistently throughout 
                       the licence period. Services are billed on a monthly, 
                       quarterly and annual basis. 
 
                       Other information services include licences to 
                       the regulatory news service and reference data 
                       business. Revenue from licences that grant the 
                       right to access intellectual property are recognised 
                       over time, consistent with the pattern of the service 
                       provision and how our performance obligation is 
                       satisfied throughout the licence period. Revenues 
                       from other information services, including revenues 
                       from the sale of right to use licences, are recognised 
                       at the point the licence is granted or service 
                       is delivered. 
-------------------  --------------------------------------------------------- 
 Post Trade           Revenue in the Post Trade segment is generated 
  - LCH, CC&G          from clearing, settlement, custody and other post 
  and Monte            trade services. 
  Titoli 
                       Clearing, settlement and custody services generate 
                       fees from trades or contracts cleared and settled, 
                       compression and custody services which are recognised 
                       as revenue at the point when the service is rendered 
                       on a per transaction basis. Services are billed 
                       on a monthly basis. 
 
                       Other post trade services include revenue from 
                       client connectivity services which is recognised 
                       as revenue on a straight-line basis over the service 
                       period as this reflects the continuous transfer 
                       of services. 
-------------------  --------------------------------------------------------- 
 Capital Markets(1)   Revenues in the Capital Market segment are generated 
                       from Primary and Secondary market services. 
 
                       Revenue from secondary market trading and associated 
                       capital market services is recognised as revenue 
                       on a per transaction basis at the point that the 
                       service is provided. 
-------------------  --------------------------------------------------------- 
 Technology           Technology revenue is generated from contracts 
                       to develop capital market technology solutions, 
                       software licences, network connections and hosting 
                       services. 
 
                       Capital markets software licences contracts contain 
                       multiple deliverables for the provision of licences 
                       and software installation, and ongoing maintenance 
                       services. The transaction price for each contract 
                       is allocated to these performance obligations based 
                       upon the relative standalone selling price. Revenue 
                       is recognised based on the actual service provided 
                       during the reporting period, as a proportion of 
                       the total services to be provided. This is determined 
                       by measuring the inputs consumed in delivering 
                       the service (for example, material and actual labour) 
                       relative to the total expected input consumption 
                       over the contract. This best reflects the transfer 
                       of assets to the customer which generally occurs 
                       as the Group incurs costs on the contract. 
 
                       Network connections and service hosting revenues 
                       are recognised on a straight-line basis over the 
                       period to which the fee relates as this reflects 
                       the continuous transfer of technology services 
                       and measures the extent of progress towards the 
                       completion of the performance obligation. 
-------------------  --------------------------------------------------------- 
 Other                Fees are generated from the provision of events 
                       and media services, and are typically recognised 
                       as revenue at the point the service is rendered 
                       and becomes payable when invoiced. 
-------------------  --------------------------------------------------------- 
 

(1) The accounting policy for revenues from the Primary Markets business within the Capital Markets segment will be finalised on conclusion of the Group's assessment as to whether the initial admission service is distinct from the continual and ongoing listing service provided to customers under IFRS 15.

Customer contracts across the Group that contain a single performance obligation at a fixed price do not require variable consideration to be constrained or allocated to multiple performance obligations. However certain businesses in the Group provide services to customers under a tiered and tariff pricing structure that generates a degree of variability in the revenue streams from the contract. Where the future revenue from a contract varies due to factors that are outside of the Group's control, the Group limits the total transaction price at contract inception and recognises the minimum expected revenue guaranteed by the terms of the contract. Any variable element is subsequently recognised in the period in which the variable factor occurs.

As permitted by the practical expedient in IFRS 15, the Group does not adjust the promised amount of consideration for the effects of significant financing components in contracts where the Group expects, at contract inception, the period between the transfer of a promised good or service to a customer and when the customer pays for that good or service to be one year or less.

Other income

Other income typically relates to property rental income and property service charges.

Cost of sales

Cost of sales comprises data and licence fees, data feed costs, expenses incurred in respect of revenue share arrangements and costs incurred in the MillenniumIT business that are directly attributable to the construction and delivery of customers' goods or services, and any other costs linked and directly incurred to generate revenues and provide services to customers.

Revenue share expenses presented within cost of sales relate to arrangements with customers where the revenue share payment is not limited to the amount of revenues receivable from the specific customer.

Contract assets

Contract assets are recognised when the Group has the conditional right to consideration from a customer in exchange for goods or services transferred.

Contract assets are transferred to and presented as trade receivables when the entitlement to payment becomes unconditional and only the passage of time is required before payment is due.

Contract liabilities

Revenue relating to future periods is classified as a contract liability on the balance sheet to reflect the Group's obligation to transfer goods or services to a customer for which it has received consideration, or an amount of consideration is due, from the customer.

Contract liabilities are amortised and recognised as revenue in the income statement over period the services are rendered.

Contract costs

Incremental costs of obtaining a customer contract, such as sales commissions paid to employees, are recognised as an asset if the benefit of such costs is expected to be longer than one year. The associated asset is amortised over a period consistent with the transfer to the customer of the products and services under the contract and is presented as an intangible assets in the Group's consolidated balance sheet. The Group amortises the contract costs over the period which a customer benefits from existing software technology supporting the underlying product or service.

The Group also applies the practical expedient in IFRS 15 to recognise the incremental cost of obtaining a contract as an expense when incurred, if the amortisation period is one year or less.

IFRS 9 Financial instruments - impact of adoption

On 1 January 2018 the Group adopted IFRS 9 'Financial Instruments' and applied the standard retrospectively. The Group has elected to continue to apply hedge accounting under IAS 39.

The Group has not restated comparative amounts in the financial statements, as this would require the use of hindsight in factors influencing measurement such as fair values and expected credit loss calculations and therefore is proscribed by the standard. Instead the Group has recognised any differences between the carrying amounts measured in accordance with IFRS 9 at the date of transition with previously reported carrying amounts, in the opening retained earnings of the current period. This has resulted in an GBP8m adjustment to opening retained earnings as at 1 January 2018, as presented in the condensed consolidated statement of changes in equity. This comprises a GBP10m reduction in the provision for impairment of trade receivables as the Group modified its previous impairment model to an expected credit loss approach which takes into account historic collection rates as well as forward-looking information, and a consequential GBP2m increase in deferred tax liability.

Amounts presented in the Group's interim condensed consolidated financial statements as at 31 December 2017 have been updated to adopt the new terminology under IFRS 9. The previously reported 'loans and receivables' and 'available for sale at fair value through other comprehensive income' categories are now referred to as 'financial assets at amortised cost' and 'financial assets at fair value through other comprehensive income' ('FVOCI') respectively in Note 12.

The new standard requires financial instruments to be classified as fair value through profit or loss (FVPL), fair value through other comprehensive income (FVOCI) or amortised cost, each of which are explained further below. The classification depends on the Group's business model for managing its financial instruments and whether the cash flows generated are "solely payments of principal and interest" (SPPI).

-- Financial assets at amortised cost: this category includes financial assets that are held in order to collect the contractual cash flows and includes the Group's cash and cash equivalents and trade and other receivables. Clearing member trading balances relating to sale and buy back transactions and other receivables from clearing members within the Central Counterparty (CCP) businesses also fall within this category. At the date of transition, GBP164,906m previously reported as loans and receivables are now referred to as financial assets at amortised cost.

-- Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss (FVPL): this category includes derivative instruments held by the Group and CCP clearing member trading balances comprising derivatives, equity and debt instruments that are marked to market on a daily basis. There is no change on the previous treatment for these instruments. At the date of transition GBP549,891m of assets remained as fair value through profit or loss.

-- Financial assets at fair value through other comprehensive income (FVOCI): this category includes investments in financial assets and quoted debt instruments (predominantly government bonds) held by the CCP businesses, which are used under the business model to both collect the contractual cash flows and also to sell. Previously these assets were classified as either 'available for sale at FVOCI' or 'FVPL'. At the date of transition, GBP3,652m of other financial assets of the CCP clearing businesses previously designated as FVPL were reclassified as FVOCI with no change in valuation, and GBP18,541m of assets previously designated as available for sale at FVOCI are now referred to as FVOCI with no change in valuation. Any profit or loss recognised in other comprehensive income on debt instruments is recycled to the income statement if the asset is sold. Any profit or loss on an equity investment remains in other comprehensive income and is not recycled.

-- Financial liabilities at amortised cost: this category includes all financial liabilities that are not included within financial liabilities at fair value through profit or loss and comprises the Group's trade and other payables balances and borrowings as well as clearing member trading balances related to sale and buy back transactions and other payables to clearing members. There was no change on the previous treatment for these instruments.

-- Financial liabilities at fair value through profit or loss (FVPL): this category includes all the CCP clearing member trading balances, comprising derivatives, equity and debt instruments, which are marked to market on a daily basis, along with any derivative instruments held by the Group. There was no change on the previous treatment for these instruments.

IFRS 9 adopts a new approach to calculating impairment losses on financial instruments, with the Group required to adopt a forward-looking approach to estimate expected credit losses (ECLs). ECLs are based on the difference between the contractual cash flows due and the expected cash flows, the difference is then discounted at the asset's original effective interest rate. The impact of the new approach on the Group's financial statements is as follows:

Financial assets at amortised cost - the ECL for trade receivables, contract assets and cash and cash equivalents has been calculated using IFRS 9's simplified approach using lifetime ECL. The provision is based on the Group's historic experience of collection rates, adjusted for forward looking factors specific to each counterparty and the economic environment at large.

Financial assets held at FVOCI - the Group's financial assets held at FVOCI are largely held by the CCP businesses and consist of high quality government bonds that have a low credit risk. The Group's policy is to calculate a 12 month ECL on these assets. If there is a significant increase in credit risk, then a lifetime ECL will be calculated. A significant increase in credit risk is considered to have occurred when contractual payments are more than 30 days past due. As at the date of adoption, the Group has determined that the 12 month ECL on these assets is immaterial, and there have been no significant increase in credit risk, and therefore no lifetime ECL has been provided against these assets.

Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss (FVPL) - in accordance with IFRS 9, no ECLs are required for assets held at FVPL.

Impairment losses on the remaining financial assets are measured using the general approach. The Group calculates a loss allowance based on the 12 month ECL at each reporting date until there is a significant increase in the financial instrument's credit risk, at which point the Group will calculate a loss allowance based on the lifetime ECL, as described above for FVOCI assets.

The table below illustrates the changes to the classification of the Group's financial assets under IFRS 9 and IAS 39 at the date of initial application of IFRS 9:

 
 Instrument                        Description                          IAS 39                IFRS 9 
---------------------------------  ----------------------------------  --------------------  --------------------- 
 Assets 
---------------------------------  ----------------------------------  --------------------  --------------------- 
 Financial assets of 
  the CCP business: 
 - CCP trading assets              Sale and buyback transactions        Amortised cost        Amortised 
                                                                                               cost 
 - CCP trading assets              All other CCP trading                FVPL                  FVPL 
                                    assets 
 - Other receivables               Interest and margin                  Amortised cost        Amortised 
  from clearing members             receipts due                                               cost 
 - Other financial assets          Investments relating                 FVPL or Available     FVOCI 
                                    to cash collateral                   for sale 
                                    held 
 
 Cash and cash equivalents         Own cash and cash                    Amortised cost        Amortised 
                                    of clearing members                                        cost 
 Trade and other receivables       Trade receivables,                   Amortised cost        Amortised 
  including non-current             contract assets and                                        cost 
  receivables                       other receivables 
 Investments in financial          Typically comprise                   Available for         FVOCI 
  assets                            investments in government            sale 
                                    debt 
 Derivative financial              Both assets and liabilities          FVPL                  FVPL 
  instruments 
 
 Liabilities 
---------------------------------  ----------------------------------  --------------------  --------------------- 
 Financial liabilities 
  of the CCP business: 
 - CCP trading liabilities         Sale and buyback transactions        Amortised cost        Amortised 
                                                                                               cost 
 - CCP trading liabilities         All other CCP trading                FVPL                  FVPL 
                                    liabilities 
 - Other payables to               Interest and margin                  Amortised cost        Amortised 
  clearing members                  payments due                                               cost 
 
 Trade and other payables,         Trade payables, accruals             Amortised cost        Amortised 
  including other non-current       and deferred consideration                                 cost 
  payables 
 Borrowings                        Bank borrowings and                  Amortised cost        Amortised 
                                    other forms of financing                                   cost 
---------------------------------  ----------------------------------  --------------------  --------------------- 
 
 
3. Segmental information 
Segmental disclosures for the six months ended 30 June 2018 are 
 as follows: 
 
 
                                                 Post Trade 
                                         Post      Services 
                                        Trade        - CC&G 
                      Information    Services     and Monte   Capital    Technology 
                         Services       - LCH        Titoli   Markets      Services   Other  Eliminations  Group 
Unaudited                    GBPm        GBPm          GBPm      GBPm          GBPm    GBPm          GBPm   GBPm 
--------------------  -----------  ----------  ------------  --------  ------------  ------  ------------  ----- 
Revenue from 
 external customers           412         237            52       215            32       5             -    953 
Inter-segmental 
 revenue                        -           -             -         -             8       -           (8)      - 
--------------------  -----------  ----------  ------------  --------  ------------  ------  ------------  ----- 
Revenue                       412         237            52       215            40       5           (8)    953 
Net treasury 
 income through 
 CCP business                   -          83            21         -             -       -             -    104 
Other income                    -           -             -         -             -       3             -      3 
--------------------  -----------  ----------  ------------  --------  ------------  ------  ------------  ----- 
Total income                  412         320            73       215            40       8           (8)  1,060 
--------------------  -----------  ----------  ------------  --------  ------------  ------  ------------  ----- 
Cost of sales                (34)        (53)           (3)       (9)           (5)     (2)             -  (106) 
Gross profit                  378         267            70       206            35       6           (8)    954 
--------------------  -----------  ----------  ------------  --------  ------------  ------  ------------  ----- 
Share of loss 
 after tax of 
 associate                      -           -             -         -             -     (3)             -    (3) 
--------------------  -----------  ----------  ------------  --------  ------------  ------  ------------  ----- 
 
Earnings before 
 interest, tax, 
 depreciation 
 and amortisation             234         149            46       113             1       4           (3)    544 
 
Underlying 
 depreciation 
 and amortisation            (13)        (28)           (4)       (4)          (14)     (2)             1   (64) 
Operating 
 profit/(loss) 
 before 
 non-underlying 
 items                        221         121            42       109          (13)       2           (2)    480 
Amortisation 
 of purchased 
 intangible assets                                                                                          (77) 
Other non-underlying 
 items                                                                                                      (10) 
--------------------                                                                                       ----- 
Operating profit                                                                                             393 
Net finance 
 expense                                                                                                    (33) 
Profit before 
 tax from continuing 
 operations                                                                                                  360 
 
 

Net treasury income through CCP business of GBP104m comprises gross interest income of GBP457m less gross interest expense of GBP353m.

 
The Group's revenue from contracts with customers disaggregated 
 by segment, major product and service line, and timing of revenue 
 recognition for the six months ended 30 June 2018 is shown below: 
Six months ended 30 June 2018 
                                                       ------------                        ----- 
 
                                                         Post Trade 
                                                           Services 
                                           Post Trade        - CC&G 
                            Information      Services     and Monte   Capital  Technology 
                               Services         - LCH        Titoli   Markets    Services  Other  Group 
Unaudited                          GBPm          GBPm          GBPm      GBPm        GBPm   GBPm   GBPm 
                                         ------------  ------------                        ----- 
Revenue from external 
 customers 
Major product & service 
 lines 
FTSE Russell Indexes                309             -             -         -           -      -    309 
Real time data                       47             -             -         -           -      -     47 
Other information 
 services                            56             -             -         -           -      -     56 
Clearing                              -           237            22         -           -      -    259 
Settlement, custody 
 and other                            -             -            30         -           -      -     30 
Primary capital markets               -             -             -        62           -      -     62 
Secondary capital 
 markets                              -             -             -       153           -      -    153 
Capital markets software 
 licences                             -             -             -         -          32      -     32 
Other                                 -             -             -         -           -      5      5 
Total revenue from 
 contracts with customers           412           237            52       215          32      5    953 
Timing of revenue 
 recognition 
Services satisfied 
 at a point in time                  21           234            48       149           1      4    457 
Services satisfied 
 over time                          391             3             4        66          31      1    496 
Total revenue from 
 contracts with customers           412           237            52       215          32      5    953 
 
 
The Group's revenue from contracts with customers disaggregated 
 by geographical location is shown below: 
                                                      Six months ended 
                                                               30 June 
                                                                  2018 
                                                             Unaudited 
                                                                  GBPm 
UK                                                                 550 
Italy                                                              162 
France                                                              53 
USA                                                                165 
Other                                                               23 
Total                                                              953 
 

The disaggregated revenue table presented above for the six months ended 30 June 2018 is a new requirement as a result of the Group adopting IFRS 15 on 1 January 2018. The Group has used the modified retrospective approach to transition to IFRS 15 and therefore no comparative disclosures are presented.

 
Segmental disclosures for the six months ended 30 June 2017 are 
 as follows: 
 
 
                                                       Post Trade 
                                                         Services 
                                         Post Trade        - CC&G 
                          Information      Services     and Monte   Capital  Technology 
                             Services         - LCH        Titoli   Markets    Services  Other  Eliminations  Group 
Unaudited                        GBPm          GBPm          GBPm      GBPm        GBPm   GBPm          GBPm   GBPm 
                                       ------------  ------------ 
Revenue from 
 external customers               355           207            55       190          41      5             -    853 
Inter-segmental 
 revenue                            -             -             -         -           8      -           (8)      - 
Revenue                           355           207            55       190          49      5           (8)    853 
Net treasury 
 income through 
 CCP business                       -            56            19         -           -      -             -     75 
Other income                        -             7             -         -           -     11             -     18 
Total income                      355           270            74       190          49     16           (8)    946 
Cost of sales                    (30)          (40)           (8)       (9)        (13)    (2)             -  (102) 
Gross profit                      325           230            66       181          36     14           (8)    844 
Share of loss 
 after tax of 
 associates                         -             -             -         -           -    (1)             -    (1) 
Earnings before 
 interest, tax, 
 depreciation 
 and amortisation                 207           113            36        91           1    (2)           (2)    444 
Underlying depreciation 
 and amortisation                 (9)          (22)           (6)       (6)         (3)    (1)             1   (46) 
Operating profit/(loss) 
 before non-underlying 
 items                            198            91            30        85         (2)    (3)           (1)    398 
Amortisation 
 of purchased 
 intangible assets                                                                                             (74) 
Other non-underlying 
 items                                                                                                         (19) 
Operating profit                                                                                                305 
Net finance 
 expense                                                                                                       (28) 
Profit before 
 tax from continuing 
 operations                                                                                                     277 
 

Net treasury income through CCP business of GBP75m comprises gross interest income of GBP351m less gross interest expense of GBP276m.

 
4. Expenses by nature 
Expenses comprise the following: 
                                                         Six months ended 
                                                                  30 June 
                                                         2018        2017 
                                                    Unaudited   Unaudited 
Underlying items                                         GBPm        GBPm 
Employee costs                                            255         231 
IT costs                                                   65          59 
Other costs                                                87         109 
Operating expenses before depreciation 
 and amortisation                                         407         399 
Depreciation and amortisation                              64          46 
Total operating expenses                                  471         445 
 
Other costs include foreign exchange gains of GBP5m (30 June 2017: 
 GBP12m loss). 
 
 
5. Non-underlying items 
 
                                                         Six months ended 
                                                                  30 June 
                                                          2018       2017 
                                                     Unaudited  Unaudited 
                                               Note       GBPm       GBPm 
                                                     --------- 
Amortisation of purchased intangible 
 assets                                                     77         74 
Transaction costs                                            5         17 
Restructuring costs                                          -          5 
Integration costs                                            5          2 
Profit on disposal of business                               -        (5) 
                                                            10         19 
Total affecting profit before tax                           87         93 
 
Tax effect on items affecting profit 
 before tax 
Deferred tax on amortisation of purchased 
 intangible assets                                        (17)       (20) 
Current tax on amortisation of purchased 
 intangible assets                                         (5)        (1) 
Tax effect on other items affecting 
 profit before tax                                         (2)          2 
Total tax effect on items affecting 
 profit before tax                                        (24)       (19) 
 
Total charge to continuing income statement                 63         74 
Loss after tax from discontinued operations       8          -         22 
Total charge to income statement                            63         96 
 

Transaction costs comprise charges incurred for services relating to potential mergers and acquisition transactions.

Integration costs in the current and prior period principally relate to the activities to integrate the Mergent and Yield Book businesses into the Group.

In the prior period, the Group incurred restructuring costs in relation to the LCH Group.

In the prior period, the Group disposed of Information Services Professional Solutions (ISPS) a business line of BIt Market Services S.p.A, for a cash consideration of EUR10m (GBP9m). The profit on disposal was GBP5m, and the net assets disposed contained brands, intellectual property and capitalised research and development investments, used for carrying out the ISPS business along with identified agreements with suppliers and clients and employment relationships.

The loss after tax on discontinued operations in the prior period relates to the disposal of Russell Investment Management business. See Note 8 for further details.

 
6. Net finance expense 
 
                                                       Six months ended 30 
                                                                      June 
                                                          2018        2017 
                                                     Unaudited   Unaudited 
                                                          GBPm        GBPm 
Finance income 
Bank deposit and other interest 
 income                                                      3           1 
Expected return on defined benefit 
 pension scheme assets                                       1           - 
Other finance income                                         2           3 
                                                             6           4 
 
Finance expense 
Interest payable on bank and other 
 borrowings                                               (35)        (28) 
Defined benefit pension scheme interest 
 cost                                                      (1)         (1) 
Other finance expenses                                     (3)         (3) 
                                                          (39)        (32) 
Net finance expense                                       (33)        (28) 
 
Net finance expense includes amounts where the Group earns negative 
 interest on its cash deposits and borrowings. 
 
 
7. Taxation 
 
                                                                            Six months ended 
                                                                                     30 June 
                                                                            2018        2017 
                                                                       Unaudited   Unaudited 
Taxation charged to the income statement                                    GBPm        GBPm 
 
Current tax: 
UK corporation tax for the period                                             41          39 
Overseas tax for the period                                                   56          55 
                                                                              97          94 
Deferred tax: 
Deferred tax for the period                                                  (3)         (4) 
Deferred tax liability on amortisation 
 of purchased intangible assets                                             (17)        (21) 
                                                                            (20)        (25) 
Taxation charge                                                               77          69 
 
                                                                         Six months ended 30 
                                                                                        June 
                                                                       --------------------- 
                                                                            2018        2017 
                                                                       Unaudited   Unaudited 
Taxation on items not credited/(charged) 
 to income statement                                                        GBPm        GBPm 
                                                                       ---------  ---------- 
 
Current tax credit: 
Tax allowance on share options/awards in 
 excess of expense recognised                                                  5           1 
 
Deferred tax (expense)/credit: 
Tax allowance on defined benefit pension 
 scheme remeasurements                                                       (8)         (4) 
Tax allowance on share options/awards in 
 excess of expense recognised                                                (1)           6 
Movement in value of available for sale 
 financial assets                                                              9           - 
                                                                               5           3 
 
Factors affecting the tax charge 
 for the period 
The income statement tax charge for the period differs from the 
 standard rate of corporation tax in the UK of 19% (30 June 2017: 
 19.25%) as explained below: 
 
                                                                         Six months ended 30 
                                                                                        June 
                                                                       --------------------- 
                                                                            2018        2017 
                                                                       Unaudited   Unaudited 
                                                                Notes       GBPm        GBPm 
                                                                       ---------  ---------- 
Profit before taxation from continuing 
 operations                                                                  360         277 
Loss before taxation from discontinued 
 operations                                                         8          -        (23) 
                                                                                  ---------- 
                                                                             360         254 
 
Profit multiplied by standard rate of corporation 
 tax in the UK                                                                68          49 
Expenses not deductible                                                        2          12 
Overseas earnings taxed at higher 
 rate                                                                          7           7 
Taxation charge                                                               77          68 
Income tax from continuing operations                                         77          69 
Income tax attributable to discontinued 
 operations                                                         8          -         (1) 
                                                                                  ---------- 
                                                                              77          68 
 
The tax rate applied as at 30 June 2018 is the expected rate for 
 the full financial year. 
 
 

Uncertain tax positions

As at 30 June 2018 an amount of GBP2m has been provided for uncertain tax positions (31 December 2017: GBP2m). This reflects ongoing discussions with the tax authorities regarding the uncertainty arising from the introduction of UK Diverted Profits Tax.

Judgements

The Group is monitoring developments in relation to EU State Aid investigation into the UK's Controlled Foreign Company regime. The Group does not currently consider that any provision is required in relation to EU State Aid.

8. Discontinued operations and assets held for sale

On 17 January 2018, the Group completed the sale of Exactpro Systems Limited and its subsidiaries (Exactpro) for an aggregate consideration of GBP6m, comprising a purchase price of GBP3m and an unconditional waiver on GBP3m of deferred consideration payable to the Exactpro purchasers recognised on the acquisition of Exactpro by the Group.

A total of GBP6m of Exactpro assets were disposed and comprised goodwill, property, plant and equipment, trade receivables, cash and accumulated foreign exchange translation reserve.

The Exactpro business was part of the Technology Services segment and was contained within a stand alone CGU.

Exactpro was classified as a disposal group held for sale in the Group's 31 December 2017 balance sheet.

Discontinued operations

As previously reported, on 31 May 2016 the Group completed the sale of the Russell Investment Management business to TA Associates and Reverence Capital Partners for US$1,150m (GBP794m) total consideration, of which $150m consideration was deferred and payable in cash instalments until 31 December 2022. In the prior period, the Group incurred a non-underlying loss before tax of $29m (GBP23m) (loss after tax of $27m (GBP22m)) relating to the disposal of the Russell Investment Management business comprising a $21m (GBP17m) adjustment to the disposal balance sheet relating to tax balances at the disposal date and a $8m (GBP6m) reduction to the net proceeds received on disposal as a result of the finalisation of the completion statement, which resulted in a $2m (GBP2m) cash payment by the Group. During the prior period, the Group also recognised $18m (GBP14m) current tax and other receivable in relation to the disposed business. The disposal accounting and final tax position will be finalised on completion of the relevant tax returns.

There were no cash flows generated or incurred by discontinued operations from operating, investing or financing activities in the period ended 30 June 2018 (30 June 2017: nil).

 
9. Earnings per share 
 
Earnings per share is presented on four bases: basic earnings per 
 share; diluted earnings per share; adjusted basic earnings per 
 share; and adjusted diluted earnings per share. Basic earnings 
 per share is in respect of all activities and diluted earnings 
 per share takes into account the dilution effects which would arise 
 on conversion or vesting of share options and share awards under 
 the Employee Share Ownership Plans (ESOP). Adjusted basic earnings 
 per share and adjusted diluted earnings per share exclude amortisation 
 of purchased intangible assets and non-underlying items and to 
 enable a better comparison of the underlying earnings of the business 
 with prior periods. 
 
                                                            Six months ended 30 June 
                                                   2018                                 2017 
                                                 Unaudited                            Unaudited 
                                      Continuing    Discontinued  Total     Continuing  Discontinued   Total 
Basic earnings/(loss) per 
 share                                     71.1p               -  71.1p          50.4p        (6.3)p   44.1p 
Diluted earnings/(loss) per 
 share                                     69.7p               -  69.7p          49.4p        (6.2)p   43.2p 
Adjusted basic earnings per 
 share                                     88.7p               -  88.7p          71.2p             -   71.2p 
Adjusted diluted earnings 
 per share                                 87.0p               -  87.0p          69.8p             -   69.8p 
 
 
Profit and adjusted profit for the financial period attributable 
 to the Company's equity holders 
                                                            Six months ended 30 June 
                                                   2018                                 2017 
                                                 Unaudited                            Unaudited 
                                      Continuing    Discontinued  Total     Continuing  Discontinued   Total 
                                            GBPm            GBPm   GBPm           GBPm          GBPm    GBPm 
Profit/(loss) for the financial 
 period attributable to the 
 Company's equity holders                    246               -    246            175          (22)     153 
 
Adjustments: 
Amortisation and non-underlying 
 items 
Amortisation of purchased 
 intangible assets                            77               -     77             74             -      74 
Transaction costs                              5               -      5             17             -      17 
Restructuring costs                            -               -      -              5             -       5 
Integration costs                              5               -      5              2             -       2 
(Profit)/loss on disposal 
 of businesses                                 -               -      -            (5)            23      18 
                                              87               -     87             93            23     116 
 
Other adjusting items: 
 
Tax effect of amortisation 
 of purchased intangibles 
 and non-underlying items                   (24)               -   (24)           (19)           (1)    (20) 
Amortisation of purchased 
 intangible assets, non-underlying 
 items and taxation attributable 
 to non-controlling interests                (2)               -    (2)            (2)             -     (2) 
Adjusted profit for the financial 
 period attributable to the 
 Company's equity holders                    307               -    307            247             -     247 
 
Weighted average number of 
 shares - million                                                   346                                  347 
Effect of dilutive share 
 options and awards - million                                         7                                    7 
Diluted weighted average 
 number of shares - million                                         353                                  354 
 
The weighted average number of shares excludes those held in the 
 employee benefit trust and treasury shares held by the Group. 
 
10. Dividends 
 
                                                                                           Six months ended 30 
                                                                                                          June 
                                                                                  2018                    2017 
                                                                             Unaudited               Unaudited 
                                                                                  GBPm                    GBPm 
 
 
Final dividend for 31 December 2017 paid 
 30 May 2018: 37.2p per Ordinary share                                             129                       - 
Final dividend for 31 December 2016 paid 
 31 May 2017: 31.2p per Ordinary share                                               -                     109 
                                                                                   129                     109 
 
 
 

Dividends are only paid out of available distributable reserves.

The Board has proposed an interim dividend in respect of the six month period ended 30 June 2018 of 17.2p per share, amounting to an estimated GBP60m, to be paid on 18 September 2018. This is not reflected in these interim condensed consolidated financial statements.

 
11. Intangible assets 
                                                 Purchased intangible 
                                                         assets 
                                                                       Software,   Software, 
                                             Customer                   licenses    contract 
                                         and supplier           and intellectual       costs 
                             Goodwill   relationships  Brands           property   and other  Total 
                                 GBPm            GBPm    GBPm               GBPm        GBPm   GBPm 
Cost: 
31 December 2017 (revised)      2,377           1,848     960                584         652  6,421 
Adoption of new accounting 
 standard (Note 2)                  -               -       -                  -          26     26 
1 January 2018 (restated)       2,377           1,848     960                584         678  6,447 
Additions                           -               -       -                  -          87     87 
Disposals                           -             (6)       -               (15)           -   (21) 
Asset transfer                      -               -       -                  -           5      5 
Foreign exchange                   11               9      16                  3         (1)     38 
30 June 2018 (Unaudited)        2,388           1,851     976                572         769  6,556 
 
Accumulated amortisation 
 and impairment: 
31 December 2017                  521             566     151                291         303  1,832 
Adoption of new accounting 
 standard (Note 2)                  -               -       -                  -          14     14 
1 January 2018 (restated)         521             566     151                291         317  1,846 
Amortisation charge for 
 the period                         -              45      19                 13          49    126 
Disposals                           -             (6)       -               (15)           -   (21) 
Asset transfer                      -               -       -                  -           2      2 
Foreign exchange                  (2)               -       2                  -         (1)    (1) 
30 June 2018 (Unaudited)          519             605     172                289         367  1,952 
 
Net book values: 
30 June 2018 (Unaudited)        1,869           1,246     804                283         402  4,604 
31 December 2017 (revised)      1,856           1,282     809                293         349  4,589 
 

Goodwill

During the current period, the Group completed the exercise of attributing fair value adjustments to the assets and liabilities acquired from the Yield Book business. As a result, final fair value adjustments have been made to the previously presented provisional fair values at 31 December 2017 arising from a reduction in the value of purchase consideration of GBP1m and an increase in other receivables of GBP1m. The impact of these final fair value adjustments resulted in a decrease in goodwill of GBP1m to amounts previously disclosed in our 31 December 2017 Annual Report, reducing the total goodwill on acquisition of the Yield Book business from GBP215m to GBP214m. The impact of these final fair value adjustments have been incorporated with effect from the acquisition date of the Yield Book business and the comparative 31 December 2017 balance sheet and related notes have been revised.

Software, contract costs and other

During the period, additions relating to internally generated software amounted to GBP80m (30 June 2017: GBP65m).

The carrying value of licenses held under finance leases at 30 June 2018 amounted to GBP8m (31 December 2017: GBP7m).

Transfers in the period relate to re-classification of property, plant and equipment to software intangibles.

During the period, the Group capitalised GBP5m of incremental contract costs in respect of revenue generating contracts with customers and recognised a GBP4m amortisation charge relating to contract cost assets. No impairment was recognised in period in relation to contract cost assets.

 
12. Financial assets and financial liabilities 
 
Financial instruments by category 
The financial instruments of the Group at 30 June 2018 are categorised 
 as follows: 
 
                                                     Financial        Financial 
                                     Financial          assets        assets at 
                                     assets at         at fair       fair value 
                                     amortised   value through   through profit 
30 June 2018                              cost             OCI          or loss    Total 
Unaudited                                 GBPm            GBPm             GBPm     GBPm 
Assets as per balance sheet 
Financial assets of the CCP 
 clearing businesses: 
- CCP trading assets                   124,945               -          592,074  717,019 
- Other receivables from clearing 
 members                                 2,933               -                -    2,933 
- Other financial assets                     -          21,850                1   21,851 
- Cash and cash equivalents 
 of clearing members                    73,340               -                -   73,340 
Financial assets of the CCP 
 clearing businesses                   201,218          21,850          592,075  815,143 
 
Trade and other receivables                791               -                -      791 
Cash and cash equivalents                1,299               -                -    1,299 
Investments in financial assets 
 - debt                                      -              92                -       92 
Derivative financial instruments             -               -                9        9 
 
Total                                  203,308          21,942          592,084  817,334 
 
On transition to IFRS 9 on 1 January 2018, GBP3,652m of other financial 
 assets of the CCP clearing businesses previously designated as fair 
 value through profit or loss were reclassified as fair value through 
 OCI. 
 
Prepayments within trade and other receivables are not classified 
 as financial instruments. 
 
 
                                                                      Financial 
                                                                    liabilities 
                                                      Financial         at fair 
                                                    liabilities   value through 
                                                   at amortised       profit or 
30 June 2018                                               cost            loss                           Total 
Unaudited                                                  GBPm            GBPm                            GBPm 
Liabilities as per balance 
 sheet 
 
Financial liabilities of the 
 CCP clearing businesses: 
- CCP trading liabilities                               124,945         592,074                         717,019 
- Other payables to clearing 
 members                                                 98,106               -                          98,106 
Financial liabilities of the 
 CCP clearing businesses                                223,051         592,074                         815,125 
 
Trade and other payables                                    547              17                             564 
Borrowings                                                1,903               -                           1,903 
Derivative financial instruments                              -              27                              27 
 
Total                                                   225,501         592,118                         817,619 
 
There were no transfers between categories during the period. 
Contract liabilities, social security and other tax liabilities within 
 trade and other payables are not classified as financial instruments. 
 
The financial instruments of the Group at 31 December 2017 are 
 classified as follows: 
 
                                                                      Financial 
                                                                         assets        Financial 
                                                      Financial         at fair      instruments 
                                                      assets at           value    at fair value 
                                                      amortised         through   through profit 
31 December 2017 (revised)                                 cost             OCI          or loss        Total 
                                                           GBPm            GBPm             GBPm         GBPm 
Assets as per balance sheet 
 
Financial assets of the CCP clearing 
 businesses: 
- CCP trading assets                                     98,076               -          549,874      647,950 
- Other receivables from clearing 
 members                                                  3,303               -                -        3,303 
- Other financial assets                                      -          18,436            3,665       22,101 
- Cash and cash equivalents of 
 clearing members                                        61,443               -                -       61,443 
Financial assets of the CCP clearing 
 businesses                                             162,822          18,436          553,539      734,797 
 
Trade and other receivables (1)                             703               -                -          703 
Cash and cash equivalents                                 1,381               -                -        1,381 
Investments in financial assets 
 - debt                                                       -             105                -          105 
Derivative financial instruments                              -               -                4            4 
 
Total                                                   164,906          18,541          553,543      736,990 
(1) The 31 December 2017 comparatives have been revised for IFRS 
 3 fair value adjustments on the acquisition of the Yield Book business. 
 Refer to Note 18 for further details. 
 
There were no transfers between categories during the prior period. 
 
 
 
 
                                                          Financial 
                                         Financial      liabilities 
                                       liabilities    at fair value 
                                      at amortised   through profit 
31 December 2017                              cost          or loss    Total 
                                              GBPm             GBPm     GBPm 
Liabilities as per balance 
 sheet 
 
Financial liabilities of 
 the CCP clearing businesses: 
- CCP trading liabilities                   98,076          549,874  647,950 
- Other payables to clearing 
 members                                    87,031                -   87,031 
Financial liabilities of 
 the CCP clearing businesses               185,107          549,874  734,981 
 
Trade and other payables                       502               18      520 
Borrowings                                   1,953                -    1,953 
Derivative financial instruments                 -               29       29 
 
Total                                      187,562          549,921  737,483 
 
There were no transfers between categories during the prior period. 
Financial liabilities have been re-presented to exclude provisions, 
 which are no longer considered a financial liability. 
 

The following table provides the fair value measurement hierarchy of the Group's financial assets and liabilities as at 30 June 2018:

 
                                  Quoted prices  Significant    Significant 
                                      in active   observable   unobservable 
                                        markets       inputs         inputs        Total 
30 June 2018                          (Level 1)    (Level 2)      (Level 3)   fair value 
Unaudited                                  GBPm         GBPm           GBPm         GBPm 
Financial assets measured at 
 fair value: 
 
CCP trading assets: 
Derivative instruments                    7,125        2,017              -        9,142 
Non-derivative instruments                   22      582,910              -      582,932 
Other financial assets                   21,851            -              -       21,851 
 
Fair value of CCP clearing 
 business assets                         28,998      584,927              -      613,925 
 
Investments in financial assets 
 - debt                                      92            -              -           92 
 
Derivatives not designated 
 as hedges: 
 - Foreign exchange forward 
  contracts                                   -            1              -            1 
 
Derivatives used for hedging: 
 - Cross currency interest 
  rate swaps                                  -            8              -            8 
 
 
 
                                 Quoted prices  Significant    Significant 
                                     in active   observable   unobservable 
                                       markets       inputs         inputs        Total 
30 June 2018                         (Level 1)    (Level 2)      (Level 3)   fair value 
Unaudited                                 GBPm         GBPm           GBPm         GBPm 
Financial liabilities measured 
 at fair value: 
 
CCP trading liabilities: 
Derivative instruments                   7,125        2,017              -        9,142 
Non-derivative instruments                  22      582,910              -      582,932 
 
Fair value of CCP clearing 
 business liabilities                    7,147      584,927              -      592,074 
 
Deferred consideration                       -            -             17           17 
 
Derivatives used for hedging: 
Cross currency interest rate 
 swaps                                       -           27              -           27 
 
 
A fair value gain of GBP1m (30 June 2017: nil) from Level 3 financial 
 liabilities was recognised in the income statement in the period. 
 
 

The following table provides the fair value measurement hierarchy of the Group's financial assets and liabilities as at 31 December 2017:

 
                                Quoted prices  Significant    Significant 
                                    in active   observable   unobservable 
                                      markets       inputs         inputs        Total 
31 December 2017                    (Level 1)    (Level 2)      (Level 3)   fair value 
                                         GBPm         GBPm           GBPm         GBPm 
Financial assets measured 
 at fair value: 
 
CCP trading assets: 
Derivative instruments                  5,834        1,557              -        7,391 
Non-derivative instruments                 14      542,469              -      542,483 
Other financial assets                 22,101            -              -       22,101 
 
Fair value of CCP clearing 
 business assets                       27,949      544,026              -      571,975 
 
Investments in financial 
 assets - debt                            105            -              -          105 
 
Derivatives used for hedging: 
- Cross currency interest 
 rate swaps                                 -            4              -            4 
 
 
 
                                 Quoted prices  Significant    Significant 
                                     in active   observable   unobservable 
                                       markets       inputs         inputs        Total 
31 December 2017                     (Level 1)    (Level 2)      (Level 3)   fair value 
                                          GBPm         GBPm           GBPm         GBPm 
Financial liabilities measured 
 at fair value: 
 
CCP trading liabilities: 
Derivative instruments                   5,834        1,557              -        7,391 
Non-derivative instruments                  14      542,469              -      542,483 
 
Fair value of CCP business 
 clearing liabilities                    5,848      544,026              -      549,874 
 
Deferred consideration                       -            -             18           18 
 
Derivatives used for hedging: 
- Cross currency interest 
 rate swaps                                  -           29              -           29 
 
 

The Group uses the following hierarchy for determining and disclosing the fair value of financial instruments by valuation technique:

- Level 1: quoted (unadjusted) prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities;

- Level 2: other techniques for which all inputs, which have a significant effect on the recorded fair value are observable, either directly or indirectly; and

- Level 3: techniques which use inputs which have a significant effect on the recorded fair value that are not based on observable market data.

For assets and liabilities classified as Level 1, the fair value is based on market price quotations at the reporting date.

For assets and liabilities classified as Level 2, the fair value is calculated using one or more valuation techniques (e.g. the market approach or the income approach) with market observable inputs. The selection of the appropriate valuation techniques may be affected by the availability of the relevant inputs as well as the reliability of the inputs. The inputs may include currency rates, interest rate and forward rate curves and net asset values. The results of the application of the various techniques may not be equally representative of fair value, due to factors such as assumptions made in the valuation.

There have been no transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 during the current and prior period.

When observable market data is not available, the Group uses one or more valuation techniques (e.g. the market approach or the income approach) for which sufficient and reliable data is available. These inputs used in estimating the fair value of Level 3 financial instruments include expected timing and level of future cash flows, timing of settlement, discount rates and net asset values of certain investments.

The Group has classified deferred consideration in relation to put options over the non-controlling interests of subsidiaries as Level 3 in the hierarchy for determining the fair value, due to the significant inputs used in the valuation that are not based on observable data. The valuation of the deferred consideration is set out in the terms of the option agreement, where the cash flow forecasts of the underlying business over the deferred consideration payment period are discounted at the Group's pre-tax cost of debt. The key inputs into the valuation of the deferred consideration are cash flow forecasts from the date of acquisition and the discount rate.

A 10% increase or decrease in the total cash flows or a 1% change in the discount rate applied would not have a material effect on the valuation of the amounts payable.

The Group does not consider there to be any alternative assumptions that will be used in the valuation of the liability.

With the exception of Group borrowings, management has assessed that the fair value of financial assets and financial liabilities categorised as 'Financial instruments at amortised cost' approximate their carrying values. The fair value of the Group's borrowings is disclosed in Note 15.

The Group's financial assets and liabilities held at fair value consist largely of securities restricted in use for the operations of the Group's CCPs as managers of their respective clearing and guarantee systems. The nature and composition of the CCP clearing business assets and liabilities are explained in the accounting policies note in the Group's annual consolidated financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2017.

As at 30 June 2018, there were no provisions for impairment in relation to any of the CCP financial assets (31 December 2017: nil) and none of those assets are past due (31 December 2017: nil).

Hedging activities and derivatives

In September 2017, the Company issued EUR1bn of bonds in two EUR500m tranches maturing in 2024 and 2029. At the same time EUR700m of these bonds was swapped on a coordinated basis into US$836m through a series of 9 cross currency interest rate swaps. As at 30 June 2018, non-current derivative financial assets of GBP8m (31 December 2017: GBP4m) represents the fair value of these cross currency interest rate swaps. These instruments effectively exchange some of the obligations and coupons of the 2024 and 2029 EUR500m bonds from Euros into US Dollars in order to more closely match the Group's currency of borrowings to the currency of its net assets and earnings. These swaps have been designated as a hedge of the Group's net investments in its US Dollar reporting subsidiaries and qualify for effective hedge accounting.

The remaining EUR300m of bonds outstanding remain in place as a hedge of the Group's net investments in Euro denominated subsidiaries and qualify for effective hedge accounting.

Non-current derivative financial liabilities of GBP27m (31 December 2017: GBP29m) represents the fair value of the cross currency interest rate swaps comprising 6 contracts totalling EUR300m notional (31 December 2017: EUR300m). These instruments effectively exchange the obligations and coupons of the 2019 GBP250m bond from Sterling into Euros in order to more closely match the currency of borrowings to the Group's currency of net assets and earnings. This also results in a reduction in balance sheet translation exposure on Euro denominated net assets and the protection of Sterling cash flows. These swaps have been designated as a hedge of the Group's net investment in the Italian group and qualify for effective hedge accounting.

For the period ended 30 June 2018, the Group recognised a net GBP6m gain on mark to market of these derivatives in reserves (30 June 2017: GBP7m loss).

Foreign exchange forward contracts were arranged during the period to hedge the fair value of Euro and US Dollar denominated exposures. These contracts forward buy payables denominated in Euro and US Dollar, with the mark to market adjustments offsetting the revaluation of the underlying item in the income statement. They also offer more predictable cash flows to the Group at maturity. At 30 June 2018, payables of EUR88m (31 December 2017: EUR19m) and US$120m (31 December 2017: US$10m) were bought forward. The market value of foreign exchange forward contracts was GBP1m (31 December 2017: nil) in aggregate.

 
13. Trade and other receivables 
 
 
                                                      30 June       31 December 
                                                         2018              2017 
                                                    Unaudited      (revised)(1) 
                                                         GBPm              GBPm 
Non-current 
Deferred consideration                                     53                52 
Contract assets (2)                                         1                 - 
Other receivables                                           6                 3 
                                                           60                55 
Current 
Trade receivables                                         431               326 
Less: Provision for impairment of 
 receivables (3)                                         (12)              (21) 
Trade receivables - net                                   419               305 
Contract assets (2)                                       183               156 
Prepayments                                                61                41 
Amounts due from associate                                  3                 - 
Deferred consideration                                     28                51 
Other receivables                                          98               136 
                                                          792               689 
 
Total trade and other receivables                         852               744 
(1) The 31 December 2017 comparatives have been revised for IFRS 
 3 fair value adjustments on the acquisition of the Yield Book business. 
 Refer to Note 18 for further details. 
 
(2) Prior to the adoption of IFRS 15 on 1 January 2018, contract 
 assets were previously referred to as 'accrued income'. Refer to 
 Note 2 for further details. 
 
(3) The Group recognised a GBP10m reduction in the provision for 
 impairment of receivables at the date of application of IFRS 9, 
 as a result of adopting the expected credit loss model on the Group's 
 trade receivables. This has been presented as an adjustment to opening 
 retained earnings as at 1 January 2018 in the condensed consolidated 
 statement of changes in equity. Refer to Note 2 for further details. 
 
 
 
14. Trade and other payables 
                                                                                    30 June    31 December 
                                                                                       2018           2017 
                                                                                  Unaudited 
                                                                                       GBPm           GBPm 
Non-current 
Deferred consideration                                                                    8             38 
Contract liabilities (1)                                                                  3              - 
Other payables                                                                           12             11 
                                                                                         23             49 
 
Current 
Trade payables                                                                           47             50 
Social security and other taxes                                                          36             23 
Contract liabilities (1)                                                                205            104 
Accruals                                                                                214            293 
Other payables                                                                          283            128 
                                                                                        785            598 
 
Total trade and other payables                                                          808            647 
(1) Prior to the adoption of IFRS 15 on 1 January 2018, contract 
 liabilities were previously referred to as 'deferred income'. Refer 
 to Note 2 for further details. 
 
15. Borrowings 
                                                                                    30 June  31 December 
                                                                                       2018         2017 
                                                                                  Unaudited 
                                                                                       GBPm         GBPm 
                                                                                 ----------  ----------- 
Current 
Bank borrowings                                                                         298          522 
Commercial paper                                                                        177            - 
                                                                                        475          522 
 
Non-current 
Bonds                                                                                 1,428        1,431 
                                                                                      1,428        1,431 
 
Total                                                                                 1,903        1,953 
 
 
 
The Group has the following committed 
 bank facilities and unsecured notes: 
                                                Notes/   Carrying          Interest 
                                              Facility   value at   rate percentage 
                                                                                 at 
                                                          30 June           30 June 
Unaudited                                                    2018              2018 
                                  Expiry 
Type                               Date           GBPm       GBPm                 % 
 
Multi-currency revolving credit                                             LIBOR + 
 facility                          Nov 2022        600        125              0.45 
Multi-currency revolving credit                                             LIBOR + 
 facility                          Dec 2022        600        173               0.3 
Total Bank Facilities                                         298 
 
Commercial paper                   Jul 2018        177        177        (0.244)(1) 
 
Bond due October 2019              Oct 2019        250        249             9.125 
Bond due November 2021             Nov 2021        300        299              4.75 
Bond due September 2024            Sep 2024        442        441             0.875 
Bond due September 2029            Sep 2029        442        439              1.75 
Total Bonds                                                 1,428 
Total Committed Facilities                                  1,903 
(1) The Commercial paper interest rate reflected is the average 
 interest rate achieved in the period. 
 

The fair value of the Group's borrowings at 30 June 2018 was GBP1,974m (31 December 2017: GBP2,042m).

Current borrowings

The Group retained total committed bank facilities of GBP1,200m during the period. A new GBP600m facility was arranged in December 2017 on improved terms whilst the existing GBP600m facility was extended for a further year to November 2022. The new facility is a 5 year commitment with two 1 year extension options available to the Group, subject to lender approval, and includes a GBP600m multicurrency swingline facility for Commercial Paper issuance support. These facilities were partially drawn at 30 June 2018 with carrying value of GBP298m (31 December 2017: GBP522m) which includes GBP3m of deferred arrangement fees (31 December 2017: GBP3m).

In February 2018, the Group commenced with issuances on the newly arranged GBP1bn, Euro Commercial Paper facility. Outstanding issuances at 30 June 2018 of EUR200m (GBP177m) (31 December 2017: nil) are reissued upon maturity in line with the Group's liquidity requirements.

Cassa di Compensazione e Garanzia S.p.A (CC&G) has direct intra-day access to refinancing with the Bank of Italy to cover its operational liquidity requirements in the event of a market stress or participant failure. In addition, it has arranged commercial bank back-up credit lines with a number of commercial banks, which had a total of EUR420m at 30 June 2018 (31 December 2017: EUR420m), for overnight and longer durations to broaden its liquidity resources consistent with requirements under the European Markets Infrastructure Regulation (EMIR).

LCH SA has a French banking licence and is able to access refinancing at the European Central Bank to support its liquidity position. LCH Limited is deemed to have sufficient fungible liquid assets to maintain an appropriate liquidity position, and has direct access to certain central bank facilities to support its liquidity risk management in accordance with the requirements under the EMIR. In accordance with the Committee on Payments and Market Infrastructures (CPMI), International Organization of Securities Commissions (IOSCO) and Principles for Financial Market Infrastructures (PFMIs), many Central Banks now provide for CCPs to apply for access to certain Central Bank facilities.

In addition, a number of Group entities have access to uncommitted operational, money market and overdraft facilities which support post trade activities and day to day liquidity requirements across its operations.

Non-current borrowings

In June 2009, the Company issued a GBP250m bond which is unsecured and is due for repayment in October 2019. Interest is paid semi-annually in arrears in April and October each year. The issue price of the bond was GBP99.548 per GBP100 nominal. The coupon on the bond is dependent on the Company's credit ratings with Moody's and Standard & Poor's, both of which improved during the year by 1 notch to A3 and A- respectively. The bond coupon remained at 9.125% per annum throughout the period.

In November 2012, the Company issued a GBP300m bond under its Euro Medium Term Notes Programme (launched at the same time) which is unsecured and is due for repayment in November 2021. Interest is paid semi-annually in arrears in May and November each year. The issue price of the bond was GBP100 per GBP100 nominal. The coupon on the bond is fixed at 4.75% per annum.

In September 2017, the Company issued EUR1bn of bonds in two EUR500m (GBP442m) tranches under its updated Euro Medium Term Notes Programme. The bonds are unsecured and the tranches are due for repayment in September 2024 and September 2029 respectively. Interest is paid annually in arrears in September each year. The issue prices of the bonds were EUR99.602 per EUR100 nominal for the 2024 tranche and EUR99.507 per EUR100 nominal for the 2029 tranche. The coupon on the respective tranches is fixed at 0.875% per annum and 1.75% per annum respectively.

 
16. Analysis of net debt 
 
                                                                                      30 June    31 December 
                                                                                         2018           2017 
                                                                                    Unaudited 
                                                                                         GBPm           GBPm 
                                                                          -------------------  ------------- 
Due within one year 
Cash and cash equivalents                                                               1,299          1,381 
Bank borrowings                                                                         (298)          (522) 
Commercial paper                                                                        (177)              - 
Derivative financial assets                                                                 1              - 
                                                                                          825            859 
Due after one year 
Bonds                                                                                 (1,428)        (1,431) 
Derivative financial assets                                                                 8              4 
Derivative financial liabilities                                                         (27)           (29) 
                                                                                               ------------- 
Total net debt                                                                          (622)          (597) 
                                                                                               ------------- 
 
Reconciliation of net cash flow to movement in net debt 
                                                                                      30 June    31 December 
                                                                                         2018           2017 
                                                                                    Unaudited 
                                                                                         GBPm           GBPm 
(Decrease)/increase in cash in the 
 period/year                                                                             (96)            216 
Bond issue proceeds                                                                         -          (885) 
Redemption of preferred securities                                                          -            157 
Additional drawdowns from bank credit 
 facilities                                                                                 -          (242) 
Repayments made towards bank credit 
 facilities                                                                               227             87 
Commercial paper issue proceeds                                                         (176)              - 
Utilisation of drawn funds for financing 
 activities                                                                                 -            103 
                                                                                               ------------- 
Change in net cash resulting from 
 cash flows                                                                              (45)          (564) 
 
Foreign exchange movements                                                                 14              2 
Movement on derivative financial 
 assets and liabilities                                                                     7            (6) 
Bond valuation adjustment                                                                 (1)              5 
Movement in bank credit facility 
 arrangement fees                                                                           -              1 
Reclassification of cash to assets 
 held for sale                                                                              -            (1) 
Net debt at the start of the period/year                                                (597)           (34) 
                                                                                               ------------- 
Net debt at the end of the period/year                                                  (622)          (597) 
 
17. Net cash flow generated from operations 
 
                                                                                       Six months ended 30 
                                                                                                      June 
                                                                                         2018         2017 
                                                                                    Unaudited    Unaudited 
                                                                   Notes                 GBPm         GBPm 
Profit before tax from continuing 
 operations                                                                               360          277 
Loss before tax from discontinued 
 operations                                                            8                    -         (23) 
                                                                                               ----------- 
Profit before tax                                                                         360          254 
 
Adjustments for depreciation and 
 amortisation: 
                                                                      4, 
Depreciation and amortisation                                          5                  141          120 
 
Adjustments for other non-cash items: 
Profit on disposal of business                                         5                    -          (5) 
Cost of closure of business                                                                 -            3 
Gain on disposal of available for 
 sale financial assets                                                                      -          (7) 
Share of loss of associates                                                                 3            1 
Loss on disposal of investment in 
 a subsidiary                                                          8                    -           23 
Net finance expense                                                    6                   33           28 
Share scheme expense                                                                       19           19 
Movement in pensions and provisions                                                         9            2 
Net foreign exchange differences                                                         (13)            6 
Capitalisation of expenses on adoption                                2, 
 of new accounting standard                                           11                 (12)            - 
 
Movements in working capital: 
Increase in trade and other receivables                                                 (115)         (95) 
Increase in trade and other payables                                                      174           32 
Movements in other assets and liabilities 
 related to operations: 
Increase in CCP financial assets                                                     (77,525)     (14,517) 
Increase in CCP financial liabilities                                                  77,301       14,493 
Movement in derivative assets and 
 liabilities                                                                                -          (1) 
Unrealised gain on the revaluation 
 of financial assets                                                                        -            1 
 
Cash generated from operations                                                            375          357 
 
Comprising: 
Ongoing operating activities                                                              364          324 
Non-underlying items                                                                       11           33 
                                                                                               ----------- 
                                                                                          375          357 
                                                                                               ----------- 
 
Comparatives have been reclassified to align prior period disclosure 
 to the current period. 
 
 
 
   18.   Business combinations 

Acquisitions in the period to 30 June 2018

There were no business combinations during the period ended 30 June 2018.

Acquisitions in the year ended 31 December 2017

The group made two acquisitions during the year ended 31 December 2017.

Mergent

On 3 January 2017, the Group acquired the entire share capital of Mergent, a leading global provider of business and financial information on public and private companies, for total cash consideration of US$147m (GBP119m). The acquisition will support the growth of FTSE Russell's core index offering, supplying underlying data and analytics for the creation of a wide range of indexes.

On completion of the fair value exercise in the prior year, the Group recognised GBP74m of goodwill and GBP69m of purchased intangible assets arising on the acquisition of Mergent.

Yield Book

On 31 August 2017, the Group acquired the entire share capital of The Yield Book business, a leading global provider of fixed income indexes and analytics. The cash consideration paid by the Group at completion was US$679m (GBP525m). The acquisition enhances and complements LSEG's Information Services data and analytics offering, building on FTSE Russell's US market presence and fixed income client base globally.

In the prior year, the Group recognised GBP215m in provisional goodwill and the provisional fair value of net assets identified was GBP310m, including GBP307m of other intangibles assets.

Subsequent to the year ended 31 December 2017, the purchase price exercise was finalised whereby the Group received GBP3m ($4m) cash consideration from the vendor and resulted in a GBP1m reduction in the total purchase consideration paid by the Group on acquisition of the Yield Book business. The GBP3m ($4m) cash consideration received in the period ended 30 June 2018 was offset against a GBP2m other receivable already recognised within the provisional fair values reported on the Group's balance sheet at 31 December 2017. A final fair value adjustment for an additional GBP1m other receivable was recognised in the acquisition balance sheet compared to the provisional fair value amounts previously presented in our 31 December 2017 Annual Report. Consequently, the Group recognised a GBP1m decrease in goodwill from amounts previously disclosed at 31 December 2017, bringing the total goodwill on acquisition of the Yield Book business to be GBP214m.

The impact of these final fair value adjustments have been incorporated with effect from the acquisition date of the Yield Book business and the comparative 31 December 2017 balance sheet and related notes have been revised.

   19.   Transactions with related parties 

The nature and contractual terms of key management compensation and inter-company transactions with subsidiary undertakings during the period are consistent with the disclosures in Note 33 of the Group's annual consolidated financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2017.

   20.   Commitments and contingencies 

Contracted capital commitments and other contracted commitments not provided for in the Group's interim condensed consolidated financial statements were nil (31 December 2017: nil) and nil (31 December 2017: nil), respectively.

In the normal course of business, the Group receives legal claims in respect of commercial, employment and other matters. Where a claim is more likely than not to result in an economic outflow of benefits from the Group, a provision is made representing the expected cost of settling such claims.

   21.   Events after the reporting period 

There were no significant events after the reporting period.

Principal Risks

The management of risk is fundamental to the Group's day to day operations and the successful execution of its Strategic Plan. As the Group has grown it has enhanced its risk management capabilities to maintain its trajectory while protecting the value of its business.

The LSEG Enterprise-wide Risk Management Framework (ERMF) is designed to allow management and the Board to identify and assess LSEG's risks and to ensure better decision taking in the execution of its strategy. It also enables the Board and executive management to maintain, and attest to the effectiveness of the systems of internal control and risk management as set out in the UK Corporate Governance Code. Additional details regarding the Group's risk management oversight are set out on pages 42-45 of its Annual Report for the year ended 31 December 2017.

The Group does not consider that the principal risks and uncertainties set out on pages 46-53 of its Annual Report for the year ended 31 December 2017 to have changed materially. A summary of the principal risks and uncertainties which may affect the Group in the second half of the financial year include the following:

Strategic Risks

Global Economy

As a diversified markets infrastructure business, we operate in a broad range of equity, fixed income and derivative markets servicing clients who increasingly seek global products and solutions. If the global economy underperforms, lower activity in our markets may lead to lower fee revenue.

The widening geographical footprint of the Group has had the dual effect of increasing the proportion of the Group's earnings that are in foreign currency, leading to greater foreign exchange risk but also improving the geographical diversification of the Group's income streams.

Ongoing geopolitical tensions continue to add uncertainty in the markets and may impact investor confidence and activity levels. In particular recent escalating trade tensions between the US and its major trading partners have unsettled global markets. The scope of US action so far (as of June 2018) has been limited to tariffs on Chinese goods; however the threat of expanding the scope of US tariffs, and the uncertain future of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), may prompt further retaliation. LSEG continues to monitor the potential impact of macroeconomic and political events on our operating environment and business model, and the Group is an active participant in international and domestic regulatory debates.

Regulatory Change

The Group and its exchanges, other trading venues, clearing houses, index administrators, central securities depositories, trade repository and other regulated entities operate in areas that are highly regulated by governmental, competition and other regulatory bodies at European federal and national levels. New regulations, such as the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), MiFID II and the EU Benchmarks Regulation, increase the compliance risk of the Group's global operations and also create operational risks as the Group implements processes to meet the new regulations.

The UK vote to leave the EU introduces significant uncertainty concerning the political and regulatory environment, the UK's future relationship with the EU, and the overall impact on the UK economy both in the short and medium term. Recent proposals suggest that third country Central Counterparty Clearing House (CCPs) could face increased regulatory supervision by European regulators or become subject to certain restrictions on clearing European business.

Brexit negotiations between the UK and the EU continue but the UK's final exit terms are still unclear. A draft Withdrawal Agreement agreed by the negotiators and published in March 2018 provided for a 21 month transition arrangement after the Article 50 exit date in March 2019. However this is subject to final approval by a number of bodies within both the UK and EU, and cannot be relied upon at this stage. On 12 July 2018, the UK Government released a White Paper on The future relationship between the UK and the EU. The section on financial services focused on an enhanced equivalence model for financial services, rather than passporting or mutual recognition. Although this provided further clarity around the UK's negotiating position, there remain several issues to be resolved with the EU or risk a 'no deal' scenario.

Any of these effects of Brexit, and others the Group cannot anticipate, could adversely affect the Group's business, results of operations, financial condition and cash flows.

LSEG companies conducting regulated activities in the EU or with customers in the EU are subject to EU regulation. The Group is executing contingency plans to maintain continuity of market function and customer service in the event of a hard Brexit. These contingency plans include incorporation of new entities in the EU27 and applications for authorisation within the EU27 for certain Group businesses. However, the complexity and the lack of clarity of the application of a hard Brexit may decrease the effectiveness, or applicability of some of these contingency plans. As is the case with all change, these contingency plans introduce some change management risk. In addition, the Group has formed a structured Brexit programme to engage with UK and EU Brexit policy leads to advise on financial market infrastructure considerations. LSEG's key objectives are maintaining London's position as a global financial hub and providing continuity of stable financial infrastructure services.

Competition

The Group operates in a highly competitive industry. Continued consolidation has fuelled competition including between groups in different geographical areas.

-- In the Capital Markets operations, there is a risk that competitors will improve their products, pricing and technology in a way that erodes these businesses. There is increasing competition for primary listings and capital raising from other global exchanges and regional centres with the increasing take-up of new funding models such as private equity and direct investment.

-- The Group's Information Services business faces competition from a variety of sources, such as from index providers which offer indices and other benchmarking tools which compete with those offered by the Group.

-- In Post Trade Services, competition will continue to intensify from a shift towards open access and interoperability of CCPs and legislative requirements for mandatory clearing of certain Over-the-Counter (OTC) derivative products. While this may create new business opportunities for the Group, competitors may respond more quickly to changing market conditions or develop products that are preferred by customers.

-- In Technology Services, there is intense competition across all activities as investment increases across the industry in technological innovation. At present, technology product and service innovation is highly fragmented with many new entrants and start-ups. There are also strong incumbents in some of our growth areas.

The Group's track record of innovation and diversification ensures the Group continues to offer best in class services with a global capability. The Group maintains strong customer relationships by meeting their requirements through organic growth strategies designed in partnership with them. In addition, the Group continues to effectively integrate acquisitions and deliver tangible synergies from them, supported by robust governance and programme management structures.

Compliance

There is a risk that one or more of the Group's entities may fail to comply with the laws and regulatory requirements to which it is, or becomes, subject, which may result in censures, fines and other regulatory or legal proceedings for the entity.

The Group continues to maintain systems and controls to mitigate compliance risk and compliance policies and procedures are regularly reviewed.

Transformation Risk

The Group is exposed to transformation risks (risk of loss or failure resulting from change/transformation) given the current levels of change and alignment activity taking place across the Group. As part of the alignment processes, the Group targets specific synergy deliveries.

The Group continues to grow rapidly both organically and inorganically. Acquisitions may, in some cases, be complex and / or have a global footprint. Acquisitions may increase integration risks and expected synergies may not be achieved.

A failure to successfully embed the corporate operating model may lead to an increased cost base without a commensurate increase in revenue, a failure to capture future product and market opportunities, and risks in respect of capital requirements, regulatory relationships and management time.

The additional work related to M&A and associated integration activities could have an adverse impact on the Group's day-to-day performance and/or key strategic initiatives which could damage the Group's reputation.

The size and complexity of recent acquisitions have increased the Group's change management and transformation risks. However they have also increased its opportunities to compete on a global scale.

The LSEG ERMF ensures appropriate risk management across the Group, and the governance of the enlarged Group is aligned and strengthened as appropriate. The Group performs regular reporting of change performance, including ongoing alignment activity. Each major initiative is overseen by the Project Management Office and the Investment Committee which monitors the associated risks closely. Regular reports are submitted to the Executive Committee, the Board Risk Committee and the Board.

Reputation/Brand

The Group's businesses have iconic national brands that are well-recognised at international as well as at national levels. The strong reputation of the Group's businesses and their valuable brand names are a selling point. Any events or actions that damage the reputation or brands of the Group could adversely affect its business, financial condition and operating results.

Failure to protect the Group's Intellectual Property rights adequately could result in costs for the Group, negatively impact the Group's reputation and affect the ability of the Group to compete effectively. Further, defending or enforcing the Group's Intellectual Property rights could result in the expenditure of significant financial and managerial resources, which could adversely affect the Group's business, financial condition and operating results.

LSEG has policies and procedures in place which are designed to ensure the appropriate usage of the Group's brands and to maintain the integrity of the Group's reputation. LSEG actively monitors the usage of its brands and other Intellectual Property in order to prevent or identify and address any infringements. The Group protects its Intellectual Property by relying upon a combination of trade mark laws, copyright laws, patent laws, trade secret protection, confidentiality agreements and other contractual arrangements with its affiliates, clients, customers, suppliers, strategic partners and others.

Financial Risks

Credit Risk

The Group's CCPs manage the credit risk of clearing counterparties by imposing stringent membership requirements, analysing member credit quality by means of an internal rating system and via variation margin, initial margins and additional margins.

Investment Risk

Under the ERMF, CCP investments must be made in compliance with the LSEG Financial Risk Policy (as well as the Policies of the CCPs themselves). These Policies stipulate a number of Risk Management standards including investment limits (secured and unsecured) as well as liquidity coverage ratios. Committees overseeing CCP investment risk meet regularly. CCP counterparty risk including liquidity management balances and counterparty disintermediation risk is consolidated daily at the Group level and reported to the Executive Committee, including limits and status rating. Requirements for investments by other members of the Group are set out in the Group Treasury Policy.

Market Risk (non-clearing)

The Group is exposed to foreign exchange risk through its broadening geographical footprint, and interest rate risk through borrowing activities and treasury investments. Non-clearing market risk is monitored and managed closely and is under the oversight of the Group's Treasury Committee.

Latent Market Risk (clearing)

There is a risk that one of the parties to a cleared transaction defaults on their obligation; in this circumstance the CCP is obliged to honour the contract on the defaulter's behalf and thus an unmatched risk position arises. The CCP may suffer a loss in the process of work-out (the 'Default Management Process') if the market moves against the CCP's positions.

All of the Group's CCPs have been EMIR certified and are compliant with the EMIR requirements regarding margin calculations, capital and default rules. Under the ERMF, CCP latent market risk must be managed in compliance with the Group Financial Risk Policy as well as policies of the CCPs themselves.

Liquidity Risk (clearing)

There are two distinct types of risk commonly referred to as liquidity risk. Market liquidity risk is the risk that it may be difficult or expensive to liquidate a large or concentrated position. Funding liquidity risk is the risk that the CCP may not have enough cash to pay for physically settled securities delivered by a non-defaulter that cannot be sold to a defaulter.

The Group's CCPs collect clearing members' margin and/or default fund contributions in cash and/or in highly liquid securities. To maintain sufficient ongoing liquidity and immediate access to funds, the Group's CCPs deposit the cash received in highly liquid and secure investments, such as central bank deposits, sovereign bonds and reverse repos, as mandated under EMIR; securities deposited by clearing members are therefore held in dedicated accounts with Central Securities Depositories (CSDs) and/or International Central Securities Depositories (ICSDs). The Group's CCPs also hold a small proportion of their investments in unsecured bank and money market deposits. The successful operation of these investment activities is contingent on general market conditions and there is no guarantee that such investments will not suffer market losses. Furthermore, there is a risk that a counterparty default could lead to losses to the Group. Such a loss may occur due to the default of an issuer of bonds in which funds may be invested or the default of a bank in which funds are deposited.

The Group's CCPs manage their exposure to credit and concentration risks arising from such investments by maintaining a diversified portfolio of high quality liquid investments. The Group relies on established policies with minimum counterparty credit criteria, instructions, rules and regulations, as well as procedures specifically designed to actively manage and mitigate credit risks. There is no assurance, however, that these measures will be sufficient to protect the Group's CCPs from a counterparty default.

Group CCPs have put in place regulatory compliant liquidity plans for day-to-day liquidity management, including contingencies for stressed conditions. Group CCPs have multiple layers of defence against liquidity shortfalls including; intraday margin calls, minimum cash balances, access to contingent liquidity arrangements, and, for certain CCPs, access to central bank liquidity.

Capital Management

Principal risks to managing the Group's capital are: capital adequacy compliance risk and capital reporting compliance risk (in respect of regulated entities); commercial capital adequacy and quality risk and investment return risk (in respect of regulated and unregulated entities) and availability of debt or equity.

The Group's Capital Management Policy provides a framework to ensure the Group maintains suitable capital levels (both at Group and individual subsidiaries levels), and effectively manages the risks thereof. The Group's Treasury Policy recognises the need to observe regulatory requirements in the management of the Group's resources. The Risk Appetite approved by the Board includes components related to the Group's leverage ratios and capital risks; Key Risk Indicators are monitored regularly and this risk is mitigated by the fact that the Group is strongly profitable and cash generative. The Group regularly assesses debt and equity markets to maintain access to new capital at reasonable cost.

Operational Risks

Technology

Secure and stable technology performing to high levels of availability and throughput is critical for the support of the Group's businesses. Risks include IT failure, environmental incidents, capacity shortfalls, cyber-attacks and confidentiality management.

The Group has significantly upgraded cyber defences. Group technology teams work continuously to strengthen operational resilience through fault-tolerant design and standby systems; constant monitoring and review of system performance; rolling updates and replacement of out-of-date equipment; and well-practised incident processes and business continuity plans.

Group technology teams follow industry best practice and continue to tighten software development standards. The Group has adopted agile software development methodologies to improve transparency of development and test activities, encourage autonomy and ownership, reduce time to market and improve software quality.

The Group actively manages relationships with key strategic IT suppliers to avoid a breakdown in service provision. The Group monitors new technological developments and opportunities such as Blockchain through its dedicated Global Technology Innovation team.

Change Management

The change agenda continues to be significant, driven by internal and external factors. Internal factors include the diversification strategy of the Group and its drive for technology innovation and consolidation. External factors include the changing regulatory landscape necessitating change to the Group's systems and processes.

A number of major, complex projects and strategic actions are underway concurrently with a large change agenda that, if not delivered to sufficiently high standards and within agreed timescales, could adversely impact the operation of core services, adversely impact revenue growth or damage the Group's reputation.

The senior management team is focused on the implementation of the Group's strategy and delivery of the project pipeline. Major projects are managed within a strict change management framework and overseen by a dedicated Programme Board and by members of the Executive Committee.

Security Threats

The Group is reliant upon secure infrastructure, applications and premises to protect its data, employees, physical assets and technology architecture, whilst maintaining uninterrupted operation of its IT systems and infrastructure. The threat of cyber crime requires a high level of scrutiny as it may have an adverse impact on our business. As with many financial services companies we are utilising leading technologies to an ever greater extent and care must be taken to balance usability with security. Terrorist attacks and similar activities directed against our offices, operations, computer systems or networks could disrupt our markets, harm staff, tenants and visitors, and have the potential to severely disrupt LSEG's business operations. Civil or political unrest could impact on companies within the Group.

Long-term unavailability of key premises or trading and information outages and corruption of data could lead to the loss of client confidence and reputational damage. Security risks have escalated in recent years due to the increasing sophistication of cyber crime.

Security threats are treated very seriously. The Group has robust physical security arrangements, and extensive IT measures are in place to mitigate technical security risks. Cyber security operations within the Group utilise tools and service providers to ensure protection layers remain adequate to monitor and support our response teams managing events. Additionally, the Group participates in a number of industry and government bodies focused on identifying cyber security best practice market-wide. The Group is supported by the Centre for the Protection of National Infrastructure (CPNI) in the UK, with both physical and IT security teams monitoring intelligence and liaising closely with police and global Government agencies.

A third party security monitoring service is retained to assist with monitoring global physical security events with the potential to impact Group operations. The Group has well established and regularly tested business continuity and crisis management procedures. Awareness training is provided to all employees.

Model Risk

The Group defines model risk as the risk that a model may not capture the essence of the events being modelled, or inaccuracies in the underlying calculation potentially resulting in adverse consequences resulting from decisions based on incorrect or missed model inputs. The Group is reviewing model policies and procedures to ascertain what enhancements are required to address changes to the business.

Settlement and Custodial Risks

The Group offers post trade services and centralised administration of financial instruments through its Italian CSD subsidiary which offers pre-settlement, settlement and custody services. Settlement activities performed in the cross-border context carry counterparty risk. The CSD does not provide intra-day settlement financing to its members.

The Group's CCPs are exposed to operational risks associated with clearing transactions and the management of collateral, particularly where there are manual processes and controls. While the Group's CCPs have in place procedures and controls to prevent failures of these processes, and to mitigate the impact of any such failures, any operational error could have a material adverse effect on the Group's reputation, business, financial condition and operating results.

In addition, the Group provides routing, netting and settlement services to ensure that cash and securities are exchanged in a timely and secure manner for a multitude of products. There are operational risks associated with such services, particularly where processes are not fully automated. A failure to receive funds from participants may result in a debiting of the Group's cash accounts which could have a material adverse effect on the Group's business, financial condition and operating results.

Counterparty risk is mitigated through pre-positioning (availability of security) and pre-funding (availability of cash).

Operational risk is minimised via highly automated processes reducing administrative activities while formalising procedures for all services.

CSD mitigates IT risks by providing for redundancy of systems, daily backup of data, fully updated remote recovery sites and SLAs with outsourcers. Liquidity for CSD operations is provided by the Bank of Italy.

Employees

The calibre and performance of our leaders and colleagues is critical to the success of the Group. The Group's ability to attract and retain key talent is dependent on a number of factors. These include (but are not limited to) organisational culture and reputation, prevailing market conditions, compensation packages offered by competitors, and any regulatory impact.

It is therefore critical that the Group continues to have appropriate variable remuneration and retention practices in place. These are necessary to optimise shareholder value, business performance, and colleague engagement, and are increasingly a means to drive organisational culture, supplemented by a focus on leadership behaviours and organisational structure.

Going concern

After making enquiries, the directors have a reasonable expectation that the Group has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. For this reason, they continue to adopt the going concern basis in preparing the interim condensed consolidated financial statements. The financial risk management objectives and policies of the Group and the exposure of the Group to capital, credit, concentration, country, liquidity and market risk are discussed on pages 120 to 124 of the Annual Report for the Group for the year ended 31 December 2017.

Directors

The Directors of London Stock Exchange Group plc during the period ended 30 June 2018 were as follows:

Donald Brydon CBE

David Warren

Raffaele Jerusalmi

Jacques Aigrain

Paul Heiden

Professor Lex Hoogduin

David Nish

Stephen O'Connor

Val Rahmani

Mary Schapiro

Andrea Sironi

David Schwimmer was appointed to the Board as Group Chief Executive Officer on 1 August 2018.

Statement of directors' responsibilities

The directors confirm that, to the best of their knowledge, the interim condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with IAS 34 as adopted by the European Union and that the interim report herein includes a fair review of the information required by the Financial Conduct Authority's Disclosure and Transparency Rules 4.2.7 and 4.2.8, namely:

-- an indication of important events that have occurred during the first six months of the financial year and their impact on the interim condensed consolidated financial statements, and a description of the principal risks and uncertainties for the remaining six months of the financial year; and

-- material related party transactions in the first six months of the current financial year and any material changes in the related party transactions described in the last annual report.

By order of the Board

David Warren

Group CFO (Interim CEO during the period)

2 August 2018

Independent review report to London Stock Exchange Group plc

Introduction

We have been engaged by London Stock Exchange Group plc (the "Group", the "Company") to review the condensed set of financial statements in the half-yearly financial report for the six months ended 30 June 2018, which comprises the Condensed Consolidated Income Statement, the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income, the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet, the Condensed Consolidated Cash Flow Statement, the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity and related explanatory notes 1 to 21. We have read the other information contained in the half-yearly financial report and considered whether it contains any apparent misstatements or material inconsistencies with the information in the condensed set of financial statements.

This report is made solely to the Company in accordance with guidance contained in International Standard on Review Engagements (UK and Ireland) 2410 'Review of Interim Financial Information Performed by the Independent Auditor of the Entity' issued by the Auditing Practices Board. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the company, for our work, for this report, or for the conclusions we have formed.

Directors' responsibilities

The half-yearly financial report is the responsibility of, and has been approved by, the directors. The directors are responsible for preparing the half-yearly financial report in accordance with the Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules of the United Kingdom's Financial Conduct Authority.

As disclosed in note 1, the annual financial statements of the Group are prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards ("IFRS") as adopted by the European Union. The condensed set of financial statements included in this half-yearly financial report has been prepared in accordance with International Accounting Standard 34 'Interim Financial Reporting' as adopted by the European Union.

Our responsibility

Our responsibility is to express to the Company a conclusion on the condensed set of financial statements in the half-yearly financial report based on our review.

Scope of review

We conducted our review in accordance with International Standard on Review Engagements (UK and Ireland) 2410 'Review of Interim Financial Information Performed by the Independent Auditor of the Entity' issued by the Auditing Practices Board for use in the United Kingdom. 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.

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 June 2018 is not prepared, in all material respects, in accordance with International Accounting Standard 34 'Interim Financial Reporting' as adopted by the European Union and the Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules of the United Kingdom's Financial Conduct Authority.

Ernst & Young LLP

London

2 August 2018

Notes:

1. The maintenance and integrity of the London Stock Exchange Group plc website is the responsibility of the directors; the work carried out by the auditors does not involve consideration of these matters and, accordingly, the auditors accept no responsibility for any changes that may have occurred to the financial statements since they were initially presented on the website.

2. Legislation in the United Kingdom governing the preparation and dissemination of financial statements may differ from legislation in other jurisdictions.

FINANCIAL CALAR

 
Ex-dividend date for interim dividend    23 August 2018 
Interim dividend record date             24 August 2018 
Interim dividend payment date              18 September 
                                                   2018 
Financial year end                     31 December 2018 
Preliminary results                          March 2019 
Annual General Meeting                       April 2019 
 

The financial calendar is updated on a regular basis throughout the year.

Please refer to our website http://www.lseg.com/investor-relations and click on the shareholder services section for up-to-date details.

INVESTOR RELATIONS CONTACTS

 
Investor Relations 
                                              Independent auditors 
 London Stock Exchange Group plc 
 10 Paternoster Square                        Ernst & Young LLP 
 London EC4M 7LS                              25 Churchill Place 
                                              Canary Wharf 
 For enquiries relating to shareholdings      London 
 in London Stock Exchange Group plc:          E14 5EY 
 
 Shareholder helpline: +44 (0)20              T +44 (0)20 7951 2000 
 7797 3322 
 
 email: irinfo-r@lseg.com 
 
 Visit the investor relations section 
 of our website for up-to-date information 
 including the latest share price, 
 announcements, financial reports 
 and details of analysts and consensus 
 forecasts 
 http://www.lseg.com/investor-relations 
Registered office                           Principal legal adviser 
 
 London Stock Exchange Group plc             Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer 
 10 Paternoster Square                       LLP 
 London EC4M 7LS                             65 Fleet Street 
                                             London 
 Registered company number                   EC4Y 1HS 
 London Stock Exchange Group plc: 
 5369106                                     T +44 (0)20 7936 4000 
 
                                             Corporate brokers 
 Registrar information 
                                             Barclays 
 Equiniti                                    5 The North Colonnade 
 Aspect House                                Canary Wharf 
 Spencer Road                                London 
 Lancing                                     E14 4BB 
 West Sussex 
 BN99 6DA                                    T +44 (0)20 7623 2323 
                                             www.barclays.com 
 T +44 (0)371 384 2030 or +44 (0)121 
 415 7047 
 Lines open 8.30 to 17.30, Monday            RBC Capital Markets 
 to Friday.                                  RBC Europe Limited 
 www.shareview.co.uk                         Riverbank House 
                                             2 Swan Lane 
                                             London 
                                             EC4R 3BF 
 
                                             T +44 (0)20 7653 4000 
                                             www.rbccm.com 
 

AIM, London Stock Exchange, London Stock Exchange Group, LSE, LSEG, the London Stock Exchange Coat of Arms Device, NOMAD, RNS, SEDOL, SEDOL Masterfile, SETS, TradElect, UnaVista, and IOB are registered trade marks of London Stock Exchange plc. Main Market, Specialist Fund Market, SFM, ORB, High Growth Segment, Professional Securities Market and PSM are un-registered trade marks of London Stock Exchange plc.

Borsa Italiana, MTA, MIB, MOT, AGREX, IDEX, SEDEX and BIT EQ MTF are registered trade marks of Borsa Italiana S.p.A.. IDEM is an un-registered trade mark of Borsa Italiana S.p.A..

CC&G is a registered trade mark of Cassa di Compensazione e Garanzia S.p.A..

Curve Global is a registered trade mark of Curve Global Limited.

Monte Titoli and X-TRM are registered trade marks of Monte Titoli S.p.A..

EuroMTS, MTS, the MTS logo and BOND VISION are registered trade marks of MTS S.p.A.. EuroTLX is a registered trade mark of EuroTLX SIM S.p.A..

FTSE is a registered trade mark of the London Stock Exchange Group companies and is used by FTSE International Limited under licence.

FTSE Russell is a registered trade mark of London Stock Exchange plc.

Russell, Russell Investments and Mountain Logo, Russell 1000, Russell 2000, Russell 3000 are registered trade marks of Frank Russell Company.

Millennium Exchange, Millennium Surveillance, Millennium CSD and Millennium PostTrade are registered trade marks of Millennium IT Software (Private) Limited.

Turquoise and Turquoise Plato are registered trade mark of Turquoise Global Holdings Limited. Turquoise Plato Midpoint Continuous, Turquoise Plato Uncross, Turquoise Plato Block Discovery and Turquoise Plato Dark Lit Sweep un-registered trademarks of Turquoise Global Holdings Limited.

XTF is a registered trade mark of LSEG Information Services (US), Inc..

SwapClear, RepoClear, EquityClear, ForexClear and LCH are registered trade marks of LCH Limited. CDSClear is a registered trade mark of LCH S.A..

ELITE, E, ELITE Growth and ELITE Connect are registered trade marks of Elite S.p.A.. Gatelab is a registered trade mark of Gatelab S.r.L..

Mergent is a registered trade mark of Mergent, Inc..

The Yield Book, Funnel Logo, WGBI and WorldBIG are registered trade marks of The Yield Book Inc..

Other logos, organisations and company names referred to may be the trade marks of their respective owners.

This information is provided by RNS, the news service of the London Stock Exchange. RNS is approved by the Financial Conduct Authority to act as a Primary Information Provider in the United Kingdom. Terms and conditions relating to the use and distribution of this information may apply. For further information, please contact rns@lseg.com or visit www.rns.com.

END

IR LLFSATSILIIT

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

August 02, 2018 02:01 ET (06:01 GMT)

1 Year London Stock Exchange Chart

1 Year London Stock Exchange Chart

1 Month London Stock Exchange Chart

1 Month London Stock Exchange Chart

Your Recent History

Delayed Upgrade Clock