HSBC Holdings Regulatory News (HSBA)

1 Main subsidiaries are either held directly or indirectly via intermediate holding companies. There has been no material percentage change in HSBC's shareholding for its main subsidiaries since 2022.

2 In addition to the strategic holding disclosed above, the Group held 0.09% (2022: 0.07%) shareholding as part of its trading books.

Details of the debt, subordinated debt and preference shares issued by the main subsidiaries to parties external to the Group are included in Note 26 'Debt securities in issue' and Note 29 'Subordinated liabilities', respectively.

A list of all related undertakings is set out in Note 40. The principal countries and territories of operation are the same as the countries and territories of incorporation except for HSBC Life (International) Limited, which operates mainly in Hong Kong.

HSBC is structured as a network of regional banks and locally incorporated regulated banking entities. Each bank is separately capitalised in accordance with applicable prudential requirements and maintains a capital buffer consistent with the Group's risk appetite for the relevant country or region. HSBC's capital management process is incorporated in the financial resource plan, which is approved by the Board.

HSBC Holdings is the primary provider of equity capital to its subsidiaries and also provides them with non-equity capital where necessary. These investments are substantially funded by HSBC Holdings' issuance of equity and non-equity capital, and by profit retention.

As part of its capital management process, HSBC Holdings seeks to maintain a balance between the composition of its capital and its investment in subsidiaries. Subject to this, there is no current or foreseen impediment to HSBC Holdings' ability to provide funding for such investments. During 2023, consistent with the Group's capital plan, the Group's material subsidiaries did not experience any significant restrictions on paying dividends or repaying loans and advances. Also, there are no foreseen restrictions envisaged with regard to planned dividends or payments from material subsidiaries. However, the ability of subsidiaries to pay dividends or advance monies to HSBC Holdings depends on, among other things, their respective local regulatory capital and banking requirements, exchange controls, statutory reserves, and financial and operating performance.

The amount of guarantees by HSBC Holdings in favour of other Group entities is set out in Note 34.

Information on structured entities consolidated by HSBC where HSBC owns less than 50% of the voting rights is included in Note 20 'Structured entities'. In each of these cases, HSBC controls and consolidates an entity when it is exposed, or has rights, to variable returns from its involvement with the entity and has the ability to affect those returns through its power over the entity.

Impairment testing of investments in subsidiaries

At each reporting period end, HSBC Holdings reviews investments in subsidiaries for indicators of impairment. An impairment is recognised when the carrying amount exceeds the recoverable amount for that investment. The recoverable amount is the higher of the investment's fair value less costs of disposal and its VIU, in accordance with the requirements of IAS 36. The VIU is calculated by discounting management's cash flow projections for the investment. The cash flows represent the free cash flows based on the subsidiary's binding capital requirements.

We used a number of assumptions in our VIU calculation, in accordance with the requirements of IAS 36:

- Management's judgement in estimating future cash flows: The cash flow projections for each investment are based on the latest approved plans, which include forecast capital available for distribution based on the capital requirements of the subsidiary, taking into account minimum and core capital requirements. For the impairment test as at 31 December 2023, cash flow projections until the end of 2028 were considered in line with our internal planning horizon. Our cash flow projections include known and observable climate-related opportunities and costs associated with our sustainable products and operating model.

- Long-term growth rates: The long-term growth rate is used to extrapolate the free cash flows in perpetuity because of the long-term perspective of the legal entity. The growth rate reflects long-term inflation for the country or territory within which the investment operates.

- Discount rates: The rate used to discount the cash flows is based on the cost of capital assigned to each investment, which is derived using a CAPM and market implied cost of equity. CAPM depends on a number of inputs reflecting financial and economic variables, including the risk-free rate and a premium to reflect the inherent risk of the business being evaluated. These variables are based on the market's assessment of the economic variables and management's judgement. The discount rates for each investment are refined to reflect the rates of inflation for the countries or territories within which the investment operates. In addition, for the purposes of testing investments for impairment, management supplements this process by comparing the discount rates derived using the internally generated CAPM, with cost of capital rates produced by external sources for businesses operating in similar markets. The impacts from climate risk are included to the extent that they are observable in discount rates and asset prices.

As at 31 December 2023, the carrying amount of HSBC Holdings' investments in subsidiaries was $159.5bn (2022: $167.5bn). The net year-on-year reduction was predominantly due to the recognition of a $5.5bn impairment of HSBC Holdings' investment in HSBC Overseas Holdings (UK) Limited, resulting in a cumulative impairment of $10.2bn (2022: $4.7bn), and a carrying amount of $25.8bn as at 31 December 2023 (2022: $32.8bn).

The recoverable amount of HSBC Overseas Holdings (UK) Limited is assessed as the aggregate of the recoverable amounts of its subsidiaries. During 2023, the principal subsidiaries of HSBC Overseas Holdings (UK) Limited were HSBC North America Holdings Limited, HSBC Bank Canada and HSBC Bank Bermuda. In October 2023, HSBC Bank Bermuda was transferred to HSBC Bank plc. As at 31 December 2023, the adjusted net asset value of HSBC Overseas Holdings (UK) Limited fell below the carrying amount therefore management assessed that indicators of impairment were present and an impairment test was performed. The recoverable amount reduced owing to lower projected profits and higher projected capital requirements for HSBC North America Holdings, the transfer of HSBC Bank Bermuda to HSBC Bank plc at its book value which stood below its assessed recoverable amount, and higher prevailing discount rates, as a result of which a $5.5bn impairment was recognised.

As HSBC Overseas Holdings (UK) Limited has entered into a sales purchase agreement with Royal Bank of Canada to dispose of our banking business in Canada, the sales purchase agreement has been used to support the recoverable amount of $11.0bn (2022: $10.8bn) (inclusive of the preferred shares) under a fair value less costs of disposal basis. The fair value less costs of disposal of HSBC Bank Canada is at a $3.7bn (2022: $3.7bn) premium to the book value recorded in HSBC Overseas Holdings (UK) Limited. In 2024, a distribution of the proceeds from the planned sale of our banking business in Canada to HSBC Holdings from HSBC Overseas Holdings (UK) Limited could lead to a future impairment. In respect of distributable reserves, an impairment would be offset by the dividend income recognised on the distributions from sales proceeds.

Sensitivities of key assumptions in calculating VIU

At 31 December 2023, the recoverable amount of HSBC Overseas Holdings (UK) Limited remained sensitive to reasonably possible changes in key assumptions impacting its principal subsidiary, HSBC North America Holdings Limited.

In making an estimate of reasonably possible changes to assumptions, management considers the available evidence in respect of each input to the model. These include the external range of observable discount rates, historical performance against forecast, and risks attached to the key assumptions underlying cash flow.

The following table presents a summary of the key assumptions underlying the most sensitive inputs to the model for HSBC North America Holdings Limited, the key risks attached to each, and details of a reasonably possible change to assumptions where, in the opinion of management, these could result in a change in VIU.

1 The recoverable amount of HSBC Overseas Holdings (UK) Limited represents the aggregate of recoverable amounts of the underlying subsidiaries. Single variable sensitivity analysis on a single subsidiary may therefore not be representative of the aggregate impact of the change in the variable.

2 As at 31 December 2022, the impact on the VIU of HSBC North America Holdings Limited of a 100bps increase in the discount rate was $(1.7)bn and a 10% decrease in forecast profitability was $(1.8)bn, respectively on a single variable basis.

1 From 1 January 2023, we adopted IFRS 17 'Insurance Contracts', which replaced IFRS 4 'Insurance Contracts'. We have restated 2022 comparative data.

2 In addition to the strategic holding disclosed above, the Group held 0.09% (2022: 0.07%) shareholding as part of its trading books.

HSBC is mainly involved with both consolidated and unconsolidated structured entities through the securitisation of financial assets, conduits and investment funds, established either by HSBC or a third party.

Consolidated structured entities

Conduits

HSBC has established and manages two types of conduits: securities investment conduits ('SICs') and multi-seller conduits.

Securities investment conduits

The SICs purchase highly rated ABSs to facilitate tailored investment opportunities.

- At 31 December 2023, Solitaire, HSBC's principal SIC, held $1.0bn of ABSs (2022: $1.3bn). It is currently funded entirely by commercial paper ('CP') issued to HSBC. At 31 December 2023, HSBC held $1.3bn of CP (2022: $1.5bn).

Multi-seller conduit

HSBC's multi-seller conduit was established to provide access to flexible market-based sources of finance for its clients. Currently, HSBC bears risk equal to the transaction-specific facility offered to the multi-seller conduit, amounting to $6.1bn at 31 December 2023 (2022: $6.2bn). First loss protection is provided by the originator of the assets, and not by HSBC, through transaction-specific credit enhancements. A layer of secondary loss protection is provided by HSBC in the form of programme-wide enhancement facilities.

Securitisations

HSBC uses structured entities to securitise customer loans and advances it originates in order to diversify its sources of funding for asset origination and capital efficiency purposes. The loans and advances are transferred by HSBC to the structured entities for cash or synthetically through credit default swaps, and the structured entities issue debt securities to investors.

HSBC managed funds

HSBC has established a number of money market and non-money market funds. Where it is deemed to be acting as principal rather than agent in its role as investment manager, HSBC controls these funds.

Other

HSBC has entered into a number of transactions in the normal course of business, which include asset and structured finance transactions where it has control of the structured entity. In addition, HSBC is deemed to control a number of third-party managed funds through its involvement as a principal in the funds.

Unconsolidated structured entities

The term 'unconsolidated structured entities' refers to all structured entities not controlled by HSBC. The Group enters into transactions with unconsolidated structured entities in the normal course of business to facilitate customer transactions and for specific investment opportunities.

The maximum exposure to loss from HSBC's interests in unconsolidated structured entities represents the maximum loss it could incur as a result of its involvement with these entities regardless of the probability of the loss being incurred.

- For commitments, guarantees and written credit default swaps, the maximum exposure to loss is the notional amount of potential future losses.

- For retained and purchased investments and loans to unconsolidated structured entities, the maximum exposure to loss is the carrying amount of these interests at the balance sheet reporting date.

The maximum exposure to loss is stated gross of the effects of hedging and collateral arrangements that HSBC has entered into in order to mitigate the Group's exposure to loss.

Securitisations

HSBC has interests in unconsolidated securitisation vehicles through holding notes issued by these entities. In addition, HSBC has investments in ABSs issued by third-party structured entities.

HSBC managed funds

HSBC establishes and manages money market funds and non-money market investment funds to provide customers with investment opportunities. Further information on funds under management is provided on page 118.

HSBC, as fund manager, may be entitled to receive management and performance fees based on the assets under management. HSBC may also retain units in these funds.

Non-HSBC managed funds

HSBC purchases and holds units of third-party managed funds in order to facilitate business and meet customer needs.

Other

HSBC has established structured entities in the normal course of business, such as structured credit transactions for customers, to provide finance to public and private sector infrastructure projects, and for asset and structured finance transactions.

In addition to the interests disclosed above, HSBC enters into derivative contracts, reverse repos and stock borrowing transactions with structured entities. These interests arise in the normal course of business for the facilitation of third-party transactions and risk management solutions.

HSBC sponsored structured entities

The amount of assets transferred to and income received from such sponsored structured entities during 2023 and 2022 was not significant.

1 From 1 January 2023, we adopted IFRS 17 'Insurance Contracts', which replaced IFRS 4 'Insurance Contracts'. Comparative data have been restated accordingly.

2 Included within other intangible assets is internally generated software with a net carrying amount of $6,895m (2022: $6,166m). During the year, capitalisation of internally generated software was $2,306m (2022: $2,663m), reversal of impairment was $285m (2022: impairment of $125m) and amortisation was $1,877m (2022: $1,447m).

2

1 Includes goodwill allocated to disposal groups as a result of the sales of our retail banking operations in France and branch operations in Greece, and planned sale of our banking business in Canada, offset by goodwill arising from the acquisition of L&T Investment Management Limited. For further details, see Note 23.

1

Goodwill

Impairment testing

The Group's impairment test in respect of goodwill allocated to each cash-generating unit ('CGU') is performed at 1 October each year. A review for indicators of impairment is undertaken at each subsequent quarter-end and at 31 December 2023. No indicators of impairment were identified as part of these reviews.

Basis of the recoverable amount

The recoverable amount of all CGUs to which goodwill has been allocated was equal to its value in use ('VIU') at each respective testing date. The VIU is calculated by discounting management's cash flow projections for the CGU. The key assumptions used in the VIU calculation for each individually significant CGU that is not impaired are discussed below.

1 Following change in the Reporting Framework the Group's CGUs are main legal entities subdivided by global business effective 1 January 2023.

At 1 October 2023, aggregate goodwill of $1,599m (1 October 2022: $1,464m) had been allocated to CGUs that were not considered individually significant. The Group's CGUs do not carry on their balance sheets any significant intangible assets with indefinite useful lives, other than goodwill.

Management's judgement in estimating the cash flows of a CGU

The Group does not consider there to be a significant risk of a material adjustment to the carrying amount of goodwill in the next financial year, but does consider this to be an area that is inherently judgemental. The cash flow projections for each CGU are based on forecast profitability plans approved by the Board and minimum capital levels required to support the business operations of a CGU. The Board challenges and endorses planning assumptions in light of internal capital allocation decisions necessary to support our strategy, current market conditions and macroeconomic outlook. For the 1 October 2023 impairment test, cash flow projections until the end of 2028 were considered, in line with our internal planning horizon. Key assumptions underlying cash flow projections reflect management's outlook on interest rates and inflation, as well as business strategy, including the scale of investment in technology and automation. Our cash flow projections include known and observable climate-related opportunities and costs associated with our sustainable products and operating model. As required by IFRS Accounting Standards, estimates of future cash flows exclude estimated cash inflows or outflows that are expected to arise from restructuring initiatives before an entity has a constructive obligation to carry out the plan, and would therefore have recognised a provision for restructuring costs.

Discount rate

The rate used to discount the cash flows is based on the cost of equity assigned to each CGU, which is derived using a capital asset pricing model ('CAPM') and market implied cost of equity. CAPM depends on a number of inputs reflecting financial and economic variables, including the risk-free rate and a premium to reflect the inherent risk of the business being evaluated. These variables are based on the market's assessment of the economic variables and management's judgement. The discount rates for each CGU are refined to reflect the rates of inflation for the countries within which the CGU operates. In addition, for the purposes of testing goodwill for impairment, management supplements this process by comparing the discount rates derived using the internally generated CAPM, with the cost of equity rates produced by external sources for businesses operating in similar markets. The impacts of climate risk are included to the extent that they are observable in discount rates and asset prices.

Long-term growth rate

The long-term growth rate is used to extrapolate the cash flows in perpetuity because of the long-term perspective within the Group of business units making up the CGUs. These growth rates reflect inflation for the countries within which the CGU operates or from which it derives revenue.

Sensitivities of key assumptions in calculating VIU

At 1 October 2023, given the extent by which VIU exceeds carrying amount, the HBUK WPB CGU was not sensitive to reasonably possible adverse changes in key assumptions supporting the recoverable amount. In making an estimate of reasonably possible changes to assumptions, management considers the available evidence in respect of each input to the VIU calculation, such as the external range of discount rates observable, historical performance against forecast and risks attaching to the key assumptions underlying cash flow projections. None of the remaining CGUs are individually significant.

Other intangible assets

Impairment testing

Impairment of other intangible assets is assessed in accordance with our policy explained in Note 1.2(n) by comparing the net carrying amount of CGUs containing intangible assets with their recoverable amounts. Recoverable amounts are determined by calculating an estimated VIU or fair value, as appropriate, for each CGU. No significant impairment was recognised during the year.

Key assumptions in VIU calculation

The Group does not consider there to be a significant risk of a material adjustment to the carrying amount of other intangible assets in the next financial year, but does consider this to be an area that is inherently judgemental. We used a number of assumptions in our VIU calculation, in accordance with the requirements of IAS 36:

- Management's judgement in estimating future cash flows: We considered past business performance, current market conditions and our macroeconomic outlook to estimate future earnings. As required by IFRS Accounting Standards, estimates of future cash flows exclude estimated cash inflows or outflows that are expected to arise from restructuring initiatives before an entity has a constructive obligation to carry out the plan, and would therefore have recognised a provision for restructuring costs. For some businesses, this means that the benefit of certain strategic actions may not be included in the impairment assessment, including capital releases. Our cash flow projections include known and observable climate-related opportunities and costs associated with our sustainable products and operating model.

- Long-term growth rates: The long-term growth rate is used to extrapolate the cash flows in perpetuity because of the long-term perspective of the businesses within the Group.

- Discount rates: Rates are based on a combination of CAPM and market-implied calculations considering market data for the businesses and geographies in which the Group operates. The impacts of climate risk are included to the extent that they are observable in discount rates and asset prices.

Sensitivity of estimates relating to non-financial assets

As explained in Note 1.2(a), estimates of future cash flows for CGUs are made in the review of goodwill and non-financial assets for impairment. Non-financial assets include other intangible assets shown above, and owned property, plant and equipment and right-of-use assets (see Note 22). The most significant sources of estimation uncertainty are in respect of the goodwill balances disclosed above. There are no non-financial asset balances relating to individual CGUs which involve estimation uncertainty that represents a significant risk of resulting in a material adjustment to the results and financial position of the Group within the next financial year.

Non-financial assets are widely distributed across CGUs within the legal entities of the Group, including Corporate Centre assets that cannot be allocated to CGUs and are therefore tested for impairment at consolidated level. The recoverable amounts of other intangible assets, owned property, plant and equipment, and right-of-use assets cannot be lower than individual asset fair values less costs to dispose, where relevant. At 31 December 2023 none of the CGUs were sensitive to reasonably possible adverse changes in key assumptions supporting the recoverable amount. In making an estimate of reasonably possible changes to assumptions, management considers the available evidence in respect of each input to the VIU calculation, such as the external range of discount rates observable, historical performance against forecast and risks attaching to the key assumptions underlying cash flow projections.

1 From 1 January 2023, we adopted IFRS 17 'Insurance Contracts', which replaced IFRS 4 'Insurance Contracts'. We have restated 2022 comparative data.

Prepayments, accrued income and other assets include $122,863m (2022: $112,464m) of financial assets, the majority of which are measured at amortised cost.

1 This represents impairment losses in excess of the carrying value of the non-current assets, excluded from the measurement scope of IFRS 5.

Disposal groups and other planned disposals

Sale of our retail banking operations in France

On 1 January 2024, HSBC Continental Europe completed the sale of its retail banking business in France to CCF, a subsidiary of Promontoria MMB SAS ('My Money Group'). The sale also included HSBC Continental Europe's 100% ownership interest in HSBC SFH (France) and its 3% ownership interest in Crédit Logement.

In the first quarter of 2023, the sale had become less certain, as a result of which we recognised a $2.1bn partial reversal of the impairment loss recognised in 2022, when the disposal group was classified as held for sale. In the fourth quarter of 2023, following the receipt of regulatory approvals and the satisfaction of other relevant conditions, we reclassified the disposal group as held for sale, and it was subsequently remeasured at the lower of the carrying amount and fair value less costs to sell. This resulted in the reinstatement of a ?1.8bn ($2.0bn) pre-tax impairment loss reflecting the final terms of the sale, giving rise to a net reversal of impairment recognised in other operating income in the year of $0.1bn.

Upon completion and in accordance with the terms of the sale, HSBC Continental Europe received a ?0.1bn ($0.1bn) profit participation interest in the ultimate holding company of My Money Group. The associated impacts on initial recognition of this stake at fair value were recognised as part of the pre-tax loss on disposal. In addition, we recognised the reversal of a ?0.4bn ($0.4bn) deferred tax liability, which had arisen as a consequence of the temporary difference in tax and accounting treatment in respect of the provision for loss on disposal, which was deductible in the French tax return in 2021.

In accordance with the terms of the sale, HSBC Continental Europe retained a portfolio of ?7.1bn ($7.8bn) consisting of home and certain other loans, in respect of which it may consider on-sale opportunities at a suitable time, and the CCF brand, which it licensed to the buyer under a long-term licence agreement. Additionally, HSBC Continental Europe's subsidiaries, HSBC Assurances Vie (France) and HSBC Global Asset Management (France), have entered into distribution agreements with the buyer. Ongoing costs associated with the retention of the home and certain other loans, net of income on distribution agreements and the brand licence, are estimated to have an after-tax loss impact of ?0.1bn ($0.1bn) in 2024 based on expected funding rates.

Planned sale of our banking business in Canada

On 29 November 2022, HSBC Holdings plc announced that its wholly-owned subsidiary, HSBC Overseas Holdings (UK) Limited, had entered into an agreement for the sale of its banking business in Canada to the Royal Bank of Canada. Completion of the transaction is expected to occur in the first quarter of 2024 and the required governmental approvals have been obtained. The majority of the estimated gain on sale of $5.2bn (as at 31 December 2023) will be recognised on completion, reduced by earnings recognised by the Group in the period to completion. There would be no tax on the gain recognised at completion. This estimated gain would also have been reduced by $0.3bn in fair value losses recognised on the related foreign exchange hedges in 2023. The estimated pre-tax profit on the sale will be recognised through a combination of the consolidation of HSBC Canada's results into the Group's financial statements (between the 30 June 2022 net asset reference date and until completion), and the remaining gain on sale recognised at completion. At 31 December 2023, total assets of $87.9bn and total liabilities of $81.5bn met the criteria to be classified as held for sale in accordance with IFRS 5.

Planned sale of our business in Russia

On 30 June 2022, following a strategic review of our business in Russia, HSBC Europe BV (a wholly-owned subsidiary of HSBC Bank plc) entered into an agreement for the sale of its wholly-owned subsidiary HSBC Bank (RR) (Limited Liability Company). In 2022, a $0.3bn impairment loss on the planned sale was recognised, upon classification as held for sale in accordance with IFRS 5. As at 31 December 2023, following US sanctions designation of the buyer, the outcome of the planned sale became less certain. This resulted in the reversal of $0.2bn of the previously recognised loss, as the business was no longer classified as held for sale. However, owing to restrictions impacting the recoverability of assets in Russia, we recognised charges of $0.2bn in other operating income. Completion of the planned sale remains subject to regulatory approval. On completion, accumulated foreign currency translation reserves will be recycled to the income statement.

Our branch operations in Greece

On 24 May 2022, HSBC Continental Europe signed a sale and purchase agreement for the sale of its branch operations in Greece to Pancreta Bank SA. In the second quarter of 2022, we recognised a loss of $0.1bn upon reclassification as held for sale in accordance with IFRS 5. At completion on 28 July 2023, the disposal group included $0.3bn of loans and advances to customers and $1.1bn of customer accounts.

Merger of our business in Oman

In November 2022, HSBC Bank Oman SAOG entered into a binding merger agreement with Sohar International Bank SAOG, under which the two banks agreed to take the necessary steps to implement a merger by incorporation, whereby HSBC Bank Oman would merge into Sohar International Bank. Following regulatory and shareholder approvals, the merger was completed on 17 August 2023 by way of dissolution and transfer of all the assets and liabilities of HSBC Bank Oman to Sohar International Bank, with the shareholders of HSBC Bank Oman receiving the consideration in cash and shares in Sohar International Bank. Separately, HSBC Bank Middle East Limited is in the process of establishing a new wholesale banking branch in Oman subject to regulatory approvals.

Our New Zealand loan portfolio

In August 2023, the Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited (acting through its New Zealand branch) entered into an agreement with Pepper New Zealand Limited, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Pepper Money Limited, to sell its New Zealand retail mortgage loan portfolio. The sale was classified as held for sale in the third quarter of 2023 and was completed on 1 December 2023.

Our retail business in Mauritius

In November 2023, the Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited (acting through its Mauritius branch) entered into an agreement with ABSA Bank (Mauritius) Limited, a wholly-owned subsidiary of ABSA Bank Group Limited, to sell its Wealth and Personal Banking business. The sale is expected to complete in the second half of 2024 subject to regulatory approvals.

At 31 December 2023, the major classes of assets and associated liabilities of disposal groups held for sale, excluding allocated impairment losses, were as follows:

1 Includes balances classified as held for sale in respect of the planned sale of our retail business in Mauritius and planned sale of our global hedge fund administration business across several markets.

2 Under the financial terms of the sale of our retail banking operations in France, HSBC Continental Europe will transfer the business with a net asset value of ?1.7bn ($1.8bn) for a consideration of ?1. Any required increase to the net asset value of the business to achieve this will be satisfied by the inclusion of additional cash. Based upon the net liabilities of the disposal group at 31 December 2023, HSBC would be expected to include a cash contribution of $11bn, of which $10.5bn was reclassified as held for sale at 31 December 2023 ('Loans and advances to banks', $10.3bn, 'Cash and balances at central bank', $0.2bn).

3 Includes financial investments measured at fair value through other comprehensive income of $9.4bn and debt instruments measured at amortised cost of $7.6bn.

At 31 December 2022, the major classes of assets and associated liabilities of disposal groups held for sale, excluding allocated impairment losses, were as follows:

1 Includes financial investments measured at fair value through other comprehensive income of $11.2bn and debt instruments measured at amortised cost of $6.2bn.

Business acquisitions

Acquisition of Silicon Valley Bank UK Limited

In March 2023, HSBC UK Bank plc acquired Silicon Valley Bank UK Limited ('SVB UK'), and in June 2023 changed its legal entity name to HSBC Innovation Bank Limited. The acquisition was funded from existing resources and brought the staff, assets and liabilities of SVB UK into the HSBC portfolio. On acquisition, we performed a preliminary assessment of the fair value of the assets and liabilities purchased. We established an opening balance sheet on 13 March 2023 and applied the result of the fair value assessment, which resulted in a reduction in net assets of $0.2bn. The provisional gain on acquisition of $1.6bn represents the difference between the consideration paid of £1 and the net assets acquired. Further due diligence has been performed post-acquisition, resulting in the recognition of an additional gain of $0.1bn at 30 September 2023, as required by IFRS 3 'Business Combinations'.

HSBC Innovation Bank Limited contributed $0.5bn of revenue and $0.2bn to the Group profit after tax for the period from 13 March 2023 to 31 December 2023. As per the disclosure requirements set out in IFRS 3 'Business Combinations', if HSBC Innovation Bank Limited had been acquired on 1 January 2023, management estimates that for the 12 months to 31 December 2023, consolidated revenue would have been $66bn and consolidated profit after tax would have been $25bn. In determining these amounts, management has assumed that the previously determined fair value adjustments, which arose on acquisition would have been the same if the acquisition had occurred on 1 January 2023.

The details of the business combination at acquisition are as follows:

Acquisition of Citibank China's wealth management portfolio

In October 2023, HSBC Bank (China) Company Limited, a wholly-owned subsidiary of The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited, entered into an agreement to acquire Citibank China's retail wealth management portfolio in mainland China. The portfolio comprises assets under management and deposits and the associated wealth customers. Upon completion, the acquired business will be integrated into HSBC Bank China's Wealth and Personal Banking operations. The transaction is expected to complete in the first half of 2024.

Acquisition of Silkroad Property Partners Singapore

In October 2023, HSBC Global Asset Management Singapore Limited entered into an agreement to acquire 100% of the shares of Silkroad Property Partners Pte Ltd ('Silkroad') and for HSBC Global Asset Management Limited to acquire Silkroad's affiliated General Partner entities. Silkroad is a Singapore headquartered Asia-Pacific-focused, real estate investment manager. The acquisition was completed on 31 January 2024.

1 'Deposits by banks' and 'Customer accounts' include fair value repos, stock lending and other amounts.

1

1 From 1 January 2023, we adopted IFRS 17 'Insurance Contracts', which replaced IFRS 4 'Insurance Contracts'. We have restated 2022 comparative data.

2 Structured deposits placed at HSBC Bank USA are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, a US government agency, up to $250,000 per depositor.

The carrying amount of financial liabilities designated at fair value was $4,421m less than the contractual amount at maturity (2022: $8,124m less). The cumulative amount of change in fair value attributable to changes in credit risk was a loss of $1,286m (2022: profit of $234m).

The carrying amount of financial liabilities designated at fair value was $246m less than the contractual amount at maturity (2022: $2,405m less). The cumulative amount of change in fair value attributable to changes in credit risk was a loss of $682m (2022: $516m).

1 Accruals, deferred income and other liabilities include $129,401m (2022: $125,957m) of financial liabilities, the majority of which are measured at amortised cost.

2 From 1 January 2023, we adopted IFRS 17 'Insurance Contracts', which replaced IFRS 4 'Insurance Contracts'. Comparative data have been restated accordingly.

1 Contractual commitments include the expected credit loss provision in relation to off-balance sheet financial guarantee contracts and commitments where HSBC has become party to an irrevocable commitment, as defined under IFRS 9 'Financial Instruments'; and provisions for performance and other guarantee contracts.

Further details of 'Legal proceedings and regulatory matters' are set out in Note 36. Legal proceedings include civil court, arbitration or tribunal proceedings brought against HSBC companies (whether by way of claim or counterclaim); or civil disputes that may, if not settled, result in court, arbitration or tribunal proceedings. 'Regulatory matters' refers to investigations, reviews and other actions carried out by, or in response to, the actions of regulators or law enforcement agencies in connection with alleged wrongdoing by HSBC.

Customer remediation refers to HSBC's activities to compensate customers for losses or damages associated with a failure to comply with regulations or to treat customers fairly. Customer remediation is often initiated by HSBC in response to customer complaints and/or industry developments in sales practices, and is not necessarily initiated by regulatory action.

For further details of the impact of IFRS 9 on undrawn loan commitments and financial guarantees, presented in 'Contractual commitments', see Note 34. Further analysis of the movement in the expected credit loss provision is disclosed within the 'Reconciliation of changes in gross carrying/nominal amount and allowances for loans and advances to banks and customers including loan commitments and financial guarantees' table on page 169.

Brazil PIS and COFINS tax matters

Beginning in the late 1990s, HSBC Bank Brasil S.A. - Banco Múltiplo ('HSBC Brazil') and other financial services firms brought legal proceedings in Brazil challenging the assessment of PIS and COFINS taxes, which are federal taxes imposed on gross revenues earned by legal entities in Brazil. The Supreme Court of Brazil selected three cases - one involving an insurer, in 2007, and two involving other banks, in 2011 - to set standards that would apply to all of these proceedings. In June 2023, the court ruled against the financial services firms in all three cases. The standards set by the court in this ruling have not yet been applied to HSBC Brazil's legacy cases, liability for which remained with HSBC after the sale of HSBC's operations in Brazil to Bradesco in 2016. There are many factors that may affect the range of outcomes and any resulting financial impact for HSBC. Based upon the information currently available, a provision was recognised in respect of one legacy case. The remaining additional tax liability subject to challenge on all legacy PIS and COFINS cases is up to $0.4bn.

Subordinated liabilities rank behind senior obligations and generally count towards the capital base of HSBC. Capital securities may be called and redeemed by HSBC subject to prior notification to the PRA and, where relevant, the consent of the local banking regulator. If not redeemed at the first call date, coupons payable may reset or become floating rate based on relevant market rates. On subordinated liabilities other than floating rate notes, interest is payable at fixed rates of up to 10.176%.

The balance sheet amounts disclosed in the following table are presented on an IFRS basis and do not reflect the amount that the instruments contribute to regulatory capital, principally due to regulatory amortisation and regulatory eligibility limits.

1 Liability accounts for HSBC Bank Canada have been reclassified to 'Liabilities of disposal groups held for sale'.

Guaranteed by HSBC Holdings or HSBC Bank plc

Capital securities guaranteed by HSBC Holdings or HSBC Bank plc were issued by the Jersey limited partnerships. The proceeds of these were lent to the respective guarantors by the limited partnerships in the form of subordinated notes. They qualified as additional tier 1 capital for HSBC under CRR II until 31 December 2021 by virtue of the application of grandfathering provisions. The capital security guaranteed by HSBC Bank plc also qualified as additional tier 1 capital for HSBC Bank plc (on a solo and a consolidated basis) under CRR II until 31 December 2021 by virtue of the same grandfathering process. Since 31 December 2021, these securities have no longer qualified as regulatory capital for HSBC or HSBC Bank plc.

These preferred securities, together with the guarantee, are intended to provide investors with rights to income and capital distributions and distributions upon liquidation of the relevant issuer that are equivalent to the rights that they would have had if they had purchased non-cumulative perpetual preference shares of the relevant issuer. There are limitations on the payment of distributions if such payments are prohibited under UK banking regulations or other requirements, if a payment would cause a breach of HSBC's capital adequacy requirements, or if HSBC Holdings or HSBC Bank plc has insufficient distributable reserves (as defined).

HSBC Holdings and HSBC Bank plc have individually covenanted that, if prevented under certain circumstances from paying distributions on the preferred securities in full, they will not pay dividends or other distributions in respect of their ordinary shares, or repurchase or redeem their ordinary shares, until the distribution on the preferred securities has been paid in full.

If the consolidated total capital ratio of HSBC Holdings falls below the regulatory minimum required or if the Directors expect it to do so in the near term, provided that proceedings have not been commenced for the liquidation, dissolution or winding up of HSBC Holdings, the holders' interests in the preferred securities guaranteed by HSBC Holdings will be exchanged for interests in preference shares issued by HSBC Holdings that have economic terms which are in all material respects equivalent to the preferred securities and their guarantee.

If the preferred securities guaranteed by HSBC Bank plc are outstanding in November 2048, or if the total capital ratio of HSBC Bank plc (on a solo or consolidated basis) falls below the regulatory minimum required, or if the Directors expect it to do so in the near term, provided that proceedings have not been commenced for the liquidation, dissolution or winding up of HSBC Bank plc, the holders' interests in the preferred security guaranteed by HSBC Bank plc will be exchanged for interests in preference shares issued by HSBC Bank plc that have economic terms which are in all material respects equivalent to the preferred security and its guarantee.

Tier 2 securities

Tier 2 capital securities are either perpetual or dated subordinated securities on which there is an obligation to pay coupons. These capital securities are included within HSBC's regulatory capital base as tier 2 capital under CRR II, either as fully eligible capital or by virtue of the application of grandfathering provisions. In accordance with CRR II, the capital contribution of all tier 2 securities is amortised for regulatory purposes in their final five years before maturity.

The table on page 408 provides an analysis of consolidated total assets, liabilities and off-balance sheet commitments by residual contractual maturity at the balance sheet date. These balances are included in the maturity analysis as follows:

- Trading assets and liabilities (including trading derivatives but excluding reverse repos, repos and debt securities in issue) are included in the 'Due not more than 1 month' time bucket because trading balances are typically held for short periods of time.

- Financial assets and liabilities with no contractual maturity (such as equity securities) are included in the 'Due over 5 years' time bucket. Undated or perpetual instruments are classified based on the contractual notice period, which the counterparty of the instrument is entitled to give. Where there is no contractual notice period, undated or perpetual contracts are included in the 'Due over 5 years' time bucket.

- Non-financial assets and liabilities with no contractual maturity are included in the 'Due over 5 years' time bucket.

- Financial instruments included within assets and liabilities of disposal groups held for sale are classified on the basis of the contractual maturity of the underlying instruments and not on the basis of the disposal transaction.

- Liabilities under insurance contracts included in 'other financial liabilities' are irrespective of contractual maturity included in the 'Due over 5 years' time bucket in the maturity table provided below. An analysis of the present value of expected future cash flows of insurance contract liabilities and contractual service margin is provided on page 411. Liabilities under investment contracts are classified in accordance with their contractual maturity. Undated investment contracts are included in the 'Due over 5 years' time bucket, although such contracts are subject to surrender and transfer options by the policyholders.

- Loan and other credit-related commitments are classified on the basis of the earliest date they can be drawn down.

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