HSBC Holdings Regulatory News (HSBA)

Contents

Changes to presentation from 1 January 2023

Changes to our reporting framework

On 1 January 2023, we updated our financial reporting framework. We no longer report 'adjusted' results, which exclude the impact of both foreign currency translation differences and significant items. Instead, we compute constant currency performance by adjusting comparative reported results only for the effects of foreign currency translation differences between the relevant periods. This will enable users to understand the impact of foreign currency translation differences on the Group's performance. We separately disclose 'notable items', which are components of our income statement that management would consider as outside the normal course of business and generally non-recurring in nature. While our primary segmental reporting by global business remains unchanged, effective from 1 January 2023, the Group changed the supplementary presentation of results from geographical regions to main legal entities to better reflect the Group's structure.

IFRS 17 'Insurance Contracts'

On 1 January 2023, HSBC adopted IFRS 17 'Insurance Contracts'. As required by the standard, the Group applied the requirements retrospectively with comparative data previously published under IFRS 4 'Insurance Contracts' restated from the 1 January 2022 transition date. Under IFRS 17 there is no present value of in-force business ('PVIF') asset recognised up front. Instead the measurement of the insurance contract liability takes into account fulfilment cash flows and a contractual service margin ('CSM') representing the unearned profit. In contrast to the Group's previous IFRS 4 accounting where profits are recognised up front, under IFRS 17 they are deferred and systematically recognised in revenue as services are provided over the life of the contract. The CSM also includes attributable cost, which had previously been expensed as incurred and which is now incorporated within the insurance liability measurement and recognised over the life of the contract.

In conjunction with the implementation of IFRS 17, the Group has made use of the option to re-designate to fair value through profit or loss assets that were previously held at amortised cost totalling $55.1bn, and assets previously held at fair value through other comprehensive income totalling $1.1bn. The re-designation of amortised cost assets generated a net increase to assets of $4.9bn because the fair value measurement on transition was higher than the previous amortised cost carrying amount.

The impact of the transition was a reduction of $0.7bn on the Group's 1H22 reported revenue and a reduction of $0.4bn on 1H22 reported profit before tax. The Group's total equity at 1 January 2022 reduced by $10.5bn to $196.3bn on the transition, and tangible equity reduced by $2.4bn to $155.8bn. For further details of our adoption of IFRS 17, see our Report on Transition to IFRS 17 'Insurance Contracts' at www.hsbc.com/investors and Note 16 'Effects of adoption of IFRS 17' on page 137.

Cost target

At our full-year 2022 results, we set a target for our 'adjusted' operating expenses of approximately 3% growth for 2023 compared with 2022. While our new reporting framework no longer presents 'adjusted' results, we make an exception for operating expenses, where we will adjust reported results for notable items and the period-on-period effects of foreign currency translation differences. We also exclude the impact of re-translating comparative period financial information at the latest rates of foreign exchange in hyperinflationary economies, which we consider to be outside of our control, and the incremental costs associated with our acquisition of SVB UK and related international investments. We consider that this target basis operating expense measure provides useful information to investors by quantifying and excluding the items that management considered separately when setting and assessing cost-related targets.

Resegmentation

In the first quarter of 2023, following an internal review to assess which global businesses were best suited to serve our customers' respective needs, a portfolio of our Global Banking customers within our entities in Latin America was transferred from GBM to CMB for reporting purposes. Comparative data have been re-presented accordingly. Similar smaller transfers from GBM to CMB were also undertaken within our entities in Australia and Indonesia, where comparative data have not been re-presented.

Use of alternative performance measures

Our reported results are prepared in accordance with IFRSs as detailed in the interim condensed financial statements starting on page 108.

To measure our performance, we supplement our IFRSs figures with non-IFRSs measures, which constitute alternative performance measures under European Securities and Markets Authority guidance and non-GAAP financial measures defined in and presented in accordance with US Securities and Exchange Commission rules and regulations. These measures include those derived from our reported results that eliminate factors that distort period-on-period comparisons. The 'constant currency performance' measure used in this report is described below. Definitions and calculations of other alternative performance measures are included in our 'Reconciliation of alternative performance measures' on page 57. All alternative performance measures are reconciled to the closest reported performance measure.

The global business segmental results are presented on a constant currency basis in accordance with IFRS 8 'Operating Segments' as detailed in Note 5: 'Segmental analysis' on page 118.

Constant currency performance

Constant currency performance is computed by adjusting reported results for the effects of foreign currency translation differences, which distort period-on-period comparisons.

We consider constant currency performance to provide useful information for investors by aligning internal and external reporting, and reflecting how management assesses period-on-period performance.

Notable items

We separately disclose 'notable items', which are components of our income statement that management would consider as outside the normal course of business and generally non-recurring in nature.

The tables on pages 39 to 40 and pages 51 to 54 detail the effects of notable items on each of our global business segments, legal entities and selected countries/territories in 1H23 and 1H22.

Foreign currency translation differences

Foreign currency translation differences reflect the movements of the US dollar against most major currencies during 2023.

We exclude them to derive constant currency data, allowing us to assess balance sheet and income statement performance on a like-for-like basis and to better understand the underlying trends in the business.

Foreign currency translation differences for the half-year to 30 June 2023 are computed by retranslating into US dollars for non-US dollar branches, subsidiaries, joint ventures and associates:

-  the income statement for the half-year to 30 June 2022 at the average rate of exchange for the half-year to 30 June 2023; and

-  the balance sheets at 30 June 2022 and 31 December 2022 at the prevailing rates of exchange on 30 June 2023.

No adjustment has been made to the exchange rates used to translate foreign currency-denominated assets and liabilities into the functional currencies of any HSBC branches, subsidiaries, joint ventures or associates. The constant currency data of HSBC's Argentina subsidiaries have not been adjusted further for the impacts of hyperinflation. Since 1 June 2022, Türkiye has been deemed a hyperinflationary economy for accounting purposes. HSBC has an operating entity in Türkiye and the constant currency data have not been adjusted further for the impacts of hyperinflation. When reference is made to foreign currency translation differences in tables or commentaries, comparative data reported in the functional currencies of HSBC's operations have been translated at the appropriate exchange rates applied in the current period on the basis described above.

Summary consolidated income statement

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

2 Provisional gain of $1.5bn recognised in respect of the acquisition of SVB UK.

3 Reversal of the $2.1bn impairment loss relating to the planned sale of our retail banking operations in France, which is no longer classified as held for sale.

4 Net operating income before change in expected credit losses and other credit impairment charges, also referred to as revenue.

5 The $0.33 dividend paid during the period consisted of a second interim dividend of $0.23 per ordinary share in respect of the financial year ended 31 December 2022 paid in April 2023 and a first interim dividend of $0.10 per ordinary share in respect of the financial year ending 31 December 2023.

Distribution of results by global business and legal entity

1 Constant currency net operating income before change in expected credit losses and other credit impairment charges including the effects of foreign currency translation differences, also referred to as constant currency revenue.

2 In the first quarter of 2023, following an internal review to assess which global businesses were best suited to serve our customers' respective needs, a portfolio of our customers within our entities in Latin America was transferred from GBM to CMB for reporting purposes. Comparative data have been re-presented accordingly.

1 Other trading entities includes the results of entities located in Oman, Türkiye, Egypt and Saudi Arabia (including our share of the results of Saudi Awwal Bank) which do not consolidate into HSBC Bank Middle East Limited. Supplementary analysis is provided on page 56 for a fuller picture of the Middle East, North Africa and Türkiye ('MENAT') regional performance.

Income statement commentary

For further financial performance data of our global business segments, see pages 39 to 48. For further financial performance data by major legal entity, see pages 49 to 55.

Net interest income

1 Gross interest yield is the average annualised interest rate earned on average interest-earning assets ('AIEA'). Gross interest payable is the average annualised interest cost as a percentage of average interest-bearing liabilities.

2 Net interest spread is the difference between the average annualised interest rate earned on AIEA, net of amortised premiums and loan fees, and the average annualised interest rate payable on average interest-bearing liabilities.

3 Net interest margin is net interest income expressed as an annualised percentage of AIEA.

Banking net interest income

Banking net interest income is defined as Group net interest income after deducting:

- the internal cost to fund trading and fair value net assets for which associated revenue is reported in 'Net income from financial instruments held for trading or managed on a fair value basis', also referred to as 'trading and fair value income'. These funding costs reflect proxy overnight or term interest rates as applied by internal funds transfer pricing;

- the funding cost of foreign exchange swaps in Markets Treasury, where an offsetting income or loss is recorded in trading and fair value income. These instruments are used to manage foreign currency deployment and funding in our entities; and

- third-party net interest income in our insurance business.

In our segmental disclosures, the funding costs of trading and fair value net assets are predominantly recorded in GBM in 'net income from financial instruments held for trading or managed on a fair value basis'. On consolidation, this funding is eliminated in Corporate Centre, resulting in an increase in the funding cost reported in net interest income with an equivalent offsetting increase in 'net income from financial instruments held for trading or managed on a fair value basis' in this segment. During 2Q23 we implemented a consistent reporting approach across the 14 most material entities that contribute to our trading and fair value net assets, which resulted in an increase to the 1H23 associated funding costs reported through the intersegment elimination in Corporate Centre of approximately $0.4bn, recognised in 2Q23. In the consolidated Group results, the cost to fund these trading and fair value net assets is reported in net interest income.

The internally allocated funding cost of $3.8bn, which was incurred in 1H23 to generate trading and fair value income, related to trading, fair value and associated net asset balances predominantly in GBM. At 30 June 2023, these stood at approximately $130bn. We expect these centrally allocated funding costs to be at least $7bn in 2023.

1 Including interest-bearing bank deposits only.

2 Including interest-bearing customer accounts only.

Net interest income ('NII') for 1H23 was $18.3bn, an increase of $4.9bn or 36% compared with 1H22. This reflected higher average market interest rates across the major currencies compared with 1H22.

Excluding the unfavourable impact of foreign currency translation differences, NII increased by $5.4bn or 42%.

NII for 2Q23 was $9.3bn, up 35% compared with 2Q22, and up 4% compared with 1Q23. This was driven by the impact of higher market interest rates across our asset book, notably in the UK and our main legal entities in Asia. This was partly offset by higher funding costs across our liability book, which included the impact of deposit migration mainly in our main legal entities in Asia and Europe.

We have introduced a new banking net interest income metric, which is derived by deducting the centrally allocated funding cost to generate trading and fair value income. These funding costs were $3.8bn in 1H23, an increase of $3.4bn compared with 1H22. Banking net interest income also deducts third-party net interest income related to our insurance business, which was $0.2bn in 1H23, broadly stable compared with 1H22.

In 1H23, banking net interest income of $21.9bn was up $8.3bn or 61% compared with 1H22. The growth in banking net interest income was in all of our global businesses, mainly in WPB (up $3.6bn), reflecting wider margins and growth in mortgages and unsecured lending, excluding the impact of transfers to held for sale. It also grew in CMB (up $3.3bn) and GBM (up $1.4bn), notably from wider deposit margins in Global Payments Solutions.

Net interest margin ('NIM') of 1.70% was 46 basis points ('bps') higher compared with 1H22, as the rise in the yield on AIEA of 254bps was partly offset by the rise in the funding cost of average interest-bearing liabilities of 242bps. The increase in NIM in 1H23 included the unfavourable impact of foreign currency translation differences. Excluding this, NIM increased by 48bps.

NIM for 2Q23 was 1.72%, up 43bps year-on-year, and up 3bps compared with the previous quarter, predominantly driven by the impact of higher market interest rates.

Interest income of $47bn increased by $27.2bn, compared with 1H22. This was primarily due to higher average interest rates, partly offset by a reduction in term lending of $41bn, predominantly in our main legal entities in Asia and Europe, and a reduction in central bank placements of $38bn, notably in our main legal entities in the UK and the US. The central bank placements declined due to the reduction in deposit balances. The change in interest income included $0.9bn from the adverse effect of foreign currency translation differences. Excluding this, interest income increased by $28.1bn.

Interest income of $24.9bn in 2Q23 was up $14.2bn compared with 2Q22, and up $2.8bn compared with 1Q23. This was predominantly driven by the impact of higher market interest rates, partly offset by a reduction in term lending and central bank placements.

Interest expense of $28.7bn increased by $22.3bn or 348% compared with 1H22. This reflected an increase in funding costs of 242bps, mainly due to the impact of higher interest rates on our liabilities. In addition, money market deposits increased by $42bn and 'repurchase agreements - non-trading' balances rose by $12bn, mainly in Asia, compounded by the impact of deposit migration, notably in Asia and Europe. The rise in interest expense included the favourable effects of foreign currency translation differences of $0.3bn. Excluding this, interest expense increased by $22.6bn.

Interest expense of $15.6bn in 2Q23 was up $11.8bn compared with 2Q22, and up $2.5bn compared with 1Q23. This was predominantly driven by the impact of higher market interest rates, and the impact of deposit migration. Net fee income of $6.1bn was $0.1bn lower than in 1H22, and included a $0.1bn adverse impact from foreign currency translation differences. On a constant currency basis, net fee income was broadly unchanged as an increase in CMB was largely offset by a reduction in GBM.

In CMB, fee income grew, mainly in cards and account services as customer activity increased.

In GBM, fee income fell in broking income in our main entities in Europe and Hong Kong, and corporate finance income was lower in Europe and the US as clients' refinancing activities fell. These reductions were mitigated by growth in underwriting fees in Europe due to the completion of a number of debt capital markets deals in 1H23.

In WPB, fee income was broadly stable, excluding the impact of foreign currency translation differences. Income from broking and funds under management fell, notably in Hong Kong, reflecting weaker equity markets and muted customer sentiment. This reduction was partly offset by higher cards income, notably in our main entity in Hong Kong and also in Mexico, as customer spending increased. The growth in cards activity resulted in a rise in fee expense.

Net income from financial instruments held for trading or managed on a fair value basis of $8.1bn was $3.3bn higher. There was a favourable movement on non-qualifying hedges in Corporate Centre of $0.3bn due to the non-recurrence of fair value losses in 1H22, and higher income in CMB, reflecting increased collaboration revenue with GBM, mainly in Global Foreign Exchange.

In GBM, trading and fair value income fell by $0.7bn, which was inclusive of an increase of $3.4bn relating to internally allocated funding costs. Trading activity decreased in Equities, as customer demand was muted, although this was partly offset by Global Debt Markets and Global Foreign Exchange.

Net income from assets and liabilities of insurance businesses, including related derivatives, measured at fair value through profit or loss of $4.3bn compared with a net expense of $11.8bn in 1H22. This increase was mainly in Hong Kong and France, primarily reflecting favourable fair value movements on both debt and equity securities in the portfolio.

This favourable movement resulted in a corresponding movement in insurance finance expense, which has an offsetting impact for the related liabilities to policyholders.

Insurance finance expense of $4.2bn compared with an income of $11.8bn in 1H22, reflecting the impact of investment returns on underlying assets on the value of liabilities to policyholders, which moves inversely with 'net income from assets and liabilities of insurance businesses, including related derivatives, measured at fair value through profit or loss'.

Insurance service result of $0.5bn increased by $0.2bn compared with 1H22, primarily due to an increase in the release of the contractual service margin ('CSM'). This primarily reflected a higher CSM balance from higher new business written, favourable experience variances and updates to lapse rate assumptions, as well as the impact of interest rates on the CSM duration profile. The increase also reflected a reduction in losses from onerous contracts.

Under IFRS 17, the measurement of the insurance contract liability takes into account fulfilment cash flows and a CSM representing the unearned profit. In contrast to the Group's previous IFRS 4 accounting where profits are recognised up front, under IFRS 17 they are deferred and systematically recognised in revenue as services are provided over the life of the contract. The CSM also includes attributable cost, which had previously been expensed as incurred and which is now incorporated within the insurance liability measurement and recognised over the life of the contract.

Gain on acquisitions of $1.5bn related to the provisional gain recognised in respect of the acquisition of Silicon Valley Bank UK Limited in 1Q23.

Reversal of impairment loss relating to the planned sale of our retail banking operations in France was $2.1bn, as the sale became less certain during 1Q23. In June, we agreed new terms for the sale of these operations that will involve HSBC retaining a portfolio of home and other loans. The parties are aiming to complete the transaction on 1 January 2024, subject to information and consultation processes with respective works councils and regulatory approvals, with an estimated pre-tax loss of up to $2.2bn expected to be recognised in the second half of 2023 upon reclassification to held for sale.

Change in expected credit losses and other credit impairment charges ('ECL') of $1.3bn were $0.3bn higher than in 1H22.

The 1H23 charge included stage 3 charges of $1.1bn. There were charges of $0.3bn related to the commercial real estate sector in mainland China and charges in CMB in the UK. The 1H23 charge reflected a more stable outlook in most markets, although inflationary pressures remain.

In 1H22, ECL included charges of $0.3bn relating to the commercial real estate sector in mainland China, as well as Russia-related exposures. It also included additional stage 1 and stage 2 allowances to reflect heightened levels of economic uncertainty and inflationary pressures, in part offset by the release of most of our remaining Covid-19-related allowances.

For further details on the calculation of ECL, including the measurement uncertainties and significant judgements applied to such calculations, the impact of economic scenarios and management judgemental adjustments, see pages 69 to 77.

1 Other operating expenses includes professional fees, contractor costs, transaction taxes, marketing and travel. The decrease was driven by favourable currency translation differences and lower restructuring and other related costs following the completion of our cost-saving programme at the end of 2022.

Operating expenses of $15.5bn were $0.7bn or 4% lower than in 1H22, mainly due to the non-recurrence of restructuring and other related costs of $1.1bn, following the completion of our cost-saving programme, which concluded at the end of 2022. The reduction also included a $0.2bn impact from the reversal of historical asset impairments, the impact of our continued cost discipline and favourable foreign currency translation differences between the periods of $0.6bn.

These factors were partly offset by higher technology spend of $0.5bn, an increase in our performance-related pay accrual of $0.2bn and severance payments of $0.2bn. Our operating expenses also rose due to the impact of higher inflation and incremental costs following our acquisition of SVB UK.

We continue to target operating expense growth of approximately 3% for 2023, excluding the impact of foreign currency translation differences, notable items and the impact of retranslating the 2022 results of hyperinflationary economies at constant currency. Our target also excludes the impact of our acquisition of SVB UK, and the related investments internationally, which are expected to add approximately 1% to the Group's operating expenses.

While we remain committed to disciplined cost management, we expect continued pressure from persistently high levels of inflation. In addition, the impact of the proposed special assessment from the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation in the US is not expected to be known until the second half of the year.

The number of employees expressed in full-time equivalent staff ('FTEs') at 30 June 2023 was 221,764, an increase of 2,565 from 31 December 2022. Additionally, the number of contractors at 30 June 2023 was 5,198, a decrease of 849 from 31 December 2022.

Share of profit in associates and joint ventures of $1.6bn was $0.1bn or 9% higher, reflecting an increase in the share of profit from Saudi Awwal Bank ('SAB') and Bank of Communications Co., Limited ('BoCom').

In relation to BoCom, we continue to be subject to a risk of impairment in the carrying value of our investment. We have performed an impairment test on the carrying amount of our investment and confirmed there was no impairment at 30 June 2023. For further details of our impairment review process, see Note 10 on the interim condensed financial statements.

Tax expense

Tax in 1H23 was a charge of $3.6bn, representing an effective tax rate of 16.6%. The effective tax rate for 1H23 was reduced by 1.9 percentage points by the non-taxable provisional gain recognised on the acquisition of SVB UK and by 2.0 percentage points by the release of provisions for uncertain tax positions. A deferred tax charge of $0.4bn was recorded on the temporary difference in tax and accounting treatment relating to the planned sale of our retail banking operations in France. The resulting deferred tax liability will reverse upon classification as held for sale.

Tax in 1H22 was a credit of $151m. This was mainly due to a $2.1bn credit arising from the recognition of a deferred tax asset on historical tax losses of HSBC Holdings as a result of improved profit forecasts for the UK tax group and a charge of $0.3bn for uncertain tax positions. Excluding these items, the effective tax rate for 1H22 was 18.4%.

Summary consolidated balance sheet

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

1 Capital resources are total regulatory capital, the calculation of which is set out on page 95.

2 Including perpetual preferred securities.

3 The definition of net asset value per ordinary share is total shareholders' equity, less non-cumulative preference shares and capital securities, divided by the number of ordinary shares in issue, excluding own shares held by the company, including those purchased and held in treasury.

4 The definition of tangible net asset value per ordinary share is total ordinary shareholder's equity excluding goodwill and other intangible assets (net of deferred tax), divided by the number of basic ordinary shares in issue, excluding own shares held by the company, including those purchased and held in treasury.

A more detailed consolidated balance sheet is contained in the interim condensed financial statements on page 110.

1 Largely relates to US commercial real estate loans classified as held for sale at 30 June 2023.

Balance sheet commentary compared with 31 December 2022

At 30 June 2023, our total assets were $3.0tn, an increase of $92bn or 3% on a reported basis, and $46bn or 2% on a constant currency basis.

Our asset base included higher financial investments as we increased our holdings of treasury bills and debt securities, and a rise in trading assets in HSBC Bank plc and Hong Kong. In addition, there was growth in loans and advances to customers due to reclassifications from 'assets held for sale', while higher other assets reflected seasonal reductions in settlement accounts at 31 December 2022. These increases were partly offset by reductions in cash and balances at central banks and lower derivative assets.

Our ratio of loans and advances to customers as a percentage of customer accounts of 60% was broadly in line with 31 December 2022.

Assets

Cash and balances at central banks decreased by $19bn or 6%, mainly in HSBC UK due to a fall in customer accounts and an increase in financial investments, and in HSBC Bank plc as we manage liquidity in the context of developing market conditions. This was partly offset by favourable foreign currency translation differences of $11bn.

Trading assets rose by $37bn or 17%, reflecting an increase in holdings of debt and equity securities, particularly in our main legal entities in Europe and Hong Kong.

Derivative assets decreased by $12bn or 4%, reflecting a reduction in foreign exchange contracts, mainly in HSBC Bank plc, as a result of lower client demand and foreign exchange rate movements. This was partly offset by favourable foreign currency translation differences of $11bn. The decrease in derivative assets was consistent with the fall in derivative liabilities, as the underlying risk is broadly matched.

Loans and advances to customers of $1.0tn were $36bn higher on a reported basis. This included:

- a favourable impact from foreign currency translation differences of $13bn;

- an increase from the reclassification of $26bn of lending balances, on a constant currency basis, that were classified as 'assets held for sale' at 31 December 2022 relating to the planned sale of our retail banking operations in France;

- an increase in lending balances through the acquisition of SVB UK of $7bn; and

- a decrease from the classification of $3bn of lending balances to 'assets held for sale' relating to the planned merger of our business in Oman.

Excluding these factors, customer lending balances were $7bn lower, reflecting the following movements:

Customer lending balances decreased in GBM by $12bn, including the transfer of a portfolio of Global Banking clients to CMB in our legal entities in Australia and Indonesia. The reduction also reflected lower term lending, mainly in our legal entities in Hong Kong (down $4bn) and HSBC Bank plc (down $3bn), reflecting muted demand and repayments.

In CMB, customer lending was $2bn lower, reflecting a decrease in term lending balances, notably in our main legal entities in Hong Kong and the UK. This was partly offset by the transfer of a portfolio of Global Banking clients to CMB referred to above and an increase in overdraft balances, primarily in HSBC Bank plc and HSBC UK.

In WPB, customer lending balances increased by $8bn, mainly from higher mortgage balances, notably in our legal entities in Hong Kong (up $4bn), the UK (up $1bn), Mexico (up $1bn) and Australia (up $1bn).

Financial investments increased by $43bn or 12%, mainly as we increased our holdings of treasury bills and debt securities in most of our key legal entities, notably in Hong Kong and Europe.

Assets held for sale decreased by $20bn or 18%, from the reclassification of asset balances from 'assets held for sale' relating to the planned sale of retail banking operations in France, partly offset by the transfer of asset balances in Oman into 'assets held for sale'.

Other assets grew by $22bn or 9%, primarily due to an increase of $18bn in settlement accounts in HSBC Bank plc, from higher trading activity, compared with the seasonal reduction in December 2022.

Liabilities

Customer accounts of $1.6tn increased by $25bn on a reported basis. This included:

- a favourable impact from foreign currency translation differences of $22bn;

- an increase from the reclassification of $23bn of customer account balances, on a constant currency basis, that were classified as 'liabilities of disposal groups held for sale' at 31 December 2022 relating to the planned sale of our retail banking operations in France;

- an increase in customer accounts through the acquisition of SVB UK of $7bn; and

- a decrease from the classification of $5bn of customer account balances to 'liabilities of disposal groups held for sale' relating to the planned merger of our business in Oman.

Excluding these factors, customer accounts were $22bn lower, reflecting the following movements:

In GBM, customer accounts were $16bn lower, including the transfer of a portfolio of Global Banking clients to CMB in our legal entities in Australia and Indonesia. The reduction also reflected lower interest-bearing and non-interest-bearing balances, notably in HSBC Bank plc and in our main legal entities in Hong Kong and the US.

In CMB, customer accounts decreased by $4bn, reflecting net outflows in HSBC UK and in our main legal entity in Hong Kong. These reductions were partly offset by the transfer of a portfolio of Global Banking clients to CMB referred to above and growth in our main legal entity in the US.

Customer accounts decreased in WPB by $2bn, primarily driven by a reduction in HSBC UK of $9bn, reflecting higher cost of living and competitive pressures. They also fell in Hong Kong (down $3bn) and the US (down $3bn). These reductions were partly offset by growth in a number of other markets, notably HSBC Bank plc and Singapore.

Financial liabilities designated at fair value increased by $12bn or 10%, primarily due to an increase in debt securities in issue, together with the reclassification of liability balances from 'liabilities of disposal groups held for sale' relating to the planned sale of our retail banking operations in France.

Repurchase agreements - non trading increased by $42bn or 33%, primarily in our main legal entities in Hong Kong, Europe and the US as client demand increased.

Derivative liabilities decreased by $16bn or 6%, which is consistent with the decrease in derivative assets, since the underlying risk is broadly matched.

Liabilities of disposal groups held for sale decreased by $27bn or 24%, notably from the reclassification of liability balances from 'liabilities of disposal groups held for sale' relating to the planned sales of our retail banking operations in France, partly offset by the transfer of liability balances in Oman into 'liabilities of disposal groups held for sale'.

Other liabilities increased by $24bn or 11%, notably from a rise of $23bn in settlement accounts in our main legal entities in Europe, Hong Kong, Mexico and the US from an increase in trading activity, compared with the seasonal reduction in December 2022.

Equity

Total shareholders' equity, including non-controlling interests, increased by $6bn or 3% compared with 31 December 2022.

Profits generated of $18bn were partly offset by dividends paid of $8bn and the impact of our up to $2bn share buy-back announced at our 1Q23 results in May 2023, as well as net losses through other comprehensive income ('OCI') of $1bn and other movements of $1bn.

Financial investments

As part of our interest rate hedging strategy, we hold a portfolio of debt instruments, reported within financial investments, which are classified as hold-to-collect-and-sell. As a result, the change in value of these instruments is recognised through 'debt instruments at fair value through other comprehensive income' in equity.

At 30 June 2023, we had recognised a cumulative unrealised loss reserve through other comprehensive income of $6.5bn, of which a pre-tax unrealised loss of $6.2bn related to these hold-to-collect-and-sell positions, reflecting a $0.3bn pre-tax gain in 1H23, inclusive of movements on related fair value hedges. Overall, the Group is positively exposed to rising interest rates through net interest income, although there is an adverse impact on our capital base in the early stages of a rising interest rate environment due to the fair value of hold-to-collect-and-sell instruments. After the initial negative effect materialising through reserves, the net interest income of the Group is expected to result in a net benefit over time, provided policy rates follow market implied rates. Over time, these adverse movements will unwind as the instruments reach maturity, although not all will necessarily be held to maturity.

We also hold a portfolio of financial investments measured at amortised cost, which are classified as hold-to-collect. At 30 June 2023, there was a cumulative unrealised loss of $3.5bn. Within this, $2.8bn related to debt instruments held to manage our interest rate exposure, representing a $0.9bn deterioration during 1H23.

Risk-weighted assets

Risk-weighted assets ('RWAs') rose by $19.8bn during the first half of the year. Excluding foreign currency translation differences, RWAs increased by $15.4bn, largely as a result of the following:

- a $19.7bn increase due to asset size movements. This was predominantly driven by a $9.0bn movement in credit risk, mainly attributable to sovereign exposures, in Argentina, Asia and North America and growth in retail mortgages, notably in Hong Kong; a $6.6bn increase from heightened market volatility on market risk RWAs, including hedges related to the agreed sale of our banking business in Canada; and a $3.5bn increase from mark-to-market movements in counterparty credit risk mainly in HSBC Bank plc, Asia and Mexico; and

- a $9.6bn increase through the acquisition of SVB UK.

These were partly offset by:

- a $11.5bn decrease due to changes in methodology and policy, including a $7.7bn fall due to a regulatory change to the Hong Kong Monetary Authority's risk-weight floor for residential mortgages, which became effective 1 January 2023 and further decreases attributed to risk parameter refinements.

-

Contents

Summary

The Group Chief Executive, supported by the rest of the Group Executive Committee ('GEC'), reviews operating activity on a number of bases, including by global business and legal entities. Our global businesses - Wealth and Personal Banking, Commercial Banking, and Global Banking and Markets - along with Corporate Centre are our reportable segments under IFRS 8 'Operating Segments', and are presented below and in Note 5: 'Segmental analysis' on page 118.

Descriptions of the global businesses are provided in the Overview section on pages 17 to 24.

Supplementary analysis of constant currency results and notable items by global business

Constant currency results1

1 In the current period, constant currency results are equal to reported as there is no currency translation.

2 Net operating income before change in expected credit losses and other credit impairment charges, also referred to as revenue.

3 In the first quarter of 2023, following an internal review to assess which global businesses were best suited to serve our customers' respective needs, a portfolio of our customers within our entities in Latin America was transferred from GBM to CMB for reporting purposes. Comparative data have been re-presented accordingly.

1 Includes the reversal of a $2.1bn impairment loss relating to the planned sale of our retail banking operations in France, which is no longer classified as held for sale.

2 Includes the provisional gain of $1.5bn recognised in respect of the acquisition of SVB UK.

3 Fair value movements on non-qualifying hedges in HSBC Holdings.

4 In 2Q23, we recognised $47m of reversals relating to restructuring provisions recognised during 2022.

1 Net operating income before change in expected credit losses and other credit impairment charges, also referred to as revenue.

2 In the first quarter of 2023, following an internal review to assess which global businesses were best suited to serve our customers' respective needs, a portfolio of our customers within our entities in Latin America was transferred from GBM to CMB for reporting purposes. Comparative data have been re-presented accordingly.

1 Includes losses from classifying businesses as held for sale as part of a broader restructuring of our European business.

2 Fair value movements on non-qualifying hedges in HSBC Holdings.

3 Comprises gains and losses relating to the business update in February 2020, including losses associated with the RWA reduction programme.

1 In the first quarter of 2023, following an internal review to assess which global businesses were best suited to serve our customers' respective needs, a portfolio of our customers within our entities in Latin America was transferred from GBM to CMB for reporting purposes. Comparative data have been re-presented accordingly.

Supplementary tables for WPB

WPB performance by business unit (constant currency)

A breakdown of WPB by business unit is presented below to reflect the basis of how the revenue performance of the business units is assessed and managed.

1 Net operating income before change in expected credit losses and other credit impairment charges, also referred to as revenue.

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

Life insurance business performance

The following table provides an analysis of the performance of our life insurance business for the period. It comprises income earned by our insurance manufacturing operations within our WPB business, as well as income earned and costs incurred within our Wealth insurance distribution channels and consolidation and inter-company elimination entries.

1 'Wealth insurance and other' includes fee income earned and operating expenses incurred within our Wealth distribution channels. It also includes the IFRS 17 consolidation entries arising from transactions between our insurance manufacturing operations and Wealth distribution channels and with the wider Group, as well as allocations of central costs benefiting life insurance.

2 Net operating income before change in expected credit losses and other credit impairment charges, also referred to as revenue.

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

WPB insurance manufacturing (constant currency basis)

The following table shows the results of our insurance manufacturing operations for our WPB business and for all global business segments in aggregate.

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

2 Constant currency results are derived by adjusting for period-on-period effects of foreign currency translation differences. The impact of foreign currency translation differences on 'All global businesses' profit before tax was nil for 1H22.

3 The results presented for insurance manufacturing operations are shown before elimination of inter-company transactions with HSBC non-insurance operations. The 'All global businesses' result consists primarily of WPB business, as well as a small proportion of CMB business.

4 Net investment return for all global businesses for the half-year to 30 June 2023 was $155m (30 June 2022: $59m), which consisted of net interest income, net income/(expenses) on assets held at fair value through profit or loss, and insurance finance income/(expense).

5 Net operating income before change in expected credit losses and other credit impairment charges, also referred to as revenue.

6 The effect on insurance manufacturing operations of applying hyperinflation accounting in Argentina resulted in a decrease in WPB revenue in 1H23 of $27m (1H22: decrease of $13m) and a decrease in WPB profit before tax in 1H23 of $27m (1H22: decrease of $13m).

Insurance manufacturing

The following commentary, unless otherwise stated, relates to the constant currency results for 'All global businesses'.

Profit before tax of $0.5bn increased by $0.2bn compared with 1H22. This primarily reflected the following:

- Insurance service result of $0.6bn in 1H23 increased by $0.2bn compared with 1H22. This was driven by an increase to the release of CSM of $0.1bn as a result of a higher closing CSM balance from the effect of new business written, favourable experience variances, and updates to lapse rate assumptions impacting the CSM measurement, as well as the impact of higher interest rates on the CSM duration profile. The improved insurance service result also reflected a reduction to losses from onerous contracts of $0.1bn, mainly in Hong Kong and Singapore, in part due to improved economic conditions in 1H23.

- Net investment return (excluding net interest income) increased by $0.1bn, with higher asset returns in 1H23 compared with losses in the prior period.

Insurance equity plus CSM net of tax represents a measure of our insurance manufacturing operations' net asset value plus the future earnings from in-force business. At 30 June 2023, insurance equity plus CSM net of tax on a reported basis was $16,310m (31 December 2022: $14,646m; 30 June 2022: $14,663m).

At 30 June 2023, Insurance equity plus CSM net of tax was calculated as insurance manufacturing operations equity of $7,661m plus CSM of $10,571m less tax of $1,922m. At 31 December 2022, it was calculated as insurance manufacturing operations equity of $7,236m plus CSM of $9,058m less tax of $1,648m. At 30 June 2022, it was calculated as insurance manufacturing operations equity of $7,116m plus CSM of $9,233m less tax of $1,686m.

Manufacturing value of new business

Insurance manufacturing value of new business is a non-GAAP alternative performance measure that provides information about value generation from new business sold during the period. It is conceptually similar to the value of new business metric previously reported by the insurance business under IFRS 4 'Insurance Contracts', although it is not equivalent to the previously disclosed measure that was calculated as the incremental present value of in-force business ('PVIF') intangible asset generated from new business written. Since transitioning to IFRS 17, insurance manufacturing value of new business is a metric used internally to measure the long-term profitability of new business sold and its disclosure supports the consistent communication of this performance measure, albeit on a new calculation basis. Insurance manufacturing value of new business is calculated as the sum of the IFRS 17 new business CSM and loss component adjusted for:

- a full attribution of expenses incurred within our manufacturing operations. IFRS 17 considers only directly attributable acquisition expenses within the new business CSM measurement; and

- long-term asset spreads expected to be generated over the contract term. Under IFRS 17, new business CSM is in contrast calculated on a risk neutral basis.

Insurance manufacturing value of new business is measured before tax and after inclusion of the impact of reinsurance. Insurance manufacturing value of new business amounts for previous periods have not been disclosed as their preparation was not practicable without unreasonable operational burden and expense. This reflects the fact that the further work required to prepare comparative information extends beyond the principal aim of the IFRS 17 programme to date of implementing the mandatory reporting requirements of IFRS 17. Comparative information will be provided with 2023 full-year information.