HSBC Holdings Regulatory News (HSBA)

The Directors1 are required to prepare the condensed consolidated financial statements on a going concern basis unless it is not appropriate. They are satisfied that the Group has the resources to continue in business for the foreseeable future and that the financial statements continue to be prepared on a going concern basis.

The Directors confirm that to the best of their knowledge:

- the financial statements have been prepared in accordance with IAS 34 'Interim Financial Reporting' as adopted by the UK, IAS 34 'Interim Financial Reporting' as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board ('IASB') and IAS 34 'Interim Financial Reporting' as adopted by the European Union, and the Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules ('DTR') sourcebook of the UK's Financial Conduct Authority;

- this Interim Report 2023 gives a true, fair, balanced and understandable view of the assets, liabilities, financial position and profit or loss of the Company; and

- this Interim Report 2023 includes a fair review of the information required by:

- DTR 4.2.7R, being an indication of: important events that have occurred during the first six months of the financial year ending 31 December 2023 and their impact on the condensed set of financial statements; and a description of the principal risks and uncertainties for the remaining six months of the financial year; and

- DTR 4.2.8R, being: related party transactions that have taken place in the first six months of the financial year ending 31 December 2023, which have materially affected the financial position or performance of HSBC during that period; and any changes in the related parties transactions described in the Annual Report and Accounts 2022 that could materially affect the financial position or performance of HSBC during the first six months of the financial year ending 31 December 2023.

On behalf of the Board

Mark E Tucker

Group Chairman

1 August 2023

1 Mark Tucker*, Geraldine Buckingham†, Rachel Duan†, Georges Elhedery, Carolyn Julie Fairbairn†, James Anthony Forese†, Steven Guggenheimer†, José Antonio Meade Kuribreña†, Kalpana Morparia†, Eileen K Murray†, David Nish† and Noel Quinn.

* Non-executive Group Chairman † Independent non-executive Director  

Report on the interim condensed financial statements

Our conclusion

We have reviewed HSBC Holdings plc's interim condensed financial statements (the 'interim financial statements') in the interim report of HSBC Holdings plc and its subsidiaries (the 'Group') for the six month period ended 30 June 2023 (the 'period').

Based on our review, nothing has come to our attention that causes us to believe that the interim financial statements are not prepared, in all material respects, in accordance with UK-adopted International Accounting Standard 34, 'Interim Financial Reporting', International Accounting Standard 34, 'Interim Financial Reporting' as issued by the IASB, International Accounting Standard 34, 'Interim Financial Reporting' as adopted by the European Union, and the Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules sourcebook of the United Kingdom's Financial Conduct Authority.

What we have reviewed

The interim financial statements comprise:

- the consolidated balance sheet as at 30 June 2023;

- the consolidated income statement and the statement of comprehensive income for the period then ended;

- the consolidated statement of cash flows for the period then ended;

- the consolidated statement of changes in equity for the period then ended; and

- the notes to the interim financial statements and certain other information1.

The interim financial statements included in the interim report of the Group have been prepared in accordance with UK adopted International Accounting Standard 34, 'Interim Financial Reporting' , International Accounting Standard 34, 'Interim Financial Reporting' as issued by the IASB, International Accounting Standard 34, 'Interim Financial Reporting' as adopted by the European Union and the Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules sourcebook of the United Kingdom's Financial Conduct Authority.

Basis for conclusion

We conducted our review in accordance with International Standard on Review Engagements (UK) 2410, 'Review of Interim Financial Information Performed by the Independent Auditor of the Entity' issued by the Financial Reporting Council for use in the United Kingdom ('ISRE (UK) 2410'). A review of interim financial information consists of making enquiries, primarily of persons responsible for financial and accounting matters, and applying analytical and other review procedures.

A review is substantially less in scope than an audit conducted in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK) and, consequently, does not enable us to obtain assurance that we would become aware of all significant matters that might be identified in an audit. Accordingly, we do not express an audit opinion.

We have read the other information contained in the interim report and considered whether it contains any apparent misstatements or material inconsistencies with the information in the interim financial statements.

Conclusions relating to going concern

Based on our review procedures, which are less extensive than those performed in an audit as described in the Basis for conclusion section of this report, nothing has come to our attention to suggest that the directors have inappropriately adopted the going concern basis of accounting or that the directors have identified material uncertainties relating to going concern that are not appropriately disclosed. This conclusion is based on the review procedures performed in accordance with ISRE (UK) 2410. However, future events or conditions may cause the Group to cease to continue as a going concern.

Responsibilities for the interim condensed financial statements and the review

Our responsibilities and those of the directors

The interim report of the Group, including the interim financial statements, is the responsibility of, and has been approved by the directors. The directors are responsible for preparing the interim report of the Group in accordance with the Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules sourcebook of the United Kingdom's Financial Conduct Authority. In preparing the interim report of the Group, including the interim financial statements, the directors are responsible for assessing the Group's ability to continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going concern and using the going concern basis of accounting unless the directors either intend to liquidate the Group or to cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so.

Our responsibility is to express a conclusion on the interim financial statements in the interim report based on our review. Our conclusion, including our Conclusions relating to going concern, is based on procedures that are less extensive than audit procedures, as described in the Basis for conclusion paragraph of this report. This report, including the conclusion, has been prepared for and only for the company for the purpose of complying with the Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules sourcebook of the United Kingdom's Financial Conduct Authority and for no other purpose. We do not, in giving this conclusion, accept or assume responsibility for any other purpose or to any other person to whom this report is shown or into whose hands it may come save where expressly agreed by our prior consent in writing.

PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

Chartered Accountants

London

1 August 2023

1 'Certain other information' comprises the following tables: 'Reconciliation of changes in gross carrying/nominal amount and allowances for loans and advances to banks and customers including loan commitments and financial guarantees' and 'Distribution of financial instruments to which the impairment requirements of IFRS 9 are applied, by credit quality and stage allocation'.

Contents

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.

* For Notes on the interim condensed financial statements, see page 115.

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

2 Net finance income/(expense) from insurance contracts in other comprehensive income is the amount that offsets the effective interest rate and expected credit losses on supporting assets that have been designated at fair value through other comprehensive income. In the first half of 2023, movements in net finance income/(expense) from insurance contracts of $(101)m (1H22: $1,360m) was booked, and offsetting fair value through other comprehensive income ('OCI') movements on supporting assets of $108m was recorded (1H22: ($1,439m)).

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

* For Notes on the interim condensed financial statements, see page 115.

1 The insurance finance reserve reflects the unwinding of the discount rate on insurance liabilities for which the OCI option has been elected for our insurance business in France. It is recorded after excluding the amount that offsets the effective interest rate and expected credit losses on supporting assets that have been designated at fair value through other comprehensive income.

2 During 2023, HSBC Holdings issued $2,000m of contingent convertible securities on which there were $4m of external issue costs.

3 During 2023, HSBC Holdings redeemed $2,350m contingent convertible securities. In 2022, HSBC Holdings redeemed €1,500m 5.250% and SGD1,000m 5.875% contingent convertible securities.

4 In February 2022 HSBC announced a share buy-back of up to $1.0bn, which concluded in July 2022. Additionally, in May 2023, HSBC Holdings announced a share buy-back of up to $2.0bn.

5 Includes a payment of $749m (1H22: $435m) to the HSBC Holdings Employee Benefit Trust 2001 (No. 2) to purchase shares in order to settle liabilities on Group share plans.

6 The impact of IFRS 17 on previously reported total equity was $(10,585)m at 30 June 2022 and $(10,831)m at 31 December 2022.

7 Permitted transfers from the merger reserve to retained earnings were made when the investment in HSBC Overseas Holdings (UK) Limited was previously impaired. In 2022, part-reversals of these impairments resulted in transfers from retained earnings back to the merger reserve of $2,499m.

Interest received was $46,817m (1H22: $20,957m), interest paid was $29,222m (1H22: $7,146m) and dividends received (excluding dividends received from associates, which are presented separately above) were $751m (1H22: $800m).

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

2 Adjustments to bring changes between opening and closing balance sheet amounts to average rates. This is not done on a line-by-line basis, as details cannot be determined without unreasonable expense.

3 The 'Net cash flow on (acquisition)/disposal of subsidiaries, businesses, associates and joint ventures' includes $1.2bn of net cash inflow on acquisition of Silicon Valley Bank UK Limited in March 2023.

4 Includes $7.5bn (1H22: $1.7bn) of cash and cash equivalents classified as held for sale.

(a) Compliance with International Financial Reporting Standards

Our interim condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared on the basis of the policies set out in the 2022 annual financial statements, except for those relating to IFRS 17 'Insurance Contracts' and amendments to IAS 12 'Income Taxes' as set out below. They have also been prepared in accordance with IAS 34 'Interim Financial Reporting' as adopted by the UK, IAS 34 'Interim Financial Reporting' as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board ('IASB'), IAS 34 'Interim Financial Reporting' as adopted by the EU, and the Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules sourcebook of the UK's Financial Conduct Authority. Therefore, they include an explanation of events and transactions that are significant to an understanding of the changes in HSBC's financial position and performance since the end of 2022.

These financial statements should be read in conjunction with the Annual Report and Accounts 2022, which was prepared in accordance with UK-adopted international accounting standards in conformity with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 and international financial reporting standards adopted pursuant to Regulation (EC) No 1606/2002 as it applies in the European Union. These financial statements were also prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards ('IFRSs') as issued by the IASB, including interpretations issued by the IFRS Interpretations Committee. These financial statements should be read in conjunction with the information about the application of IFRS 17 'Insurance Contracts' as set out below and the new policies for insurance contracts as described on pages 7 to 9 of our Report on Transition to IFRS 17 'Insurance Contracts' issued on 2 May 2023.

At 30 June 2023, there were no IFRSs effective for the half-year to 30 June 2023 affecting these financial statements that were not approved for adoption in the UK by the UK Endorsement Board. With the exception of amendments to IAS 12 'International Tax Reform - Pillar Two Model Rules', which is expected to be endorsed by the EU in the second half of 2023, there was no difference between IFRSs adopted by the UK, IFRSs as adopted by the EU, and IFRSs issued by the IASB in terms of their application to HSBC.

Standards applied during the half-year to 30 June 2023

IFRS 17 'Insurance Contracts'

On 1 January 2023, the Group adopted the requirements of IFRS 17 'Insurance Contracts' retrospectively with comparatives restated from the transition date, 1 January 2022. At transition, the Group's total equity reduced by $10,459m. 

On adoption of IFRS 17, balances based on IFRS 4, including the present value of in-force long-term insurance business ('PVIF') asset in relation to the upfront recognition of future profits of in-force insurance contracts, were derecognised. Insurance contract liabilities have been remeasured under IFRS 17 based on groups of insurance contracts, which include the fulfilment cash flows comprising the best estimate of the present value of the future cash flows (for example premiums and payouts for claims, benefits, and expenses), together with a risk adjustment for non-financial risk, as well as the contractual service margin ('CSM'). The CSM represents the unearned profits that will be released and systematically recognised in insurance revenue as services are provided over the expected coverage period.

In addition, the Group has made use of the option under the standard to re-designate certain eligible financial assets held to support insurance contract liabilities, which were predominantly measured at amortised cost, as financial assets measured at fair value through profit or loss, with comparatives restated from the transition date.

The key differences between IFRS 4 and IFRS 17 are summarised in the following table:

Transition

In applying IFRS 17 for insurance contracts retrospectively, the full retrospective approach ('FRA') has been used unless it has been impracticable. When the FRA is impracticable such as when there is a lack of sufficient and reliable data, an entity has an accounting policy choice to use either the modified retrospective approach ('MRA') or the fair value approach ('FVA'). The Group has applied the FRA for new business from 2018 at the earliest, subject to practicability, and the FVA for the majority of contracts for which the FRA is impracticable.

Under the FVA, the valuation of insurance liabilities on transition is based on the applicable requirements of IFRS 13 'Fair Value Measurement'. This requires consideration of the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date (an exit price). The CSM is calculated as the difference between what a market participant would demand for assuming the unexpired risk associated with insurance contracts, including required profit, and the fulfilment cash flows that are determined using IFRS 17 principles.

In determining the fair value, the Group considered the estimated profit margin that a market participant would demand in return for assuming the insurance liabilities with the consideration of the level of capital that a market participant would be required to hold, and the discount rate with an allowance for an illiquidity premium that takes into account the level of 'matching' between the Group's assets and related liabilities. These assumptions were set taking into account the assumptions that a hypothetical market participant operating in each local jurisdiction would consider.

Amendments to IAS 12 'International Tax Reform - Pillar Two Model Rules'

On 23 May 2023, the IASB issued amendments to IAS 12 'International Tax Reform - Pillar Two Model Rules', which became effective immediately and were approved for adoption by all members of the UK Endorsement Board on 19 July 2023. On 20 June 2023, legislation was substantively enacted in the UK to introduce the OECD's Pillar Two global minimum tax rules and a UK qualified domestic minimum top-up tax, with effect from 1 January 2024. The Group has applied the IAS 12 exception from recognising and disclosing information on associated deferred tax assets and liabilities. As noted above, the EU has not yet endorsed these IAS 12 amendments but is expected to do so in the second half of 2023.

There were no other new standards or amendments to standards that had an effect on these interim condensed financial statements. 

(b) Use of estimates and judgements

Management believes that the critical accounting estimates and judgements applicable to the Group are those that relate to impairment of amortised cost and FVOCI debt financial assets, the valuation of financial instruments, deferred tax assets, provisions, interests in associates, impairment of goodwill and non-financial assets, post-employment benefit plans, and non-current assets and disposal groups held for sale.

There were no material changes in the current period to any of the critical accounting estimates and judgements disclosed in 2022, which are stated on pages 99 and 337 to 347 of the Annual Report and Accounts 2022.

(c) Composition of the Group

There were no material changes in the composition of the Group in the half-year to 30 June 2023. For further details of future business acquisitions and disposals, see Note 15 'Assets held for sale, liabilities of disposal groups held for sale and business acquisitions'.

(d) Going concern

The financial statements are prepared on a going concern basis, as the Directors are satisfied that the Group and parent company have the resources to continue in business for the foreseeable future. In making this assessment, the Directors have considered a wide range of information relating to present and future conditions, including future projections of profitability, cash flows, capital requirements and capital resources. These considerations include stressed scenarios, as well as considering potential impacts from other top and emerging risks, and the related impact on profitability, capital and liquidity.

(e) Accounting policies

The accounting policies that we applied for these interim condensed consolidated financial statements are consistent with those described on pages 335 to 348 of the Annual Report and Accounts 2022, as are the methods of computation, with the exception of those relating to IFRS 17 and amendments to IAS 12 as described above.  

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.

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

On 1 August 2023, the Directors approved a second interim dividend for 2023 of $0.10 per ordinary share in respect of the financial year ending 31 December 2023. This distribution amounts to approximately $1.974bn and will be payable on 21 September 2023. No liability is recognised in the financial statements in respect of these dividends.

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

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

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

2

The Group Chief Executive, supported by the rest of the Group Executive Committee ('GEC'), is considered the Chief Operating Decision Maker ('CODM') for the purposes of identifying the Group's reportable segments. Global business results are assessed by the CODM on the basis of constant currency performance that removes the effects of currency translation from reported results. Therefore, we disclose these results on a constant currency basis as required by IFRSs. The income statement for the half-year to 30 June 2022 is converted at the average rate of exchange for 2023, and the balance sheets at 30 June 2022 and 31 December 2022 at the prevailing rates of exchange on 30 June 2023.

Our operations are closely integrated and, accordingly, the presentation of data includes internal allocations of certain items of income and expense. These allocations include the costs of certain support services and global functions to the extent that they can be meaningfully attributed to global businesses. While such allocations have been made on a systematic and consistent basis, they necessarily involve a degree of subjectivity. Costs that are not allocated to global businesses are included in Corporate Centre.

Where relevant, income and expense amounts presented include the results of inter-segment funding along with inter-company and inter-business line transactions. All such transactions are undertaken on arm's length terms. The intra-Group elimination items for the global businesses are presented in Corporate Centre.

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 Global Banking and Markets to Commercial Banking for reporting purposes. Comparative data have been re-presented accordingly. Similar smaller transfers from Global Banking and Markets to Commercial Banking were also undertaken within our entities in Australia and Indonesia, where comparative data have not been re-presented.

Our global businesses

We provide a comprehensive range of banking and related financial services to our customers in our three global businesses. The products and services offered to customers are organised by these global businesses:

- Wealth and Personal Banking ('WPB') provides a full range of retail banking and wealth products to our customers from personal banking to ultra high net worth individuals. Typically, customer offerings include retail banking products, such as current and savings accounts, mortgages and personal loans, credit cards, debit cards and local and international payment services. We also provide wealth management services, including insurance and investment products, global asset management services, investment management and private wealth solutions for customers with more sophisticated and international requirements.

- Commercial Banking ('CMB') offers a broad range of products and services to serve the needs of our commercial customers, including small and medium-sized enterprises, mid-market enterprises and corporates. These include credit and lending, international trade and receivables finance, treasury management and liquidity solutions (payments and cash management and commercial cards), commercial insurance and investments. CMB also offers customers access to products and services offered by other global businesses, such as Global Banking and Markets, which include foreign exchange products, raising capital on debt and equity markets and advisory services.

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