Half-year Report

NMBZ HOLDINGS

Holding company of

NMB BANK LIMITED (Registered Commercial Bank)

FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED 30 JUNE 2020

FINANCIAL SUMMARY

Enquiries:

NMBZ HOLDINGS LIMITED

Benefit P Washaya, Chief Executive Officer, NMBZ Holdings Limited [email protected]

Gerald Gore, Deputy Chief Executive Officer, NMBZ Holdings Limited [email protected]

Benson Ndachena, Chief Finance Officer, NMBZ Holdings Limited [email protected]

Website: http://www.nmbz.co.zw

Email: [email protected]

Telephone: +263-(242) 759 651/9

Facebook: NMB Bank Zimbabwe

Twitter: @NMBBankZim

Whatsapp: +263775710000

CHAIRMAN'S STATEMENT

INTRODUCTION

The 2020 operating environment was largely characterised by the unprecedented global challenges emanating from the novel COVID-19 pandemic. Global and regional economies have experienced significant challenges due to the COVID-19 virus and the Zimbabwean economy was no exception. The Government of Zimbabwe pronounced a number of socio-economic restrictions, effectively plunging the nation into lockdown conditions in an attempt to manage the spread of the virus as well as mitigate its ravaging effects, which was followed by subsequent pronouncements and measures to gradually alter and vary the lockdown conditions. A raft of policy pronouncements have also been made and these have all significantly impacted on the Group's operating environment.

In spite of the difficult local operating environment and the unique global circumstances, the Group remained resilient and this culminated in the financial results which were underpinned by the Banking subsidiary's digitalisation drive and fair value gains on the bank's property portfolio. The Bank's digital strategy could not have come at a better time as it has been quite pivotal in driving business within the COVID-19 induced circumstances. The Bank has recorded significant growth and expansion on its digital platforms and this has resulted in enhanced service delivery. Furthermore, in response to the prevailing hyperinflationary environment, the Group has adopted a number of value preservation strategies in order to ensure that shareholders' value is not eroded.

The key inflation adjusted financial highlights of the Group as at 30 June 2020 are depicted below:

Shareholders' funds and shareholders' liabilities ZWL2.9 billion (December 2019 - ZWL1.9 billion)

Total assets ZWL6.9 billion (December 2019 - ZWL5.5 billion)

Total comprehensive income ZWL992.3 million (June 2019 - ZWL703.1 million)

Operating income before impairments and

monetary adjustments ZWL883.6 million (June 2019 - ZWL865.0 million)

HYPERINFLATIONARY REPORTING

On 11 October 2019, the Public Accountants and Auditors Board (PAAB) issued a pronouncement to the effect that the Zimbabwean economy had met all conditions necessary to be classified as a hyperinflationary economy. On that basis, the Directors have prepared the accompanying financial statements using the hyper-inflationary accounting basis to achieve fair presentation at the reporting date of 30 June 2020. The following results commentary is primarily on the Group's hyperinflationary adjusted financial statements at the reporting date.

GROUP RESULTS

Financial performance

The profit before taxation was ZWL844 746 155 (June 2019 - ZWL852 273 012) during the period under review and this gave rise to total comprehensive income of ZWL992 251 893 (June 2019 - ZWL703 127 345). The Group achieved a basic earnings per share of 170.53 cents (June 2019 - 174.77 cents) and this translated into the headline losses per share of 1.28 cents (June 2019 - earnings per share of 35.82 cents). The significant differential between the basic and headline losses per share is largely due to investment properties fair value adjustments and gains arising from the translation of foreign currency balances due to the depreciation of the Zimbabwe dollar against the USD and other major currencies.

Total income amounted to ZWL1 248 545 848 and this was down 3% from ZWL1 291 433 954 recorded during the six months ended 30 June 2019 mainly due to a reduction in net interest income due to sub-optimal market interest rates.

Operating expenses amounted to ZWL327 844 569 and these were down 4% from ZWL341 124 089 recorded during the six months ended 30 June 2019. The reduced costs were a result of cost containment measures adopted by the Group in addition to improved efficiencies arising out of the Group's digital drive.

The Group recorded an impairment credit loss on financial assets measured at amortised cost amounting to ZWL25 219 962 compared to an expected credit loss reversal of ZWL7 896 544 during the six months ended 30 June 2019 due to growth in the banking subsidiary's financial assets.

The Bank has continued with its drive to reduce non-performing loans (NPLs) and this saw the NPL ratio reduce from 1.37% as at 31 December 2019 to 0.81% as at 30 June 2020. The drop in the NPL ratio is largely due to aggressive collections and stricter credit underwriting standards.

Financial position

The Group's total assets increased by 27% from ZWL5 473 819 939 as at 31 December 2019 to ZWL6 936 485 718 as at 30 June 2020 mainly due to a 47% increase in property and equipment, a 126% increase in investment properties and a 6% increase in cash and cash equivalents.

Investment properties increased from ZWL602 234 779 as at 31 December 2019 to ZWL1 363 353 363 as at 30 June 2020 whilst property and equipment increased from ZWL1 032 743 479 at 31 December 2019 to ZWL1 514 418 395 as at 30 June 2020 mainly due to the significant increase in property values in ZWL terms in line with market changes.

Gross loans and advances increased by 3% from ZWL1 396 704 117 as at 31 December 2019 to ZWL1 439 233 342 as at 30 June 2020 mainly due to a slowdown in advances during the period under review in view of the prevailing economic conditions.

Cash and cash equivalents increased from ZWL1 289 795 771 as at 31 December 2019 to ZWL1 369 056 048 at 30 June 2020 mainly due to the upward foreign exchange revaluation of the Group's foreign denominated liquid assets.

Total deposits increased by 12% from ZWL3 120 529 011 at 31 December 2019 to ZWL3 493 310 688 as at 30 June 2020 as a result of deposit mobilization strategies and the translation of foreign denominated deposits to the local currency.

The Bank maintained a sound liquidity position with a liquidity ratio of 73.90% which was significantly above the statutory minimum of 30%.

Capital

The banking subsidiary maintained adequate capital levels to cover all risks as reflected by a capital adequacy ratio of 39.39% as at 30 June 2020 (31 December 2019 - 39.49%). The ratio was well above the regulatory minimum of 12%.

The Group's shareholders' funds and shareholders' liabilities increased by 54% from ZWL1 854 516 185 as at 31 December 2019 to ZWL2 860 394 662 as at 30 June 2020 as a result of the current period's total comprehensive income.

The Bank's regulatory capital as at 30 June 2020 was ZWL1 466 396 127 and was above the minimum regulatory capital of ZWL25 million. The Bank submitted its capitalisation plan to the RBZ in terms of the requirements for a Tier 1 bank to have a minimum Zimbabwe dollar equivalent of USD30 million by 31 December 2021. We await approval of our capitalisation plan by the RBZ.

DIVIDEND

The Board has resolved not to declare an interim dividend as the Group is firmly focused on achieving the revised minimum regulatory capital requirement of the ZWL equivalent of USD30 million for a Tier 1 Bank by 31 December 2021.

DIRECTORATE

There were no changes to the Directorate during the period under review. The directors of both NMBZ Holdings Limited and NMB Bank Limited boards remain as follows: Mr Benedict A. Chikwanha (Board Chairman), Mr Benefit P. Washaya (Chief Executive Officer), Mr Benson Ndachena (Chief Finance Officer), Mr Charles Chikaura (Independent Non-Executive Director and Deputy Chairman), Mr James de la Fargue (Non-Executive Director), Ms Jean Maguranyanga (Independent Non-Executive Director), Mr Julius Tichelaar (Non Executive Director), Ms Sabinah Chitehwe (Independent Non-Executive Director), Ms Christine Glover (Non-Executive Director) and Mr Givemore Taputaira (Independent Non-Executive Director).

FUNCTIONAL CURRENCY

As announced in the Group's financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2019, we continue to closely monitor the developments in the economic and monetary landscape. On 22 February 2019, the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) issued an Exchange Control Directive, RU 28 of 2019 which established an Interbank foreign exchange market to formalize the buying and selling of foreign currency through the Banks and Bureaux de change. To operationalize this, the RBZ denominated the existing RTGS balances as RTGS dollars and initial trades between the RTGS dollar and the US$ were pegged at USD/RTGS$1:2.5. On the same date, Statutory Instrument 33 (SI 33) of 2019 was also issued and it specified that all assets and liabilities that were in USD immediately before 22 February 2019 were deemed to have been valued in RTGS$ at a rate of USD/RTGS$1:1.

On 24 June 2019, through Statutory Instrument 142 (SI 142) of 2019, the Government of Zimbabwe discontinued the multicurrency regime which had been in place since February 2009 and also introduced the Zimbabwe Dollar (ZWL), which was designated as the country's sole legal tender to be used for all local transactions and other purposes.

On 26 March 2020, the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe in a press statement announced various interventions in response to the financial vulnerabilities caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. One of the measures announced therein was the authorization of the use of free-funds in paying for goods and services, in terms of Statutory Instrument (SI) 85 of 2020. On 24 July 2020, the Government of Zimbabwe issued Statutory Instrument (SI) 185 of 2020, which granted permission to display, quote or offer prices for all goods and services in both Zimbabwe dollars and foreign currency at the interbank exchange rate.

On 23 June 2020, the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe introduced the Foreign Exchange Auction System, effectively abandoning the fixed foreign currency exchange rate regime which had been prevailing for the greater part of 2020. Significant trades have been recorded on the platform and significant movements in the exchange rate have been resultantly recorded.

The Directors, having assessed all these developments, concluded that the Group's functional currency remains the Zimbabwe dollar having changed from USD to RTGS dollars on 22 February 2019, which subsequently changed to Zimbabwe Dollars (ZWL) following the issuance of SI 142 of 2019 on 24 June 2019.

LEGACY DEBTS

The banking subsidiary owed USD13 840 412 to various lines of credit providers as at 30 June 2020. The Bank registered these foreign debts with the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) as required by the regulatory directives. During the previous financial period, the Bank transferred to the RBZ the ZWL equivalent of the foreign debts at a rate of USD/ZWL1:1. The RBZ has indicated that they will be issuing a USD denominated instrument for these debts and consequently these debts and the RBZ deposits have been accounted for at the closing exchange rate of USD/ZWL 1:63.74 at 30 June 2020. This effectively values the original credit lines at a rate of 1:1 on a netted off basis. The RBZ approved the line of credit balances amounting to USD13 840 412.

CORPORATE SOCIAL INVESTMENTS

During the period under review, the Group channelled its Corporate Social Investments towards education, environment conservation as well as the support of disadvantaged and vulnerable groups. Donations towards education were to the Ministry of Education Mashonaland West Provincial Wellness Launch and Matabeleland North Athletics team NASH/NAPH. Donations were also made to KidzCan for treatment of children living with cancer and commemoration of the World Kidney Day.

The Group in conjunction with other banks also channelled its Corporate Social Investments towards the fight against COVID-19 under the Bankers Association of Zimbabwe. Leveraging the ecosystem of customers, business partners and the public at large, the Bank also set up a COVID-19 donations platform through which institutions and individuals are making donations towards fighting this global pandemic.

CORPORATE DEVELOPMENTS

In the advent of the 'new normal', where physical interactions have to be kept at a minimum in line with the World Health Organisation (WHO) guidelines on fighting the novel COVID-19 pandemic, the Bank's strategy is anchored on the enhancement of its digital touch points to ensure uninterrupted service delivery to the Bank's valued clients via digital platforms.

The Bank continues with its financial inclusion drive and has intensified the opening of a number of low cost accounts via our NMBLite product.

The construction of our new Head Office along Borrowdale Road has been completed and the envisaged migration was hampered by the unforeseeable COVID-19 induced challenges.

COVID-19 UPDATE

The Group has been closely monitoring the developments around the COVID-19 crisis. To this end, we have fully embraced and implemented the WHO guidelines to ensure the safety of our valued clients, staff and stakeholders. Amongst several initiatives, we have enabled remote working for staff, accelerated the Bank's digital transformation drive and we continue to encourage our customers to fully utilize the Bank's enhanced digital banking platforms thereby minimizing the need for them to physically visit the Bank's banking halls and offices. These measures have significantly contributed towards the maintenance of social distancing by decongesting the Bank's branches and workspaces. Where customers and staff have had to visit the branches and offices, we have strictly adhered to the prescribed WHO regulations which include temperature checking, sanitization and the correct wearing of masks at all times.

OUTLOOK AND STRATEGY

The operating environment continues to be challenging and the introduction of the RBZ's Foreign Exchange (FX) Auction system on 23 June 2020 should hopefully result in price discovery and stabilisation of the FX market. We continue to be optimistic that the measures being taken by the Government and the Central Bank to stimulate the economy will have the desired effects in the short to medium term and consequently improve the country's economic climate. The containment of the COVID-19 pandemic continues to be a prerequisite for an economic rebound and the measures taken so far by the Government should lead to a slowdown in the spread of the Corona virus which should result in an increase in the level of economic activities in the country. 

As aforementioned, the banking subsidiary has continued to enhance its digital offerings and some digital platforms will be launched shortly which will provide customers with simplicity and convenience in transacting and digitally meet a greater part of their information requirements. 

APPRECIATION

I remain sincerely grateful to our valued clients, shareholders and regulatory authorities who continue to support the Group in the face of the numerous challenges posed by the tough operating environment. To my fellow board members, management and staff, I extend my heartfelt gratitude for their continued diligence, dedication and relentless efforts which have culminated in the achievement of these commendable results.

May I take this opportunity to implore all our valued stakeholders to remain vigilant and resolute as we all put up a fight against the horrendous COVID-19 pandemic.

B. A. CHIKWANHA

CHAIRMAN

25 August 2020

REVIEWER'S STATEMENT

These condensed inflation adjusted interim financial statements have been reviewed by Ernst & Young Chartered Accountants (Zimbabwe) and an adverse review conclusion issued thereon due to continuing issues from prior years with regards to non-compliance with International Accounting Standard 21, "The Effects of Changes in Foreign Exchange Rates" and International Accounting Standard 8, "Accounting Polices, Changes in Accounting Estimates and Errors" and their effect on base numbers used for reporting under International Accounting Standard 29, "Financial Reporting in Hyperinflationary Economies". The reviewer's report is available for inspection at the Holding Company's registered office. The engagement partner for this review is Mr Walter Mupanguri (PAAB Practicing Number 0367).

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

for the six months ended 30 June 2020

\* The Historical Cost information has been shown as supplementary information for the benefit of users. These are not required in terms of International Accounting Standard (IAS) 29 "Financial Reporting in Hyperinflationary Economies". The Reviewer has not expressed an opinion on the Historical Cost information.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION

As at 30 June 2020

\* The Historical Cost information has been shown as supplementary information for the benefit of users. These are not required in terms of International Accounting Standard (IAS) 29 "Financial Reporting in Hyperinflationary Economies". The Reviewer has not expressed an opinion on the Historical Cost information.

 CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY

for the six months ended 30 June 2020

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY 

for the six months ended 30 June 2020

\* The Historical Cost information has been shown as supplementary information for the benefit of users. These are not required in terms of International Accounting Standard (IAS) 29 "Financial Reporting in Hyperinflationary Economies". The Reviewer has not expressed an opinion on the Historical Cost information.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS

for the six months ended 30 June 2020

\* The Historical Cost information has been shown as supplementary information for the benefit of users. These are not required in terms of International Accounting Standard (IAS) 29 "Financial Reporting in Hyperinflationary Economies". The Reviewer has not expressed an opinion on the Historical Cost information.

NOTES TO THE CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

for the six months ended 30 June 2020

1. REPORTING ENTITY

The Holding Company is incorporated and domiciled in Zimbabwe and is an investment holding company. Its registered office address is 64 Kwame Nkrumah Avenue, Harare. Its principal operating subsidiary is engaged in commercial and retail banking. NMB Bank Limited is a registered commercial bank and was incorporated in Zimbabwe on 16 October 1992 and commenced trading on 1 June 1993. The Bank operated as an Accepting House until 6 December 1999 when the licence was converted to that of a Commercial Bank. The Bank is exposed to the following risks in its operations: liquidity risk, credit risk, market risk, operational risk, foreign currency exchange rate risk and interest rate risk.

2. ACCOUNTING CONVENTION

Statement of compliance

These condensed consolidated interim financial statements have been prepared in accordance with International Accounting Standard (IAS) 34, Interim Financial Reporting. Selected explanatory notes are included to explain events and transactions that are significant to an understanding of the changes in financial position of the Group since the last annual consolidated financial statements as at and for the year ended 31 December 2019. These condensed consolidated interim financial statements do not include all the information required for the full annual financial statements prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards.

These condensed consolidated interim financial statements were approved by the Board of Directors on 25 August 2020.

2.1 Basis of preparation

The condensed consolidated financial statements including comparatives, have been prepared under the inflation adjusted accounting basis to account for changes in the general purchasing power of the ZWL. The restatement is based on the Consumer Price Index at the statement of financial position date. The Public Accountants and Auditors Board (PAAB) issued a pronouncement on 11 October 2019 indicating the economy had become hyper-inflationary. As such, the Directors have prepared the accompanying financial statements using the hyperinflationary statements using the hyper-inflationary accounting basis. The indices are derived from the monthly inflation rates which are issued by the Zimbabwe National Statistics Agency (ZIMSTAT). As a result of the change in the Group's functional currency on 22 February 2019, the CPI indices for the prior periods are in respect of the USD functional currency which was prevailing at the time. The indices used are shown below. These condensed consolidated financial statements are reported in Zimbabwean dollars and rounded to the nearest dollar.

The indices have been applied to the historical costs of transactions and balances as follows: 

· All comparative figures as of and for the periods ended 31 December 2018, 30 June 2019, 31 December 2019 have been restated by applying the change in the index from the date of last re-measurement to 30 June 2020;

· Income statement transactions have been restated by applying the change in the index from the approximate date of the transactions to 30 June 2020;

· Gains and losses arising from the monetary assets or liability positions have been included in the income statement;

· Non-monetary assets and liabilities have been restated by applying the change in the index from the date of the transaction to 30 June 2020;

· Property and equipment and accumulated depreciation have been restated by applying the change in the index from the earlier of February 2009 and date of their purchase or re-assessment to 30 June 2020;

· Equity has been restated by applying the change in index from the date of issue to 30 June 2020;

The net impact of applying the procedures above is shown in the statement of comprehensive income as the gain or loss on net monetary position.

IAS 29 discourages the publication of historical results as a supplement to the inflation adjusted results. However, historical results have been published to allow comparability of the results during the transitional phase in applying the Standard.

2.2 Functional and presentation currency

For the purpose of the consolidated financial statements, the results and financial position of the Group are expressed in Zimbabwe Dollars (ZWL) which is the functional currency of the Group, and the presentation currency for the consolidated financial statements. Note 2.5.6 provides further information on the determination of the Group's functional currency.

2.3 Basis of consolidation

The Group financial results incorporate the financial results of the Company and its subsidiaries. Subsidiaries are investees controlled by the Group. The Group controls an investee if it is exposed to, or has rights to, variable returns from its involvement with the investee. The financial statements of subsidiaries are included in the consolidated financial statements from the date on which control commences until the date when control ceases. The financial results of the subsidiaries are prepared for the same reporting period as the parent company, using consistent accounting policies. All intra-group balances, transactions, income and expenses; profits and losses resulting from intra-group transactions that are recognised in assets and liabilities are eliminated in full. When the Group loses control over a subsidiary, it derecognises the assets and liabilities of the subsidiary, and any related non-controlling interest and other components of equity. Any resulting gain or loss is recognised in profit or loss. Any interest retained in the former subsidiary is measured at fair value when control is lost.

2.4 Comparative financial information

The interim financial statements comprise consolidated statements of financial position, comprehensive income, changes in equity and cash flows. The comparative information covers a period of six months.

2.5 Use of estimates and judgements

In preparation of the Group financial statements, Directors have made judgments, estimates and assumptions that affect the application of accounting policies and the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, income and expenses. Actual results may differ from these estimates.

Estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to estimates are recognised prospectively.

Information about assumptions and estimation uncertainties that have a significant risk of resulting in a material adjustment in the six months ended 30 June 2020 is included in the following notes:

2.5.1 Deferred tax

Provision for deferred taxation is recognised in respect of temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for taxation purposes. Temporary differences arising out of the initial recognition of assets or liabilities and temporary differences on initial recognition of business combinations that affect neither accounting nor taxable profit are not recognised. The amount of deferred tax provided is based on the expected manner of realisation or settlement of the carrying amount of assets and liabilities, using tax rates enacted or substantively enacted at the reporting date. Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are measured at the tax rates that are expected to apply in the year when the asset is realised or the liability is settled, based on tax rates (and tax laws) that have been enacted or substantively enacted at the reporting date.

2.5.2 Valuation of properties

 Significant judgements and estimates have been applied as detailed below for the valuation of Investment Properties and of Land and Buildings held under Property, Plant and Equipment:

Statutory Instrument 142 of 2019 introduced the Zimbabwe Dollar (ZWL) as the sole legal tender effective 24 June 2019. This appears to have been a follow up measure to the Monetary Policy Statement (MPS) of 22 February 2019 which added the RTGS$ to the then basket of currencies. The MPS established an Inter-Bank Foreign Exchange market which continued to function up to the reporting year end date. These events have created complex valuation challenges for the short term.

Valuations rely on historical market evidence for calculation inputs. This includes transaction prices for comparable properties, rents and capitalisation rates. Such market evidence does not exist at present to calculate ZWL values. Therefore, valuers have adopted the approach for the meanwhile of converting USD valuation inputs at the Inter-Bank Foreign Exchange Auction Rate of the day to calculate ZWL property values.

This approach, however, presents a multitude of risks to the users of the valuation reports. These are detailed below:

Overstating the property values

The key inputs for the valuation of non-residential investment property are the rent income and the capitalisation rate. No trends for ZWL rents have yet been established neither is there easily verifiable market evidence of ZWL transactions to enable analysis of the yields. It is unlikely that ZWL rent movements will mirror the activity on the Inter-Bank Foreign Exchange market. In addition, the property market will price the risk associated with the ZWL which is not a fully convertible currency, and this will be reflected through the capitalisation rates.

Therefore, a direct conversion of USD valuation inputs likely results in overstated ZWL property values.

Property sub-sectors will respond differently to the new currency

To use a single conversion rate for different property sub-sectors does not recognise the fact that each will respond differently to the reintroduced ZWL. Non-residential property is likely to lag behind the economic cycle quite considerably. Whereas residential property which is more sentiment driven, is likely to respond positively quicker.

Ignoring market dynamics (supply and demand)

Applying a conversion rate to USD valuation inputs to calculate ZWL property values is not an accurate reflection of market dynamics. Risks associated with currency trading do not reflect the risks associated with property trading. The two markets perceive and price their respective risks quite differently.

It is, therefore, unlikely that property values will strictly track the movement in the Inter-Bank Foreign Exchange Rate.

2.5.3 Investment securities

The Group has Treasury Bills for which there is currently no market information to facilitate the application of fair value principles, in determining fair value disclosures.

However, in terms of IFRS 9, investment securities measured at amortised cost do not require fair value adjustments. As such none of the Group's investment securities required the application of fair value measurement principles to determine their carrying amounts.

2.5.4 Intangible assets

Intangible assets are initially recognised at cost. Subsequently the assets are measured at cost less accumulated amortisation and any impairment loss.

2.5.5 Impairment losses on financial instruments

The Bank recognises loss allowances for Expected Credit Losses (ECLs) on the following financial

 instruments that are not measured at Fair Value through Profit or Loss (FVTPL):

· loans and advances to banks;

· loans and advances to customers;

· debt investment securities;

· lease receivables;

· loan commitments issued; and

· financial guarantee contracts issued.

No impairment loss is recognised on equity investments. With the exception of purchased or originated credit-impaired (POCI) financial assets (which are considered separately below), ECLs are measured through a loss allowance at an amount equal to: 

· 12-month ECL, i.e. lifetime ECL that result from those default events on the financial instrument that are possible within 12 months after the reporting date (referred to as Stage 1); or

· Full lifetime ECL, i.e. lifetime ECL that result from all possible default events over the life of the financial instrument (referred to as Stage 2 and Stage 3).

A loss allowance for full lifetime ECL is required for a financial instrument if the credit risk on that financial instrument has increased significantly since initial recognition. For all other financial instruments, ECLs are measured at an amount equal to the 12-month ECL.

2.5.6 Determination of functional currency

The Government of Zimbabwe adopted a multi-currency regime in 2009. The British Pound, Euro, United States Dollar (USD), South African Rand (ZAR) and Botswana Pula were adopted as the multi-currency basket in February 2009. In January 2014, the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) issued a Monetary Policy Statement which added the Chinese Yuan, Australian Dollar, Indian Rupee, Japanese Yen into the basket of multi-currencies. At the onset, the USD and the ZAR were the commonly used currencies, with the USD eventually gaining prominence resulting in it being designated as the functional and presentation currency by the transacting public and the Monetary Authorities, including the Group.

Between 2014 and 2016, the Zimbabwean economy experienced a massive liquidity crisis which eventually prompted the Monetary Authorities to introduce the bond notes in November 2016 whilst encouraging the public to continue using the other currencies in the multi-currency basket. The bond notes were introduced at an official fixed exchange rate of 1:1 with the USD and the Monetary Authorities specifically directed financial institutions not to open separate vault and cash accounts for the USD and the bond notes. The introduction of the bond notes gave rise to a three (3) tier pricing system wherein sellers and service providers would quote three (3) separate prices (USD, bond notes and RTGS/electronic transfers) for their merchandise and services respectively. Significant discounts were being offered for USD payments whilst a premium would be added for prices quoted in bond notes or electronic settlement via the Real Time Gross Settlement System (RTGS). These developments triggered a debate around the functional currency of Zimbabwe. It should be noted that the Group never participated in the three tier pricing and none of its products had multiple prices during the same period.

In October 2018, the Monetary Authorities instructed financial institutions to separate bond notes and USD accounts and indicated that corporates and individuals could proceed to open Nostro Foreign Currency Accounts (FCA), for foreign currency holdings, which were now being exclusively distinguished from the existing RTGS based accounts. However, it should be noted that at the time of this policy pronouncement, the Monetary Authorities did not state that they had introduced a new currency for Zimbabwe, which actually meant that the USD remained as the currency of reference. By 31 December 2018, there had been no pronouncement by the Monetary Authorities to the effect that there had been a new currency introduced, which could be considered as the country's functional currency.

On 22 February 2019, the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) issued an Exchange Control Directive, RU 28 of 2019 which established an interbank foreign exchange market to formalise the buying and selling of foreign currency through the Banks and Bureaux de change. In order to establish an exchange rate between the current monetary balances and foreign currency, the Monetary Authorities denominated the existing RTGS balances in circulation as RTGS Dollars. Initial trades on 22 February 2019 were at USD1: RTGS$2.5.

On the same date, Statutory Instrument 33 of 2019 was also issued and it specified that for accounting and other purposes, all assets and liabilities that were in USD immediately before the 22nd of February 2019 were deemed to have been valued in RTGS Dollars at a rate of 1:1 with the USD.

On 24 June 2019, the Monetary Authorities announced that the multi-currency regime, which the country was operating in since February 2009 had been discontinued and the country had adopted a mono-currency regime meaning that the sole legal tender would be the Zimbabwe Dollar (ZWL).

On 26 March 2020, the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe in a press statement announced various interventions in response to the financial vulnerabilities caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. One of the measures announced therein was the authorization of the use of free-funds in paying for goods and services, in terms of Statutory Instrument (SI) 85 of 2020. On 24 July 2020, the Government of Zimbabwe issued Statutory Instrument (SI) 185 of 2020, which granted permission to display, quote or offer prices for all goods and services in both Zimbabwe dollars and foreign currency at the interbank exchange rate.

On 23 June 2020, the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe introduced the Foreign Exchange Auction System, effectively abandoning the fixed foreign currency exchange rate regime which had been prevailing for the greater part of 2020. Significant trades have been recorded on the platform and significant movements in the exchange rate have been resultantly recorded.

In light of the developments summarised above, the Directors concluded that the Group's functional currency remains the Zimbabwe dollar (ZWL) following its change from US$ with effect from 22 February 2019.

2.6.0 Lease arrangements

The Group adopted IFRS 16, Leases, on 1 January 2019. As permitted by the IFRS 16 transitional provisions, the Group elected not to restate comparative figures. The Directors exercised significant judgement on determining whether the various contractual relationships which the Group is party to, contain lease arrangements which fall into the scope of IFRS 16. Significant judgement was also exercised in determining whether the Group is reasonably certain that it will exercise extension options present in lease contracts as well as the determination of incremental borrowing rates applied in determining the lease liability.

2.6.1 COVID-19

The Directors fully acknowledge the unprecedented challenges and uncertainties posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. In that regard, significant judgments have generally been applied in light of the likely impacts of COVID-19 on the Group's activities.

2.6.2 Going concern

The Directors have assessed the ability of the Group to continue operating as a going concern and believe that the preparation of these consolidated financial statements on a going concern basis is still appropriate.

3. ACCOUNTING POLICIES

The selected principal accounting policies applied in the preparation of these condensed financial statements are set out below. These policies have been consistently applied unless otherwise stated.

3.1 Fair value measurement principles

The fair value of financial instruments is based on their quoted market price at the reporting date without any deduction for transaction costs. If a quoted market price is not available, the fair value of the instrument is estimated using pricing models or discounted cash flow techniques.

Where discounted cash flow techniques are used, estimated future cash flows are based on management's best estimates and the discount rate is a market related rate at the reporting date for an instrument with similar terms and conditions. Where pricing models are used, inputs are based on market related measures at the reporting date.

3.2 Investment properties

Investment properties are stated at fair value. Gains and losses arising from a change in fair value of investment properties are recognised in the profit or loss statement. The fair value is determined at the end of each reporting period by a professional valuer.

3.3 Share - based payments

The Group issues share options to certain employees in terms of the Employee Share Option Scheme. Share options are measured at fair value at the date of grant. The fair value determined at the date of grant of the options is expensed on a straight-line basis over the vesting period, based on the Group's estimate of shares that will eventually vest. Fair value is measured using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. The expected life used in the model has been adjusted, based on management's best estimate, for the effects of non-transferability, exercise restrictions and other behavioural considerations.

3.4 Property and equipment

The residual value and the useful life of property and equipment are reviewed at least each financial period-end. The revaluation model is used for the Group's land and buildings with the fair values determined by an independent professional valuer using significant unobservable market inputs. If the residual value of an asset increases by an amount equal to or greater than the asset's carrying amount, then the depreciation of the asset ceases. Depreciation will resume only when the residual value decreases to an amount below the asset's carrying amount.

3.5 Intangible assets

Intangible assets are initially recognised at cost. Subsequently, the assets are measured at cost less accumulated amortisation and any accumulated impairment losses.

3.6 Shareholders' funds and shareholders' liabilities

Shareholders' funds and shareholders' liabilities refer to the total investment made by the shareholders to the Group and it consists of share capital, share premium, Functional Currency Translation Reserve, share options reserve, retained earnings, redeemable ordinary shares and subordinated term loans.

3.7 Taxation

Income tax

Income tax expenses comprise current and deferred tax. It is recognised in profit or loss except to the extent that it relates to items recognised directly in equity or in other comprehensive income.

Current

Current tax comprises expected tax payable or receivable on the taxable income or loss for the year and any adjustment to the tax payable or receivable in respect of previous years. It is measured using rates enacted or substantively enacted at the reporting date in the country where the Bank operates and generates taxable income and any adjustment to tax payable in respect of previous years.

Current income tax assets and liabilities for the current period are measured at the amount expected to be recovered from or paid to the taxation authorities.

Deferred taxation

Deferred tax is recognised in respect of temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for taxation purposes. Deferred tax is not recognised for:

· temporary differences on the initial recognition of assets or liabilities in a transaction that is not a business combination and that affects neither accounting nor taxable profit or loss;

· temporary differences related to investments in subsidiaries to the extent that it is probable that they will not reverse in the foreseeable future; and

· taxable temporary differences arising on the initial recognition of goodwill.

Deferred tax assets are recognised for unused tax losses, unused tax credits and deductible temporary differences to the extent that it is probable that future taxable profits will be available against which they can be used. Deferred tax assets are reviewed at each reporting date and are reduced to the extent that it is no longer probable that the related tax benefit will be realised. Deferred tax is measured at the tax rates that are expected to be applied to temporary differences when they reverse, using tax rates enacted or substantively enacted at the reporting date.

The measurement of deferred tax reflects the tax consequences that would follow the manner in which the Bank expects, at the reporting date, to recover or settle the carrying amount of its assets and liabilities. For this purpose, the carrying amount of investment property measured at fair value is presumed to be recovered through sale, and the Bank has not rebutted this presumption.

Deferred tax assets and liabilities are offset if there is a legally enforceable right to offset current tax liabilities and assets, and they relate to taxes levied by the same tax authority on the same taxable entity, or on different tax entities, but they intend to settle current tax liabilities and assets on a net basis or their tax assets and liabilities will be realised simultaneously.

Additional taxes that arise from the distribution of dividends by the Bank are recognised at the same time as the liability to pay the related dividend is recognised. These amounts are generally recognised in profit or loss because they generally relate to income arising from transactions that were originally recognised in profit or loss.

3.8 Cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents comprise cash and bank balances, and short term highly liquid investments with maturities of three months or less when purchased. Cash and cash equivalents are measured at amortised cost in the statement of financial position.

3.9 Revenue from contracts with customers

Revenue is recognised to the extent that it is probable that the Group has satisfactorily performed the performance obligations set out in the underlying contract with its customers and that economic benefits will flow to the Group and the revenue can be reliably measured, regardless of when the payment is being made. Revenue is measured at the fair value of the consideration received or receivable, taking into account contractually defined terms of payment and excluding taxes or duty.

3.10 Interest income

For all financial instruments measured at amortised cost and financial instruments designated at fair value through profit or loss, interest income or expense is recorded using the effective interest rate (EIR), which is the rate that exactly discounts the estimated future cash payments or receipts through the expected life of the financial instrument or a shorter period, where appropriate, to the net carrying amount of the financial asset or liability.

Interest income includes income arising out of the banking activities of lending and investing.

3.11 Interest expense

Interest expense arises from deposit taking. The expense is recognised in profit or loss as it accrues, taking into account the effective interest cost of the liability.

3.12 Leases

Lease income from operating leases where the Group is a lessor is recognised in income on a straight-line basis over the lease term. The respective leased assets are included in the statement of financial position based on their nature.

In terms of IFRS 16, the Group recognises lease liabilities in relation to leases which had previously been classified as 'operating leases' under the principles of IAS 17, Leases. These liabilities are measured at the present value of the remaining lease payments, discounted using the Group's incremental borrowing rate.

The Group has neither enjoyed nor extended any lease payment holidays in its capacity as either lessee or lessor respectively due to COVID-19. As such, there are no COVID-19 induced lease modifications applicable during the period under review.

Measurement of right-of-use assets

The associated right-of-use assets for property leases are measured on a prospective basis. The right-of-use assets are measured at the amount equal to the lease liability, adjusted by the amount of any prepaid or accrued lease payments relating to that lease recognised in the consolidated statement of financial position.

Lease payments are allocated between principal and finance cost. The finance cost is charged to profit or loss over the lease period so as to produce a constant periodic rate of interest on the remaining balance of the liability for each period.

Right-of-use assets are generally depreciated over the shorter of the asset's useful life and the lease term on a straight-line basis. In circumstances where the Group is reasonably certain to exercise a purchase option, the right-of-use asset is depreciated over the underlying asset's useful life. The Group revalues its land and buildings that are presented within property and equipment and it has elected not to do so for the right-of-use buildings held by the Group.

Lessor accounting

The Group did not need to make any adjustments to the accounting for lease contracts in which the Group is the lessor under operating leases as a result of the adoption of IFRS 16.

Short-term leases

The Group does not recognise lease liabilities or Right-of-Use Assets in respect of short-term leases which are accounted for on a straight-line basis.

3.13 Financial Instruments

When the fair value of financial assets and liabilities differs from the transaction price on initial recognition, the entity recognises the difference as follows:

(a) When the fair value is evidenced by a quoted price in an active market for an identical asset or liability (i.e. a Level 1 input) or based on a valuation technique that uses only data from observable markets, the difference is recognised as a gain or loss.

(b) In all other cases, the difference is deferred and the timing of recognition of deferred day one profit or loss is determined individually. It is either amortised over the life of the instrument, deferred until the instrument's fair value can be determined using market observable inputs, or realised through settlement.

3.13.1 Financial Assets

(i) Classification and subsequent measurement

The Group classifies its financial assets in the following measurement categories:

· Fair value through profit or loss (FVPL);

· Fair value through other comprehensive income (FVOCI); or

· Amortised cost.

 The classification requirements for debt and equity instruments are described below:

Debt instruments

Debt instruments are those instruments that meet the definition of a financial liability from the issuer's perspective, such as loans, government and corporate bonds and trade receivables purchased from clients in factoring arrangements without recourse.

Classification and subsequent measurement of debt instruments depend on:

· the Banking subsidiary's business model for managing the asset; and

· the cash flow characteristics of the asset.

Based on these factors, the Bank classifies its debt instruments into one of the following three measurement categories:

· Amortised cost: Assets that are held for collection of contractual cash flows where those cash flows represent solely payments of principal and interest ('SPPI'), and that are not designated at FVPL, are measured at amortised cost. The carrying amount of these assets is adjusted by any expected credit loss allowance. Interest income from these financial assets is included in interest and similar income using the effective interest rate method.

· Fair value through other comprehensive income (FVOCI): Financial assets that are held for collection of contractual cash flows and for selling the assets, where the assets' cash flows represent solely payments of principal and interest and that are not designated at FVPL, are measured at fair value through other comprehensive income (FVOCI). Movements in the carrying amount are taken through OCI, except for the recognition of impairment gains or losses, interest revenue and foreign exchange gains and losses on the instrument's amortised cost which are recognised in profit or loss. When the financial asset is derecognised, the cumulative gain or loss previously recognised in OCI is reclassified from equity to profit or loss and recognised in "Net Investment Income'. Interest income from these financial assets is included in 'Interest Income' using the effective interest rate method.

· Fair value through profit or loss: Assets that do not meet the criteria for amortised cost or FVOCI are measured at fair value through profit or loss. A gain or loss on a debt investment that is subsequently measured at fair value through profit or loss and is not part of a hedging relationship is recognised in profit or loss and presented in the profit or loss statement within 'Net Trading Income" in the period in which it arises, unless it arises from debt instruments that were designated at fair value or which are not held for trading, in which case they are presented separately in 'Net Investment Income'. Interest income from these financial assets is included in "Interest income" using the effective interest rate method.

Business model: the business model reflects how the Bank manages the assets in order to generate cash flows. That is, whether the Bank's objective is solely to collect the contractual cash flows from the assets or is to collect both the contractual cash flows and cash flows arising from the sale of assets. If neither of these is applicable (e.g. financial assets are held for trading purposes), then the financial assets are classified as part of 'other' business model and measured at FVPL. Factors considered by the Bank in determining the business model for a group of assets include past experience on how the cash flows for these assets were collected, how the asset's performance is evaluated and reported to key management personnel, how risks are assessed and managed and how managers are compensated. Securities held for trading are held principally for the purpose of selling in the near term or are part of a portfolio of financial instruments that are managed together and for which there is evidence of a recent actual pattern of short-term profit-taking. These securities are classified in the 'other' business model and measured at FVPL.

Where the business model is to hold assets to collect contractual cash flows or to collect contractual cash flows and sell, the Bank assesses whether financial instruments' cash flows represent solely payments of principal and interest (the "SPPI" test). In making this assessment, the Bank considers whether the contractual cash flows are consistent with a basic lending arrangement i.e. interest includes only consideration for the time value of money, credit risk, other basic lending risks and a profit margin that is consistent with a basic lending arrangement. Where the contractual terms introduce exposure to risk or volatility that are inconsistent with a basic lending arrangement, the related financial asset is classified and measured at fair value through profit or loss.

The Bank reclassifies debt investments when and only when its business model for managing those assets changes. The reclassification takes place from the start of the first reporting period following the change. Such changes are expected to be very infrequent and none occurred during the period.

Equity instruments

Equity instruments are instruments that meet the definition of equity from the issuer's perspective; that is, instruments that do not contain a contractual obligation to pay and that evidence a residual interest in the issuer's net assets. Examples of equity instruments include basic ordinary shares.

The Bank subsequently measures all equity investments at fair value through profit or loss, except where the Bank's management has elected, at initial recognition, to irrevocably designate an equity investment at fair value through other comprehensive income. The Bank policy is to designate equity investments as FVOCI when those investments are held for purposes other than to generate investment returns. When this election is used, fair value gains and losses are recognised in OCI and are not subsequently reclassified to profit or loss, including on disposal. Impairment losses (and reversal of impairment losses) are not reported separately from other changes in fair value. Dividends, when representing a return on such investments, continue to be recognised in profit or loss as other income when the Bank's right to receive payments is established.

Gains and losses on equity investments at FVPL are included in the 'Other Income' line in the statement of profit or loss.

(ii) Impairment

The Bank recognises loss allowances for Expected Credit Losses (ECLs) on the following financial instruments that are not measured at Fair Value through Profit or Loss (FVTPL):

· loans and advances to banks;

· loans and advances to customers;

· debt investment securities;

· lease receivables;

· loan commitments issued; and

· financial guarantee contracts issued.

No impairment loss is recognised on equity investments. With the exception of POCI financial assets (which are considered separately below), ECLs are measured through a loss allowance at an amount equal to:

· 12-month ECL, i.e. lifetime ECL that result from those default events on the financial instrument that are possible within 12 months after the reporting date, (referred to as Stage 1); or

· Full lifetime ECL, i.e. lifetime ECL that result from all possible default events over the life of the financial instrument, (referred to as Stage 2 and Stage 3).

A loss allowance for full lifetime ECL is required for a financial instrument if the credit risk on that financial instrument has increased significantly since initial recognition. For all other financial instruments, ECLs are measured at an amount equal to the 12-month ECL.

Expected Credit Losses

ECLs are a probability-weighted estimate of the present value of credit losses. These are measured as the present value of the difference between the cash flows due to the Bank under the contract and the cash flows that the Bank expects to receive arising from the weighting of multiple future economic scenarios, discounted at the asset's EIR.

For undrawn loan commitments, the ECL is the difference between the present value of the difference between the contractual cash flows that are due to the Bank if the holder of the commitment draws down the loan and the cash flows that the Bank expects to receive if the loan is drawn down; and for financial guarantee contracts, the ECL is the difference between the expected payments to reimburse the holder of the guaranteed debt instrument less any amounts that the Bank expects to receive from the holder, the debtor or any other party.

The Bank measures ECL on an individual basis, or on a collective basis for portfolios of loans that share similar economic risk characteristics. The measurement of the loss allowance is based on the present value of the asset's expected cash flows using the asset's original EIR, regardless of whether it is measured on an individual basis or a collective basis.

Special consideration has been made in respect of the uncertainties posed by the COVID-19 pandemic on the recoverability of the Group's financial instruments. The Group's ECL computations have taken this into account, resulting in notable increases in the ECL.

Credit-impaired financial assets

A financial asset is credit-impaired when one or more events that have a detrimental impact on the estimated future cash flows of that financial asset have occurred. Evidence that a financial asset is credit-impaired include observable data about the following events:

(a) significant financial difficulty of the issuer or the borrower;

(b) a breach of contract, such as a default or past due event;

(c) the lender(s) of the borrower, for economic or contractual reasons relating to the borrower's financial difficulty, having granted to the borrower a concession(s) that the lender(s) would not otherwise consider;

(d) it becoming probable that the borrower will enter bankruptcy or other financial reorganisation;

(e) the disappearance of an active market for that financial asset because of financial difficulties; or

(f) the purchase or origination of a financial asset at a deep discount that reflects the incurred credit losses.

It may not be possible to identify a single discrete event-instead, the combined effect of several events may have caused financial assets to become credit-impaired.

Purchased or originated credit-impaired (POCI) financial assets 

For POCI the Bank only recognises the cumulative changes in lifetime expected credit losses since initial

recognition. At each reporting date, the Bank recognises in profit or loss the amount of the change in lifetime expected credit losses as an impairment gain or loss. The Bank recognises favourable changes in lifetime expected credit losses as an impairment gain, even if the lifetime expected credit losses are less than the amount of expected credit losses that were included in the estimated cash flows on initial recognition.

The Bank assesses on a forward-looking basis the expected credit losses ('ECL') associated with its debt instrument assets carried at amortised cost and FVOCI and with the exposure arising from loan commitments and financial guarantee contracts. The Bank recognises a loss allowance for such losses at each reporting date. The measurement of ECL reflects:

• An unbiased and probability-weighted amount that is determined by evaluating a range of possible outcomes;

• The time value of money; and

• Reasonable and supportable information that is available without undue cost or effort at the reporting date about past events, current conditions and forecasts of future economic conditions.

For loan commitments and financial guarantee contracts, the loss allowance is recognised as a provision. The Bank keeps track of the changes in the loss allowance for financial assets separately from those for loan commitments and financial guarantee contracts. However, if a financial instrument includes both a loan (i.e. financial asset) and an undrawn commitment (i.e. loan commitment) component and the Bank does not separately identify the expected credit losses on the loan commitment component from those on the financial asset component, the expected credit losses on the loan commitment is recognised together with the loss allowance for the financial asset. To the extent that the combined expected credit losses exceed the gross carrying amount of the financial asset, the expected credit losses is recognised as a provision.

Definition of default and cure

Critical to the determination of ECL is the definition of default. The definition of default is used in measuring the amount of ECL and in the determination of whether the loss allowance is based on 12-month or lifetime ECL, as default is a component of the probability of default (PD) which affects both the measurement of ECLs and the identification of a significant increase in credit risk.

The Bank considers the following as constituting an event of default:

· The borrower is past due more than 90 days on any material credit obligation to the Bank or;

· The borrower is unlikely to pay its credit obligations to the Bank in full.

The definition of default is appropriately tailored to reflect different characteristics of different types of assets. Overdrafts are considered as being past due once the customer has breached an advised limit or has been advised of a limit smaller than the current amount outstanding.

When assessing if the borrower is unlikely to pay its credit obligation, the Bank takes into account both qualitative and quantitative indicators. The information assessed depends on the type of the asset, for example in corporate lending a qualitative indicator used is the breach of covenants, which is not relevant for retail lending. Quantitative indicators, such as overdue status and non-payment on another obligation of the same counterparty are key inputs in this analysis. The Bank uses a variety of sources of information to assess default which are either developed internally or obtained from external sources.

It is the Bank's policy to consider a financial instrument as 'cured' and subsequently reclassified out of Stage 3 when none of the above mentioned default criteria have been present for at least six consecutive months. The decision whether to classify a financial asset as Stage 1 or Stage 2 once cured depends on the updated credit grade at the time of the cure and whether this indicates that there has been a significant increase in credit risk compared to initial recognition.

Significant increase in credit risk

The Bank monitors all financial assets, undrawn loan commitments and financial guarantee contracts that are subject to the impairment requirements to assess whether there has been a significant increase in credit risk since initial recognition. If there has been a significant increase in credit risk the Bank will measure the loss allowance based on lifetime rather than 12-month ECL. The Bank's accounting policy is not to use the practical expedient that financial assets with 'low' credit risk at the reporting date are deemed not to have had a significant increase in credit risk. As a result, the Bank monitors all financial assets, undrawn loan commitments and financial guarantee contracts that are subject to impairment for significant increase in credit risk.

In assessing whether the credit risk on a financial instrument has increased significantly since initial recognition, the Bank compares the risk of a default occurring on the financial instrument at the reporting date based on the remaining maturity of the instrument with the risk of a default occurring that was anticipated for the remaining maturity at the current reporting date when the financial instrument was first recognised. In making this assessment, the Bank considers both quantitative and qualitative information that is reasonable and supportable, including historical experience and forward-looking information that is available without undue cost or effort, based on the Bank's historical experience and expert credit assessment including forward-looking information.

Multiple economic scenarios form the basis of determining the probability of default at initial recognition

and at subsequent reporting dates. Different economic scenarios will lead to a different probability of default. It is the weighting of these different scenarios that forms the basis of a weighted average probability of default that is used to determine whether credit risk has significantly increased.

For corporate lending, forward-looking information includes the future prospects of the industries in which the Bank's lenders operate, obtained from economic expert reports, financial analysts, governmental bodies and other similar organisations, as well as consideration of various internal and external sources of actual and forecast economic information. For the retail portfolio, forward looking information includes the same economic forecasts as the corporate portfolio with additional forecasts of local economic indicators, particularly for regions with a concentration to certain industries, as well as internally generated information of customer payment behaviour. The Bank allocates its counterparties to a relevant internal credit risk grade depending on their credit quality. The quantitative information is a primary indicator of significant increase in credit risk and is based on the change in lifetime PD by comparing:

· The remaining lifetime PD at the reporting date; with

· the remaining lifetime PD for this point in time that was estimated based on facts and circumstances at the time of initial recognition of the exposure.

The PDs used are forward looking and the Bank uses the same methodologies and data used to measure the loss allowance for ECL.

The qualitative factors that indicate significant increase in credit risk are reflected in PD models on a timely basis. However, the Bank still considers separately additional qualitative factors to assess if credit risk has increased significantly. For corporate lending there is particular focus on assets that are included on the Bank's 'watch list' and for the retail portfolio the Bank considers the expectation of forbearance and payment holidays, credit scores and any other changes in the borrower's circumstances which are likely to adversely affect one's ability to meet contractual obligations.

Given that a significant increase in credit risk since initial recognition is a relative measure, a given change, in absolute terms, in the PD will be more significant for a financial instrument with a lower initial PD than compared to a financial instrument with a higher PD.

The Bank assumes that when an asset becomes 30 days past due, the Bank considers that a significant increase in credit risk has occurred and the asset is in stage 2 of the impairment model, i.e. the loss allowance is measured as the lifetime ECL.

(iii) Modification of loans

The Bank sometimes renegotiates or otherwise modifies the contractual cash flows of loans to customers. When this happens, the Bank assesses whether or not the new terms are substantially different to the original terms. The Bank does this by considering, among others, the following factors:

· If the borrower is in financial difficulty, whether the modification merely reduces the contractual cash flows to amounts the borrower is expected to be able to pay.

· Whether any substantial new terms are introduced, such as a profit share/equity-based return that substantially affects the risk profile of the loan.

· Significant extension of the loan term when the borrower is not in financial difficulty. Significant change in the interest rate.

· Change in the currency the loan is denominated in.

· Insertion of collateral, other security or credit enhancements that significantly affect the credit risk associated with the loan.

If the terms are substantially different, the Bank derecognises the original financial asset and recognises a 'new' asset at fair value and recalculates the new effective interest rate for the asset. The date of renegotiation is consequently considered to be the date of initial recognition for impairment calculation purposes, including for the purpose of determining whether a significant increase in credit risk has occurred. However, the Bank also assesses whether the new financial asset recognised is deemed to be credit-impaired at initial recognition, especially in circumstances where the renegotiation was driven by the debtor being unable to make the originally agreed payments. Differences in the carrying amount are

also recognised in profit or loss as a gain or loss on derecognition.

If the terms are not substantially different, the renegotiation or modification does not result in derecognition, and the Bank recalculates the gross carrying amount based on the revised cash flows of the financial asset and recognises a modification gain or loss in profit or loss. The new gross carrying amount is recalculated by discounting the modified cash flows at the original effective interest rate (or credit-adjusted effective interest rate for purchased or originated credit-impaired financial assets).

(iv) Derecognition other than on a modification

Financial assets, or a portion thereof, are derecognised when the contractual rights to receive the cash flows from the assets have expired, or when they have been transferred and either

· the Bank transfers substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership, or

· the Bank neither transfers nor retains substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership and the Bank has not retained control.

The Bank enters into transactions where it retains the contractual rights to receive cash flows to other entities and transfers substantially all of the risks and rewards. These transactions are accounted for as 'pass through' transfers that result in derecognition if the Bank:

(i) Has no obligation to make payments unless it collects equivalent amounts from the assets;

(ii) Is prohibited from selling or pledging the assets; and

(iii) Has an obligation to remit any cash it collects from the assets without material delay.

Collateral (shares and bonds) furnished by the Bank under standard repurchase agreements and securities lending and borrowing transactions are not derecognised because the Bank retains substantially all the risks and rewards on the basis of the predetermined repurchase price, and the criteria for derecognition are therefore not met. This also applies to certain securitisation transactions in which the Bank retains a subordinated residual interest.

3.13.2 Financial Liabilities

(i) Classification and subsequent measurement

In both the current and prior period, financial liabilities are classified as subsequently measured at amortised cost, except for:

Financial liabilities at fair value through profit or loss: this classification is applied to financial liabilities held for trading (e.g. short positions in the trading booking) and other financial liabilities designated as such at initial recognition. Gains or losses on financial liabilities designated at fair value through profit or loss are presented partially in other comprehensive income (the amount of change in the fair value of the financial liability that is attributable to changes in the credit risk of that liability, which is determined as the amount that is not attributable to changes in market conditions that give rise to market risk) and partially profit or loss (the remaining amount of change in the fair value of the liability). This is unless such a presentation would create, or enlarge, an accounting mismatch, in which case the gains and losses attributable to changes in the credit risk of the liability are also presented in profit or loss;

Financial liabilities arising from the transfer of financial assets which did not qualify for derecognition, whereby a financial liability is recognised for the consideration received for the transfer. In subsequent periods, the Bank recognises any expense incurred on the financial liability.

(ii) Derecognition

Financial liabilities are derecognised when they are extinguished (i.e. when the obligation specified in the contract is discharged, cancelled or expires).

The exchange between the Bank and its original lenders of debt instruments with substantially different terms, as well as substantial modifications of the terms of existing financial liabilities, are accounted for as an extinguishment of the original financial liability and the recognition of a new financial liability.

The terms are substantially different if the discounted present value of the cash flows under the new terms, including any fees paid net of any fees received and discounted using the original effective interest rate, is at least 10% different from the discounted present value of the remaining cash flows of the original financial liability. In addition, other qualitative factors, such as the currency that the instrument is denominated in, changes in the type of interest rate, new conversion features attached to the instrument and change in covenants are also taken into consideration. If an exchange of debt instruments or modification of terms is accounted for as an extinguishment, any costs or fees incurred are recognised as part of the gain or loss on the extinguishment. If the exchange or modification is not accounted for as an extinguishment, any costs or fees incurred adjust the carrying amount of the liability and are amortised over the remaining term of the modified liability.

3.13.3 Financial guarantee contracts and loan commitments

Financial guarantee contracts are contracts that require the issuer to make specified payments to reimburse the holder for a loss it incurs because a specified debtor fails to make payments when due, in accordance with the terms of a debt instrument. Such financial guarantees are given to banks, financial institutions and others on behalf of customers to secure loans, overdrafts and other banking facilities.

Financial guarantee contracts are initially measured at fair value and subsequently measured at the higher of:

· The amount of the loss allowance; and

· The premium received on initial recognition less income recognised in accordance with the principles of IFRS15.

Loan commitments provided by the Bank are measured as the amount of the loss allowance. The Bank has not provided any commitment to provide loans at below-market interest rate, or that can be settled net in cash or by delivering or issuing another financial instrument.

For loan commitments and financial guarantee contracts, the loss allowance is recognised as a provision. However, for contracts that include both a loan and an undrawn commitment and the Bank cannot separately identify the expected credit losses on the undrawn commitment component from those on the loan component, the expected credit losses on the undrawn commitment are recognised together with the loss allowance for the loan. To the extent that the combined expected credit losses exceed the gross carrying amount of the loan, the expected credit losses are recognised as a provision.

3.13.4 Critical Accounting Estimates and Judgements

The preparation of financial statements requires the use of accounting estimates which, by definition, will seldom equal the actual results. Management also needs to exercise judgement in applying the Bank's accounting policies.

Note 2.5 (Use of estimates and judgements) provides an overview of the areas that involve a higher degree of judgement or complexity, and major sources of estimation uncertainty that have a significant risk of resulting in a material adjustment within the next financial year. Detailed information about each of these estimates and judgements is included in the related notes together with information about the basis of calculation for each affected line item in the financial statements.

3.13.5 Measurement of the expected credit loss allowance

The measurement of the expected credit loss allowance for financial assets measured at amortised cost and FVOCI is an area that requires the use of complex models and significant assumptions about future economic conditions and credit behaviour (e.g. the likelihood of customers defaulting and the resulting losses). A number of significant judgements are also required in applying the accounting requirements for measuring ECL, such as:

· Determining criteria for significant increase in credit risk;

· Choosing appropriate models and assumptions for the measurement of ECL;

· Establishing the number and relative weightings of forward-looking scenarios for each type of product/market and the associated ECL; and

· Establishing groups of similar financial assets for the purposes of measuring ECL.

The Bank evaluates ECLs for 7 portfolios of audited corporates with overdraft limits, audited corporates without overdraft limits, unaudited corporates with overdraft limits, unaudited corporates without overdraft limits, SMEs with limits, SMEs without limits and Retail loans.

The guiding principle of the Expected Credit Loss evaluation is to reflect the general pattern of deterioration or improvement in the credit quality of financial instruments and allocate commensurate loss provisions. Under the general approach, there are two measurement bases:

· 12-month ECLs (Stage 1 ECLs) that is evaluated for all financial instruments with no significant deterioration in credit quality since initial recognition.

· Lifetime ECLs (Stages 2 and 3 ECLs) that is evaluated for financial instruments for which significant increase in credit risk or default has occurred on an individual or collective basis.

Probability of Default (PD)

The Bank defines Probability of Default as the likelihood that a borrower will fail to meet their contractual obligations in the future. The Bank's PD models have been built using historical credit default experience, present credit information as well as forward looking factors which affect the capacity of borrowers to meet their contractual obligations. The Bank used the logistic regression approach to construct PD models for Corporate, SME, Retail and Treasury Bills portfolios while the Merton model was adopted for Interbank Placements. The PD models are used at entity level to evaluate 12-month PDs for Day 1 losses and for financial instruments with no significant deterioration in credit risk since initial recognition, whilst lifetime PD is used for financial instruments for which significant increase in credit risk or default has occurred. 12-month PDs are derived using borrower present risk characteristics while lifetime PDs are derived using a combination of 12-month PDs, present borrower behaviour and forward looking macroeconomic factors.

Exposure at Default (EAD)

The Bank defines Exposure at Default as an estimation of the extent to which the Bank will be exposed to a counterparty in the event of a default. The Bank's EAD models have been built using historical experience of debt instruments that defaulted. The Bank used the linear regression approach to construct EAD models for Corporate, SME and Retail portfolios. For TBs and Interbank Placements, the Bank took a conservative approach of considering the full outstanding balance as the EAD at any given point in the lifetime of an instrument. The Bank's EAD models that use Credit Conversion Factors (CCFs) are

applied on fully drawn down instruments while models that use Loan Equivalents (LEQs) are applied on partly drawn instruments. The EAD models are used at entity level to evaluate the proportion of the exposure that will be outstanding at the point of default.

Loss Given Default (LGD)

The Bank defines Loss Given Default as an estimate of the ultimate credit loss in the event of a default. The Bank's LGD models were built using historical experience of defaulted debt instruments and observed recoveries. The Bank used the linear regression approach to construct LGD models for Corporate, SME and Retail portfolios. For Treasury Bills and Interbank Placements, the Bank took a conservative approach of taking a fixed 100% as the LGD at any given point in the lifetime of an instrument.

Loss Given Default (LGD)

The LGD models are used at portfolio level to evaluate 12-month LGDs for financial instruments with no significant increase in credit risk since initial recognition and lifetime is applied LGDs for financial instruments for which significant increase in credit risk has occurred. 12-month LGDs were derived as historical loss rates while lifetime LGDs were derived using a combination of 12-month LGDs and forward looking macroeconomic factors such as GDP and Inflation.

The Bank's ECL model combines the output of the PD, EAD and LGD and computes an Expected Credit Loss that takes into account time value of money using the Effective Interest Rates (EIR) and time to maturity of the debt instruments.

The final ECL is a probability-weighted amount that is determined by evaluating three (3) possible outcomes of Best Case ECL, Baseline Case ECL, and Worst Case ECL. The Bank has modelled these three cases in such a way that the Best Case represents scenario of lower than market average default rates, the Base Case represents scenarios of comparable market average default rates and the Worst Case represent scenarios of higher than market average default rates.

Renegotiated loans and advances

Where possible, the Bank seeks to restructure loans rather than to take possession of collateral. This may involve extending the payment arrangements and the agreement of new loan conditions. Once the terms have been re-negotiated, any impairment is measured using the original effective interest rate (EIR) as calculated before the modification of terms and the loan is no longer considered past due. Management continuously renews re-negotiated loans to ensure that all criteria are met and that future payments are likely to occur. The loans continue to be subject to an individual or collective impairment assessment, calculated using the loans original EIR.

Collateral valuation

The Bank seeks to use collateral, where possible, to mitigate its risks on financial assets. The collateral comes in various forms such as cash, securities, letters of credit/guarantees, real estate, receivables,

inventories, other non-financial assets and credit enhancements such as netting agreements. The fair value of collateral is generally assessed, at a minimum, at inception and based on the Bank's quarterly reporting schedule, however, some collateral, for example, cash or securities relating to margining requirements, is valued daily. To the extent possible, the Bank uses active market data for valuing financial assets, held as collateral. Other financial assets which do not have a readily determinable market value are valued using models. Non-financial collateral, such as real estate, is valued based on data provided by third parties such as mortgage brokers, housing price indices, audited financial statements, and other independent sources.

Collateral repossessed

The Bank's policy is to determine whether a repossessed asset is best used for its internal operations or should be sold. Assets determined to be useful for the internal operations are transferred to their relevant asset category at the lower of their repossessed value or the carrying value of the original secured asset. Assets that are determined better to be sold are immediately transferred to assets held for sale at their fair value at the repossession date in line with the Bank's policy.

4. INTEREST INCOME

5. NON-INTEREST INCOME

5.1 FEE AND COMMISSION INCOME

5.2 OTHER INCOME

5.3 OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

6. Operating EXPENDITURE 

7. TAXATION

8. IMPAIRMENT LOSSES ON FINANCIAL ASSETS MEASURED AT AMORTISED COST

Impairment losses are calculated by estimating the expected credit losses for all financial assets (including loan commitments and guarantees) measured at amortised cost or fair value through OCI (FVOCI). ECLs arising from financial assets measured at armotised cost and at FVOCI are recognized in profit or loss. However, the loss allowance in respect of assets measured at FVOCI shall not reduce the carrying amount of the financial asset in the Statement of Financial Position but will be accumulated in a reserve through OCI. The aggregate impairment losses which are made during the year are dealt with as per paragraph 8.3.

The Group has considered the increased uncertainties arising out of the COVID-19 developments in the computation of ECLs, resulting in significant increases being noted in the Groups ECLs during the period under review.

8.1 Lifetime expected credit losses

Lifetime ECLs are recognized where the Bank's counterparty to a financial asset has been classified as default as defined in the Bank's accounting and credit policies. Financial assets are written off against lifetime ECL provisions once the probability of recovering any significant amounts becomes remote.

8.2 Twelve Month Expected credit losses

The 12-Month ECL relates to the day 1 impairment provisions on financial assets as well as financial assets which are considered not to have had a significant increase in credit risk as defined in the Bank's accounting and credit policies.

8.3 Regulatory Guidelines and International Financial Reporting Standards Requirements

The Banking Regulations 2000 gives guidance on provisioning for doubtful debts and stipulates certain minimum percentages to be applied to the respective categories of the loan book.

IFRS 9, Financial Instruments IFRS 9, prescribes the provisioning for impairment losses based on the expected credit losses from the expected cash flows from financial assets held by the bank, including guarantees and loan commitments.

The two prescriptions are likely to give different results. The Group has taken the view that where the IFRS 9 charge is less than the amount provided for in the Banking Regulations, the difference is recognised directly in equity as a transfer from retained earnings to a regulatory reserve and where it is more, the full amount will be charged to the profit or loss.

8. IMPAIRMENT LOSSES ON FINANCIAL ASSETS MEASURED AT AMORTISED COST

8.4 Suspended interest

Interest on loans and advances is accrued to income until such time as reasonable doubt exists about its collectability, thereafter and until all or part of the loan is written off, interest continues to accrue on customers' accounts, but is not included in income. Such suspended interest is deducted from loans and advances in the statement of financial position. This policy meets the requirements of the Banking Regulations 2000 issued by the RBZ.

9. EARNINGS PER SHARE

Basic earnings per share is calculated by dividing the profit for the period attributable to ordinary equity holders of NMBZ Holdings Limited by the weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding during the period.

Diluted earnings per share is calculated by dividing the profit attributable to ordinary equity holders of NMBZ Holdings Limited adjusted for the after tax effect of: (a) any dividends or other items related to dilutive potential ordinary shares deducted in arriving at profit or loss attributable to ordinary equity holders of the parent entity; (b) any interest recognised in the period related to dilute potential ordinary shares; (c) any other changes in income or expense that would result from the conversion of the dilutive potential ordinary shares, by the weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding during the year plus the weighted average number of ordinary shares; that would be issued on the conversion of all the dilutive potential ordinary shares into ordinary shares.

9.1 Earnings

9.2 Number of shares

This is calculated in accordance with the Statement of Investment Practice No. 1 issued by the former Institute of Investment Management and Research (now the Chartered Financial Analysts (CFA) Society of the UK).

9.3 Earnings/(losses) per share (ZWL cents)

10. SHARE CAPITAL

10.2 Issued and fully paid

No ordinary shares were issued during the six months ended 30 June 2020. Of the unissued ordinary shares of 196 million shares (2019 - 196 million), options which may be granted in terms of the 2012 ESOS amount to 23 942 639. No share options were exercised from the scheme as at 30 June 2020.

Subject to the provisions of section 183 of the Companies Act (Chapter 24:03), the unissued shares are under the control of the directors.

11. REDEEMABLE ORDINARY SHARES

On 30 June 2013 the Company received USD14 831 145 capital from Nederlandse Financierings-Maatschappij Voor Ontiwikkelingslanden N.V. (FMO), Norwegian Investment Fund for Developing Countries (Norfund) and AfricInvest Financial Sector Holdings (AfricInvest) who were allocated 34 571 429 shares each (total of 103 714 287) for individually investing USD4 943 715. This amount, net of share issue expenses, was used to recapitalise the Bank in order to contribute towards the minimum capital requirements set by the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe of ZWL100 million by 31 December 2020. FMO and Norfund combined together with Rabobank to form ARISE which is a development finance institution primarily focusing on investing in African financial institutions to support and enhance financial service delivery in Africa.

NMBZ Holdings Limited (NMBZ) entered into a share buy-back agreement with Norfund, FMO and AfricInvest, where these three strategic investors have a right at their own discretion at any time after the 5th anniversary (30 June 2018) but before the 9th anniversary (30 June 2022) of its first subscription date, to request NMBZ to buy back all or part of its NMBZ shares at a price to be determined using the agreed terms as detailed in the share buy-back agreement. The 5th anniversary, which is the initial exercisable date of the share buy-back agreement was reached on 30 June 2018. It is a condition precedent that at any point when the share buy-back is being considered, the proceeds used to finance the buy-back should come from the distributable reserves which are over and above the minimum regulatory capital requirements. Further, no buy-back option can be exercised by any investor after the 9th anniversary (30 June 2022) of the effective date.

12. SUBORDINATED TERM LOAN

In 2013, the Group received a subordinated term loan amounting to USD1.4 million from a Development Financial Institution which attracts an interest rate of LIBOR plus 10% and had a seven year maturity date (13 June 2020) from the first disbursement date.

The above liability would, in the event of the winding up of the issuer, be subordinated to the claims of depositors and all other creditors of the issuer. The Group defaulted on a principal repayments with respect to this subordinated loan during the year ended six months ended 30 June 2020 as a result of the prevailing nostro funding challenges affecting the economy. However, there were no defaults on interest payments. There were no breaches to the financial covenants between the Group and the Development Financial Institution at the reporting date of 30 June 2020.

On 22 February 2019, the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) issued an Exchange Control directive, RU 28 of 2019 which established an interbank foreign exchange market to formalise the buying and selling of foreign currency through the Banks and Bureaux de change. In order to establish an exchange rate between the current monetary balances and foreign currency, the Monetary Authorities denominated the existing RTGS balances in circulation, as RTGS dollars. The RBZ pegged the initial trades at US$/RTGS$1:2.5. In order to manage the transition, the RBZ also advised on the same date that all foreign liabilities or legacy debts due to suppliers and service providers, declared dividends e.t.c would be treated separately after registering such debts with the RBZ Exchange Control Department for an orderly expunging of these debts.

Consequently, the Group registered its legacy debts, which included the subordinated term loan and offshore lines of credit and transferred the ZWL equivalent of these debts at a rate of US$/ZWL1:1 to the RBZ in terms of the RBZ directive. As such, in terms of SI 33 of 2019 and the RBZ directive, these legacy debts and the related amounts transferred to the RBZ in terms of the RBZ directive on the legacy debts, have been translated using the interbank rate at reporting date. The RBZ approved the legacy debt in respect of the subordinated term loan.

13. DepositS and other LIABILITIES

13.1 Deposits and other liabilities

* The carrying amounts of current and deposit accounts and trade and other payables approximate the related fair values due to their short term nature.

Included in trade and other payables are lease liabilities in respect of leased properties in which the Group is a lessee.

Also included in trade and other liabilities are ECL provisions in respect of guarantees and facilities approved but not drawn down.

** Included in deposits from banks and other financial institutions are loan balances of ZWL554 146 338, ZWL286 569 001 and ZWL528 854 064 due to Nederlandse Financierings-Maatschappij Voor Ontiwikkelingslanden (FMO), Swedfund and Afreximbank. The carrying amounts of deposits from other banks and other financial institutions approximate the related fair values. All the loan balances except for Afreximbank are part of the Group's legacy debts which were registered with the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) for an orderly expunging of the debts. During the year ended 31 December 2019, the Group transferred the ZWL equivalent of the legacy debts at a rate of US$/ZWL1:1 to the RBZ as per requirement of the Exchange Control directive RU 28 of 2019. There were no breaches to the financial covenants. However, the Group defaulted on the principal repayments repayments on the FMO and Swedfund facilities during the period under review due to the nostro-funding challenges that were prevailing in the economy and the above mentioned lines of credit balances were transferred to the RBZ for an orderly expunging of the debts. The Bank has been communicating with the lenders regarding these developments.

The line of credit balances have been translated at 30 June 2020 at the closing rate of USD/ZWL1:63.74. Consequently, the amount transferred to the RBZ for the settlement of these debts has been translated at the same closing rate as it represents the Bank's right to the settlement of the related lines of credit. The RBZ approved the legacy debt in respect of the FMO and Swedfund lines of credit.

13.2 Maturity analysis

13.3 Sectoral analysis of deposits