Hang Seng Bank FY2011 Results

27 February 2012 

HANG SENG BANK LIMITED

2011 RESULTS - HIGHLIGHTS

·; Attributable profit up 12% to HK$16,680m (HK$14,917m in 2010).

·; Profit before tax up 11% to HK$19,213m (HK$17,345m in 2010).

·; Operating profit up 1% to HK$14,181m (HK$14,085m in 2010).

·; Operating profit excluding loan impairment charges up 1% to HK$14,621m (HK$14,475m in 2010).

·; Return on average shareholders' funds of 22.6% (22.8% in 2010).

·; Assets up 6% to HK$975.4bn (HK$916.9bn at 31 December 2010).

·; Earnings per share up 12% to HK$8.72 per share (HK$7.80 per share in 2010).

·; Fourth interim dividend of HK$1.90 per share; total dividends of HK$5.20 per share for 2011 (HK$5.20 per share in 2010).

·; Capital adequacy ratio of 14.3% (13.6% at 31 December 2010); core capital ratio of 11.6% (10.8% at 31 December 2010).

·; Cost efficiency ratio of 35.0% (33.7% in 2010).

Within this document, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China has been referred to as 'Hong Kong'.

The abbreviations 'HK$m' and 'HK$bn' represent millions and billions of Hong Kong dollars respectively.

Contents

11 Results Summary

14 Customer Group Performance

19 Mainland Business

21 Consolidated Income Statement

22 Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income

23 Consolidated Balance Sheet

24 Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity

26 Consolidated Cash Flow Statement

27 Financial Review

27 Net interest income

29 Net fee income

30 Trading income

31 Net (loss)/income from financial instruments designated at fair value

31 Other operating income

32 Analysis of income from wealth management business

34 Loan impairment charges

35 Operating expenses

36 Gains less losses from financial investments and fixed assets

37 Tax expense

38 Earnings per share

38 Dividends per share

38 Segmental analysis

40 Analysis of assets and liabilities by remaining maturity

42 Cash and balances with banks and other financial institutions

42 Placings with and advances to banks and other financial institutions

43 Trading assets

44 Financial assets designated at fair value

45 Advances to customers

45 Loan impairment allowances against advances to customers

46 Impaired advances and allowances

47 Overdue advances

48 Rescheduled advances

48 Segmental analysis of advances to customers by geographical area

49 Gross advances to customers by industry sector

51 Financial investments

53 Amounts due from/to immediate holding company and fellow subsidiary

companies

54 Interest in associates

54 Intangible assets

54 Other assets

55 Current, savings and other deposit accounts

55 Certificates of deposit and other debt securities in issue

56 Trading liabilities

56 Other liabilities

57 Subordinated liabilities

58 Shareholders' funds

59 Capital resources management

61 Liquidity ratio

62 Reconciliation of cash flow statement

63 Contingent liabilities, commitments and derivatives

66 Statutory accounts and accounting policies

66 Comparative figures

66 Property revaluation

67 Foreign currency positions

67 Ultimate holding company

68 Register of shareholders

68 Proposed timetable for 2012 quarterly dividends

68 Code on corporate governance practices

68 Board of Directors

69 News release

Comment by Raymond Ch'ien, Chairman

In the challenging environment of 2011, we built on our trusted brand to enhance long-term growth and achieved a solid operating result.

We continued to develop areas of strength and deepened our penetration into segments that offer growth opportunities. Our core strategies of financial prudence and innovating to deliver more value served us in good stead.

In the volatile market conditions, we drew on our time-to-market wealth management capabilities to offer comprehensive products catering for the changing financial needs of our customers, targeting mainland China customers among other segments.

In our commercial and corporate banking businesses, our good industry knowledge, strong cross-border capabilities and total solutions helped enhance our status as a preferred partner for trade-related services and our franchise in corporate wealth management.

The Mainland will remain a major focus for our future expansion. Reflecting our efforts to take advantage of the opening up of the mainland financial sector, the gradual internationalisation of the renminbi and the closer economic integration of Hong Kong and the Mainland, we achieved encouraging growth in our cross-border services and renminbi-related businesses.

In an important milestone, Hang Seng Bank (China) Limited moved into new headquarters in Shanghai's Lujiazui financial district in May 2011. The move signifies our long-term commitment to developing our business on the Mainland.

Our strengths continued to win recognition. The bank was named the Best Domestic Bank in Hong Kong for the 12th consecutive year by The Asset and the Best Domestic Bank in Hong Kong by Asiamoney.

Financial Highlights

Profit attributable to shareholders rose by 12% to HK$16,680m and profit before tax was up 11% at HK$19,213m. Earnings per share were up 12% to HK$8.72 per share.

The return on average shareholders' funds was 22.6%, compared with 22.8% in 2010. The return on average total assets was 1.8%, compared with 1.7% a year earlier.

At 31 December 2011, our capital adequacy ratio was 14.3%, compared with 13.6% at the end of 2010. The core capital ratio was 11.6%, compared with 10.8% a year earlier. The rise in both capital and core capital ratios reflected the combined effect of the increase in profit after accounting for dividends in 2011 and the decrease in risk-weighted assets.

The Directors have declared a fourth interim dividend of HK$1.90 per share, payable on 29 March 2012. This brings the total distribution for 2011 to HK$5.20 per share, the same as for 2010.

Operating Environment

The operating environment in 2011 was affected by growing global economic uncertainties, including the deepening sovereign debt crisis in the eurozone, the continuing fragility of the US economic recovery, and the effects of the devastating earthquake and tsunami in Japan on global supply chains. As a result, the growth momentum in Hong Kong eased in the second half of the year as external demand slowed.

China headed towards a soft landing as economic growth moderated due to persistent monetary tightening by the government and weaker external demand. The economy was mainly supported by strong investment and consumption growth. The high inflationary pressure began to ease after peaking in July.

In 2012, the prevailing economic uncertainties in the eurozone and the US will continue to dominate globally. The downgrade of the credit ratings of the US and various eurozone countries by credit rating agencies over the past year indicates continued downside risks in the world economic outlook.

Given the above, Hong Kong's economic growth is likely to slow this year. Exports will be adversely affected by the difficult global environment, but domestic demand should remain resilient on the back of steady income growth and continued expansion of public sector construction works. Inflation is expected to come down due to the recent easing in global food and commodity prices, and the expected economic slowdown.

Economic growth on the Mainland is expected to slow further, although its economy remains among the fastest growing in the world. Since December 2011, China's central bank has cut the reserve requirement ratio for commercial lenders twice in a sign it is easing monetary policy to stimulate domestic demand. Although exports should continue to soften given weakening external demand, consumption growth is expected to remain resilient given the increasing personal wealth of the mainland population. Investment growth is also expected to remain steady as the government gradually eases monetary conditions. Inflation is likely to fall steadily.

In the banking sector, loan growth is expected to moderate while competition for deposits will remain keen. Banks will encounter more challenges, including evolving regulatory requirements.

Against this backdrop, we will continue our efforts to create sustainable value for our stakeholders.

Review by Margaret Leung, Vice-Chairman and Chief Executive

The global economic uncertainties in the second half of 2011 posed significant challenges to the banking sector.

Our strong financial fundamentals, relationship building strategies and capture of new business opportunities helped us achieve a solid operating result. Operating profit excluding loan impairment charges increased by 1% to HK$14,621m for the year and grew 1% in the second half of the year compared with the first half.

Amid intense market competition, our commercial and corporate banking businesses recorded strong growth. The further enhancement of our cross-border operations to support business customers reinforced our leading position in the provision of renminbi financial services. This was offset by lower revenues in Retail Banking and Wealth Management, particularly as income from our wealth management services declined given the weaker investor sentiment in the second half of 2011.

Our wholly owned subsidiary Hang Seng Bank (China) Limited ('Hang Seng China') delivered encouraging results as we tapped China's expanding economy and rising personal incomes.

At 35.0%, our cost efficiency ratio remained among the lowest in the industry. In order to improve operational efficiency and facilitate customer convenience, internet-based banking platforms were further strengthened. At the year-end, our Personal e-Banking and Business e-Banking customer bases were up 12% and 16% respectively, compared with a year earlier.

Financial Performance

Total assets rose by 6% to HK$975.4bn. Customer advances increased by 2%, with growth in commercial and corporate lending businesses, while we maintained sound loan quality. Customer deposits, including certificates of deposit and other debt securities in issue, rose by 5%, driven in part by strong growth in renminbi deposits.

Operating profit rose by 1% to HK$14,181m, while the increased contribution from our associates and higher gains on revaluing investment properties led to an increase in profit attributable to shareholders of 12% to HK$16,680m.

Net interest income rose by 10% to HK$15,736m. The net interest margin was maintained at 1.78%, the same level as in 2010. At 1.80% in the second half of the year, the net interest margin was up five basis points from the first half.

Affected by the unfavourable investment climate, non-interest income declined by 9%, compared with 2010. Net fee income decreased slightly by 1%, with income from the wealth management business dropping by 6%. Card services income grew by 15% as we increased our market share in terms of card base in this competitive business.

While continuing to exercise a high degree of prudence in managing costs, investment for future growth led to a 7% rise in operating expenses, in particular for business expansion on the Mainland.

Loan impairment charges registered an increase of HK$50m, or 13%, to HK$440m, mainly due to the increase in collectively assessed impairment charges.

Reflecting our good credit risk management, total loan impairment allowances as a percentage of gross advances to customers decreased to 0.35% at the end of 2011, compared with 0.39% a year earlier.

Gross impaired advances as a percentage of gross advances to customers fell to 0.33%, compared with 0.42% at the end of 2010.

Customer Groups

Retail Banking and Wealth Management reported a profit before tax of HK$6,623m, down 16% from 2010. Operating profit excluding loan impairment charges was HK$6,441m, a drop of 18% from a year earlier.

Net interest income recorded a decline of 4% as market competition levied pressure on deposit income.

With a quality credit card customer base, income from unsecured lending remained a key income driver and grew by 11%, compared with 2010. The card base increased by 10% to 2.23 million during the year. Card spending and receivables rose by 16% and 18% respectively.

Repricing of our mortgage portfolio affected our market share initially. However, our market share in Hong Kong in terms of new registrations rebounded to reach 19% in December 2011.

Life insurance annualised new premiums increased by 12% and total policies in force grew by 8%, compared with 2010. Despite the strong sales, income from insurance fell as market conditions led to lower investment returns on the life insurance fund portfolios.

The euro debt problem intensified in the second half of 2011. This severely affected investment appetite leading to lower distribution income from investment services, as reflected by slower fund sales and securities broking activities in the second half of the year. Income from investment services for the year fell by 11% year-on-year.

Commercial Banking achieved an increase of 34% in profit before tax to HK$5,031m. Operating profit excluding loan impairment charges was up 29% to HK$3,442m.

Net interest income increased by 26% while non-interest income grew by 13%. Customer deposits grew by 5% during the year.

Various initiatives to grow fee income achieved satisfactory results. Income from corporate wealth management rose by 15% and contributed to 13% of Commercial Banking's net operating income.

We continued to take advantage of the growth in renminbi trade settlement. Besides close collaboration between colleagues in Hong Kong and the Mainland, we also cooperate with strategic partners on the Mainland to enhance our cross-border services. This proved to be a valuable source of referral business. At the end of 2011, we had over 70,000 commercial renminbi accounts in Hong Kong and renminbi cross-border trade-related business routed through the bank had increased.

Our network of seven Business Banking Centres helped facilitate account acquisition and the Commercial Banking customer base increased by 13% during the year.

Corporate Banking achieved growth of 46% in profit before tax to HK$1,843m. Operating profit excluding loan impairment charges rose by 42% to HK$1,794m. The strong profit growth was mainly attributable to increases in net interest income and non-interest income, which rose by 39% and 14% respectively.

Against a backdrop of tightening market liquidity, we achieved selective growth of 10% in customer advances, partly by taking advantage of the increased cross-border loan demand. Through offering total cash management solutions to customers and capitalising on our efficient cross-border relationship management system, customer deposits grew by 29%.

Treasury recorded a 26% increase in profit before tax to HK$4,227m, while operating profit rose by 24% to HK$2,729m.

In spite of persistently low interest rates, net interest income rose by 50% to reach HK$2,108m. The increase was attributed to a larger commercial surplus for investment as the bank's balance sheet grew, more positioning taken in balance sheet management and the contribution from funding swap activities. It was also due to better margins for inter-bank lending in both Hong Kong and the Mainland.

Trading income fell by 14% to HK$1,001m, affected by the decline in income from funding swap activities.

Mainland business

Hang Seng China recorded encouraging growth in profit before tax to HK$482m as it increased its foothold on the Mainland.

With the opening of its third cross-city sub-branch in Huizhou, Hang Seng China operated a strategically located network of 39 outlets across 14 mainland cities at the year-end. Applications to establish a new branch in Xiamen, a sub-branch each in Beijing and Tianjin, and a cross-city sub-branch each in Guangdong's Shunde, Zhuhai and Jiangmen respectively have been approved.

Through focusing on the growing financial needs of target mainland customers with rapidly rising incomes, the mainland personal banking customer base increased by 21%. The enhancement of wealth management services facilitated a 26% rise in the number of Prestige Banking customers. As we capitalised on our good cross-border capabilities, the number of corporate and commercial banking customers also increased by 8%.

Driven by the expanded customer base and with continued emphasis on credit quality, advances to customers rose by 23%. Total deposits increased by 34%. Underpinned by strong growth in net interest income and other operating income, total operating income was 46% higher than in 2010.

The mainland business contributed 22% to the bank's total profit before tax, compared with 15% in 2010. This includes the share of profit from our mainland investments, where our share of profit from Industrial Bank increased by about 40% during the year.

Positioning for future growth

We are likely to see slower economic growth in both Hong Kong and the Mainland in 2012 amid lingering debt problems in Europe and a fragile global recovery.

In the banking sector, competition will remain strong, adding pressure to funding costs.

In this operating environment, we have charted a course for long-term growth. We will build on our market leadership, service excellence and time-to-market offerings to deepen relationships with our loyal customers and reach out to a new client base.

In our personal banking business, we will strengthen our wealth management and private banking services to satisfy customer needs at different life stages, targeting affluent and middle-class customers in particular. We will enhance our status as a preferred partner for trade-related services by building on our trade and corporate wealth management capabilities. Treasury will develop effective hedging solutions and new renminbi-related products.

The closer economic integration of Hong Kong and the Mainland, the opening-up of the mainland market and the further liberalisation of offshore renminbi financial services offer vast opportunities. We intend to reinforce our role as a key player and pioneer in the provision of renminbi services.

In February 2012, the bank launched the world's first renminbi-denominated gold exchange-traded fund ('ETF') and Hong Kong's first renminbi ETF ─ the Hang Seng RMB Gold ETF. We will continue to design more renminbi products to cater for the growing investor demand in this area.

Our wholly owned subsidiary Hang Seng Securities Limited partnered with Guangzhou Securities Company Limited to apply in 2011 to set up the first joint venture securities investment advisory company under CEPA VI in Guangdong province.

We will further expand our network on the Mainland. We intend to reach out to more affluent mainland customers who are seeking new investment opportunities at home and in Hong Kong. We will also target mainland business customers with high growth potential in key industries, in particular those supported under China's 12th Five-Year Plan. Our cross-border collaboration between our Hong Kong and mainland teams will be strengthened and our referral partner network will further help us grow our client base.

Deposit growth will provide a solid foundation for our business expansion. Leveraging our strong balance sheet and effective credit risk management system, we will prudently grow our quality loan portfolio, including renminbi lending, while maintaining a competitive pricing strategy. Diversification of income streams will remain important.

Even as we invest for future growth, cost efficiency will be improved through resource optimisation and technological advancement.

In the challenging operating environment, Hang Seng is committed to providing superior financial solutions to our customers as their preferred service provider. As a financially-strong, forward-looking bank, we are confident that our business strategies will drive steady growth in the long-term.

Results summary

Hang Seng Bank Limited ('the bank') and its subsidiaries ('the group') reported an audited profit attributable to shareholders of HK$16,680m for 2011, up 11.8% compared with 2010. Earnings per share were HK$8.72, up HK$0.92 from 2010. Profit attributable to shareholders for the second half of 2011 increased by HK$566m, or 7.0%, compared with the first half.

Operating profit excluding loan impairment charges grew by HK$146m, or 1.0%, to HK$14,621m. The bank continues to navigate a challenging environment and delivered a solid operating result. Net interest income grew by 10.0%, primarily due to average loan growth coupled with higher loan spreads and increased balance sheet management income. The increasingly uncertain and volatile market as a result of the evolving eurozone sovereign debt concerns and slow recovery of the US economy led to an unfavourable investment climate which did not favour the wealth management business. Non-interest income declined by 8.9% compared with last year. While the bank remains prudent in managing costs, investment for future growth, in particular business expansion in mainland China, led to a 7.4% rise in operating expenses compared with 2010. Riding on the bank's business momentum and leveraging its core strengths, the bank registered a 0.6% increase in operating profit excluding loan impairment charges in the second half of the year compared with the first half.

Net interest income rose by HK$1,436m, or 10.0%, to HK$15,736m. Net interest margin for 2011 was 1.78%, the same level as in 2010. Net interest spread narrowed by four basis points to 1.68%, while the contribution from net free funds increased by four basis points to 0.10%. The 10.4% encouraging growth in average interest-earning assets, improved loan spreads and increased income from balance sheet management were partly offset by increased deposit costs.

Net fee income was HK$4,836m, broadly at the same level as last year. The wealth management business remained well diversified but was affected by weaker investor sentiment. Against the backdrop of sluggish stock market turnover, income from stockbroking and related services decreased by 12.5%. Volatility in the stock market and an unfavourable investment climate also led to a decline in sales of retail investment funds. As a result, subscription fees and commissions fell, leading to a drop in income from retail investment funds of 12.9%. Private banking service income also fell by 19.4%. Credit card fees were 14.6% higher than in 2010 which was in line with the growth in credit card balances. The credit card business continued to grow and we increased our market share in terms of card base while increased receivables and spending resulted in rising merchant and interchange fee income. Credit facilities fees also recorded strong growth, mainly attributable to higher fees from the corporate lending business.

Trading income decreased by HK$263m, or 12.8%, to HK$1,796m. Foreign exchange income rose by HK$75m, or 4.2%, attributable to the bank's efforts to expand customer-driven business and higher customer demand for foreign exchange-linked structured treasury products. The increase in foreign exchange income was largely offset by decreased net interest income from funding swap activities. Income from securities, derivatives and other trading activities also recorded an unfavourable change of HK$338m, or 116.2%, mainly affected by the losses on equity options backing a life endowment product due to unfavourable movements in the underlying equity indices, which resulted in a corresponding decrease in 'Net insurance claims incurred and movement in policyholder liabilities'.

Income from the insurance business (included under 'net interest income', 'net fee income', 'trading income', 'net income from financial instruments designated at fair value', 'net earned insurance premiums', 'movement in present value of in-force long-term insurance business' within 'other operating income', and after deducting 'net insurance claims incurred and movement in policyholders' liabilities') fell by HK$242m, or 9.2%, to HK$2,382m. Hang Seng continued to enhance its leading position in life insurance by providing a diverse range of retirement savings and protection products. Net interest income and fee income from the life insurance business grew by 8.1%, due primarily to the increase in the size of the life insurance funds investment portfolio. The investment return on the life insurance funds investment portfolio was, however, affected by the unfavourable movements of the equities market during the second half of 2011. The movement in present value of in-force long-term insurance business ('PVIF') decreased by 47.2%, representing the net effect of the unfavourable experience variance of the investment return assumption, offset by a refinement of the calculation of the PVIF asset to bring greater comparability and consistency across the group's insurance operation and higher sales in 2011 compared with 2010.

Operating expensesrose by HK$543m, or 7.4%, to HK$7,898m. While the bank carefully managed its costs, investments were made on the Mainland and for business development in Hong Kong to support the long-term growth of core income streams. Operating expenses of our Hong Kong operations rose by 5.2%, mainly in relation to staff-related costs, marketing expenditure and processing charges following inflationary increases and business growth. Mainland-related operating expenses rose by 20.6%, attributable mainly to the ongoing business expansion of Hang Seng China. Despite the increase in costs, the cost efficiency ratio of the bank remains one of the lowest in the industry and the bank continues to focus on improving operational efficiency while maintaining growth momentum and market leadership.

Loan impairment charges registered an increase of HK$50m, or 12.8%, to HK$440m. Individually assessed impairment charges dropped by HK$83m, or 44.6%, driven by higher releases and recoveries from corporate and commercial banking customers in 2011 although there was an increase in new impairment charges which included a specific impairment charge provided in 2011. Collectively assessed impairment charges rose by HK$133m, or 65.2%, to HK$337m, with higher charges on the expanding credit card and personal loans portfolios. Impairment allowances for loans not individually identified as impaired recorded a net charge compared with a net release in 2010, mainly due to loan growth during the year.

Impairment loss on intangible assets of HK$78m related to certain IT projects.

Operating profit rose slightly by HK$96m, or 0.7%, to HK$14,181m.

Profit before tax increased by 10.8% to HK$19,213m after taking the following items into account:

·; a 55.4% (or HK$62m) fall in gains less losses from financial investments and fixed assets;

·; a 103.7% (or HK$505m) increase in net surplus on property revaluation; and

·; a 49.9% (or HK$1,329m) increase in share of profits from associates, mainly from Industrial Bank and a property investment company.

Consolidated balance sheet and key ratios

Total assets rose by HK$58.5bn, or 6.4%, to HK$975.4bn. Customer advances increased by HK$7.9bn, or 1.7%, with growth in the commercial and corporate lending businesses, largely in mainland China. The trade finance business declined as certain trade finance loans matured in the second half of the year. The bank was strongly positioned to capture cross-border opportunities and prudently grew its Mainland lending during the year while maintaining sound loan quality. Under the vigorous deposit acquisition strategy in both Hong Kong and the Mainland during the year, customer deposits, including certificates of deposit and other debt securities in issue, increased by HK$32.9bn, or 4.6%, to HK$743.2bn, driven in part by strong growth in renminbi deposits. At 31 December 2011, the advances-to-deposits ratio was 64.7%, compared with 66.5% at 31 December 2010. Financial investments and trading assets increased by 4.9% and 146.3% respectively, reflecting the deployment of the commercial surplus to high-quality treasury bills and debt securities.

At 31 December 2011, shareholders' funds (excluding proposed dividends) were HK$75,122m, an increase of HK$8,743m, or 13.2%. Retained profits rose by HK$5,674m, mainly reflecting the increase in profit after the appropriation of interim dividends. With the growth in the commercial property market through 2011, the premises revaluation reserve increased by HK$2,854m, or 30.3%. The available-for-sale investment reserve recorded a deficit of HK$561m, compared with a surplus of HK$202m at the end of 2010, as a result of the general widening of credit spreads.

The return on average total assets was 1.8% (1.7% for 2010). The return on average shareholders' funds was 22.6% (22.8% for 2010).

At 31 December 2011, the capital adequacy ratio was 14.3%, up from 13.6% at the end of 2010. The core capital ratio was 11.6%, compared with 10.8% a year earlier. The rise in both capital and core capital ratios reflected the combined effect of the increase in profit after accounting for dividends in 2011 and the decrease in risk-weighted assets.

The bank maintained a strong liquidity position. The average liquidity ratio for 2011 was 33.6% (calculated in accordance with the Fourth Schedule of the Hong Kong Banking Ordinance), compared with 38.1% for 2010.

The cost efficiency ratio for 2011 was 35.0% compared with 33.7% in 2010.

Dividends

The Directors have declared a fourth interim dividend of HK$1.90 per share, which will be payable on 29 March 2012 to shareholders on the register of shareholders as of 14 March 2012. Together with the interim dividends for the first three quarters, the total distribution for 2011 will be HK$5.20 per share.

Customer group performance

Retail Banking and Wealth Management ('RBWM') reported a profit before tax of HK$6,623m in 2011, down 15.9% from 2010. Operating profit excluding loan impairment charges reached HK$6,441m, representing a drop of 18.1% compared with 2010.

Net interest income recorded a year-on-year decline. Intense market competition levied pressure on RBWM's deposit income, while unsecured lending and insurance were able to achieve moderate growth in their respective net interest income. Intense market competition and the resulting high cost of funds hit deposit income. To grow the bank's deposit base, increased interest rates were offered to customers. As a result, net interest income from deposits dropped by 15.8% compared with the same period in 2010.

The bank switched its focus from HIBOR-based lending to Prime-based loans in early 2011 in its mortgage business. The bank's mortgage market share dropped initially, but as many competitors followed suit and rationalised their mortgage pricing, our market share in terms of new registrations rebounded to reach 18.7% in December 2011. Net interest income from our Hong Kong mortgage business improved in the second half of the year over the first half.

With a quality credit card customer base, total operating income from unsecured lending remained a key income driver and grew by 10.9% year-on-year. The bank grew its market share in terms of card base and remained the second and third largest issuer of VISA and MasterCard cards respectively. As of 31 December 2011, total cards in issue reached 2.23 million and over 342,000 new cards were acquired during the year. The Hang Seng Hong Kong dollar China UnionPay ('CUP') credit card continued to generate strong interest, with the number of cards issued more than doubling since the end of 2010. Effective marketing efforts continued to boost card usage with card spending and card receivables growing by 16.1% and 17.6% year-on-year respectively. Personal loan balances were up by 15.2% year-on-year to HK$5.3bn.

Income from investments declined by 10.6% year-on-year as the investment business experienced volatile markets in 2011. Investment fund subscriptions deteriorated in the second half due to the economic uncertainties around the globe. As a result, the income from both retail investment funds and securities broking declined compared with the previous year.

The diversification strategy of offering new life insurance plans with improved protection propositions proved to be effective in driving sales momentum later in the year. Annualised new premiums grew by 12.1% compared with 2010 while total policies in force also grew steadily. However, net insurance premium income fell by 2.2% compared to 2010. Income from non-linked insurance business fell as unfavourable market conditions led to lower investment returns. Insurance income was also affected by the decline in the present value of in-force long-term insurance business, representing the net effect of the unfavourable experience variance of the investment return assumption, offset by a refinement of the calculation of the PVIF asset to bring greater comparability and consistency across the group's insurance operation and higher sales in 2011 compared with 2010.

Service quality was never compromised and Hang Seng Bank continued to receive recognition in the banking industry. The bank was named 'Best Local Private Bank in Hong Kong' in the Euromoney Private Banking Survey 2011 based on the assessment of business performance and peer nominations. Asiamoney also named Hang Seng Bank the 'Best Domestic Bank in Hong Kong' again in 2011.

Commercial Banking ('CMB') achieved a 34.2% increase in profit before tax to HK$5,031m, contributing to more than a quarter of the bank's total. Operating profit excluding loan impairment charges was up 28.9% to HK$3,442m.

Against a backdrop of buoyant consumer demand, CMB achieved encouraging growth driven mainly by net interest income from advances and non-interest income. With a strong asset base and strategic re-pricing, net interest income from advances increased by 36.0%, whereas non-interest income grew by 13.0%. Amidst intense competition, healthy growth was achieved in customer deposits of 5.1% compared with 31 December 2010.

Various initiatives to grow fee income achieved satisfactory results, notably from loan-related fees and remittances. CMB also provided timely and competitive corporate wealth management products for its customers, focusing particularly on those in the top-end segment. A wide range of products including corporate investment, insurance and treasury products were marketed to customers through different platforms to capture the shift in investment sentiment as well as to meet customers' expectations on yield enhancement or hedging needs. Income from the corporate wealth management business increased by 14.9% and contributed to 13.3% of CMB's net operating income.

To assist commercial customers in growing their cross-border business and to establish a dynamic customer referral channel, CMB closely collaborated with Hang Seng China and strategic partners on the Mainland. This collaboration has enhanced the bank's cross-border service proposition and has proven to be a valuable source of referral business.

At 31 December 2011, the number of commercial renminbi accounts in Hong Kong exceeded 70,000 and the renminbi cross-border trade-related business routed through the bank had increased. As Hong Kong develops into an important renminbi offshore centre, the bank will capitalise on its growth capabilities by further enhancing renminbi services, especially through the provision of customised renminbi trade solutions and wealth management services as well as capturing the potential of renminbilending in Hong Kong.

Cash management capabilities were further enhanced to offer speedy China remittance services to customers. The Express China remittance service was enhanced to provide 'within 3 hours credit' for remittances to beneficiary accounts of Hang Seng China. Hang Seng was one of the pioneer banks to offer a renminbi bill payment service providing a one-stop solution to merchants for collecting renminbi payments from their customers via the bank's automated channels.

Seven Business Banking Centres located in areas of high commercial traffic are in operation, enhancing the network and providing high quality and convenient services to customers and referral partners. Those centres facilitated account acquisition and Commercial Banking customer numbers increased by 13.4% over 2010.

There were also continuous efforts to encourage customers to use online and automated banking channels. The activation of online investment accounts and e-Statement services were launched on the Business e-Banking platform in July 2011. An online renminbi exchange service was launched in August 2011. As a result, the number of customers using Business e-Banking services increased by 16.2% while the number of online business transactions grew by 13.8%.

With prudent risk management, a high quality asset portfolio was maintained and loan impairment allowances against CMB's total portfolio remained at a low level of 0.77%.

Corporate Banking ('CIB') achieved a 45.6% growth in profit before tax to HK$1,843m compared with 2010. Operating profit excluding loan impairment charges was HK$1,794m, up 41.9%. The strong profit growth was mainly attributable to a rise in net interest income and non-interest income which increased by 38.8% and 14.3% respectively.

CIB encountered a challenging operating environment in 2011. On the Mainland, market liquidity tightened significantly following a series of increases in interest rates and the required deposit reserve ratio. Strong loan demand prompted an increasing number of mainland enterprises to come to Hong Kong for bank financing. To meet the loan demand, competition for customer deposits intensified and hence raised funding costs.

Against a backdrop of tightening market liquidity, CIB leveraged its strong industry knowledge, effective risk management as well as dedicated business teams in Hong Kong and on the Mainland to achieve strong financial results through selective growth in customer advances, which increased by 10.2% compared with the end of 2010. By offering total cash management solutions to customers and capitalising on an efficient cross-border relationship management system, CIB's customer deposits grew by 29.0% amid intense competition.

The return on renminbi deposits and lending also showed positive growth as we took advantage of the increase in cross-border loan demand and the relaxation of foreign direct investment restrictions.

Leveraging its well-established business infrastructure, CIB also stepped up efforts to grow non-interest income, offering a wide spectrum of services encompassing treasury, hedging, trade services, cash management, wealth management and insurance.

Treasury ('TRY') recorded a 25.8% increase in profit before tax to HK$4,227m, while operating profit increased by 23.7% to HK$2,729m. The growth was mainly driven by increases in net interest income and TRY's share of profits from associates.

In spite of persistently low interest rates, net interest income surged by 50.2% to reach HK$2,108m. The increase was attributed to a number of factors including more commercial surplus for investment as the bank's balance sheet grew, more positioning taken in balance sheet management and more opportunities and better margins for inter-bank lending in both Hong Kong and mainland China. Leveraging opportunities in foreign exchange markets for funding swap activities also contributed to the increase though this was partly offset by the loss on foreign exchange arising from funding swap activities grouped under trading income.

Trading income fell by HK$161m, or 13.9%, to HK$1,001m. Foreign exchange trading income recorded encouraging growth, boosted in part by rising demand for renminbi-denominated products following further liberalisation of renminbi business in Hong Kong. However, overall trading income was impacted by the decline in income from funding swap activities.

Mainland business

With the opening of the third cross-city sub-branch in Huizhou under CEPA VI in August 2011, Hang Seng China currently operates a network of 11 branches and 28 sub-branches, covering 14 cities in mainland China. The bank maintains a wholesale branch in Shenzhen for foreign currency business. Applications to establish a new branch in Xiamen, a sub-branch each in Beijing and Tianjin, and a cross-city sub-branch each in Guangdong's Shunde, Zhuhai and Jiangmen respectively have been approved. The establishment of the new outlets will further strengthen Hang Seng's strategic presence in focused areas on the Mainland.

Since late 2010, inflationary pressure became the government's major concern and a series of tightening measures was adopted in the first half of 2011. This was followed by transitions in macro-economic policies from credit tightening to selective monetary easing after the consumer price index ('CPI') peaked and worries over international economic conditions that weakened domestic growth surfaced in the latter half of 2011. In the banking sector, competition for deposits remained intense among all banks and costs to attract and retain talent with local experience stayed high.

Against such a challenging and highly competitive environment, Hang Seng China continued to target corporate customers with renminbi cross-border trade-related business needs and align credit policies with China's 12th Five-Year Plan. On the retail front, Hang Seng China's leading position in the wealth management business was boosted with the launch of the VIP Prestige Centre in Shanghai to provide tailor-made services for high net worth individuals.

Hang Seng China's strategy has been to grow in both scale and value and this has delivered encouraging results. In 2011, the total number of Corporate and Commercial Banking customers increased by 8.3% while the total number of Retail Banking and Wealth Management customers grew by 21.1% (the number of Prestige Banking customers increased by 25.6%) over December 2010.

Driven by the expanded customer base, gross advances to customers rose by 23.0% whereas total deposits increased by 34.1% over the end of 2010. Total operating income was 45.7% higher than 2010, underpinned by strong growth in net interest income and other operating income. Profit before tax recorded an increase of 821.8% compared with 2010.

The partnership with Industrial Bank continued to support the bank's long-term growth on the Mainland. In March 2011, the bank signed a memorandum of understanding with Industrial Bank to further strengthen bilateral cooperation in various business areas. Moreover, more branch-level cooperation initiatives have been launched between Hang Seng and Industrial Bank.

In October 2011, Hang Seng Securities Limited ('Hang Seng Securities'), a wholly owned subsidiary of the bank, signed a memorandum of understanding with Guangzhou Securities Company Limited ('Guangzhou Securities') to take an important step in their application to set up Guangzhou GuangZheng Hang Seng Securities Investment Advisory Company Limited. This is the first ever application to set up a joint venture securities investment advisory company in Guangdong province under CEPA VI. Subject to regulatory approval for its establishment, the joint venture aims to become a showcase for cross-border securities investment advisory co-operation under CEPA by combining the strengths of both partners, paving the way for Hang Seng to expand its business on the Mainland.

WWhen reference is made to 'constant currency' in commentaries, comparative data reported in the functional currency of Hang Seng's operations on the Mainland have been translated at the appropriate exchange rates applied in the current year in respect of the income statement or balance sheet. Constant currency comparatives in respect of 2010 and 2009 used in the 2011 and 2010 commentaries respectively are computed by translating into HK Dollars:

- the income statement for 2010 and 2009 of renminbi at the average rates of exchange for

2011 and 2010 respectively; and

- the balance sheet at 31 December 2010 and 2009 for renminbi at the prevailing rates of

exchange on 31 December 2011 and 2010 respectively.

Consolidated Income Statement

The HSBC Group reports interest income and interest expense arising from financial assets and financial liabilities held for trading as 'Net trading income' and arising from financial instruments designated at fair value through profit and loss as 'Net income from financial instruments designated at fair value' (other than for debt securities in issue and subordinated liabilities, together with derivatives managed in conjunction with them).

The table below presents the interest income and interest expense of Hang Seng, as included within the HSBC Group accounts:

Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income