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TABLE OF CONTENTS
TABLE OF CONTENTS 2
TABLE OF CONTENTS 3
TABLE OF CONTENTS 4
TABLE OF CONTENTS 5
As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on 15 March 2021
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 20-F
o | REGISTRATION STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(b) OR (g) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 | |
OR |
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ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
For the fiscal year ended 31 December 2020 |
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OR |
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TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
OR |
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SHELL COMPANY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
Commission File Number: 1-15040
PRUDENTIAL PUBLIC LIMITED COMPANY
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter)
England and Wales
(Jurisdiction of Incorporation)
1 Angel Court,
London EC2R 7AG, England
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)
Rebecca Wyatt
Director of Group Financial Accounting & Reporting
1 Angel Court,
London EC2R 7AG, England
+44 20 7220 7588
rebecca.wyatt@prudentialplc.com
(Name, telephone, e-mail and/or facsimile number and address of company contact person)
Securities registered or to be registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of Each Class |
Trading
Symbol |
Name of Each Exchange on
Which Registered |
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American Depositary Shares, each representing 2 Ordinary Shares, 5 pence par value each |
PUK | New York Stock Exchange | ||
Ordinary Shares, 5 pence par value each |
PUK/D | New York Stock Exchange* | ||
6.75% Perpetual Subordinated Capital Securities Exchangeable at the Issuer's Option into Non-Cumulative Dollar Denominated Preference Shares |
PUK/PA | New York Stock Exchange | ||
6.50% Perpetual Subordinated Capital Securities Exchangeable at the Issuer's Option into Non-Cumulative Dollar Denominated Preference Shares |
PUK/PA | New York Stock Exchange | ||
3.125% Senior Notes due 2030 |
PUK30 | New York Stock Exchange |
Securities registered or to be registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:
None
Securities for which there is a reporting obligation pursuant to Section 15(d) of the Act:
None
The number of outstanding shares of each of the issuer's classes of capital or common stock as of 31 December 2020 was:
2,609,489,702 Ordinary Shares, 5 pence par value each
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.
Yes ý No o
If this report is an annual or transition report, indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
Yes o No ý
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant: (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.
Yes ý No o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§ 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).
Yes ý No o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, or a non-accelerated filer, or an emerging growth company. See definition of "large accelerated filer," "accelerated filer," and "emerging growth company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filer ý Accelerated filer o Non-accelerated filer o Emerging growth company o
If an emerging growth company that prepares its financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected to not use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. o
The term "new or revised financial accounting standard" refers to any update issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board to its Accounting Standards Codification after April 5, 2012.
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has filed a report on and attestation to its management's assessment of the effectiveness of its internal control over financial reporting under Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (15 U.S.C. 7262(b)) by the registered public accounting firm that prepared or issued its audit report. ý
Indicate by check mark which basis of accounting the registrant has used to prepare the financial statements included in this filing:
U.S. GAAP o International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board ý Other o
If "Other" has been checked in response to the previous question, indicate by check mark which financial statement item the registrant has elected to follow:
Item 17 o Item 18 o
If this is an annual report, indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).
Yes o No ý
ii
CROSS REFERENCES TO FORM 20-F REQUIREMENTS
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Item | 20-F Form Requirements | Section in this Annual Report on Form 20-F | Page | |||||||||||||
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Item 1 | Identity of Directors, Senior Management and Advisers | n/a | ||||||||||||||
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Item 2 | Offer Statistics and Expected Timetable | n/a | ||||||||||||||
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Item 3 | Key Information | |||||||||||||||
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Selected financial data |
Selected Historical Financial Information |
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Dividend Data |
7 | |||||||||||||||
EEV Basis, New Business Results and Free Surplus Generation |
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Capitalisation and indebtedness |
n/a | |||||||||||||||
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Reasons for the offer and use of proceeds |
n/a | |||||||||||||||
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Risk Factors |
Risk Factors | 194 | ||||||||||||||
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Item 4 | Information on the Company | |||||||||||||||
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History and development of the company |
Group at A Glance
Company Address and Agent |
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Business overview |
Our Business Segments
Competition
Sources |
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Supervision and Regulation of Prudential |
90 | |||||||||||||||
Investments |
62 | |||||||||||||||
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Organisational structure |
Our business model
Significant Subsidiaries |
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Property, plants and equipment |
Note C11 to the Consolidated Financial Statements | 320 | ||||||||||||||
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Item 4A | Unresolved Staff Comments | n/a | ||||||||||||||
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Item 5 | Operating and Financial Review and Prospects | |||||||||||||||
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Operating results |
Summary Overview of Operating and Financial Review and Prospects |
9 | ||||||||||||||
IFRS Critical Accounting Policies |
32 | |||||||||||||||
Summary Consolidated Results and Basis of Preparation of Analysis |
33 | |||||||||||||||
Explanation of Movements in Profit before Shareholder Tax by Nature of Revenue and Charges |
34 | |||||||||||||||
Basis of Performance Measures |
40 | |||||||||||||||
Explanation of Movements in Profit after Tax and Profit before Shareholder Tax by Segment |
44 | |||||||||||||||
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Liquidity and capital resources |
Explanation of Performance and Other Financial Measures |
47 | ||||||||||||||
Additional Information on Liquidity and Capital Resources |
63 | |||||||||||||||
Note D5 to the Consolidated Financial Statements |
324 | |||||||||||||||
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Item | 20-F Form Requirements |
Section in this Annual Report on
Form 20-F |
Page | |||||||||||||
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Research and development, patents and licenses, etc |
n/a | |||||||||||||||
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Trend information |
Summary of Operating and Financial Review and Prospects |
9 | ||||||||||||||
Explanation of Performance and Other Financial Measures |
47 | |||||||||||||||
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Off-balance-sheet arrangements |
Notes D2 and D5 to the Consolidated
Financial Statements |
322-324
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Tabular disclosure of contractual obligations |
Contractual obligations | 64 | ||||||||||||||
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Safe harbour |
Forward-looking statements | 1 | ||||||||||||||
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Item 6 | Directors, Senior Management and Employees | |||||||||||||||
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Directors and senior management |
Board of Directors | 101 | ||||||||||||||
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Compensation |
Compensation and employees: | |||||||||||||||
Our Executive Directors' remuneration at a glance |
159 | |||||||||||||||
Annual report on remuneration |
163 | |||||||||||||||
Summary of the current Directors' remuneration policy |
161 | |||||||||||||||
Additional remuneration disclosure |
190 | |||||||||||||||
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Board Practices |
Board Practices
Governance Committees |
109
121 |
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Employees |
Employees | 193 | ||||||||||||||
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Share ownership |
Share ownership | 192 | ||||||||||||||
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Item 7 | Major Shareholders and Related Party Transactions | |||||||||||||||
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Major shareholders |
Major Shareholders | 209 | ||||||||||||||
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Related party transactions |
Note D4 to the Consolidated Financial Statements | 323 | ||||||||||||||
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Interests of Experts and Counsel |
n/a | |||||||||||||||
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Item 8 | Financial Information | |||||||||||||||
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Consolidated statements and other financial Information |
Financial Statements
Intellectual Property
Legal Proceedings |
220
209 209 |
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Significant changes |
n/a | |||||||||||||||
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Item 9 | The Offer and Listing | Listing Information | 216 | |||||||||||||
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Item 10 | Additional Information | |||||||||||||||
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Share capital |
Memorandum and Articles of Association | 154 | ||||||||||||||
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Memorandum and Articles of Association |
Memorandum and Articles of Association | 154 | ||||||||||||||
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Material contracts |
Material contracts | 210 | ||||||||||||||
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Exchange controls |
Exchange controls | 210 | ||||||||||||||
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Taxation |
Taxation | 211 | ||||||||||||||
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Dividends and paying agents |
n/a | |||||||||||||||
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Statement by experts |
n/a | |||||||||||||||
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Documents on display |
Documents on Display | 215 | ||||||||||||||
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Subsidiary information |
n/a | |||||||||||||||
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Item | 20-F Form Requirements |
Section in this Annual Report on
Form 20-F |
Page | |||||||||||||
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Item 11 | Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk |
Group Risk Framework
Note C6 to the Consolidated Financial Statements |
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308 |
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Item 12 | Description of Securities Other than Equity Securities | Description of Securities Other than Equity Securities | 217 | |||||||||||||
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Item 13 | Defaults, Dividend Arrearages and Delinquencies | n/a | ||||||||||||||
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Item 14 | Material Modifications to the Rights of Security Holders | n/a | ||||||||||||||
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Item 15 | Controls and Procedures | Controls and Procedures | 216 | |||||||||||||
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Item 16A | Audit Committee Financial Expert | Audit Committee Financial Expert | 152 | |||||||||||||
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Item 16B | Code of Ethics | Code of Ethics | 158 | |||||||||||||
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Item 16C | Principal Accountant Fees and Services | Principal Accountant Fees and Services | 218 | |||||||||||||
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Item 16D | Exemptions from the Listing Standards for Audit Committees | n/a | ||||||||||||||
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Item 16E | Purchases of Equity Securities by Prudential plc and Affiliated Purchasers | Purchases of Equity Securities by Prudential plc and Affiliated Purchasers | 217 | |||||||||||||
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Item 16F | Change in Registrant's Certifying Accountant | Change in Registrant's Certifying Accountant | 219 | |||||||||||||
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Item 16G | Corporate Governance | Differences between Prudential's Governance Practice and the NYSE Corporate Governance Rules | 152 | |||||||||||||
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Item 17 | Financial Statements | n/a | ||||||||||||||
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Item 18 | Financial Statements | Financial Statements | 220 | |||||||||||||
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Item 19 | Exhibits | Exhibits | 364 | |||||||||||||
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As used in this document, unless the context otherwise requires, the terms 'Prudential', the 'Group', 'we', 'us' and 'our' each refer to Prudential plc, together with its subsidiaries, while the terms 'Prudential plc', the 'Company' or the 'parent company' each refer to 'Prudential plc'.
This 2020 Annual Report may include references to our website. Information on our website or any other website referenced in the Prudential 2020 Annual Report is not incorporated into this Form 20-F and should not be considered to be part of the Form 20-F. We have included any website as an inactive textual reference only.
v
This document may contain 'forward-looking statements' with respect to certain of Prudential's plans and its goals and expectations relating to its and Jackson's future financial condition, performance, results, strategy and objectives. Statements that are not historical facts, including statements about Prudential's beliefs and expectations and including, without limitation, statements containing the words 'may', 'will', 'should', 'continue', 'aims', 'estimates', 'projects', 'believes', 'intends', 'expects', 'plans', 'seeks' and 'anticipates', and words of similar meaning, are forward-looking statements. These statements are based on plans, estimates and projections as at the time they are made, and therefore undue reliance should not be placed on them. By their nature, all forward-looking statements involve risk and uncertainty.
A number of important factors could cause Prudential's and Jackson's actual future financial condition or performance or other indicated results of the entity referred to in any forward-looking statement to differ materially from those indicated in such forward-looking statement. Such factors include, but are not limited to, the ability to complete the proposed demerger of Jackson Financial Inc. on the anticipated timeframe or at all; the ability of the management of Jackson Financial Inc. and its group to deliver on its business plan post-separation; the impact of the current Covid-19 pandemic, including adverse financial market and liquidity impacts, responses and actions taken by regulators and supervisors, the impact to sales, claims and assumptions and increased product lapses, disruption to Prudential's operations (and those of its suppliers and partners), risks associated with new sales processes and information security risks; future market conditions, including fluctuations in interest rates and exchange rates, the potential for a sustained low-interest rate environment, and the impact of economic uncertainty, asset valuation impacts from the transition to a lower carbon economy, derivative instruments not effectively hedging exposures arising from product guarantees, inflation and deflation and the performance of financial markets generally; global political uncertainties, including the potential for increased friction in cross-border trade and the exercise of executive powers to restrict trade, financial transactions, capital movements and/or investment; the policies and actions of regulatory authorities, including, in particular, the policies and actions of the Hong Kong Insurance Authority, as Prudential's Group-wide supervisor, as well as new government initiatives generally; given its designation as an Internationally Active Insurance Group ("IAIG"), the impact on Prudential of systemic risk and other group supervision policy standards adopted by the International Association of Insurance Supervisors; the impact of competition and fast-paced technological change; the effect on Prudential's business and results from, in particular, mortality and morbidity trends, lapse rates and policy renewal rates; the physical, social and financial impacts of climate change and global health crises on Prudential's business and operations; the timing, impact and other uncertainties of future acquisitions or combinations within relevant industries; the impact of internal transformation projects and other strategic actions failing to meet their objectives; the effectiveness of reinsurance for Prudential's businesses; the risk that Prudential's operational resilience (or that of its suppliers and partners) may prove to be inadequate, including in relation to operational disruption due to external events; disruption to the availability, confidentiality or integrity of Prudential's information technology, digital systems and data (or those of its suppliers and partners); any ongoing impact on Prudential of the demerger of M&G plc and, if and when completed, the demerger of Jackson Financial Inc.; the impact of changes in capital, solvency standards, accounting standards or relevant regulatory frameworks, and tax and other legislation and regulations in the jurisdictions in which Prudential and its affiliates operate; the impact of legal and regulatory actions, investigations and disputes; and the impact of not adequately responding to environmental, social and governance issues. These and other important factors may, for example, result in changes to assumptions used for determining results of operations or re-estimations of reserves for future policy benefits. Further discussion of these and other important factors that could cause Prudential's actual future financial condition or performance or other indicated results of the entity referred to in any forward-looking statements to differ, possibly materially, from those anticipated in Prudential's forward-looking statements can be found under the 'Risk Factors' heading of this document as well as under the 'Risk Factors' heading of any subsequent Prudential Half Year Financial Report furnished to the US Securities and Exchange Commission on Form 6-K.
Any forward-looking statements contained in this announcement speak only as of the date on which they are made. Prudential expressly disclaims any obligation to update any of the forward-looking statements contained in this announcement or any other forward-looking statements it may make, whether as a result of future events, new information or otherwise except as required pursuant to the UK Prospectus Rules, the UK Listing Rules, the UK Disclosure and Transparency Rules, the Hong Kong Listing Rules, the SGX-ST listing rules or other applicable laws and regulations. Prudential may also make or disclose written and/or oral forward-looking statements in reports filed with or furnished to the US Securities and Exchange Commission, the UK Financial Conduct Authority and other regulatory authorities, as well as in its annual report and accounts to shareholders, periodic financial reports to shareholders, proxy statements, offering circulars, registration statements, prospectuses and, prospectus supplements, press releases and other written materials and in oral
1
statements made by directors, officers or employees of Prudential to third parties, including financial analysts. All such forward-looking statements are qualified in their entirety by reference to the factors discussed under the 'Risk Factors' heading of this document, as well as under the 'Risk Factors' heading of any subsequent filing Prudential makes with the US Securities and Exchange Commission, including any subsequent Half Year Financial Report on Form 6-K. These factors are not exhaustive as Prudential operates in a continually changing business environment with new risks emerging from time to time that it may be unable to predict or that it currently does not expect to have a material adverse effect on its business.
This document does not constitute or form part of any offer or invitation to purchase, acquire, subscribe for, sell, dispose of or issue, or any solicitation of any offer to purchase, acquire, subscribe for, sell or dispose of, any securities in any jurisdiction nor shall it (or any part of it) or the fact of its distribution, form the basis of, or be relied on in connection with, any contract therefor.
2
Group at A Glance
3
Our Business Model
4
Prudential plc is a public limited company incorporated on 1 November 1978 and registered in England and Wales. Refer to the 'Memorandum and Articles of Association' sub-section of the 'Governance' section of this report for further information on the constitution of the Company.
Prudential's registered office is 1 Angel Court, London EC2R 7AG, England (telephone: +44 20 7220 7588). Prudential's agent in the US for purposes of this annual report on Form 20-F is Jackson National Life Insurance Company, located at 1 Corporate Way, Lansing, Michigan 48951, United States of America. Following the demerger of Jackson, a new agent will be appointed.
The table below sets forth Prudential's significant operating subsidiaries.
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Main activity
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Country of incorporation
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Prudential Assurance Company Singapore (Pte) Limited | Insurance | Singapore | ||
PT Prudential Life Assurance | Insurance | Indonesia | ||
Prudential Hong Kong Limited | Insurance | Hong Kong, China | ||
Jackson National Life Insurance Company | Insurance | US | ||
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Save as set out below, all of the significant subsidiaries above are indirectly wholly owned via another subsidiary undertaking of the Company.
The Company has 100 per cent of the voting rights of the subsidiaries in Singapore and Hong Kong and 94.6 per cent of the voting rights in the Indonesia subsidiary attaching to the aggregate of the shares across the types of capital in issue. The percentage of share ownership for these subsidiaries is the same as the percentage of the voting power held.
Following the completion of the $500 million equity investment transaction by Athene Life Re Ltd in the Group's US business, the Company has 90.1 per cent of the voting rights in the US subsidiary, with a 88.9 per cent of share ownership. Each significant subsidiary operates mainly in its country of incorporation.
5
Selected Historical Financial Information
The following table sets forth selected consolidated financial data for Prudential for the periods indicated. Certain data is derived from Prudential's audited consolidated financial statements prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS Standards) as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB). This table is only a summary and should be read in conjunction with Prudential's consolidated financial statements and the related notes included elsewhere in this document, together with the disclosures in the 'Financial Review' section.
In the table below, continuing operations reflect the Group following the demerger of M&G plc in the fourth quarter of 2019, namely Asia, the US and central operations including Africa.
Income statement
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2020 $m
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2019 $m
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2018 $m
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2017 $m
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2016 $m
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Continuing operations: |
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Gross premiums earned |
42,521 | 45,064 | 45,614 | 39,800 | 38,865 | |||||||||||
Outward reinsurance premiums |
(32,209 | ) | (1,583 | ) | (1,183 | ) | (1,304 | ) | (1,375 | ) | ||||||
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Earned premiums, net of reinsurance |
10,312 | 43,481 | 44,431 | 38,496 | 37,490 | |||||||||||
Investment return |
44,991 | 49,555 | (9,117 | ) | 35,574 | 13,839 | ||||||||||
Other income |
670 | 700 | 531 | 1,319 | 1,387 | |||||||||||
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Total revenue, net of reinsurance |
55,973 | 93,736 | 35,845 | 75,389 | 52,716 | |||||||||||
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Benefits and claims and movement in unallocated surplus of with-profits funds, net of reinsurance |
(48,205 | ) | (83,905 | ) | (23,426 | ) | (63,808 | ) | (42,881 | ) | ||||||
Acquisition costs and other expenditure |
(5,481 | ) | (7,283 | ) | (8,527 | ) | (8,649 | ) | (7,846 | ) | ||||||
Finance costs: interest on core structural borrowings of shareholder-financed businesses |
(337 | ) | (516 | ) | (547 | ) | (548 | ) | (488 | ) | ||||||
(Loss) gain attaching to corporate transactions |
(48 | ) | (142 | ) | (107 | ) | 292 | (322 | ) | |||||||
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Total charges, net of reinsurance |
(54,071 | ) | (91,846 | ) | (32,607 | ) | (72,713 | ) | (51,537 | ) | ||||||
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Share of profits from joint ventures and associates net of related tax |
517 | 397 | 319 | 233 | 200 | |||||||||||
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Profit before tax (being tax attributable to shareholders' and policyholders' returns)(1) |
2,419 | 2,287 | 3,557 | 2,909 | 1,379 | |||||||||||
Tax charges attributable to policyholders' returns |
(271 | ) | (365 | ) | (107 | ) | (321 | ) | (210 | ) | ||||||
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Profit before tax attributable to shareholders' returns |
2,148 | 1,922 | 3,450 | 2,588 | 1,169 | |||||||||||
Tax credit (charges) attributable to shareholders' returns |
37 | 31 | (569 | ) | (840 | ) | (119 | ) | ||||||||
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Profit from continuing operations |
2,185 | 1,953 | 2,881 | 1,748 | 1,050 | |||||||||||
(Loss) profit from discontinued UK and Europe operations |
- | (1,161 | ) | 1,142 | 1,333 | 1,552 | ||||||||||
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Profit for the year |
2,185 | 792 | 4,023 | 3,081 | 2,602 | |||||||||||
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| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Earnings per share |
||||||||||||||||
Based on profit from continuing operations for the year attributable to equity holders of the Company |
||||||||||||||||
Basic earnings per share (in cents) |
81.6¢ | 75.1¢ | 111.7¢ | 68.0¢ | 41.0¢ | |||||||||||
Diluted earnings per share (in cents) |
81.6¢ | 75.1¢ | 111.7¢ | 67.9¢ | 40.9¢ | |||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
6
Notes
Under UK company law, Prudential plc may pay dividends only if sufficient distributable reserves of the Company are available for that purpose and if the amount of its net assets is greater than the aggregate of its called up share capital and non-distributable reserves (such as the share premium account) and the payment of the dividend does not reduce the amount of its net assets to less than that aggregate. 'Distributable reserves' are accumulated, realised profits not previously distributed or capitalised less accumulated, realised losses not previously written off, on the applicable GAAP basis. For further information about the Company, please refer to the section headed Condensed Financial Information of Registrant (Schedule II).
The retained profit of the Company is substantially generated from dividend and interest income from subsidiaries. Many of its insurance subsidiaries are subject to regulations that restrict the amount of dividends that they can pay to the Company. These restrictions are discussed in more detail in notes C10 and D6.2 to Prudential's consolidated financial statements. Further information on the Group's 2020 dividends is provided in note B5 to Prudential's consolidated financial statements.
Subject to the restrictions referred to above, Prudential plc's directors have the discretion to determine whether to pay an interim dividend and the amount of any such interim dividend but must take into account the Company's financial position. The directors also have the discretion to recommend payment of a final dividend, such recommendation to be approved by ordinary resolution of the shareholders. The approved amount may not exceed the amount recommended by the directors.
The following table shows certain information regarding the dividends per share of Prudential plc relating to the periods indicated. Prior to the second interim ordinary dividend in 2019, the dividends were declared in pence sterling and converted into USD at the noon buying rate in effect on each payment date. First interim dividends for a specific year now generally have a record date in August and a payment date in September of that year, and second interim dividends (or final dividends) now generally have a record date in the following March/April and a payment date in the following May.
7
|
2020
|
2019
|
2018
|
2017
|
2016
|
|||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
First Interim Ordinary Dividend (US cents) |
5.37 | 20.29 | 20.55 | 19.50 | 16.78 | |||||||||||
Final Ordinary Dividend/Second interim Ordinary (US cents) |
10.73 | 25.97 | 42.89 | 43.79 | 39.82 | |||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Reflecting the Group's capital allocation priorities, dividends will be determined primarily based on Asia's operating capital generation after allowing for the capital strain of writing new business and recurring central costs, with a portion of capital generation retained for reinvestment in the business. Dividends are expected to grow broadly in line with the growth in Asia operating free surplus generation net of right-sized central costs, and will be set taking into account financial prospects, investment opportunities and market conditions.
The Board has approved a 2020 second interim ordinary dividend of 10.73 cents per share. Combined with the first interim ordinary dividend of 5.37 cents per share the Group's total 2020 dividend is 16.10 cents per share.
Starting from the 2021 first interim dividend, the Board intends to apply a formulaic approach to first interim dividends, which will be calculated as one-third of the previous year's full-year ordinary dividend.
EEV Basis, New Business Profit and Free Surplus Generation
In addition to IFRS basis results, Prudential's filings with the Financial Conduct Authority, the Stock Exchange of Hong Kong, the Singapore Stock Exchange and Group Annual Reports include reporting by Key Performance Indicators ('KPIs'). These include results prepared in accordance with the European Embedded Value ('EEV') Principles and Guidance issued by the CFO Forum of European Insurance Companies in 2016, as well as new business profit and operating free surplus generation measures, which are alternative performance measures.
The EEV basis is a value-based method of reporting in that it reflects the change in the value of in-force long-term business over the accounting period. This value is called the shareholders' funds on the EEV basis which, at a given point in time, is the value of future cash flows expected to arise from the current book of long-term insurance business plus the net worth (being the net assets on the local regulatory basis with adjustments) of Prudential's life insurance operations. Prudential publishes its EEV results semi-annually in the UK, Hong Kong and Singapore markets.
New business sales are provided as an indicative volume measure of transactions undertaken in the reporting period that have the potential to generate profits for shareholders. New business profitability is a key metric for the Group's management of the development of the business. New business profit reflects the value of future profit streams which are not fully captured in the year of sale under IFRS reporting. New business margin is shown by reference to annual premium equivalent (APE) which is calculated as the aggregate of regular new business amounts and one-tenth of single new business amounts. The amounts are not, and are not intended to be, reflective of premium income recorded in the IFRS income statement. EEV basis new business profit and margins are also published semi-annually.
Operating free surplus generation is used to measure the internal cash generation by our business units. For the insurance operations, it represents amounts maturing from the in-force business during the period less investment in new business and excludes other non-operating items. For the asset management operations it equates to IFRS post-tax adjusted operating profit for the period.
Throughout this annual report, Prudential describes the position and ranking of its overall business and individual business units in various industry and geographic markets. The sources for such descriptions come from a variety of conventional sources generally accepted as relevant business indicators by members of the financial services industry and which we believe to be reliable. These sources include information available from the Annuity Specs, Asia Asset Management Magazine, Asosiasi Asuransi Jiwa Indonesia, Association of Vietnamese Insurers, Fitch, Hong Kong Federation of Insurers, Hong Kong Office of the Commissioner of Insurance, HSBC Global Research, Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India, Insurance Services Malaysia Berhad, Life Insurance Marketing and Research Association (LIMRA), Life Insurance Association of Malaysia, Life Insurance Association of Singapore, Life Insurance Association of Taiwan, Lipper Inc., Morningstar, Moody's, Neilsen Net Ratings, Service Quality Measurement Group, SNL Financial, Standard & Poor's, Thai Life Assurance Association, The Asset Benchmark Research, The Advantage Group, Townsend and Schupp and UBS.
8
Summary Overview of Operating and Financial Review and Prospects
The following summary discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with Prudential's consolidated financial statements and the related notes for the year ended 31 December 2020 included in this document.
A summary of the critical accounting policies which have been applied to these statements is set forth in the section below titled 'IFRS Critical Accounting Policies'.
The results discussed below are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected in any future periods. This discussion contains forward-looking statements based on current expectations, which involve risks and uncertainties. Actual results and the timing of certain events may differ significantly from those projected in these forward-looking statements due to a number of factors, including those set forth in the 'Risk Factors' and elsewhere in this document.
Use of alternative performance measures
The table below explains how the Group's profit before tax and the supplementary analysis (alternative performance measure) of adjusted IFRS operating profit based on longer-term investment returns (adjusted operating profit2) each are reconciled to profit after tax on an IFRS basis. Adjusted operating profit is management's primary measure of profitability and provides an underlying operating result based on longer-term investment returns and excludes non-operating items. Further explanation on the determination of adjusted operating profit is provided in the 'Basis of Performance Measures' section. Further explanation on non-operating items is provided in the sub-section 'Non-operating items'.
Currency volatility
Our approach to evaluating the financial performance of the Group is to present growth rates before the impact of the fluctuations in the value of the US dollar against local currencies in Asia and Africa. In a period of currency volatility this approach allows a more meaningful assessment of underlying performance trends. This is because our businesses in Asia and Africa receive premiums and pay claims in local currencies and are, therefore, not exposed to any cross-currency trading effects. To maintain comparability in the discussion below the same basis has been applied. Growth rates based on actual exchange rates (AER) are also shown in the financial tables presented in this report. Consistent with previous reporting periods, the assets and liabilities of our overseas businesses are translated at period-end exchange rates so the effect of currency movements has been fully incorporated within reported shareholders' equity.
The table presents the 2019 results on both an actual exchange rate (AER) and constant exchange rate (CER) basis so as to eliminate the impact of exchange translation.
IFRS Profit
|
AER
|
CER
|
AER
|
|||||||||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
2020 $m | 2019 $m | Change % | 2019 $m | Change % | 2018 $m | |||||||||||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Profit for the year | 2,185 | 792 | 176% | 779 | 180% | 4,023 | ||||||||||||||||||
Less loss (profit) from discontinued operations | - | 1,161 | n/a | 1,165 | n/a | (1,142) | ||||||||||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Profit after tax from continuing operations | 2,185 | 1,953 | 12% | 1,944 | 12% | 2,881 | ||||||||||||||||||
Tax (credit) charge attributable to shareholders' returns | (37) | (31) | 19% | (36) | 3% | 569 | ||||||||||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Profit from continuing operations before tax attributable to shareholders | 2,148 | 1,922 | 12% | 1,908 | 13% | 3,450 | ||||||||||||||||||
Non-operating items: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Short-term fluctuations in investment returns on shareholder-backed businesses |
4,841 | 3,203 | 51% | 3,191 | 52% | 791 | ||||||||||||||||||
Amortisation of acquisition accounting adjustments |
39 | 43 | (9)% | 43 | (9)% | 61 | ||||||||||||||||||
(Gain) loss attaching to corporate transactions |
(1,521) | 142 | n/a | 143 | n/a | 107 | ||||||||||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
3,359 | 3,388 | (1)% | 3,377 | (1)% | 959 | |||||||||||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Adjusted operating profit | 5,507 | 5,310 | 4% | 5,285 | 4% | 4,409 | ||||||||||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Analysed into: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Asia | 3,667 | 3,276 | 12% | 3,256 | 13% | 2,888 | ||||||||||||||||||
US | 2,796 | 3,070 | (9)% | 3,070 | (9)% | 2,563 | ||||||||||||||||||
Other income and expenditure | (748) | (926) | 19% | (931) | 20% | (967) | ||||||||||||||||||
Restructuring costs | (208) | (110) | (89)% | (110) | (89)% | (75) | ||||||||||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Adjusted operating profit | 5,507 | 5,310 | 4% | 5,285 | 4% | 4,409 | ||||||||||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
9
The Group reports annual premium equivalent (APE) as a measure of new business sales, which is a key metric for the Group's management of the development and growth of the business. APE is calculated as the aggregate of regular premiums and one-tenth of single premiums on new business written during the year for all insurance products, including premiums for contracts designated as investment contracts under IFRS 4. The use of the one-tenth of single premiums is to normalise these policy premiums into the equivalent of regular annual payments. This measure is commonly used in the insurance industry to allow comparisons of the amount of new business written in a period by life insurance companies, particularly when the sales contain both single premium and regular premium business. This differs from the IFRS measure of gross premiums earned as shown in the table below.
Reconciliation from Gross premiums earned to Annual premium equivalent (APE)
|
2020 $m | 2019 $m | ||||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Asia
|
US
|
Total
Segment |
Asia
|
US
|
Total
Segment |
||||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Gross premiums earned |
23,341 | 19,026 | 42,367 | 23,757 | 21,209 | 44,966 | ||||||||||||
Less: premiums from in-force renewal business |
(18,166) | (845) | (19,011) | (17,236) | (956) | (18,192) | ||||||||||||
Adjustment to include 10% of single premiums |
(2,131) | (17,306) | (19,437) | (2,606) | (20,008) | (22,614) | ||||||||||||
Add: deposit accounting for investment contracts |
- | 1,284 | 1,284 | 255 | 2,522 | 2,777 | ||||||||||||
Inclusion of APE sales from joint ventures and associates on equity accounting method |
820 | - | 820 | 899 | - | 899 | ||||||||||||
Other adjustments |
(168) | (236) | (404) | 92 | (544) | (452) | ||||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Annual premium equivalent (APE) |
3,696 | 1,923 | 5,619 | 5,161 | 2,223 | 7,384 | ||||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Gross premiums earned in the Group's Africa operations are unallocated to a segment and therefore excluded from the table above. Given the relative immaturity of the Africa business, it is also excluded from the APE metric. Further explanation of the differences is provided in note II(vii) of the section headed Additional Unaudited Financial Information. A discussion of the year-on-year movement of gross premiums earned is provided in the Explanation of Movements in Profit before Shareholder Tax by Nature of Revenue and Charges section.
In the remainder of this section every time we comment on the performance of our businesses, we focus on their performance measured in local currency (presented here by reference to percentage growth expressed on a CER basis) unless otherwise stated. In each such case, the performance of our businesses in AER terms is explained by the same factors discussed in the comments below and the impact of currency movements implicit in the CER data. The rest of this discussion focuses solely on the continuing operations of the Group following the demerger of M&G plc in the fourth quarter of 2019, namely Asia, the US and central operations including Africa.
Summary overview
Like all businesses, we faced new and unexpected challenges throughout 2020, but thanks to the dedication of our people, we made considerable progress on all fronts. We are well placed to weather the continuing effects of Covid-19 and to deliver for our customers and shareholders over the longer term. Our wide range of innovative products, diverse and flexible approach to distribution, and relentless focus on operating efficiency enabled us to continue to operate profitably, and at the same time continue to invest heavily in organic and inorganic growth initiatives.
In 2020 we focused on three areas of activity. First, we have been meeting the urgent needs of our customers, colleagues and communities in light of the pandemic. Second, we advanced the pace and the extent of our plans in delivering more digitally enabled, scalable operations, and equipping us with the tools necessary for continued success in the future. This had the effect of enabling us to execute effectively during lockdown restrictions. Third, we accelerated the structural repositioning of the Group, in particular enlarging our footprint in the Asian markets with the most attractive structural opportunities, and working at pace towards the proposed separation of our US business, Jackson.
Supporting stakeholders through the pandemic
We have been working hard to support all our stakeholders throughout the year. For our customers, for our colleagues and distributors, and for the communities in which we work, we have introduced a range of innovative measures to both deal with the impact of the virus and provide the means for them to emerge in a stronger position once the effect of the virus has subsided.
10
For our customers, we have put in place measures to increase coverage during this difficult time and to mitigate financial stress resulting from the virus. In most of our markets we introduced free limited-time Covid-19 cover, and we made improvements to our offerings throughout the year, including providing cash relief upon diagnosis and hospitalisation, and paying out on death.
We have enabled our colleagues around the world to work remotely and have undertaken a number of new initiatives to find out about and respond to their concerns, in particular managing the risk of mental and physical health challenges of staff and their families. During the course of the year, we have ensured that our people working from home have had the necessary equipment and support to do their work safely and comfortably. With disruption to working patterns continuing into 2021, we are taking further measures to help colleagues manage the longer-term psychological strains of remote working by providing as much flexibility as possible, and offering sessions and support for psychological and physical wellbeing.
We also took a number of key steps throughout the year to support our distributors through the challenges presented by Covid-19. To support our agents, we worked with regulators in 2020 to virtualise the sales process, and 28 per cent of agency new cases since April 2020, where we focused our efforts initially, together with 27 per cent of bancassurance new cases since July 2020, have been made virtually. This compares with very low amounts in prior years. Our Mainland China joint venture, CITIC-Prudential, went a step further by creating a virtual reality 'meeting room' where clients can purchase our products.
In the communities in which we work, we launched a number of initiatives to provide support through the challenges of Covid-19 and beyond. In May we launched the Prudential Covid-19 Relief Fund to provide financial support for communities and for the volunteering efforts of our people in Asia, the US and Africa. The fund is being distributed among our markets around the world to support charitable and community projects tackling the immediate impact of the pandemic and its social and economic consequences.
Delivering on long-term strategic goals
We have had two key strategic objectives in 2020. The first has been to deliver the proposed separation of our US business, Jackson. The second has been to enable our shareholders to benefit to the maximum extent from the health, financial protection and savings opportunities in our chosen markets in Asia and Africa, while ensuring that we deliver more digitally enabled, scalable operations in those regions to position us well for future success.
In the US we are now able to provide clarity on the path and timing of Jackson's proposed separation. In January 2021 the Group announced an update on Jackson's capital position and that it had decided to pursue the separation of Jackson from the Group through a demerger, whereby shares in Jackson would be distributed to Prudential shareholders. Subject to shareholder and regulatory approvals, the planned demerger is expected to complete in the second quarter of 2021, and would lead to a significantly earlier separation of Jackson from the Group than would have been possible through a minority IPO and future sell-downs, which from market precedent may have lasted until 2023. This accelerated process will complete Prudential's structural shift from a diversified global group to a growth business focusing exclusively on the unmet health, financial protection and savings needs of people in Asia and Africa.
In order to accelerate de-levering during 2021 through the redemption of existing high coupon debt, Prudential is considering raising new equity of around $2.53 billion. Such a transaction, if executed, would maintain and enhance the Group's financial flexibility in light of the breadth of the opportunities to invest in growth and aim to increase the Group's investor base in Asia. Prudential believes that there are clear benefits to the Group, as an Asian focused company, of increasing its institutional ownership in Asia and enhancing the liquidity of its ordinary shares in Hong Kong. As a result, its preference is to raise new equity through a fully marketed global offering to institutional investors concurrent with a public offering in Hong Kong to retail investors, to be undertaken after the Jackson demerger, subject to market conditions. The Group has held discussions with shareholders and the allocation of any offering will take into account a number of criteria including the interests of existing shareholders and the strategic benefits of enhancing its shareholder base and liquidity in Hong Kong. The Group believes that there is potential for substantial value creation for all shareholders through the transformation of Prudential into a business purely focussed on profitable growth in Asia and Africa.
Prudential is planning to retain a 19.9 per cent non-controlling interest in Jackson1 at the point of demerger, which will be reported within our IFRS balance sheet as a financial investment at fair value. Subject to market conditions, we intend to monetise a portion of this investment to support investment in Asia within 12 months of the planned demerger, such that the Group would own less than 10 per cent at the end of such period.
11
At the point of proposed separation and subject to market conditions, Jackson expects to have an RBC ratio2 in excess of 450 per cent and Total Financial Leverage3 in the range of 25 to 30 per cent. Jackson expects to achieve this level of RBC at the point of separation by contributing proceeds of debt and any hybrid capital raising to its regulated insurance subsidiaries. As a result, we do not expect that Prudential will receive a pre-separation dividend from Jackson.
Following the planned demerger, Jackson intends to pursue a focused strategy that prioritises optimisation and stability of capital resources while protecting franchise value. Jackson's financial goals as a standalone company will be designed to maintain a resilient balance sheet in order to provide shareholders with stable capital returns and profitable growth over the long-term.
In Asia, our focus is on strengthening our footprint in our key strategic markets, building our distribution and product range, and accelerating the digitalisation of our platform. Our businesses in Asia are aligned with supportive structural trends in the region, in particular rising prosperity and ageing populations, which are leading to significant and growing protection and savings gaps.
We have built top-three positions in nine Asian life insurance markets, and we have significant upside potential in the region's two largest markets, China and India. In Mainland China, our branch network with our local partner CITIC now covers 77 per cent of the country's 1.4 billion people4, and we see a broad range of opportunities to participate more deeply in that market. In India the businesses continue to develop, with our life business recording a 17 per cent rise in health and protection APE sales and our asset management business increasing funds under management5 by 6 per cent to $26.9 billion18. At 31 December 2020, our investment in ICICI Prudential Life Insurance was valued at $2.2 billion, in excess of the amount at which it is recorded in our IFRS financial statements.
Across our Asian markets, our comprehensive distribution network allows consumers to access our services how, where and when they choose. Our network of around 600,000 agents6 is growing ever more skilled and productive. Agent recruits7 in Asia (excluding India) rose 4 per cent in the year, and the number of agents qualifying for elite MDRT status doubled to more than 13,200. Our agent management has moved online across all markets, enhancing the effectiveness of agent communication and operation, and expanding sales capacity, with the number of cases per active agent7 increasing by 8 per cent in 2020 from the prior year.
We have access to around 20,000 bank branches and are working closely with our partner banks to develop their online offerings. In 2020, we entered into a major strategic partnership with TMB Bank in Thailand and also began new relationships with banks in Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia and Ghana. We are also developing new distribution channels through our digital partnerships, including OVO, Indonesia's leading mobile payments platform, and The1, Thailand's largest loyalty platform.
The services we offer are equally broad. We meet the needs of everyone from affluent families looking for sophisticated financial advice to people considering saving and financial protection for the first time. Across Asia we have seen a heightened need for the health and protection products that we provide, due to the Covid-19 pandemic. In a survey, 58 per cent of consumers in our Asian markets stated that they were interested in products with value-added services, with 46 per cent of customers searching for new insurance products8. This has been converted into an increase in the proportions of APE sales represented by health and protection products in seven of our Asian markets.
We have East Asia's number-one Islamic life insurance business, which saw a 49 per cent growth in new policies in 2020. Malaysia Takaful is the leader in its market, with a 32 per cent share of the market in 2020, as is our sharia business in Indonesia, which has the largest Muslim population of any country9, with a 35 per cent share of the sharia-compliant market. Our Business at Pulse (formerly PruWorks) proposition, which serves small and medium-sized enterprises, continues to develop.
Our Asia asset manager, Eastspring, manages $247.8 billion in assets across 11 markets in Asia, and is a top-10 asset manager in seven of those markets. Eastspring has a broad product set and an unrivalled ability to serve the needs both of Asian savers and global investors seeking access to Asian opportunities, and we continue to diversify the product set.
Our investment in Africa gives us exposure to a growing, under-served continent whose population is expected to double to more than 2 billion people by 2050.
12
The pace of our innovation continues to accelerate, and that is translating into improved operational performance. In 2020, we launched or revamped 175 products10 across our markets Of these, more than 115 were traditional and health and protection products, including Anxin, our digital health and protection solution for the China market, with 165,000 policies sold in 2020, around 50 per cent of them to new customers. In Indonesia several new launches of simplified standalone protection products saw their contribution rise to 37 per cent of APE, up from 8 per cent in 2019, which drove an overall increase in total new cases sold in 2020 of 12 per cent.
We have significant investment appetite in Asia and Africa that is based on the absolute size and demographic characteristics of each economy and our ability to build competitive advantage, leveraging our scale and expertise. While we will continue to build on our leading positions in Hong Kong and ASEAN, we see the greatest opportunities in the largest economies of China, India, Indonesia and Thailand. We expect this strategy to deliver profitable and sustainable compounding growth and high risk-adjusted returns for shareholders. Accordingly, our dividend policy announced in August reflects a rebalancing of capital allocation from cash dividends to reinvestment of capital into the Asia business.
Following the proposed separation of Jackson, our focus on Asia and Africa will support long-term delivery of future shareholder returns through value appreciation, with a focus on achieving sustained double-digit growth in embedded value per share. This will in turn be supported by the growth rates of new business profit, which are expected to substantially exceed GDP growth rates in the markets in which the post-demerger Prudential Group operates.
Pulse: building our digital capabilities
Our culture of innovation is exemplified by Pulse, our new digital platform, which is enhancing our digital capability across Asia and Africa.
The first iteration of the Pulse mobile app was launched in Malaysia in August 2019, with features focused on helping our customers and the wider population prevent and postpone ill-health. These initial services included an artificial intelligence-driven medical symptom checker, telemedicine and dengue fever alerts. Since then, Pulse has been launched in 11 languages across 11 Asian and four African markets. 58 per cent of Asian consumers desire access to healthcare value-added services8, such as virtual GP, and new features have continued to be added to Pulse on a weekly basis to meet this demand. Covid-19 has stimulated interest in the health features of Pulse, as both consumers and policymakers embrace the flexibility and accessibility offered by digital health solutions in a period when travel and face-to-face contact has been restricted. By February 2021, Pulse had been downloaded around 20 million times11. Sales referrals from Pulse to our agents in 2020, together with a small amount of revenue from bite-sized products sold directly on Pulse, translated into $211 million of APE sales12.
In 2021, as we continue to help customers become healthier, we intend to broaden our services to give greater support to people's wealth needs.
Our financial performance
Profit after tax from continuing operations increased from $1,953 million in 2019 to $2,185 million in 2020. The increase of $232 million primarily reflects the movement in profit before tax attributable to shareholders, which increased from a profit of $1,922 million in 2019 to a profit of $2,148 million in 2020, together with an increase in the tax credit attributable to shareholders from a credit of $31 million in 2019 to a credit of $37 million in 2020. The increase in profit before tax was primarily driven by a reduction in loss before tax in the US of $11 million and a reduction in loss before tax in other operations of $588 million, partially offset by a decrease of $373 million in profit after tax in Asia operations.
On an AER basis, the increase in adjusted operating profit in Asia of $391 million to $3,667 million (2019: $3,276 million), reflecting the continued growth and resilience of our Asia businesses, is more than offset by a $(764) million unfavourable change in non-operating gains to $153 million (2019: $917 million) driven by the effect of falling interest rates.
The $(714) million loss before tax for the US operations in 2020 is broadly in line with the loss of $(725) million in the prior year, with lower adjusted operating profit and more negative short-term fluctuations being largely offset by the gain arising on the reinsurance transaction undertaken with Athene in 2020. Further details are provided in the sections below.
13
In Asia, in a challenging environment, our diversified, high-quality, recurring-premium business model enabled us to continue to grow value and scale. Adjusted operating profit was 13 per cent higher than 2019 on a constant exchange rate basis, driven by the resilience of our in-force life business and the rebound of the level of funds managed by our asset manager Eastspring in the second half of 2020.
The quality of our historic book of insurance business contributed to resilient in-force growth, with the business seeing a higher level of renewal premiums14 in the year. The high level of renewal premiums is the result of the high level of regular-premium business we sell, the high mix of health and protection business and a 90 per cent customer retention rate15. This contributed to life insurance adjusted operating profit in Asia growing by 14 per cent (on a constant exchange rate basis). The performance was broad-based, led by Hong Kong, up 20 per cent, with a further eight markets delivering double-digit growth.
Our Asia asset management business, Eastspring, saw total assets under management reach $247.8 billion, up 3 per cent from the end of 2019 and 13 per cent higher than 30 June 2020, on an actual exchange rate basis, with external net outflows moderating in the second half of year alongside improving equity markets. Eastspring's funds under management also benefited from net inflows from internal Asia life funds of $8.5 billion during 2020, representing a continuing source of reliable funds flows to the Eastspring business and a structural strength of our business model. Overall, this helped the adjusted operating profit increase by 2 per cent compared with the prior year. Continued cost discipline helped maintain the cost/income ratio14 at the same level as last year.
Despite the continuing impact of the Covid-19 pandemic across our markets, we delivered a relatively resilient performance in respect of APE sales. Outside Hong Kong, APE sales16 reduced by (6) per cent. In Hong Kong, APE sales were (63) per cent lower, largely as a result of the impact of Covid-19-related restrictions on cross-border sales. Overall, this led to a (28) per cent fall in Asia APE sales as compared with 2019. China, our third-largest market by APE sales, was a particular highlight, with bancassurance APE sales up by 34 per cent compared with 2019. Agency APE sales rebounded by 15 per cent in the second quarter as restrictions were lifted, and overall APE sales in the second half increased by 4 per cent compared with the same period in the prior year.
The nature and timing of Covid-19-related disruption varied considerably across our markets. The ability of our franchise to grow as restrictions were lifted is evident from the sequential increase in APE sales in nine markets including Hong Kong, with the third-quarter total Asia APE sales above the second by 33 per cent, and the fourth quarter above the third by 18 per cent.
We continue to build our operations in Africa, with APE sales reaching $112 million, representing growth of 51 per cent. Our African businesses are progressing well with the adoption of our new digital sales management system, which has driven positive operating trends.
Jackson maintained its leading position in the US variable annuity market17, reflecting customer demand for Jackson's products in this market and the breadth and expertise of its distribution force.
Jackson's adjusted operating profit was $2,796 million (2019: $3,070 million), reflecting DAC adjustment effects and the expected reduction in spread-related earnings following the reinsurance contract with Athene in June 2020 and lower asset yields, partially offset by higher fee income from increased average account balances. Overall Jackson incurred a $(247) million post-tax loss (2019: loss of $(380) million), where the economic nature of our hedging programme, and the related accounting mismatches, alongside the exceptional equity volatility seen over the year, resulted in the recognition of losses on equity derivatives taken out as part of Jackson's hedging programme.
14
Outlook
Throughout the Covid-19 crisis that dominated 2020, we demonstrated our ability to act at pace, our adaptability and the resilience of our underlying business. We will continue to apply these strengths as we move forward. With each cycle of lockdown and reopening, we have adopted varied responses depending on the local conditions, we have improved our agility as we have responded, and the strength of our business has remained apparent. We expect that vaccination programmes will be launched in a number of our markets in 2021, triggering a gradual return to more normal economic patterns. However, the pace of these programmes and their effect is likely to vary substantially and gives a degree of uncertainty over performance of the business in the short-term.
Our most significant market is Hong Kong. Sales to Mainland Chinese individuals in Hong Kong have been severely curtailed by the closure of the border with mainland China. There is at present unlikely to be a lifting of the border restrictions until the third quarter of 2021 at the earliest, but this depends on a number of factors. However, we believe there will continue to be demand from Mainland Chinese customers for the Hong Kong product suite once the border reopening occurs and we have been building on our existing product and digitalisation capabilities to continue to serve both these and domestic customers in the future. Since the second quarter of 2020 we have seen sequential quarterly increases in sales in Asia, but our continued success across all our markets will be dependent in part on government reaction to changes in the number and type of Covid-19 cases and the vaccine roll-out.
Nevertheless, we are confident that the demand for our products will continue to grow in line with the structural growth in our chosen markets, and that our expanding and increasingly digitalised distribution platforms will meet that demand.
That confidence in the future is underpinned by the clarity of our strategy for delivering long-term profitable growth. The Group aims to deliver outperformance by building leadership positions in the markets with the greatest scale, investing in people and innovating, and nurturing relationships with our key stakeholders.
If we execute successfully, the outcome of our strategy will be growth in new business profit that is expected to outpace the economic growth of the markets where we operate. We are confident that our clear and focused strategy, coupled with our proven execution ability, leaves us well placed to continue to deliver value for our shareholders and all our stakeholders over the long term, with a focus on achieving sustained double-digit growth in embedded value per share.
Notes
15
Our purpose is to help people get the most out of life. We make healthcare affordable and accessible and promote financial inclusion across our markets. We protect people's wealth and help them grow their assets, and we empower our customers to save for their goals.
With this purpose in mind, our intention is to take full advantage of the long-term structural opportunities in Asia and Africa and to pursue a path for a fully independent Jackson. In January 2021, the Board announced that it had decided to pursue the separation of Jackson from the Group in the first half of 2021 through a demerger, whereby shares in Jackson would be distributed to Prudential shareholders. The result of this separation will be two separately listed companies with distinct investment propositions, which the Group's Board believes will lead to improved strategic outcomes for both businesses.
The Prudential Group will focus exclusively on its high-growth Asia and Africa businesses. We will also accelerate our development of digitally enabled products and services to help prevent, postpone and protect our customers from threats to their health and wellbeing, as well as supporting them to achieve their savings goals.
Jackson will continue to help Americans grow and protect their retirement savings and income to enable them to pursue financial freedom for life through its differentiated products, well-known brand and industry-leading distribution network.
These business units derive revenue from both long-term insurance and asset management activities. These are supported by central functions which are responsible for Prudential strategy, cash and capital management, leadership development and succession, reputation management and other core group functions.
The Group reports annual premium equivalent (APE) as a measure of new business sales. This is a key metric for the Group's management of the development and growth of the business. APE is calculated as the aggregate of regular premiums and one-tenth of single premiums on new business written during the year for all insurance products, including premiums for contracts designated as investment contracts under IFRS 4. The use of the one-tenth of single premiums is to normalise these policy premiums into the equivalent of regular annual payments. This measure is commonly used in the insurance industry to allow comparisons of the amount of new business written in a period by life insurance companies, particularly when the sales contain both single premium and regular premium business. APE differs from the IFRS measure of gross premiums earned. A reconciliation of APE new business sales to IFRS gross premiums earned is provided in note II(vii) of the section headed Additional Unaudited Financial Information. A discussion of the year-on-year movement of gross premiums earned is provided in the section headed Explanation of Movements in Profit before Shareholder Tax by Nature of Revenue and Charges.
Introduction
Asia's core business is health and protection, either attached to a life policy or on a standalone basis, other life insurance (including participating business) and mutual funds. It also provides selected personal lines property and casualty insurance, group insurance and institutional fund management. The product range offered is tailored to suit the individual country markets. Insurance products are distributed mainly through an agency sales force together with selected banks, while the majority of mutual funds are sold through banks and brokers. In some markets, Prudential operates with local partners as reflected in Prudential's life insurance operations in China (through its joint venture with CITIC) and in India (an associate with the majority shareholder being ICICI Bank) as well as Prudential's Takaful business in Malaysia (through its joint venture with Bank Simpanan Nasional). In the fund management business, Prudential has joint venture operations in India (through its joint venture with ICICI Bank), China (through its joint venture with CITIC) and Hong Kong (through its joint venture with Bank of China International).
16
Eastspring Investments, Prudential's asset management business in Asia, manages investments for Prudential's Asia life companies and also has a broad base of third-party retail and institutional clients. Eastspring has a number of advantages and is well placed for the anticipated growth in Asia's retail mutual fund market. It has one of the largest footprints in Asia, with operations in 11 major markets and distribution offices in US and Europe. In 2018 and 2019, it made two major acquisitions in TMB Asset Management Co., Ltd and Thanachart Fund Management Co., Ltd respectively, propelling its position to one of the leading asset managers in Thailand. It has a well-diversified customer base, comprising Prudential's internal life funds, and a number of institutional clients, including sovereign wealth funds and retail customers. Assets managed are diversified between fixed income and other equities and also include quantitative, beta, multi-asset and private market investments.
The Group has had operations in Africa since 2014 and has continued to expand its presence on the continent, one of the world's most under penetrated markets where the population is expected to double to more than 2 billion people by 2050. In July 2019, Prudential completed its acquisition of a 51 per cent. stake in a leading life insurer, Group Beneficial, operating in West and Central Africa. The Group now operates in eight markets with a population of almost 400 million.
As at 31 December 2020, the Asia business had:
We have a pan-Asian footprint, with our largest life and protection operations in Hong Kong, Singapore, Indonesia and Malaysia as well as our joint venture in China. We also operate in Thailand, Vietnam, Taiwan, the Philippines, Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar and have a successful partnership in India. Within this footprint, Prudential has top three positions1 in 9 out of 13 life markets and extensive distribution networks, across digital, agency and bancassurance channels. We focus on delivering profitable regular premium health and protection insurance products and fee-based earnings.
In asset management, Eastspring manages $247.8 billion across 11 markets in Asia and provides focused investment solutions to third-party retail and institutional clients as well as to our internally sourced life funds. Eastspring is a top 10 asset manager in 7 of the 11 markets in which it operates, and is the largest pan-Asian retail asset manager excluding Japan2.
Since 2014 we have also built a rapidly growing multi-product, multi-distribution business in Africa, with operations now in eight countries across the continent, and have over one million customers. Starting in 2021 the regional office for Africa will be based in Nairobi, making East Africa our hub for the continued success of operating on the continent.
Our offering in Asia and Africa is evolving to respond to growing customer awareness and demand for products that address health and wellness, as well as providing life insurance cover. Pulse by Prudential, our health and wellness platform provides a compelling offering to address these needs, building on our existing distribution channels and trusted brand. Further information on Pulse by Prudential, and our markets, customers, products and distribution within the region is set out below.
Asia has grown significantly over the last 10 years. Since 2013, Prudential has committed almost $10 billion of capital to support growth in Asia, including around $5 billion of inorganic investments to grow our distribution reach and to build digital capability. Around one-third of the total investment has been made since January 2019. Investments in 2020 included establishing a 15-year strategic bancassurance partnership with TMB, which significantly strengthens our distribution capability in Thailand's fast-growing life insurance sector and strongly complements our top-five position2 in the country's mutual fund market. In other markets we have also established a new bancassurance partnership with SeABank, a fast-growing bank in Vietnam with approximately 1.2 million customers and almost 170 branches, as well as signing new agreements with Banque Franco-Lao (BFL) BRED Group in Laos, and in early 2021 with Phnom Penh Commercial Bank Plc (PPCBank) in Cambodia.
17
We have significant investment appetite in Asia in the future that is based on the absolute size and demographic characteristics of each economy and our ability to build competitive advantage leveraging our scale and expertise. While we will continue to build on our leading positions in Hong Kong and members of the Association of Southeast Asia Nations ('ASEAN'), we see the greatest opportunities in the largest economies of China, India, Indonesia and Thailand. This investment is expected to deliver profitable and sustainable compounding growth and will support long-term delivery of future shareholder returns through value appreciation, with a focus on achieving sustained double-digit growth in embedded value per share.
Markets
The life insurance industry in Asia and Africa remains in the early stages of development, as characterised by the low penetration rates across the region for insurance. In particular, most of our Asia markets are approaching the level of per capita annual income when demand increases sharply. Around 50 per cent of the global population lacks access to essential health services13, and across the Asia region specifically, there are significant health funding and wellness gaps; 80 per cent of Asians do not have insurance cover14 and spend some $400 billion on healthcare as an out-of-pocket expense15. Similarly, in Africa, while mobile phone access has increased tremendously over the last 20 years, less than 50 per cent of Africans have access to modern health facilities16, and 80 per cent have to rely on public health facilities, which are often understocked, understaffed, and difficult to reach due to the physical and financial burdens of transportation17.
Our largest market in respect of APE sales is Hong Kong, which accounted for 21 per cent of our overall Asia APE sales in 2020, followed by Singapore, contributing 17 per cent and China which accounted for 16 per cent. The rest of our new business is diversified across 10 markets. Our adjusted operating profit is well balanced, with the largest contributions from Hong Kong, Singapore and Indonesia.
With regards to strategy, we see the most significant opportunities for growth potential in life insurance and asset management in the four largest economies in our footprint, namely China, India, Indonesia and Thailand. Our joint venture operations in China and India together with our businesses in Indonesia and Thailand, provide us with scaled access, where we can build leadership positions with competitive advantage and economies of scale. We also intend to continue building on our leading positions within Hong Kong and ASEAN.
In China, our China life business is a 50/50 joint venture with CITIC, a leading Chinese state owned conglomerate. Our China JV business performed well in 2020 after the Covid-19 disruption in the first quarter. Building on our existing nationwide coverage of 20 branches and 99 cities (an increase of five since 2019), we expect our China JV business will continue to grow at pace by expanding and deepening our presence from our current geographical footprint, and by leveraging our multi-distribution platform. We operate our asset management business in China through CITIC-Prudential Fund Management Company Limited, a JV with CITIC with assets under management of $9.6 billion19, as well as our wholly owned private fund manager operationalised in 2019 within Eastspring, which now has sourced and sub-advised assets under management of $743 million. Our Chinese life insurance joint venture has also established its own asset management company in 2020, Prudential-CITIC Asset Management Co, which further strengthens our capabilities in savings and retirement products.
In India, our business consists of our 22.1 per cent holding of the Indian Stock Exchange listed life insurance business, ICICI Prudential Life Insurance (with our investment valued at $2.2 billion as at 31 December 2020) and 49 per cent of the asset manager, ICICI Prudential Asset Management, which has total funds under management7 of $26.9 billion19. Our India life business continues to pivot to health and protection, with a 17 per cent increase in health and protection APE sales, which now represent 24 per cent of total APE sales (up 9 percentage points on 2019). We will continue to capture the significant potential in the Indian life market by continuing to grow the business, improving retention and enhancing productivity.
In Indonesia, we continue to strengthen our market leadership, including in the sharia market where we increased APE sales by 6 per cent in 2020, and propel growth by broadening our product offerings, as well as digitalising our business model. We added 60 products during 2020, doubled MDRT qualifiers to over 2,100, and launched digital products through both Pulse and our OVO partnership. We have seen positive momentum in the last quarter of 2020, being the highest sales quarter of 2020, and believe our business transformation will continue to drive growth in the future.
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In Thailand our new distribution partnership with TMB will help us achieve top-three leadership in the bancassurance channel, and we will further accelerate growth by developing a holistic omni-channel business model. Coupled with the completion of the acquisition of TMBAM and TFund which gives us a top-five ranking in the mutual fund market, this will give us a high-quality platform to deliver best-in-class health and wealth solutions to serve the growing retirement and investment needs of both the rising middle class and the growing high net worth segments.
In our other large businesses, we also see ample opportunities to continue to grow at pace. In Hong Kong, we believe based on our own and third party surveys there is latent demand from Mainland Chinese customers for our Hong Kong product suite and that the eventual normalisation of visitor arrivals as the border reopening occurs will allow for the return of this important source of new business. For example, 61 per cent of Mainland Chinese visitor preference20 is to receive critical illness medical treatment in Hong Kong. In the meantime, we continue to build our already strong and substantial Hong Kong domestic business through multi-channel expansion and increased digitalisation of our service offering. We also continue to broaden our product offerings, such as our mid-tier medical reimbursement product, the PRUHealth VHIS VIP Plan, to fulfil the protection needs of our customers. We will also broaden access to Mainland China consumers through Greater Bay Area initiatives and remain a destination of choice through our market-leading products and service propositions.
In Singapore, we see significant opportunities in expanding the servicing of the high net-worth and small and medium enterprise (SME) markets, alongside supporting a fast ageing population to address under-covered retirement and health needs. In Malaysia, we have leading market positions in both the conventional and Takaful markets. In particular, in the underprovided Takaful segment where we see substantial opportunity for growth, we increased our APE sales by 26 per cent in 2020.
In our other high-potential growth markets of Vietnam, the Philippines, Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar, we see the opportunity for rapid growth through the roll-out of our efficient and scalable business model, multi-channel distribution networks and the provision of market leading digital products and services through Pulse. These markets currently have very low levels of life insurance penetration, for example with life insurance penetration5 of just 1.4 per cent in Vietnam and 1.2 per cent in the Philippines. However, with rising GDP per capita at or reaching a threshold of $10,000 to $20,000, and supported by our proven and market leading positions, we are confident of delivering new life insurance sales growth well in excess of GDP growth in these markets.
We see substantial opportunities to accelerate our asset management business, Eastspring, building on its leading market position as Asia's largest retail asset manager (excluding Japan)2 and structural advantages of reliable and predictable inflows from our life businesses. The completion of the TMBAM and TFund acquisitions in Thailand and successful development of its China business, mentioned above, have strengthened its strategic portfolio.
Since 2014 we have also built a rapidly growing multi-product business in Africa, with operations now in eight countries across the continent. Despite the Covid-19 pandemic, APE sales at Prudential Africa have grown by 51 per cent21 to $112 million during 2020, with the number of active agents significantly ahead of the same period last year. In Ghana, we have renewed our exclusive agreement with Fidelity Bank for an additional 10 years, building on a successful partnership over the past five years. We also announced a new partnership with Vodafone Ghana to provide an innovative microinsurance product to their 9 million plus subscribers. Meanwhile, our team in Nigeria has launched a new partnership with the largest mobile operator in the country, MTN, in an effort to reach its subscriber base of over 70 million people and provide protection to the millions of uninsured Nigerians.
New Business Premiums
In 2020, total new business premiums in Asia were down by 18 per cent from $8,562 million in 2019 to $7,010 million. Of this amount, regular premium sales decreased by 30 per cent to $3,328 million (2019: $4,783 million) and single premium sales decreased by 3 per cent in 2020 to $3,682 million (2019: $3,779 million).
19
The following table shows Prudential's Asia life insurance new business premiums by local business unit for the years indicated.
2020 | 2019 |
2018
|
||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Single premiums | ||||||||||
China JV (Prudential's 50% proportionate share in joint venture) | 1,068 | 710 | 138 | |||||||
Hong Kong | 184 | 387 | 458 | |||||||
India (Prudential's 22 per cent (2019: 22 per cent; 2018: 26 per cent) proportionate share in associate) | 225 | 155 | 105 | |||||||
Indonesia | 226 | 292 | 274 | |||||||
Malaysia | 90 | 209 | 112 | |||||||
Philippines | 49 | 51 | 57 | |||||||
Singapore | 1,496 | 1,217 | 1,242 | |||||||
Taiwan | 201 | 544 | 389 | |||||||
Thailand | 122 | 192 | 290 | |||||||
Vietnam | 21 | 22 | 27 | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Total single premiums | 3,682 | 3,779 | 3,092 | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Regular premiums |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| | | | | | | | | | |
Cambodia | 10 | 24 | 26 | |||||||
China JV (Prudential's 50% proportionate share in joint venture) | 475 | 518 | 390 | |||||||
Hong Kong | 741 | 1,977 | 2,222 | |||||||
India (Prudential's 22 per cent (2019: 22 per cent; 2018: 26 per cent) proportionate share in associate) | 154 | 245 | 276 | |||||||
Indonesia | 244 | 361 | 287 | |||||||
Laos | 1 | - | - | |||||||
Malaysia | 337 | 333 | 324 | |||||||
Philippines | 134 | 153 | 111 | |||||||
Singapore | 460 | 539 | 493 | |||||||
Taiwan | 367 | 278 | 243 | |||||||
Thailand | 171 | 140 | 127 | |||||||
Vietnam | 234 | 215 | 192 | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Total regular premiums | 3,328 | 4,783 | 4,691 | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Total new business premiumsnote | 7,010 | 8,562 | 7,783 | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Note
The new business premiums in the table shown above are provided as an indicative measure of new business sales in the reporting period that have the potential to generate profits for shareholders. The
amounts shown are not, and are not intended to be, reflective of gross premium earned recorded for Asia in the IFRS income statement as discussed in the "Explanation of Movements in Profit Before
Shareholder Tax by Nature of Revenue and Charges" section. The new business premiums above include contributions for certain unit-linked savings and similar policies that are described as investment
contracts without discretionary participation features under IFRS 4 as well as contributions from joint ventures and associate, which are excluded from gross premiums earned. Additionally, the
regular premiums in the table shown above are on an annualised basis, which represent a full year of instalments in respect of regular premiums irrespective of the actual payments made during the
year.
The following table shows funds under management by Eastspring Investments at the dates indicated.
31 Dec 2020
$bn |
31 Dec 2019
$bn |
||||||
| | | | | | | |
External funds under management, excluding funds managed on behalf of M&G plc | 93.9 | 98.0 | |||||
Funds managed on behalf of M&G plc | 15.7 | 26.7 | |||||
Internal funds under management | 138.2 | 116.4 | |||||
| | | | | | | |
Total | 247.8 | 241.1 | |||||
| | | | | | | |
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Products and brands
We offer a wide range of insurance products that are tailored to local market requirements and fast-changing individual needs. We focus on health and protection and savings products that include participating, linked and other traditional products.
The diversity and resilience of our business is supported by the continued innovations and enhancements we make to our product range, which include broadening coverage for new risks and adding innovative features. In 2020, we introduced or revamped 175 new products22, including simplified lower case-sized protection offerings.
The Covid-19 pandemic has reinforced customer interest in health and protection products, with 58 per cent of consumers across our Asian markets desiring access to healthcare value-added services, such as access to a virtual GP23. This has been converted into an increase in the proportions of APE represented by health and protection products in 7 of our Asian markets, led by India, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam. Of the 175 new or revamped products noted above, more than 115 were traditional and health and protection products.
Our Hong Kong business offers domestic Hong Kong residents and mainland visitors sophisticated critical illness, medical benefits and life insurance protection business. 91 per cent of all Hong Kong consumers23 indicated they would retain life insurance even if their financial position is disadvantaged by Covid-19 re-enforcing the resilience of this market. The investment proposition provides access to international equities and bonds. In particular, our main with-profits product offering uses a with-profits structure, which pools the investments of policyholders and allocates returns based on long-term investment performance (similar to that historically used in the UK), and leads to attractive margins. The business has a high level of renewals that is substantially higher than the premiums from new business. Singapore offers a similar type of product mix and also uses a UK-style with-profits structure.
In China, Anxin, our digital health and protection solution generated 165,000 policies in 2020, with around 50 per cent to new customers. In Hong Kong, we launched in the second half of 2020 PRUHealth VHIS VIP Plan, a tax-efficient medical insurance targeting the mid-tier segment.
In Indonesia, we retain leadership in the sharia-compliant market, with 35 per cent share, accounting for 37 per cent of agency sales in Indonesia. Our PRUCinta product, the first traditional sharia product with specific cash value, accounts for 14 per cent of Indonesia agency sales. More widely, we have launched 60 products in Indonesia in 2020, including lower ticket standalone protection products which collectively accounted for 52 per cent of new case count mix (2019: 11 per cent).
Alongside offering products that meet customer needs, we invest in our brands to build trust, drive awareness and attract and retain customers.
Distribution and customer engagement
We believe in a multi-channel and integrated distribution strategy for our business which can adapt and respond flexibly depending on local market conditions. Our distribution network is one of the strongest and most diversified in the Asia region, across agency, bancassurance and non-traditional partnerships, including digital. In recent years, we have also established non-traditional partnerships to broaden our customer reach, particularly the digitally-savvy millennial segment. In total, we have more than 300 life insurance and asset management distribution partnerships in Asia. Alongside these distribution channels we also have Pulse by Prudential (discussed further below).
Agency
We have around 600,000 licensed tied agents24 across our life insurance markets, and the productivity of active agents increased 8 per cent25,26 in the year, based on number of cases, which are becoming smaller in size as we, and our customers, focus increasingly on standalone protection products. Our agency channel is a core component of our success, given the high proportion of high margin protection products sold.
Our continued support for the agency channel positions us well for sustainable growth. Our agent management has moved online across all markets, enhancing effectiveness of agent communication and operation, and expanding sales capacity with agent recruits26 of 143,000 in the year. We deployed virtual sales tools across all markets for almost all products, and 28 per cent of agency new cases since April 2020, together with 27 per cent of bancassurance new cases since July 2020 have been made virtually. Despite the gradual relaxation of Covid-19 containment measures in several markets, virtual selling tools have now become mainstream with distributors, and virtual sales in the fourth quarter represented 23 per cent of both agency and bancassurance sales.
21
We place great emphasis on agent professionalism and promote career progression by providing tailored training programmes that share experience and best practice across different markets. In addition, to further assist our agents during the sales process and enhance productivity we continually upgrade the tools at their disposal. During 2020, the number of agents qualifying for the Million Dollar Round Table (MDRT) doubled in the year to more than 13,200.
In Africa the number of active agents in 2020 significantly increased from the prior year. The increase in active agents is a direct result of implementing our Rookie Development Programme in each market, which helps with agent professionalism and customer focus, as well as transitioning new agents from the classroom to the field, and making those agents active within the first month of their recruitment. In most markets, as a response to Covid-19-related restrictions, we rapidly innovated to create an end-to-end virtual sales submission process, with a virtual recruitment and onboarding process for distributors as well as delivering training digitally. Moreover, 2020 marked the first time each market has had at least one agent qualify for the MDRT increasing the number of qualifiers to 38 from 15 in the prior year.
Bancassurance
We also have a leading bancassurance franchise that provides access to around 20,000 bank outlets through our strategic partnerships with multi-national banks and prominent domestic banks.
Our bancassurance partnerships made an important contribution to our business last year. Our new partnership with TMB in Thailand, which commenced on 1 January 2021, will give us access to an expanded network of 685 branches. In preparation we have trained more than 5,500 bank sellers and nearly doubled the number of sales support staff to 240. We have launched a refreshed set of propositions encompassing the high net-worth, retail, commercial and SME segments and rolled out a new e-POS system.
Outside of Hong Kong, our bancassurance channel APE sales remained stable despite Covid-19 related disruption. We were particularly pleased to see the positive momentum in our bancassurance channel in Indonesia, which saw APE sales up 15 per cent21. We continue to look for opportunities to expand our presence in this market.
We have also developed strategies to reach the digitally-savvy millennial segment through UOB Mighty, UOB's digital bank, and new partners such as Central in Thailand. Prudential Laos has also recently partnered with Star Fintech to launch payment services via its U-money platform. We anticipate that these partnerships will significantly enhance our reach to millennial consumers in the country through the joint development of digital propositions that encompass health, wellness and wealth products. The experience will also help us in designing and managing distribution strategies in our existing markets as well as in targeting new points of entry.
Pulse by Prudential
In 2020, we have been able to accelerate our digital development and associated customer-centric digital ecosystem.
The Covid-19 pandemic has accelerated growing awareness and demand for health and wellness solutions. For example, 46 per cent of Asian consumers searched for new insurance policies23. Our digital capabilities allow us to make healthcare more accessible and affordable in the countries where we operate.
Prudential meets this growing demand for health and wellness through its super-app Pulse by Prudential. Pulse is a free digital mobile application that offers holistic management, artificial intelligence (AI)-powered self-help tools, and information to serve users 24/7 and promotes health and wellbeing through a range of value-added services. These include telemedicine, health and wellness content and communities, health challenges and rewards, chronic disease management, as well as a self-diagnosis and self-help tools. Pulse has been launched27 in 11 different languages across 11 markets in Asia (Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, Hong Kong, the Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Taiwan, and Myanmar) and most recently four markets in Africa (Kenya, Nigeria, Cameroon and Zambia), with varying levels of development.
22
Pulse has been downloaded around 20 million times27 since its initial launch in 2019 in Malaysia. Through this single super-app, Pulse is being developed to offer an integrated health, wealth, and SME ecosystem. It has integrated 32 local and regional partners27, including most recently, a signed partnership with Central Group, a leading retailer in Thailand, that will enable Pulse to access Central Group's existing digital engagement with customers to offer insurance and health solutions to them. We have also signed a partnership with HR Easily, an HR services digital platform which we make available to our SME customers through 'Business at Pulse'. We are seeing continued increase in the usage of AI assessment and triage, lifestyle management and wellness, and telemedicine consultation services, with over 1.5 million users27 accessing at least one of the services in Asia, since launch.
Pulse also enables us to reach a younger customer demographic, with the majority of Pulse users in the 18 to 35 age group compared with the average age of an existing Prudential customer profile of around 40, and is broadening our potential customer base, with 70 per cent of Pulse consumers new to Prudential.
37 digital bite-sized products were made available in Pulse in 2020. Some examples of bite-sized products launched by Prudential within Pulse include products related to common critical illnesses in Asia (cancer, stroke, heart attack), tropical disease protection (dengue, malaria, measles), and daily care (food poisoning, minor burns, broken bones, and accident income support).
With greater customer touchpoints, we are also able to generate Pulse-led data-driven leads for agents. We saw over 2.2 million leads generated for agents in 2020 which together with a small amount of revenue from policies sold directly through Pulse, generated APE sales of $211 million28 in 2020.
Recently, we introduced a subscription plan to help Pulse users eat healthier and promote a more active lifestyle, and even save for the future. These paid subscription plans, priced at a low cost of between $1-$3 per month, are currently available to users in Hong Kong, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam and the Philippines, with plans to expand on the offerings and launch in additional markets in 2021. The paid subscription plans have received 164,000 active subscribers during 2020.
We have undertaken steps to meet our objective for Pulse to provide a platform for end-to-end service, with the same app used by customers and distributors. Agents have the ability to sell Prudential products virtually within the Pulse platform in the Philippines, Malaysia and Indonesia. Meanwhile, e-claims are available in Indonesia, Malaysia, Cambodia, Myanmar and the Philippines. We believe the integration with the life value chain across sales, claims and payments will allow Pulse to enhance value to new and existing users and drive efficiencies in the business.
Customer service and loyalty
We believe that excellent customer service has been key to our strong reputation and leading pan-Asia franchise. Customer loyalty has remained high during the Covid-19 pandemic, with a retention ratio consistently in excess of 90 per cent. The satisfaction and trust our customers have in our business also translates into a high proportion of repeat sales, which comprised 47 per cent of APE sales in 2020. The result of these dynamics is a portfolio of over 25 million in-force policies, with each policyholder holding 1.6 policies on average.
We are focused on unlocking new customer segments through a broader proposition set. During 2020, we added a further 1.3 million new life customers from traditional channels. Our overall life customer numbers increased to 16 million, of which about 30 per cent are our health insurance customers.
We continue to identify and target new customer groups and segments outside our traditional focus in the Mass and Affluent space in order to accelerate our future growth. Within the Emerging segment, Pulse leads the customer acquisition as described above. Within the High Net Worth segment, we first expanded into this segment in 2018 with Opus in Singapore, providing a differentiated experience for our customers, including a dedicated service team, wealth planners and external experts covering trust and legal matters. Within the Group segment, we also developed tailored offerings for small and medium-sized enterprise (SME), a segment that remains under-served and offers significant growth potential. This strategy is advanced through our all-inclusive platform, Business at Pulse platform, which provides digitally-enabled insurance and HR solutions for business owners and their employees. We have extended our Business at Pulse platform from Singapore and Indonesia to Hong Kong, the Philippines and Thailand, and will launch next in Malaysia.
23
Integrated asset management
Eastspring is a leading Asia-based asset manager, with operations across 11 markets in Asia, plus offices in Europe and North America. With $247.8 billion of assets under management and over 300 investment professionals, it is the largest pan-Asian retail asset manager excluding Japan2 and is a top-10 asset manager in 7 of the 11 markets in which it operates.
Eastspring has a broad product set, as well as significant distribution capabilities and industry-leading operational efficiency. Eastspring provides focused investment solutions, across equity, bonds and multi-asset products, to our internally sourced life insurance funds and third-party retail and institutional clients. Distribution channels include wholesale, intermediary and direct online formats, which are tailored as required, depending on the geography involved. This means that Eastspring can continue to grow and develop through both market cycles and changes to individual investment styles. Operational efficiency has led to industry-leading margins, with investment in technology, for example the implementation of BlackRock's Aladdin system, to deliver common platforms, and world-class risk management and governance capabilities.
In terms of strategy, we see substantial growth opportunities to accelerate Eastspring, building on its leading market position as Asia's largest retail asset manager2 (excluding Japan) and structural advantages of reliable and predictable inflows from our life business. In particular, we see China, India and Thailand as our most material market opportunities. Eastspring is well positioned to broaden its investment capabilities to serve the global needs of Asia-based clients, while offering global investors access to its expertise in investing in Asian markets. For example, in October 2020, Eastspring announced a strategic partnership with Atlantic Zagros Financial Partners to expand its offshore distribution capabilities to the Americas. To support this ambition Eastspring's strategic objectives include developing its distribution, product range and investment advisory capability, while continuing to enhance support for the asset management needs of Prudential's life insurance business.
To support these objectives, Eastspring has organised its operations into three pillars that will drive the expansion of its capabilities and growth in the future:
In developing its capabilities, Eastspring will further integrate its offerings with those of Prudential's life business, to enable the Group to seamlessly offer services across the full spectrum of Life, Health and Wealth products. Eastspring will leverage Prudential's established distribution channels.
We believe these developments will further enhance Eastspring's position as a leading asset manager in Asia.
Summary
There is a growing awareness and demand for wellness and insurance products across Asia, re-enforced by the global pandemic. We continue to invest in our chosen markets, building on our leading position in Hong Kong and ASEAN, and meeting the growing needs of customers in the largest economies of China, India, Indonesia and Thailand. This customer need is addressed by our wide range of insurance products, tailored to local markets, and extensive and diversified distribution network. We continue to amplify these existing capabilities through extending our China footprint, broadening our product offerings and enhancing our digital presence. Our innovative and customer-centric digital ecosystem increasingly complements our existing distribution channels and provides access to address the needs of new and fast growing customer segments. Our overall customer offering is supported by our integrated asset manager Eastspring, which has a clear strategy to expand its capabilities to deliver growth.
We believe these enhanced capabilities, alongside the resilience of our high quality and well diversified platform, mean our Asia business is well positioned to capture the structural opportunities open to us and therefore deliver profitable and sustainable compounding growth and high risk-adjusted returns for shareholders.
24
Introduction
In the United States (US), the Group has historically offered a range of products through Jackson National Life Insurance Company (Jackson) and its subsidiaries, including fixed annuities, fixed index annuities, variable annuities (VA) and institutional product offerings (including guaranteed investment contracts, funding agreements and medium-term funding agreement-backed notes). Jackson distributes these products through independent broker-dealers, wirehouses and regional broker-dealers, banks and other financial institutions and the independent insurance agents (IPA) channel.
During 2020 Jackson reinsured substantially all of its in-force fixed and fixed index annuities with Athene. Given the relatively low level of sales of these products in 2020, there is limited exposure to these products on the current balance sheet. In July 2020, Athene Life Re Ltd invested $500 million in Prudential's US business in return for an 11.1 per cent economic interest for which the voting interest is 9.9 per cent.
In January 2021, the Group announced an update on Jackson's capital position and that it had decided to pursue the separation of Jackson from the Group through a demerger, whereby shares in Jackson would be distributed to Prudential shareholders.
The Group also announced in February 2021 a new senior leadership team for our US business, ahead of Jackson's planned separation from the Group. Laura Prieskorn has been appointed Chief Executive Officer and Marcia Wadsten has been appointed Chief Financial Officer.
As at 31 December 2020:
The US operations also include PPM Holdings, Inc. (PPM), Prudential plc's US internal and institutional investment management operation. As at 31 December 2020, Prudential plc's US operations had more than 3 million policies and contracts in force and PPM managed approximately $106 billion of assets.
Jackson helps Americans grow and protect their retirement savings and income to enable them to pursue financial freedom for life. Following the planned demerger, Jackson intends to pursue a focused strategy which prioritises optimisation and stability of capital resources while protecting franchise value.
Maintaining a resilient balance sheet is critical to Jackson meeting its objectives of fulfilling its obligations to policyholders, providing stable capital returns to shareholders, supporting the development of the business and enabling profitable growth over the long-term.
In line with Jackson's disciplined approach to pricing and risk management, pricing actions taken in the first half of 2020 in response to changing market conditions and to preserve statutory capital, resulted in an expected and material reduction in new fixed annuity and fixed index annuities sales.
Jackson has identified three main areas for business development.
First, Jackson intends to maintain and enhance its comprehensive suite of retirement products that it believes are sought after by retail investors and Jackson's distribution partners.
Second, it plans to optimise the sales mix across its broad product portfolio by leveraging the strength of its industry-leading distribution network and entering into new distribution agreements.
Third, Jackson seeks to develop the overall market demand for retail annuities by partnering with wealth management solution providers that historically have not considered annuities as a solution to provide retirement savings and income protection.
These strategies are discussed further below.
25
Markets
Jackson believes that the US retirement savings and income solutions market presents a compelling growth opportunity and will support its development in the future. The primary drivers of the industry's trends are believed to be the following:
Products
Jackson offers a diverse suite of annuities to retail investors in the United States. The success of its variable annuity offerings reflects the differentiated features Jackson offers as compared with its competitors, in particular the wider range of investment options and greater freedom to invest across multiple investment options. Through the third quarter of 2020, Jackson accounted for 16.5 per cent of new sales in the US retail variable annuity market32 and ranked number 1 in variable annuity sales. Jackson also offers fixed index annuities and fixed annuities and expects to offer a registered index-linked annuity in 2021. This diverse offering allows Jackson to meet the different needs of retail investors based on their risk tolerance and desired growth objectives, and to deliver customised, differentiated solutions to its distribution partners. Jackson's annuities offer investors the opportunity to grow their savings consistent with their objectives, ranging from full market participation with Jackson's variable annuities, to a guaranteed fixed return with Jackson's fixed annuities. Some of Jackson's annuities offer optional guarantee benefits for a fee, such as full or partial protection of principal, minimum payments for life and minimum payments to beneficiaries upon death. All annuities also provide investors with tax deferral benefits consistent with their purpose of providing financial security at, and through, retirement.
Distribution network
Jackson sells its products through an industry-leading distribution network that includes independent broker-dealers, wirehouses, regional broker-dealers, banks, and independent registered investment advisers, third-party platforms and insurance agents. Jackson's strong presence in multiple distribution channels has been essential to positioning it as a leading provider of retirement savings and income solutions. Each of these channels is supported by Jackson's sizeable wholesaler field force, which is among the most productive in the annuity industry. According to the Market Metrics Q3 2020 Sales, Staffing, and Productivity Report, Jackson's variable annuity sales per wholesaler are more than 10 per cent higher than its nearest competitor.
Operating platform
Jackson's operating platform is scalable and efficient. Jackson administers approximately 75 per cent of its in-force policies on its in-house policy administration platform. Jackson's in-house policy administration platform gives it flexibility to administer multiple product types through a single platform. To date, Jackson has converted over 3.5 million life and annuity policies to its in-house policy administration platform, eliminating the burdens, costs and inefficiencies that would be involved in maintaining multiple legacy administration systems. The remainder of Jackson's business is administered through scalable third-party arrangements. Jackson believes that its operating platform provides it with a competitive advantage by allowing it to grow efficiently and provide superior customer service. In 2020, Jackson received the 2019 Contact Center of the Year award from Service Quality Management and the number 1 overall operational ranking for 2019 from its broker-dealer partners, according to the Operations Managers' Roundtable.
26
Risk management
Product design and pricing are key aspects of Jackson's risk management approach. Jackson operates a sophisticated hedging program which seeks to balance three objectives: managing the economic impact of adverse market conditions, protecting statutory capital and providing stable distributable earnings throughout market cycles.
Jackson also uses third-party reinsurance to mitigate a portion of the risks that it faces, principally in certain of its in-force annuity and life insurance products with regard to longevity and mortality risks and its annuities with regard to the vast majority of its guaranteed minimum income optional benefit (GMIB) features.
Additional information on products
The following table shows total new business premiums in the US by product line and distribution channel for the periods indicated. Total new business premiums include Jackson's deposits for investment contracts with limited or no life contingencies. All of these premiums are single premiums.
By Product
|
2020
|
2019
|
2018
|
|||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| | | | | | | | | | |
Annuities |
||||||||||
Fixed annuities |
||||||||||
Fixed interest rate |
298 | 1,135 | 422 | |||||||
Fixed index |
997 | 3,821 | 335 | |||||||
Immediate |
29 | 59 | 32 | |||||||
Variable annuities (excluding Elite Access) |
14,564 | 12,692 | 14,433 | |||||||
Variable annuities (Elite Access) |
2,057 | 2,002 | 2,245 | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Total annuities |
17,945 | 19,709 | 17,467 | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Institutional products |
1,284 | 2,522 | 3,126 | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Total new business premiumsNote |
19,229 | 22,231 | 20,593 | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
By Distribution Channel |
||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Independent broker dealer |
12,206 | 11,891 | 12,000 | |||||||
Bank and other financial institutions |
2,607 | 3,604 | 2,277 | |||||||
Wirehouse and regional broker dealer |
2,845 | 3,441 | 2,652 | |||||||
Independent insurance agents |
287 | 773 | 538 | |||||||
Institutional products |
1,284 | 2,522 | 3,126 | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Total new business premiums |
19,229 | 22,231 | 20,593 | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Note
The new business premiums in the table shown above are provided as an indicative measure of new business sales in the reporting period that have the potential to generate profits for shareholders. The amounts shown are not, and are not intended to be, reflective of gross premium earned recorded for US in the IFRS income statement as discussed in the "Explanation of Movements in Profit Before Shareholder Tax by Nature of Revenue and Charges" section. The new business premiums above include contributions for Institutional products that are described as investment contracts or other financial instruments under IFRS and therefore excluded from gross premiums earned. The gross premiums earned for US include premiums for the closed life insurance business and group pay-out annuities which are not presented in the table above, as these do not represent new business.
The following lists the key products that Jackson currently has exposure to. Further information on the features of these products can be found in C3.4 of the consolidated financial statements.
Variable annuity
As the investment return on the separate account assets is attributed directly to the contract holders, Jackson's profit arises from the fees charged on the contracts, less the expenses incurred, which include the costs of hedging and eventual payment of any guaranteed benefits. Equity risk is managed through the utilisation of external derivative instruments.
Profits in the variable annuity book of business will continue to be subject to the impact of market movements on both sales and allocations to the variable accounts and the effects of the economic hedging programme. Hedging is conducted based on an economic approach so the nature and duration of the hedging instruments, which are recorded at fair value through the income statement, will fluctuate and produce some accounting volatility.
27
Group pay-out annuities
Group pay-out annuities consist of a block of defined benefit annuity plans assumed from John Hancock USA and John Hancock Life Insurance Company of New York through a reinsurance agreement. The contracts provide annuity payments that meet the requirements of the specific pension plan being covered. In some cases, the contracts have pre-retirement death and/or withdrawal benefits, pre-retirement surviving spouse benefits, and/or subsidised early retirement benefits. This is a closed block of business from two standpoints: (1) John Hancock USA and John Hancock New York are no longer selling new contracts and (2) contract holders (companies) are no longer adding additional participants to these defined benefit pension plans.
Institutional products
These consist of traditional guaranteed investment contracts (GICs), funding agreements (including agreements issued in conjunction with Jackson's participation in the US Federal Home Loan Bank of Indianapolis (FHLBI) programme) and Medium-Term Note funding agreements. The GICs are marketed by Jackson's institutional products department to defined contribution pension and profit sharing retirement plans. Funding agreements are marketed to institutional investors, including corporate cash accounts and securities lending funds, as well as money market funds, and are issued to the FHLBI in connection with its programme. Jackson makes its profit on the spread between the yield on its investments and the interest rate credited to contract holders.
Factors affecting pricing of products and asset liability management
Jackson prices products based on a variety of assumptions including, but not limited to, mortality, investment yields, expenses and contract holder behaviour. Pricing is influenced by Jackson's objectives for return on capital and by competition. Although Jackson includes a profit margin in the price of its products, the variation between the assumptions and actual experience can result in the products being more or less profitable than originally assumed. This variation can be significant.
Jackson designs its interest sensitive products and conducts its investment operations to match closely the duration of the assets in its investment portfolio with the annuity, life, and guaranteed investment contract product obligations. Jackson seeks to achieve a target spread between what it earns on its assets and what it pays on its liabilities by investing principally in fixed-rate securities. Jackson also enters into options and futures contracts to hedge equity related movements in its products.
Guaranteed benefits issued by Jackson in connection with the sales of variable annuity contracts expose Jackson to equity risk as the benefits generally become more valuable to the contract holder when equity markets decline and contract values fall below the projected guaranteed amount. The accounting measurement of the liability for certain of these benefits differs from a true fair value calculation with changes in value recorded in income. Jackson manages the exposure of the tail risk associated with the equity exposure using equity options and futures contracts, which are also carried at fair value. Jackson seeks to manage the economic risk associated with these contracts and, therefore, has not explicitly hedged its fair value risk as determined under accounting rules. In addition, certain benefits have mortality risk and are therefore precluded from being carried at fair value. As a result of these factors, the income statement may include a timing mismatch related to changes in fair value.
28
Notes
29
General
There are other significant participants in each of the financial services markets in which Prudential operates. Our competitors include both mutual and stock financial companies. In addition, regulatory and other developments in many of Prudential's markets have blurred traditional financial service industry lines and opened the market to new competitors and increased competition. In some of Prudential's markets, other companies may have greater financial resources, allowing them to benefit from economies of scale, and may have stronger brands than Prudential does in that market.
The principal competitive factors affecting the sale of Prudential's products in its chosen markets are:
An important competitive factor is the ratings Prudential receives in some of its target markets, most notably in the US, from recognised rating organisations. The intermediaries with whom Prudential works, including financial advisers, tied agents, brokers, wholesalers and financial institutions consider ratings as one factor in determining which provider to purchase financial products from.
Prudential offers different products in its different markets in Asia, Africa, the US and elsewhere and, accordingly, faces different competitors and different types of competition in these markets. In all of the markets in which Prudential operates, its products are not unique and, accordingly, it faces competition from market participants who manufacture a varying range of similar and identical products.
Asia
The competitive landscape across the Asia Pacific region differs widely by geographical market, reflecting differing levels of market maturity and regulation. Prudential's competitors include both the subsidiaries of global life insurers and local domestic (including state-owned) entities. The majority of local domestic life insurers in the Asia Pacific region remain focused on their core home markets. The developed and liberalised markets of Hong Kong and Singapore are dominated by subsidiaries and branches of global life insurance groups. The developing markets in South East Asia such as Indonesia, Vietnam and the Philippines also see a high level of participation by global life insurance groups. The large and relatively mature markets, such as Taiwan, are dominated by local domestic insurers. In certain countries, the life insurance markets are dominated by local domestic insurers or by joint venture entities between global insurance groups and local companies.
Prudential's principal competitors in the Asia Pacific region include global life insurers together with regional insurers and multinational asset managers. In most markets, there are also local companies that have a material market presence.
US
Prudential's insurance operations in the US operate under the Jackson brand. Prudential is not affiliated with Prudential Financial, Inc. or its subsidiary, The Prudential Insurance Company of America.
Jackson's competitors in the US include major stock and mutual insurance companies, mutual fund organisations, banks and other financial services companies. In recent years, there has been substantial consolidation and convergence among companies in the insurance and financial services industries resulting in increased competition from large, well-capitalised insurance and financial services firms that market products and services similar to Jackson. Increased consolidation among banks and other financial services companies could create firms with even stronger competitive positions, negatively impact the insurance industry's sales, increase competition for access to distribution partners, result in greater distribution expenses and impair Jackson's ability to market our annuities to its current customer base or expand its customer base.
30
We provide a discussion of our operating results and financial review in this section, which is organised as follows:
2019 compared with 2018 results commentary
The Group has taken advantage of the allowance under the SEC's FAST Act rules adopted in March 2019 to omit the third year discussion on the Group's financial performance, in particular the 2019 compared with 2018 results commentary, in this annual report on Form 20-F on the basis that discussion of the trends in the Group's results by segment is included in the Group's prior year 2019 Annual Report on Form 20-F, which is available on our website and at www.sec.gov.
31
IFRS Critical Accounting Policies
Prudential's discussion and analysis of its financial condition and results of operations are based upon Prudential's consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with IFRS Standards as issued by the IASB.
The preparation of our consolidated financial statements requires Prudential to make estimates and judgements that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, which are both recognised and unrecognised (eg contingent liabilities) in the primary financial statements. Prudential evaluates its estimates, including those related to long-term business provisioning and the fair value of assets.
Critical accounting policies are defined as those that are reflective of significant judgements and uncertainties, and that can potentially give rise to different results under different assumptions and conditions. Prudential believes that its critical accounting policies are limited to the policies referenced below which are described further in the notes to the consolidated financial statements.
The critical accounting policies referenced above are critical for those businesses that relate to the Group's shareholder-financed business. The policies are not critical in respect of the Group's with-profits business in Asia. This distinction reflects the basis of recognition of profit and accounting treatment of unallocated surplus of with-profits funds as a liability, as described elsewhere in this Financial Review and our financial statements.
In determining the measurement of the Group's assets and liabilities and in preparing financial statements, more generally, estimates and judgements are required. Our critical accounting estimates and assumptions are those set out below, with a reference to the detailed discussion in the notes to our consolidated financial statements.
32
Summary Consolidated Results and Basis of Preparation of Analysis
The following table shows Prudential's consolidated total revenue and consolidated total charges for the years presented:
|
|
Actual Exchange Rate
|
|
||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
|
2020 $m
|
2019 $m
|
2018 $m
|
|
||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Continuing operations: |
|||||||||||||
Gross premiums earned(a) |
42,521 | 45,064 | 45,614 | ||||||||||
Outward reinsurance premiums(a) |
(32,209) | (1,583) | (1,183) | ||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Earned premiums, net of reinsurance |
10,312 | 43,481 | 44,431 | ||||||||||
Investment return(b) |
44,991 | 49,555 | (9,117) | ||||||||||
Other income |
670 | 700 | 531 | ||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total revenue, net of reinsurance |
55,973 | 93,736 | 35,845 | ||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Benefits and claims |
(82,176) | (85,475) | (26,518) | ||||||||||
Reinsurers' share of benefits and claims |
34,409 | 2,985 | 1,598 | ||||||||||
Movement in unallocated surplus of with-profits funds |
(438) | (1,415) | 1,494 | ||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Benefits and claims and movement in unallocated surplus of with-profits funds, net of reinsurance(c) |
(48,205) | (83,905) | (23,426) | ||||||||||
Acquisition costs and other expenditure(d) |
(5,481) | (7,283) | (8,527) | ||||||||||
Finance costs: interest on core structural borrowings of shareholder-financed businesses |
(337) | (516) | (547) | ||||||||||
Loss attaching to corporate transactions |
(48) | (142) | (107) | ||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total charges net of reinsurance |
(54,071) | (91,846) | (32,607) | ||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Share of profit from joint ventures and associates, net of related tax |
517 | 397 | 319 | ||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Profit before tax (being tax attributable to shareholders' and policyholders' returns) |
2,419 | 2,287 | 3,557 | ||||||||||
Remove tax charge attributable to policyholders' returns |
(271) | (365) | (107) | ||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Profit before tax attributable to shareholders' returns |
2,148 | 1,922 | 3,450 | ||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total tax charge attributable to shareholders' and policyholders' returns |
(234) | (334) | (676) | ||||||||||
Remove tax charge attributable to policyholders' returns |
271 | 365 | 107 | ||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Tax credit (charge) attributable to shareholders' returns |
37 | 31 | (569) | ||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Profit from continuing operations |
2,185 | 1,953 | 2,881 | ||||||||||
(Loss) profit from discontinued UK and Europe operations |
- | (1,161) | 1,142 | ||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Profit for the year |
2,185 | 792 | 4,023 | ||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Under IFRS, the pre-tax GAAP measure of profit is profit before policyholder and shareholder taxes. This measure is not relevant for reflecting pre-tax results attributable to shareholders principally because total corporate tax of the Group includes those on the income of consolidated with-profits and unit-linked funds that, through adjustments to benefits, are borne by policyholders. These amounts are required to be included in the tax charge of the Company under IAS 12. Consequently, the IFRS profit before tax measure is not representative of pre-tax profit attributable to shareholders as it is determined after deducting the cost of policyholder benefits and movements in the liability for unallocated surplus of with-profits funds after adjusting for tax borne by policyholders.
Accordingly, Prudential has chosen to explain its consolidated results principally by reference to profits for the year, reflecting profit after tax. In explaining movements in profit for the year, reference is made to trends in profit before shareholder tax and the shareholder tax charge. The explanations of movement in profit before shareholder tax are shown below by reference to the profit analysis applied for segmental disclosure as shown in note B1 to the consolidated financial statements. This basis is used by management and reported externally to the holders of shares listed on the London, Hong Kong and Singapore exchanges and to those financial markets. Separately, in this section, analysis of movements in profits before shareholder tax is provided by nature of revenue and charges.
33
Explanation of Movements in Profit before Shareholder Tax by Nature of Revenue and Charges
|
2020 $m | 2019 $m |
2018 $m
|
|||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Asia |
23,341 | 23,757 | 21,989 | |||||||
US |
19,026 | 21,209 | 23,573 | |||||||
Unallocated to a segment (Africa) |
154 | 98 | 52 | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Total |
42,521 | 45,064 | 45,614 | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Gross premiums earned totalled $42,521 million in 2020 down from $45,064 million in 2019. The decrease of $2,543 million was mainly driven by a reduction in US operations of $2,183 million. Unallocated to a segment comprises the premiums related to Africa operations. The gross premiums earned shown in the table above exclude premiums on investment contracts without discretionary participation features (as defined by IFRS 4) in accordance with IAS 39 to reflect the deposit nature of the arrangement.
Asia
Gross premiums earned reflect the aggregate of single and regular premiums of new business sold in the year and premiums on annual business sold in previous years.
Gross premiums earned for Asia, have decreased by $416 million or 2 per cent from $23,757 million in 2019 to $23,341 million in 2020. The decrease is mainly driven by lower new business premiums, reflecting the widespread impact of Covid-19 related disruption and restriction across the region during 2020. The decrease reflects largely a significant reduction in sales in Hong Kong, where the border with Mainland China was closed for much of 2020. The impact of Covid-19 related disruption varied materially in terms of severity and duration across the region. Restrictions eased in many markets as the year progressed. The decrease in new business premiums is partially offset by higher renewal premiums in the in-force book as we continue to focus on regular premium health and protection insurance products.
US
Gross premiums earned, have decreased by $2,183 million (or 10 per cent) from $21,209 million in 2019 to $19,026 million in 2020, primarily due to lower sales of fixed annuities and fixed index annuities, evident particularly from the beginning of the second quarter, resulting from pricing actions taken in response to changing market conditions and to preserve statutory capital in line with Jackson's disciplined approach to pricing and risk management. Institutional sales are also lower compared with 2019, These decreases are partially offset by an increase in variable annuity sales, reflecting the strength and depth of its leading distribution franchise and value-added customer proposition.
During 2020, Jackson paid outward reinsurance premiums of $(30,156) million to Athene Life Re Ltd for the reinsurance of substantially all of its in-force fixed and fixed index annuity business effective from 1 June 2020, as discussed further in note D1.1 to the consolidated financial statements. This transaction contributed to the majority of the increase in the outwards reinsurance premiums of the Group to $(32,209) million in 2020 from $(1,583) million in 2019.
|
2020 $m | 2019 $m |
2018 $m
|
|||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Asia |
13,716 | 14,975 | (2,876) | |||||||
US |
31,229 | 34,594 | (6,393) | |||||||
Unallocated to a segment and intra-segment elimination |
46 | (14) | 152 | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Total |
44,991 | 49,555 | (9,117) | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Investment return principally comprises interest income, dividends, investment appreciation and depreciation (realised and unrealised gains and losses) on investments designated as fair value through profit and loss and realised gains and losses, including impairment losses, on securities designated as available-for-sale. Movements in unrealised appreciation and depreciation on debt securities designated as available-for-sale are not reflected in investment return but are recorded in other comprehensive income.
34
Allocation of investment return between policyholders and shareholders
Investment return is attributable to policyholders and shareholders. A key feature of the accounting policies under IFRS is that the investment return included in the income statement relates to all investment assets of the Group, irrespective of whether the return is attributable to shareholders, policyholders or the unallocated surplus of with-profits funds, the latter two of which have no direct impact on shareholders' profit. The table below provides a breakdown of the investment return for each of the Group's operations attributable to each type of business.
|
2020 $m | 2019 $m |
2018 $m
|
|||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Asia |
||||||||||
Policyholder returns |
||||||||||
Assets backing unit-linked liabilities |
1,549 | 2,154 | (1,162) | |||||||
With-profits business |
8,384 | 8,960 | (1,831) | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
|
9,933 | 11,114 | (2,993) | |||||||
Shareholder returns |
3,783 | 3,861 | 117 | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Total |
13,716 | 14,975 | (2,876) | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
US |
||||||||||
Policyholder returns Assets held to back separate account liabilities |
30,333 | 38,113 | (9,774) | |||||||
Shareholder returns |
896 | (3,519) | 3,381 | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Total |
31,229 | 34,594 | (6,393) | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Unallocated to a segment |
||||||||||
Shareholder returns |
46 | (14) | 152 | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Group Total |
||||||||||
Policyholder returns |
40,266 | 49,227 | (12,767) | |||||||
Shareholder returns |
4,725 | 328 | 3,650 | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Total |
44,991 | 49,555 | (9,117) | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Policyholder returns
The returns as shown in the table above are delineated between those allocated to policyholders and those allocated to shareholders. In making this distinction, returns allocated to policyholders are those from investments in which shareholders have no direct economic interest, namely:
The investment returns related to the types of business mentioned above do not impact shareholders' profits directly. However, there is an indirect impact, for example, investment-related fees or the effect of investment returns on the shareholders' share of the cost of bonuses of with-profits funds.
Investment returns for unit-linked and similar products have a reciprocal impact on benefits and claims, with an increase/decrease in market returns on the attached pool of assets affecting policyholder benefits on these products. Similarly for with-profits funds there is a close correlation between increases or decreases in investment returns and the level of combined charge for policyholder benefits and movement in unallocated surplus that arises from such returns.
Shareholder returns
For other non with-profits shareholder-backed business in Asia, the investment returns are not directly attributable to policyholders and, therefore, impact shareholders' profit directly.
Changes in shareholders' investment returns in the US primarily reflect movements in the investment income, realised gains and losses together with movements in the value of the derivative instruments held to manage equity risk and interest rate exposures and durations arising within the general account (including variable annuity guarantees) and movements in GMIB reinsurance amounts. Separately within Benefits and Claims, there is a charge for the allocation made to policyholders through the application of crediting rates for Jackson's relevant lines of business.
35
The majority of the investments held to back the US general account business are debt securities for which the available-for-sale designation is applied for IFRS basis reporting. Under this designation the return included in the income statement reflects the aggregate of investment income and realised gains and losses (including impairment losses), while movements in unrealised appreciation and depreciation are recognised in other comprehensive income. The return on these assets is attributable to shareholders.
Reasons for year-on-year changes in investment returns
With two exceptions, all Prudential investments are carried at fair value in the statement of financial position with fair value movements, which are volatile from year to year, recorded in the income statement. The exceptions are for:
Subject to the effect of these two exceptions, the year-on-year changes in investment returns primarily reflect the generality of overall market movements for equities and debt securities. In addition, foreign exchange rates affect the USD value of the translated income. Consistent with the treatment applied for other items of income and expenditure, investment returns for operations not using USD as functional currency are translated at average exchange rates.
Asia
The table below provides an analysis of investment return attributable to Asia operations for the years presented:
|
2020 $m | 2019 $m |
2018 $m
|
|||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Interest/dividend income (including foreign exchange gains and losses) |
3,068 | 2,493 | 2,228 | |||||||
Investment appreciation (depreciation)* |
10,648 | 12,482 | (5,104) | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Total |
13,716 | 14,975 | (2,876) | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
In Prudential's Asia operations, debt and equity securities account for 56 per cent and 37 per cent, respectively, of the total investment portfolio at 31 December 2020 (31 December 2019: 55 per cent and 38 per cent, respectively), with the remaining primarily comprising cash and cash equivalents, loans and deposits with credit institutions. In Asia, total positive investment returns of $10,648 million (2019: $12,482 million) in 2020 mainly reflect investment appreciation on fixed income assets following falling bond yields in many parts of Asia and also on equity securities. The lower year-on-year investment appreciation is primarily driven by a lower level of equity returns given that equity market performance in certain markets was less favourable in 2020 compared with 2019. The equity market movements have a more significant impact on the with-profits funds and unit-linked business in Asia.
US
The table below provides an analysis of investment returns attributable to US operations for the years presented:
|
2020 $m | 2019 $m |
2018 $m
|
|||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Investment return of investments backing US separate account liabilities |
30,333 | 38,113 | (9,774) | |||||||
Other investment return |
896 | (3,519) | 3,381 | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Total |
31,229 | 34,594 | (6,393) | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
In the US, investment return has decreased from a gain of $34,594 million in 2019 to a gain of $31,229 million in 2020. This $3,365 million unfavourable change arises from the decrease of $7,780 million in the investment return of investments backing variable annuity separate account liabilities from a gain of $38,113 million in 2019 to a gain of $30,333 million in 2020, partially offset by an increase in other investment returns from a loss of $(3,519) million in 2019 to a gain of $896 million in 2020. The lower positive return from investments backing the variable annuity separate account of $30,333 million compared with 2019 is primarily driven by
36
lower gain on equity market performance, with the S&P 500 index being overall up 16 per cent in 2020 compared to 29 per cent in 2019. Other investment returns in 2020 includes $2,817 million of realised gains recycled from other comprehensive income on available-for-sale debt securities on transfer to Athene Life Re Ltd in June 2020. Excluding the Athene impact, other investment returns of $(1,921) million compared with $(3,519) million in 2019 primarily reflects higher interest-related realised gains on debt securities in 2020 ($724 million as compared to $220 million in 2019) as Jackson rebalanced its portfolio post the Athene transaction, together with increases in the value of derivatives held to manage interest rates and smaller gross losses (before DAC amortisation) on derivatives held to manage equity exposure. More discussion on the impact of derivative instruments held to manage market risk exposures of Jackson's products is contained in note B1.2 to the consolidated financial statements.
Unallocated to a segment
The investment returns for unallocated to a segment and intra-segment elimination was positive $46 million in 2020 compared with negative $(14) million in 2019.
|
2020 $m | 2019 $m |
2018 $m
|
|||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Asia |
(28,488) | (29,119) | (11,664) | |||||||
US |
(19,617) | (54,734) | (11,736) | |||||||
Unallocated to a segment |
(100) | (52) | (26) | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Total |
(48,205) | (83,905) | (23,426) | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Benefits and claims represent payments, including final bonuses, to policyholders in respect of maturities, surrenders, deaths and other claims events plus changes in technical provisions (which primarily represent the movement in amounts owed to policyholders) net of any associated reinsurance recoveries. The movement in unallocated surplus of with-profits funds represents the transfer to (from) the unallocated surplus each year through a charge (credit) to the income statement of the annual (excess) shortfall of income over expenditure (including changes in policyholder liabilities) after allowing for the impacts on shareholders' profits of bonuses declared in the year.
The underlying reasons for the year-on-year changes in benefits and claims and movement in unallocated surplus in each of Prudential's insurance operations are changes in the incidence of claims incurred, movements in policyholders' liabilities, and movements in unallocated surplus of with-profits funds.
The charge for total benefit and claims and movement in unallocated surplus of with-profits funds, net of reinsurance, decreased by $35,700 million in 2020 to a charge of $48,205 million compared with a charge of $(83,905) million in 2019 as shown below:
|
2020 $m | 2019 $m |
2018 $m
|
|||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Claims incurred, net of reinsurance |
(25,784) | (28,544) | (26,291) | |||||||
(Increase) decrease in policyholder liabilities, net of reinsurance |
(21,983) | (53,946) | 1,371 | |||||||
Movement in unallocated surplus of with-profits funds |
(438) | (1,415) | 1,494 | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Benefits and claims and movement in unallocated surplus, net of reinsurance |
(48,205) | (83,905) | (23,426) | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
The charge for benefits and claims and movements in unallocated surplus of with-profits funds, net of reinsurance, shown in the table above exclude claims on investment contracts without discretionary participation features (as defined by IFRS 4) in accordance with IAS 39 to reflect the deposit nature of the arrangement.
Additionally, the movements in policyholder liabilities and unallocated surplus of with-profits funds represent the amount recognised in the income statement and therefore exclude the effect of foreign exchange translation differences on the policyholder liabilities of subsidiaries not using USD as functional currency and the movement in liabilities arising on acquisitions and disposals of businesses in the year, together with other items that do not pass through the income statement as described in note C3.1 of the consolidated financial statements.
The movement in policyholder liabilities recognised in the income statement includes reserving for inflows from premiums net of upfront charges, release of liabilities for claims paid on surrenders, withdrawals, maturities, deaths and other claims events, change due to investment return to the extent of the amounts allocated to policyholders or reflected in the measurement of the policyholder liabilities and other changes in the liability measurement.
37
However, the principal driver for the year on year variations in the movements in policyholder liabilities is the investment return element due to the inherent nature of market fluctuations. These variations are driven by changes to investment return reflected in the statement of financial position measurement of liabilities for Prudential's with-profits and unit-linked policies (including US separate account business). In addition, for those liabilities under IFRS where the measurement involves discounting future cash flows at current interest rates, the year-on-year changes in interest rates also contribute significantly to variations in the measurement of policyholder liabilities. The principal driver for variations in the change in unallocated surplus of with-profits funds is the value movements on the investment assets of the with-profits funds to the extent not reflected in policyholder liabilities.
An analysis of the statement of financial position movements in policyholder liabilities and unallocated surplus of with-profits funds is provided in note C3.1 to the consolidated financial statements. The policyholder liabilities shown in the analysis in note C3.1 are gross of reinsurance and include the full movement in the year of investment contracts without discretionary participating features (as defined in IFRS 4). Further, this analysis has been prepared to include the Group's share of the policyholder liabilities of the Asia joint ventures and associates that are accounted for on an equity method basis in the Group's financial statements.
The principal variations in the movements in policyholder liabilities and movements in unallocated surplus of with-profits funds for each of the Group's insurance operations are discussed below.
Asia
In 2020, the charge for benefits and claims and movement in unallocated surplus of with-profits funds totalled $28,488 million, representing a decrease of $631 million compared with the charge of $(29,119) million in 2019.
The amounts of the year-on-year change attributable to each of the underlying reasons are shown below:
|
2020 $m | 2019 $m |
2018 $m
|
|||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Claims incurred, net of reinsurance |
(6,977) | (7,256) | (6,690) | |||||||
Increase in policyholder liabilities, net of reinsurance |
(21,073) | (20,448) | (6,468) | |||||||
Movement in unallocated surplus of with-profits funds |
(438) | (1,415) | 1,494 | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Benefits and claims and movement in unallocated surplus, net of reinsurance |
(28,488) | (29,119) | (11,664) | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
In general, the growth in policyholder liabilities in Asia over the three-year period shown above reflects the combined growth of new business and the in-force books in the region. The variations in the movements in policyholder liabilities in individual years are, however, primarily due to movement in investment returns. This is as a result of asset value movements that are reflected in the unit value of the unit-linked policies and the fluctuations of the policyholder liabilities of the with-profits policies with the funds' investment performance.
The change in the increase in policyholder liabilities, net of reinsurance in 2020 as compared with 2019 reflected the effect of lower interest rates on the discount rates applied in the measurement of the policyholder liabilities, which causes these liabilities to increase. This is partially offset by lower level of investment return on policyholder assets from the with-profits funds and unit-linked business (as discussed above under 'Investment Return').
US
Except for institutional products and term certain annuities which are classified as investment products under IAS 39, the products are accounted for as insurance contracts for IFRS reporting purposes. On this basis of reporting, deposits into these products are recorded as premiums, while withdrawals and surrenders are included in benefits and claims, and the resulting net movement is recorded under other reserve movements within benefits and claims. Benefits and claims also include interest credited to policyholders in respect of deposit products less fees charged on these policies.
In 2020, the charge for benefits and claims has decreased by $35,117 million to $(19,617) million compared with $(54,734) million in 2019. The year-on-year movement is principally driven by a credit of $27.7 billion in 2020 in respect of the reinsurance of substantially all of Jackson's in-force fixed and fixed indexed annuity business to Athene Life Re Ltd from 1 June 2020. The amounts of the year-on-year change attributable to each of the underlying reasons are shown below:
38
|
2020 $m | 2019 $m |
2018 $m
|
|||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Claims incurred, net of reinsurance |
(18,708) | (21,254) | (19,583) | |||||||
(Increase) decrease in policyholder liabilities, net of reinsurance |
(909) | (33,480) | 7,847 | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Benefits and claims, net of reinsurance |
(19,617) | (54,734) | (11,736) | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
The lower claims incurred, net of reinsurance of $(18,708) million in 2020 compared with $(21,254) million in 2019 includes the impact of reinsuring substantially all the fixed and fixed index annuity business to Athene in June 2020 with no claims (net of reinsurance) being recognised after this date as well as lower surrenders in the variable annuity business.
Excluding the Athene reinsurance impact of $27.7 billion discussed above, the year-on-year movement in policyholder liabilities, net of reinsurance, for 2020 compared with 2019 is principally driven by the lower investment return on the assets backing the variable annuity separate account liabilities, as discussed above under 'Investment Return', offset by an increase in the liabilities held for variable annuity guarantees, given the effect of the decrease in interest rates.
Unallocated to a segment
Unallocated to a segment comprises the benefits and claims related to Africa operations reflecting the growth of the business.
|
2020 $m | 2019 $m |
2018 $m
|
|||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Asia |
(3,989) | (5,157) | (5,162) | |||||||
US |
(821) | (1,402) | (2,773) | |||||||
Unallocated to a segment and intra-segment elimination |
(671) | (724) | (592) | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Total |
(5,481) | (7,283) | (8,527) | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Total acquisition costs and other expenditure of $(5,481) million in 2020 is $1,802 million or 25 per cent lower than the $(7,283) million incurred in 2019. In general, acquisition costs and other expenditure comprise acquisition costs incurred for insurance policies, changes in DAC, operating expenses and movements in amounts attributable to external unit holders. Movements in amounts attributable to external unit holders of consolidated investment funds reflect the change in the overall returns in these funds in the year that is attributable to third parties.
Asia
Total acquisition costs and other expenditure for Asia in 2020 of $(3,989) million were lower than $(5,157) million in 2019. The decrease in 2020 is primarily driven by the inclusion of a ceding commission received of $770 million in 2020 in respect of the reinsurance transaction entered into by the Hong Kong business, as discussed in note D1.1 to the consolidated financial statements, and lower acquisition costs net of deferral as a result of lower level of new business sold in the year.
US
Total acquisition costs and other expenditure for US in 2020 of $(821) million included $1,203 million of ceding commission received and $(764) million for the write-off of DAC related to Jackson's reinsurance transaction with Athene Life Re Ltd in June 2020 (as discussed in note D1.1 of the consolidated financial statements). Excluding these amounts, total acquisition costs and other expenditure in the US in 2020 were $(1,260) million, a decrease of $142 million compared to $(1,402) million) in 2019, with the movement mainly reflecting the change in amortisation of DAC adjustments discussed below.
The amortisation of DAC, excluding the $(764) million write-off relating to the Athene transaction, was a credit of $1,153 million in 2020 compared with a credit of $951 million in 2019. This comprises a credit for amortisation of DAC that varies with the level of short-term fluctuations in investment returns of $1,576 million (2019: $1,248 million), largely as a result of the losses arising from market effects on variable annuity guarantee liabilities and associated hedging, offset by a DAC amortisation charge recognised within adjusted operating profit of $(423) million in 2020 (2019: $297 million). This charge has increased as a result of changes to the longer-term economic assumptions underpinning the amortisation calculation following an expectation of lower interest rates in the future, partially offset by the benefits of increases in DAC amortisation deceleration.
39
Operating segments
The Group's operating segments for financial reporting purposes are defined and presented in accordance with IFRS 8 'Operating Segments' on the basis of the management reporting structure and its financial management information.
Under the Group's management and reporting structure, its chief operating decision maker is the Group Executive Committee (GEC). In the management structure, responsibility is delegated to the Chief Executive Officers of the Group's Asia and US business units for the day-to-day management of their business units (within the framework set out in the Group Governance Manual). Financial management information used by the GEC aligns with these business segments. These operating segments, Asia operations and US operations, derive revenue from both insurance and asset management activities.
Operations which do not form part of any business unit are reported as 'Unallocated to a segment'. These include head office costs in London and Hong Kong. The Group's Africa operations do not form part of any operating segment under the structure, and their assets and liabilities and profit or loss before tax are not material to the overall financial position of the Group. The Group's Africa operations are therefore also reported as 'Unallocated to a segment'.
In preparation for the planned separation of Jackson, the management information received by the GEC has been revised in 2021, leading to a change in the Group's operating segments which will be presented in the 2021 half year report as discussed in the Explanation of Performance and Other Financial Measures section of this report.
Performance measure
The performance measure of operating segments utilised by the Group is adjusted IFRS operating profit based on longer-term investment returns (adjusted operating profit), as described below. This measurement basis distinguishes adjusted operating profit from other constituents of total profit or loss for the year as follows:
Determination of adjusted operating profit for investment and liability movements
(a) With-profits business
For Asia's with-profits business in Hong Kong, Singapore and Malaysia, the adjusted operating profit reflects the shareholders' share in the bonuses declared to policyholders. Value movements in the underlying assets of the with-profits funds only affect the shareholder results through indirect effects of investment performance on declared policyholder bonuses and therefore, do not affect directly the determination of adjusted operating profit.
(b) Unit-linked business including the US variable annuity separate accounts
The policyholder unit liabilities are directly reflective of the underlying asset value movements. Accordingly, the adjusted operating profit reflect the current year value movements in both the unit liabilities and the backing assets.
(c) US general account business
The adjusted operating profit for Jackson included in the Group's accounts is based on information reviewed by the GEC on an IFRS basis. This will differ from the financial information that Jackson will report as part of the demerger process, which will be prepared under US GAAP and will be based on the information local management reviews in preparation for them becoming a standalone entity.
Jackson's variable and fixed index annuity business has guarantee liabilities which are measured on a combination of fair value and other US GAAP derived principles. These liabilities are subject to an extensive derivative programme to manage equity and interest rate exposures whose fair value movements pass through the income statement each year.
40
The following value movements for Jackson's variable and fixed index annuity business are excluded from adjusted operating profit. See note B1.2:
Guaranteed benefit options for the 'not for life' portion of GMWB and equity index options for the fixed index annuity business
The 'not for life' portion of GMWB guaranteed benefit option liabilities is measured under the US GAAP basis applied for IFRS in a manner consistent with IAS 39 under which the projected future growth rate of the account balance is based on the greater of US Treasury rates and current swap rates (rather than expected rates of return) with only a portion of the expected future guarantee fees included. The discount rates applied in determining the value of these liabilities is actively updated each year based on market observed rates and after allowing for Jackson's own credit risk. Reserve value movements on these liabilities are sensitive to changes to levels of equity markets, implied volatility and interest rates. The equity index option for fixed index annuity business is measured under the US GAAP basis applied for IFRS in a manner consistent with IAS 39 under which the projected future growth is based on current swap rates.
Guaranteed benefit option for variable annuity guarantee minimum income benefit
The GMIB liability, which is substantially reinsured, subject to a deductible and annual claim limits, is accounted for using 'grandfathered' US GAAP. This accounting basis substantially does not recognise the effects of market movements. The corresponding reinsurance asset is measured under the 'grandfathered' US GAAP basis applied for IFRS in a manner consistent with IAS 39 'Financial Instruments: Recognition and Measurement', and the asset is therefore recognised at fair value. As the GMIB is economically reinsured, the mark-to-market element of the reinsurance asset is included as a component of short-term fluctuations in investment returns.
(d) Policyholder liabilities that are sensitive to market conditions
Under IFRS, the degree to which the carrying values of liabilities to policyholders are sensitive to current market conditions varies between business units depending upon the nature of the 'grandfathered' measurement basis.
Movements in liabilities for some types of business do require bifurcation between the elements that relate to longer-term market condition and short-term effects to ensure that at the net level (ie after allocated investment return and charge for policyholder benefits) the adjusted operating profit reflects longer-term market returns.
For certain Asia non-participating business, for example in Hong Kong, the economic features are more akin to asset management products with policyholder liabilities reflecting asset shares over the contract term. Consequently, for these products, the charge for policyholder benefits in the adjusted operating profit reflects the asset share feature rather than volatile movements that would otherwise be reflected if the local regulatory basis (as applied for the IFRS balance sheet) was used.
For other types of Asia non-participating business, expected longer-term investment returns and interest rates are used to determine the movement in policyholder liabilities for determining adjusted operating profit. This ensures assets and liabilities are reflected on a consistent basis.
(e) Assets backing other shareholder-financed long-term insurance business
Except in the case of assets backing liabilities which are directly matched (such as unit-linked business) adjusted operating profit for assets backing shareholder-financed business is determined on the basis of expected longer-term investment returns. Longer-term investment returns comprise actual income receivable for the year (interest/dividend income) and for both debt and equity-type securities longer-term capital returns.
41
Debt securities and loans
As a general principle, for debt securities and loans, the longer-term capital returns comprise two elements:
At 31 December 2020, the level of unamortised interest-related realised gains and losses related to previously sold bonds for the Group's insurance operations in Asia and the US was a net gain of $1,725 million (31 December 2019: net gain of $916 million).
For Asia insurance operations, realised gains and losses are principally interest related. Accordingly, all realised gains and losses to date for these operations are amortised over the period to the date those securities would otherwise have matured, with no explicit risk margin reserve charge.
For US insurance operations, Jackson has used the ratings by Nationally Recognised Statistical Ratings Organisations (NRSRO) or ratings resulting from the regulatory ratings detail issued by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) to determine the average annual risk margin reserve to apply to debt securities held to back general account business. Debt securities held to back separate account and reinsurance funds withheld are not subject to risk margin reserve charge. Further details of the risk margin reserve charge, as well as the amortisation of interest-related realised gains and losses, for Jackson are shown in note B1.2.
Equity-type securities
For equity-type securities, the longer-term rates of return are estimates of the long-term trend investment returns for income and capital having regard to past performance, current trends and future expectations. Different rates apply to different categories of equity-type securities.
For Asia insurance operations, investments in equity securities held for non-linked shareholder-backed business amounted to $4,954 million as at 31 December 2020 (31 December 2019: $3,473 million). The longer-term rates of return applied in 2020 ranged from 5.1 per cent to 16.9 per cent (31 December 2019: 5.0 per cent to 17.6 per cent) with the rates applied varying by business unit. These rates are broadly stable from year to year but may be different between regions, reflecting, for example, differing expectations of inflation in each local business unit. The assumptions are for the returns expected to apply in equilibrium conditions. The assumed rates of return do not reflect any cyclical variability in economic performance and are not set by reference to prevailing asset valuations. The longer-term investment returns for the Asia insurance joint ventures and associates accounted for using the equity method are determined on a similar basis as the other Asia insurance operations described above.
For US insurance operations, as at 31 December 2020, the equity-type securities for non-separate account operations amounted to $2,128 million (31 December 2019: $1,481 million). For these operations, the longer-term rates of return for income and capital applied in 2020 and 2019, which reflect the combination of the average risk-free rates over the year and appropriate risk premiums are as follows:
|
2020
|
2019
|
||
---|---|---|---|---|
| | | | |
Equity-type securities such as common and preferred stock and portfolio holdings in mutual funds |
4.8% to 5.8% | 5.5% to 6.7% | ||
Other equity-type securities such as investments in limited partnerships and private equity funds |
6.8% to 7.8% | 7.5% to 8.7% | ||
| | | | |
Derivative value movements
Generally, derivative value movements are excluded from adjusted operating profit. The exception is where the derivative value movements broadly offset changes in the accounting value of other assets and liabilities included in adjusted operating profit. The principal example of derivatives whose value movements are excluded from adjusted operating profit arises in Jackson.
42
Equity-based derivatives held by Jackson are as discussed in section (c) above. Non-equity based derivatives held by Jackson are part of a broad-based hedging programme for features of Jackson's bond portfolio (for which value movements are booked in the statement of other comprehensive income rather than the income statement), product liabilities (for which US GAAP accounting as 'grandfathered' under IFRS 4 does not fully reflect the economic features being hedged), and the interest rate exposure attaching to equity-based product options.
(f) Fund management and other non-insurance businesses
For these businesses, the determination of adjusted operating profit reflects the underlying economic substance of the arrangements. Generally, realised gains and losses are included in adjusted operating profit with temporary unrealised gains and losses being included in short-term fluctuations. In some instances, realised gains and losses on derivatives and other financial instruments are amortised to adjusted operating profit over a time period that reflects the underlying economic substance of the arrangements.
Analysis of adjusted operating profit
The following tables analyse Prudential's adjusted operating profit by business segment and Prudential's total profit for the year.
|
2020 $m | |||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Analysis of profit (loss) before tax attributable to shareholders' returns from continuing operations:
|
Asia
|
US
|
Total
segment |
Unallocated
to a segment |
Group
total continuing operations |
|||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Profit for the year from continuing operations |
3,382 | (247) | 3,135 | (950) | 2,185 | |||||||||||
Tax charges (credit) attributable to shareholders |
438 | (467) | (29) | (8) | (37) | |||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Profit (loss) before tax from continuing operations |
3,820 | (714) | 3,106 | (958) | 2,148 | |||||||||||
Losses (gains) from short-term fluctuations in investment returns on shareholder-backed business |
607 | 4,262 | 4,869 | (28) | 4,841 | |||||||||||
Other non-operating items (gains) losses |
(760) | (752) | (1,512) | 30 | (1,482) | |||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Adjusted operating profit (loss) |
3,667 | 2,796 | 6,463 | (956) | 5,507 | |||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
2019 $m (AER) | |||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Analysis of profit (loss) before tax attributable to shareholders' returns from continuing operations:
|
Asia
|
US
|
Total
segment |
Unallocated
to a segment |
Group
total continuing operations |
|||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Profit (loss) for the year from continuing operations |
3,725 | (380) | 3,345 | (1,392) | 1,953 | |||||||||||
Tax charges (credit) attributable to shareholders |
468 | (345) | 123 | (154) | (31) | |||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Profit (loss) before tax from continuing operations |
4,193 | (725) | 3,468 | (1,546) | 1,922 | |||||||||||
(Gains) losses from short-term fluctuations in investment returns on shareholder-backed business |
(657) | 3,757 | 3,100 | 103 | 3,203 | |||||||||||
Other non-operating items |
(260) | 38 | (222) | 407 | 185 | |||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Adjusted operating profit (loss) |
3,276 | 3,070 | 6,346 | (1,036) | 5,310 | |||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
2019 $m* (CER) | |||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Analysis of profit (loss) before tax attributable to shareholders' returns from continuing operations:
|
Asia
|
US
|
Total
segment |
Unallocated
to a segment |
Group
total continuing operations |
|||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Profit (loss) for the year from continuing operations |
3,723 | (380) | 3,343 | (1,399) | 1,944 | |||||||||||
Tax charges (credit) attributable to shareholders |
463 | (345) | 118 | (154) | (36) | |||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Profit (loss) before tax form continuing operations |
4,186 | (725) | 3,461 | (1,553) | 1,908 | |||||||||||
(Gains) losses from short-term fluctuations in investment returns on shareholder-backed business |
(669) | 3,757 | 3,088 | 103 | 3,191 | |||||||||||
Other non-operating items |
(261) | 38 | (223) | 409 | 186 | |||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Adjusted operating profit (loss) |
3,256 | 3,070 | 6,326 | (1,041) | 5,285 | |||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
43
|
2018 $m (AER) | |||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Analysis of profit (loss) before tax attributable to shareholders' returns from continuing operations:
|
Asia
|
US
|
Total
segment |
Unallocated
to a segment |
Group
total continuing operations |
|||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Profit (loss) for the year from continuing operations |
1,815 | 1,982 | 3,797 | (916) | 2,881 | |||||||||||
Tax charges (credit) attributable to shareholders |
369 | 340 | 709 | (140) | 569 | |||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Profit (loss) before tax from continuing operations |
2,184 | 2,322 | 4,506 | (1,056) | 3,450 | |||||||||||
Losses (gains) from short-term fluctuations in investment returns on shareholder-backed business |
684 | 134 | 818 | (27) | 791 | |||||||||||
Other non-operating items |
20 | 107 | 127 | 41 | 168 | |||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Adjusted operating profit (loss) |
2,888 | 2,563 | 5,451 | (1,042) | 4,409 | |||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
2018 $m (CER) | |||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Analysis of profit (loss) before tax attributable to shareholders' returns from continuing operations:
|
Asia
|
US
|
Total
segment |
Unallocated
to a segment |
Group
total |
|||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Profit (loss) for the year from continuing operations |
1,808 | 1,982 | 3,790 | (894) | 2,896 | |||||||||||
Tax charges (credit) attributable to shareholders |
356 | 340 | 696 | (126) | 570 | |||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Profit (loss) before tax from continuing operations |
2,164 | 2,322 | 4,486 | (1,020) | 3,466 | |||||||||||
Losses (gains) from short-term fluctuations in investment returns on shareholder-backed business |
688 | 134 | 822 | (26) | 796 | |||||||||||
Other non-operating items |
20 | 107 | 127 | 40 | 167 | |||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Adjusted operating profit (loss) |
2,872 | 2,563 | 5,435 | (1,006) | 4,429 | |||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Explanation of Movements in Profit after Tax and Profit before Shareholder Tax by Segment
(a) Group overview
Profit after tax for the year was $2,185 million in 2020 compared with a profit of $792 million in 2019. The profit after tax in 2019 included a loss of $(1,161) million from the discontinued UK and Europe operations that were demerged in 2019. Excluding the impact of discontinued operations in 2019, profit after tax for the year from continuing operations increased $232 million from a profit of $1,953 million in 2019 to a profit of $2,185 million in 2020. The increase in profit from continuing operations after tax primarily reflects the movement in profit before shareholder tax which increased from $1,922 million in 2019 to $2,148 million in 2020 and a $6 million increase in the tax credit attributable to shareholders, which increased from $31 million to $37 million.
The profit from continuing operations reflects the combined effects of operating results determined on the basis of longer-term investment returns, together with short-term investment variances which for 2020 were driven by the negative effects in the US and Asia, and gains arising on the reinsurance of fixed and fixed index annuity business in the US and other corporate transactions.
The effective tax rate on total IFRS profit in 2020 was negative (2) per cent. This was unchanged from 2019 and reflects the tax credit on US derivative losses exceeding the tax charge on profits from Asia operations.
(b) Summary by business segment
The Group's operating segments for financial reporting are defined and presented in accordance with IFRS 8, 'Operating Segments', on the basis of the management reporting structure and its financial management information. Further details on the Group's determination of operating segments is provided in the 'Basis of Performance Measures' section of this report.
44
The following table shows Prudential's IFRS consolidated total profit after tax presented by business segment. The accounting policies applied to the segments below are the same as those used in the Group's consolidated financial statements.
|
2020 $m
|
2019 $m
|
2018 $m
|
|||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| | | | | | | | | | |
Asia |
3,382 | 3,725 | 1,815 | |||||||
US |
(247) | (380) | 1,982 | |||||||
Unallocated to a segment* |
(950) | (1,392) | (916) | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Profit from continuing operations for the year |
2,185 | 1,953 | 2,881 | |||||||
(Loss) profit from discontinued UK and Europe operations for the year, net of related tax |
- | (1,161) | 1,142 | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Total profit for the year |
2,185 | 792 | 4,023 | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
In order to understand how Prudential's results are derived it is necessary to understand how profit emerges from its business. This varies from region to region, primarily due to differences in the nature of the products and regulatory environments in which Prudential operates.
Asia
For the Asia insurance operations, the assets and liabilities of contracts classified as insurance under IFRS 4 are determined in accordance with methods prescribed by local GAAP and adjusted to comply, where necessary, with grandfathered UK GAAP. Under IFRS 4, subject to the conditions of that standard, the continued application of grandfathered UK GAAP in this respect is permitted. In Taiwan and India, US GAAP principles are applied. For with-profits business in Hong Kong, Singapore and Malaysia, the basis of profit recognition is bonus driven as described in note A3.1 to the consolidated financial statements.
The following table shows the movement in profit arising from Asia operations and its components (insurance and asset management) for the years indicated.
|
2020 $m
|
2019 $m
|
2018 $m
|
|||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| | | | | | | | | | |
Insurance operations |
3,537 | 3,910 | 1,942 | |||||||
Asset management |
283 | 283 | 242 | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Profit before shareholder tax |
3,820 | 4,193 | 2,184 | |||||||
Shareholder tax charge |
(438) | (468) | (369) | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Profit after tax |
3,382 | 3,725 | 1,815 | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
The decrease of $343 million in the profit after tax from $3,725 million in 2019 to $3,382 million in 2020 primarily reflects a decrease in profit before shareholder tax of $373 million from insurance operations.
The decrease in the profit before shareholder tax of insurance operations primarily reflects an increase in adjusted operating profit of $391 million from $2,993 million in 2019 to $3,384 million in 2020, which is more than offset by an unfavourable movement in non-operating profit of $764 million from a gain of $917 million in 2019 to a gain of $153 million in 2020. The increase of $391 million in adjusted operating profit includes a negative exchange translation impact of $(15) million. Excluding the currency volatility, adjusted operating profit was up 14 per cent or $406 million on a CER basis reflecting our ongoing focus on recurring premium health and protection products and the associated continued growth of the in-force business.
The unfavourable change in non-operating profit was primarily due to a negative change of $(1,264) million in the short-term fluctuations in investment returns from a gain of $657 million in 2019 to a loss of $607 million in 2020, partially offset by an increase in the gain on corporate transactions from $265 million in 2019 to $765 million in 2020. Falling interest rates in certain parts of Asia led to lower discount rates on certain policyholder liabilities under the local reserving basis applied, which were not fully offset by unrealised bond and equity gains in the year leading to negative fluctuations overall.
The profit before shareholder tax of asset management operations of $283 million in 2020 was level compared with 2019 on an actual exchange rate basis. Excluding an negative exchange translation impact of $(5) million, profit from Asia asset management operations was up 2 per cent on a CER basis supported by a 7 per cent increase in average funds under management on a CER basis (6 per cent on an AER basis).
The effective shareholder tax rate on profits from Asia operations was 11 per cent in 2020. This is unchanged from 2019.
45
US
The following table shows the movement in profit arising from US operations and its components (insurance and asset management) for the years indicated.
|
2020 $m
|
2019 $m
|
2018 $m
|
|||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| | | | | | | | | | |
Insurance operations |
(723) | (757) | 2,362 | |||||||
Asset management |
9 | 32 | (40) | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Profit before shareholder tax |
(714) | (725) | 2,322 | |||||||
Shareholder tax credit (charge) |
467 | 345 | (340) | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Profit after tax |
(247) | (380) | 1,982 | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
The decrease of $133 million in loss after tax from $(380) million in 2019 to $(247) million in 2020 primarily reflects an increase in the shareholders tax credit from $345 million in 2019 to $467 million in 2020, together with a decrease in loss before shareholders tax from $(725) in 2019 to $(714) in 2020.
The decrease of loss before shareholder tax is principally driven by insurance operations from a loss of $(757) million in 2019 to a loss of $(723) million in 2020 partially offset by a lower profit from asset management operations.
The underlying profit from US insurance business (Jackson) predominantly arises from fee income on variable annuity business, spread income from interest sensitive products and insurance profits, net of expenses, measured on a US GAAP basis. In June 2020, Jackson reinsured substantially all of its in-force fixed and fixed indexed annuity portfolio to Athene Life Re Ltd. In addition, total profit in any period includes the incidence of realised gains and losses (including impairment) on assets classified as available-for-sale, fair value movements on derivatives and financial instruments classified as fair valued through profit and loss and value movements on the policyholder liabilities of variable annuity product guarantees.
The decrease in the loss before shareholder tax of insurance operations in 2020 is primarily due to a decrease in adjusted operating profit of $274 million from $3,070 million in 2019 to $2,796 million in 2020 and a negative movement in short-term fluctuations in investment returns of $501 million from a loss of $(3,795) million in 2019 to $(4,296) million, which were more than offset by a $804 million gain arising from the Athene reinsurance transaction in June 2020 (as discussed further in note D1.1 to the consolidated financial statements). The decrease of $274 million in adjusted operating profit largely reflects the impact of DAC adjustment effects in the current and prior year, alongside the expected reduction in spread related earnings following the reinsurance contract with Athene in June 2020. The negative movement in short-term fluctuations in investment returns principally arises from the steep rise in equity markets following the low at the end of the first quarter of 2020 that led to equity derivative losses taken out as part of Jackson's hedging programme being in excess of the corresponding reduction in guarantee liabilities and the effect of lower interest rates on the value of its guarantees.
The effective shareholder tax rate on losses from US operations was 65 per cent in 2020 compared with 48 per cent in 2019, driven by tax credits on one-off deferred tax movements in 2020 and the carry back of losses under the CARES Act.
Unallocated to a segment
Unallocated to a segment includes head office costs in London and Hong Kong. The Group's Africa operations do not form part of any operating segment under the structure and so are also included as unallocated. The following table shows the movement in the unallocated to a segment result for the years indicated.
2020 $m | 2019 $m |
2018 $m
|
|||||||
| | | | | | | | | |
Loss before shareholder tax | (958) | (1,546) | (1,056) | ||||||
Shareholder tax credit | 8 | 154 | 140 | ||||||
| | | | | | | | | |
Loss after tax | (950) | (1,392) | (916) | ||||||
| | | | | | | | | |
Total net charges for activity unallocated to a segment have decreased by $(442) million from $(1,392) million in 2019 to $(950) million in 2020. The loss before shareholder tax decreased by $588 million from $(1,546) million in 2019 to $(958) million in 2020 mainly due to the non-recurrence of one-off costs in 2019 in relation to the M&G plc demerger and lower interest and head office costs, partially offset by increased costs associated with the Group's substantial and ongoing IFRS 17 project and other restructuring activities.
46
The effective shareholder tax rate on losses unallocated to a segment was 1 per cent in 2020 compared to 10 per cent in 2019, principally due to the absence of a tax credit on UK tax losses where it is unlikely there will be future value obtained from the tax losses.
Explanation of Performance and Other Financial Measures
AER | CER* | AER |
CER
|
||||||||||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
2020 $m | 2019 $m | Change % | 2019 $m | Change % | 2018 $m |
2018 $m
|
|||||||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Asia | |||||||||||||||||||||
Insurance operationsnote(ii) | 3,384 | 2,993 | 13% | 2,978 | 14% | 2,646 | 2,633 | ||||||||||||||
Asset management | 283 | 283 | - | 278 | 2% | 242 | 239 | ||||||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total Asia | 3,667 | 3,276 | 12% | 3,256 | 13% | 2,888 | 2,872 | ||||||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
US | |||||||||||||||||||||
Insurance operationsnote(ii) | 2,787 | 3,038 | (8)% | 3,038 | (8)% | 2,552 | 2,552 | ||||||||||||||
Asset management | 9 | 32 | (72)% | 32 | (72)% | 11 | 11 | ||||||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total US | 2,796 | 3,070 | (9)% | 3,070 | (9)% | 2,563 | 2,563 | ||||||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Other income and expenditure | (748) | (926) | 19% | (931) | 20% | (967) | (933) | ||||||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total adjusted operating profit before tax and restructuring costs | 5,715 | 5,420 | 5% | 5,395 | 6% | 4,484 | 4,502 | ||||||||||||||
Restructuring costs | (208) | (110) | (89)% | (110) | (89)% | (75) | (73) | ||||||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Adjusted operating profit before taxnote(i) | 5,507 | 5,310 | 4% | 5,285 | 4% | 4,409 | 4,429 | ||||||||||||||
Non-operating items: | |||||||||||||||||||||
Short-term fluctuations in investment returns on shareholder-backed business | (4,841) | (3,203) | (51)% | (3,191) | (52)% | (791) | (796) | ||||||||||||||
Amortisation of acquisition accounting adjustments | (39) | (43) | 9% | (43) | 9% | (61) | (61) | ||||||||||||||
Gain (loss) attaching to disposal of businesses | 1,521 | (142) | n/a | (143) | n/a | (107) | (106) | ||||||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Profit before tax attributable to shareholders | 2,148 | 1,922 | 12% | 1,908 | 13% | 3,450 | 3,466 | ||||||||||||||
Tax (charge) credit attributable to shareholders' returns | 37 | 31 | 19% | 36 | 3% | (569) | (570) | ||||||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Profit for the year from continuing operations | 2,185 | 1,953 | 12% | 1,944 | 12% | 2,881 | 2,896 | ||||||||||||||
(Profit) loss for the year from discontinued operations | - | (1,161) | n/a | (1,165) | n/a | 1,142 | 1,092 | ||||||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Profit for the year | 2,185 | 792 | 176% | 779 | 180% | 4,023 | 3,988 | ||||||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Notes
Earnings per share | AER | CER |
AER
|
|||||||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
2020 cents | 2019 cents | Change % | 2019 cents | Change % |
2018 cents
|
|||||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Basic earnings per share based on adjusted operating profit after tax from continuing operations | 175.5 | 175.0 | 0% | 174.6 | 1% | 145.2 | ||||||||||||
Basic earnings per share based on total profit after tax from continuing operations | 81.6 | 75.1 | 9% | 75.1 | 9% | 111.7 | ||||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
The Group has delivered positive operating results while supporting our colleagues, distributors, customers and communities during the disruption caused by Covid-19. Alongside, we have accelerated preparations for the proposed separation of Jackson and continue to develop our capabilities and presence in our chosen Asia and Africa markets, which will position the Group well for success in the future.
47
While Covid-19 restrictions led to new APE sales in Asia being (28) per cent1 lower than the prior year, we have seen positive momentum in the second half of the year, with H2 2020 sales up 20 per cent1 compared with the first half. Excluding Hong Kong, where restrictions between Mainland China and Hong Kong have been in place for much of 2020, new APE sales were down (6) per cent1. Our businesses in Asia delivered a 13 per cent1 increase in adjusted IFRS operating profit based on longer-term investment returns (adjusted operating profit2), reflecting the benefits of our well positioned and broad-based portfolio, which has long focused on high quality, recurring premium business.
Lower asset returns and the effect of lower interest rates on the economic assumptions underpinning DAC amortisation contributed to US long-term business adjusted operating profit2 being (8) per cent lower than the prior year. The RBC ratio of Jackson National Life22, Jackson's principal operating subsidiary, was 347 per cent, with operating capital generation in line with expectations following the Athene reinsurance transaction. As announced on 28 January, the RBC ratio is after an 80 percentage point reduction following revisions to Jackson's hedge modelling for US regulatory purposes.
2020 saw high levels of macro volatility. In the US, the S&P 500 index fell (4) per cent over the first half before recovering by 20 per cent in the second, resulting in a 16 per cent increase over the year. In Asia, equity indices were similarly volatile, with the MSCI Asia ex Japan Index (6) per cent down in the first half and up 30 per cent in the second. Government bond yields were lower over the year, notably with the US 10-year government bond yield ending the year at 0.9 per cent (31 December 2019: 1.9 per cent). 2020 also saw significant volatility in credit spreads, for example spreads on US dollar denominated A-rated corporate bonds rose by 39 basis points in the first half and fell by (41) basis points in the second half.
Covid-19
The Summary Overview of Operating and Financial Prospects section of this report has set out how the Group has risen to the operational challenges presented by Covid-19. In terms of financial performance, the containment measures taken by governments across the globe have impacted sales levels in 2020, albeit many business units saw sales improve in the second half of the year as restrictions were removed. These impacts are discussed in more detail later in this report. Future sales level will depend on how governments respond to changing Covid-19 case levels and the success of vaccination and containment programmes in the markets in which we operate. Travel between Hong Kong and Mainland China remains severely restricted, with consequential effects on Mainland China visitor numbers and the level of APE sales in Hong Kong from this segment. The impact that Covid-19 has had on the macro-economic environment, with lower interest rates and volatile equity markets, has negatively impacted profitability in the year as discussed below. The sensitivity of our IFRS and capital metrics to further market movements are set out in the financial statements later in this document.
In Asia, where we focus on health and protection business, we continue to see low levels of Covid-19 claims, which were less than 1 per cent of total Asia claims paid in the year of $7.2 billion. We also provided our customers in 2020 with premium grace periods in line with local regulations. Our annual review of non-economic assumptions underpinning insurance liabilities did not identify the need for any significant strengthening as a result of the effects of Covid-19 and overall Asia operating experience remains positive. There have been no impairments to goodwill or intangible assets at 31 December 2020 and we will continue to review for triggers for impairment in line with our normal accounting procedures. Our investments are largely at fair value in the balance sheet and no significant changes to our valuation procedures have been applied. Losses on sales of impaired bonds by Jackson increased to $(148) million in the year (2019: loss of $(28) million) and bond write-downs increased to $(32) million (2019: $(15) million) reflecting volatility in credit spreads.
Finally, our liquidity position remains healthy with $1.5 billion of holding company cash and $0.5 billion of commercial paper in issue at 31 December 2020 alongside $2.6 billion of undrawn committed facilities. We have not breached any of the requirements of our core structural borrowings nor modified any of their terms.
Adjusted operating profit before tax from continuing operations
For full year 2020, Prudential's adjusted operating profit2,7 from continuing operations was $5,507 million (4 per cent higher than 2019 on a constant and an actual exchange rate basis). Throughout this document the reference to continuing operations refers to results of the full Group in 2020 and the results of the Group in 2019 excluding the contribution from the discontinued UK life and asset management operations.
The increase in adjusted operating profit reflects the combination of a 13 per cent1 increase in adjusted operating profit2 from our Asia life and asset management operations, offset by a (9) per cent decrease in adjusted operating profit2 from our US business (including asset management), and lower central expenses.
48
Central expenses13 were 8 per cent3 lower than the prior year reflecting a reduction in interest expense on core borrowings following the transfer of debt to M&G plc in 2019, partly offset by increased restructuring costs of $(208) million (2019: $(110) million3). Restructuring costs reflect the Group's substantial and ongoing IFRS 17 project and costs associated with actions to reduce central costs post the demerger of M&G plc. During 2020 our head office activities incurred costs of $(417) million (2019: $(460) million3). The Group continues to take action to right-size its head office costs alongside the evolving footprint of the business. The Group has delivered $180 million of cost savings effective from 1 January 20215 as previously targeted as a result of the M&G demerger6. In addition, as a result of the separation of Jackson from the Group, head office costs are targeted to reduce further by around $70 million from the start of 2023. We will continue to review the timing of the full realisation of these further savings following the completion of the US demerger.
Non-operating items from continuing operations23
Non-operating items in 2020 consist of short-term fluctuations in investment returns on shareholder-backed business of negative $(4,841) million (2019: $(3,203) million3), the net benefit from various corporate transactions of $1,521 million (2019: loss of $(142) million3), which are discussed further below, and the amortisation of acquisition accounting adjustments of negative $(39) million (2019: $(43) million3) arising mainly from the REALIC business acquired by Jackson in 2012.
Negative short-term fluctuations include negative $(607) million for Asia (2019: positive $657 million3) and negative $(4,262) million in the US (2019: $(3,757) million).
Falling interest rates in certain parts of Asia led to lower discount rates on certain policyholder liabilities under the local reserving basis applied, which were not fully offset by unrealised bond and equity gains in the year leading to negative fluctuations overall.
Within the US, falling interest rates, with yields on US treasuries falling by almost 1 percentage point over the year, and steeply rising equity markets following substantial falls in the first quarter of the year have led to $(4,262) million of negative short-term investment fluctuations in the US business. Further information is set out in the US section below.
After allowing for non-operating items, the total IFRS profit after tax from continuing operations was $2,185 million (2019: $1,944 million1).
IFRS effective tax rates
In 2020, the effective tax rate on adjusted operating profit based on longer-term investment returns from continuing operations was 15 per cent. This was unchanged from 2019.
The effective tax rate on total IFRS profit in 2020 was negative (2) per cent. This was unchanged from 2019 and reflects the tax credit on US derivative losses exceeding the tax charge on profits from Asia operations.
Total tax contribution from continuing operations
The Group continues to make significant tax contributions in the jurisdictions in which it operates, with $2,114 million remitted to tax authorities in 2020. This was similar to the equivalent amount of $2,168 million3 remitted in 2019.
Tax strategy
The Group publishes its tax strategy annually which, in addition to complying with the mandatory UK (Finance Act 2016) requirements, also includes a number of additional disclosures, including a country-by-country disclosure of revenues, profits, average employee numbers and taxes for all jurisdictions where more than $5 million tax was paid. This disclosure is included as a way of demonstrating that our tax footprint (ie where we pay taxes) is consistent with our business footprint. An updated version of the tax strategy, including 2020 data, will be available on the Group's website before 31 May 2021.
Corporate transactions
Jackson reinsurance of fixed and fixed index annuity business in June 2020
Jackson reinsured substantially all of its in-force portfolio of US fixed and fixed index annuities with Athene (circa $27.6 billion of liabilities). The transaction excluded liabilities relating to Jackson's legacy life and institutional business, the REALIC portfolio and group pay-out annuity business reinsured from John Hancock as well as investments in the general account by the variable annuity policyholders. The transaction improved the year-end capital position of Jackson by increasing the Jackson RBC ratio by 67 percentage points and the Group's LCSM cover ratio by 24 percentage points. The reinsurance agreement was effective on 1 June 2020
49
and resulted in an IFRS pre-tax gain recorded through the profit and loss account of $804 million, after transaction costs and post-closing adjustments. After allowing for tax and the reduction in unrealised gains recorded directly in other comprehensive income, the impact of the reinsurance transaction on IFRS shareholders' equity is a reduction of $(1.2) billion.
Equity investment into Jackson by Athene
In July 2020, Athene Life Re Ltd invested $500 million in Prudential's US business in return for an 11.1 per cent economic interest for which the voting interest is 9.9 per cent. This has no impact on the income statement but resulted in a decline in IFRS shareholders' equity of $(514) million at the date of the transaction.
Other transactions
Other transactions in 2020 contributed $717 million to profit and principally include the reinsurance commission from a quota share reinsurance transaction undertaken by Hong Kong as part of the Group's on-going asset/liability management. Future surpluses (or losses) arising from the business being reinsured will be shared with the reinsurer in accordance with the terms of the treaty. This treaty helps mitigate the effect of the accounting mismatch under the existing regulatory framework in Hong Kong and is part of our management of the transition to the new RBC regime.
In the first half of the year, the Thailand business entered into a strategic bancassurance partnership with TMB Bank Public Company Limited with an initial period of 15 years which both expanded and extended the existing partnership with Thanachart Bank. The new arrangement commenced on 1 January 2021 and the fee paid for expanding and extending the existing arrangement was $0.8 billion.
In January 2021, the Group announced its intention to complete the demerger of Jackson in the first half of 2021. The total costs associated with this activity are estimated to be around $110 million to $120 million, of which around half is expected to be borne by Prudential plc and the remainder by Jackson. These largely relate to advisory and other professional fees and a small amount relates to the separation of Jackson's systems and processes from those of the remaining Prudential Group.
Of these total costs, $38 million has been incurred in 2020 ($20 million by Prudential plc and $18 million by Jackson) and has been included in non-operating profit as part of corporate transactions. The remainder of the costs are expected to be incurred in the first half of 2021.
IFRS shareholders' equity
2020 $m |
2019 $m
|
|||||
| | | | | | |
Adjusted operating profit after tax attributable to shareholders | 4,559 | 4,528 | ||||
| | | | | | |
Profit after tax for the year attributable to shareholders | 2,118 | 783 | ||||
Exchange movements, net of related tax | 239 | 2,943 | ||||
Unrealised gains and losses on US fixed income securities classified as available-for-sale (before the impact of Jackson's reinsurance with Athene) | 2,095 | 2,679 | ||||
Impact of Jackson's reinsurance of fixed and fixed index annuities to Athene | (1,795) | - | ||||
Sale of 11.1 per cent stake in Jackson to Athene | (514) | - | ||||
Demerger dividend in specie of M&G plc | - | (7,379) | ||||
Other external dividends | (814) | (1,634) | ||||
Other | 72 | 117 | ||||
| | | | | | |
Net increase (decrease) in shareholders' equity | 1,401 | (2,491) | ||||
Shareholders' equity at beginning of the year | 19,477 | 21,968 | ||||
| | | | | | |
Shareholders' equity at end of the year | 20,878 | 19,477 | ||||
| | | | | | |
Shareholders' value per share8 | 800¢ | 749¢ | ||||
| | | | | | |
Group IFRS shareholders' equity in the 12 months to 31 December 2020 increased by 7 per cent3 to $20.9 billion (31 December 2019: $19.5 billion3), largely reflecting profit after tax for the year and foreign exchange movements, partly offset by dividends paid in the year of $(0.8) billion and the impact of the sale of 11.1 per cent of the Group's economic interest in Jackson to Athene.
Group capital position
Prudential plc is applying the local capital summation method (LCSM) that has been agreed with the Hong Kong Insurance Authority (IA) to determine Group regulatory capital requirements until the Group-wide Supervision (GWS) Framework is effective for Prudential upon designation. The primary legislation was enacted
50
in July 2020 and will come into operation on 29 March 2021. The relevant subsidiary legislation, including the Insurance (Group Capital) Rules, was tabled before the Legislative Council on 6 January 2021 and will also come into operation on 29 March 2021. This legislation will be further supported by guidance material from the Hong Kong IA. The GWS Framework is expected to be effective for Prudential upon designation by the Hong Kong IA in the second quarter of 2021, subject to transitional arrangements.
The GWS methodology is largely consistent with that applied under LCSM with the exception of the treatment of debt instruments. Prudential's initial analysis indicates that all debt instruments (senior and subordinated) issued by Prudential will meet the transitional conditions set by the Hong Kong IA and will be included as eligible Group capital resources. If this were the case the 31 December 2020 shareholder LCSM ratio9 (over GMCR) would increase by 35 percentage points to 363 per cent. This is subject to final approval by the Hong Kong IA.
The estimated shareholder LCSM cover ratio9 at 31 December 2020 was 328 per cent (31 December 2019: 309 per cent). Excluding US operations, the cover ratio falls marginally to 323 per cent, before including the proposed retained 19.9 per cent non-controlling interest in Jackson.
Overall, LCSM shareholder surplus over group minimum capital requirements increased by $1.5 billion since 31 December 2019 to $11.0 billion at the end of December 2020. LCSM in-force operating capital generation in the year was $2.2 billion, which supported $(0.2) billion of investment in new business.
Overall non-operating items (excluding corporate transactions) reduced surplus by $(0.2) billion, with the negative effect of market movements in the year being offset by a $2.2 billion benefit from the introduction of the new Singapore risk-based capital framework (RBC2) effective 31 March 2020. Also included within non-operating items is a $(0.4) billion fall in surplus from changes made to Jackson VM-21 hedging model, further details of which are set out in the US section in the discussion of RBC changes.
The corporate transactions previously discussed were positive overall and contributed $0.5 billion to surplus and the payment of the 2019 second interim and 2020 first interim dividends reduced the surplus by $(0.8) billion.
The Group's LCSM position is resilient to external macro movements as demonstrated by the sensitivity disclosure contained in note I(i) of the Additional Unaudited Financial Information, alongside further information on the basis of calculation of the LCSM measure.
31 Dec 2020 |
31 Dec 2019
|
|||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Estimated Group LCSM capital position9 | Total | Shareholder* | Total |
|
Shareholder*
|
|||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Available capital ($ billion) | 37.9 | 15.8 | 33.1 | 14.0 | ||||||||
Group minimum capital requirement (GMCR) ($ billion) | 11.5 | 4.8 | 9.5 | 4.5 | ||||||||
LCSM surplus (over GMCR) ($ billion) | 26.4 | 11.0 | 23.6 | 9.5 | ||||||||
LCSM ratio (over GMCR) (%) | 329% | 328% | 348% | 309% | ||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Financing and liquidity
31 Dec 2020 $m |
31 Dec 2019 $m
|
|||||
| | | | | | |
IFRS basis |
IFRS basis
|
|||||
| | | | | | |
Total borrowings of shareholder-financed businesses | 6,633 | 5,594 | ||||
Less: holding company cash and short-term investments | (1,463) | (2,207) | ||||
| | | | | | |
Net core structural borrowings of shareholder-financed businesses | 5,170 | 3,387 | ||||
| | | | | | |
Net gearing ratio* | 20% | 15% | ||||
| | | | | | |
The total borrowings of the shareholder-financed businesses increased by $1.0 billion, from $5.6 billion to $6.6 billion in 2020. This reflected the issuance of $1,000 million 3.125 per cent notes in April 2020 raised for general corporate purposes including to support the growth of the business. The Group had central cash resources of $1.5 billion at 31 December 2020 (31 December 2019: $2.2 billion), resulting in net core structural borrowings of the shareholder-financed businesses of $5.2 billion at end of December 2020 (31 December
51
2019: $3.4 billion). Prudential plc seeks to maintain its financial strength rating which derives, in part, from the high level of financial flexibility to issue debt and equity instruments which is intended to be maintained and enhanced in the future.
At the 31 December 2020, the Group's net gearing ratio as defined in the table above was 20 per cent. We estimate that this will rise to circa 28 per cent post the separation of Jackson (based on the balance sheet at 31 December 2020, assuming no pre-separation dividend and before allowing for the 19.9 per cent retained stake in Jackson). On a Moody's basis, which is the basis management intend to use going forward to manage leverage and which differs to the above by taking into account gross debt, including commercial paper, and also allows for a proportion of the surplus within the Group's with-profits funds, the equivalent ratio is 33 per cent, before allowing for the 19.9 per cent retained stake in Jackson. Following the demerger, as a pure-play Asia and Africa business, Prudential will target a Moody's debt-leverage ratio of around 20 to 25 per cent4 over the medium term. Prudential may operate outside this range temporarily to take advantage of growth opportunities with attractive risk-adjusted returns as they arise, while still preserving its strong credit ratings.
As discussed in the Summary Overview of Operating and Financial Prospects section of this report, Prudential is considering raising new equity of around $2.5-3 billion. Such a transaction, if executed, would maintain and enhance the Group's financial flexibility in light of the breadth of the opportunities to invest in growth and aim to increase the Group's investor base in Asia.
Other sources of liquidity
In addition to its net core structural borrowings of shareholder-financed businesses set out above, the Group has access to funding via the medium-term note programme, the US shelf programme (the platform for issuance of SEC-registered bonds in the US market), a commercial paper programme and committed revolving credit facilities. All of these are available for general corporate purposes.
Prudential plc has maintained a consistent presence as an issuer in the commercial paper market for the past decade and had $501 million in issue at the end of 2020 (31 December 2019: $520 million).
As at 31 December 2020, the Group had a total of $2.6 billion of undrawn committed facilities, expiring in 2025. Apart from small drawdowns to test the process, these facilities have never been drawn, and there were no amounts outstanding at 31 December 2020.
In addition to the Group's traditional sources of liquidity and financing, Jackson also has access to funding via the Federal Home Loan Bank of Indianapolis with advances secured against collateral posted by Jackson. Given the wide range of Jackson's product set and breadth of its customer base including retail, corporate and institutional clients, further sources of liquidity also include premiums and deposits.
Cash remittances
Holding company cash flow11
Actual exchange rate
|
|||||||||
| | | | | | | | | |
2020* $m | 2019* $m |
Change %
|
|||||||
| | | | | | | | | |
From continuing operations | |||||||||
Asia | 716 | 950 | (25) | ||||||
Jackson | - | 509 | (100) | ||||||
Other operations | 55 | 6 | 817 | ||||||
| | | | | | | | | |
Total net cash remitted from continuing operations | 771 | 1,465 | (47) | ||||||
From discontinued operations | |||||||||
M&G plc | - | 684 | (100) | ||||||
| | | | | | | | | |
Net cash remitted by business units | 771 | 2,149 | (64) | ||||||
| | | | | | | | | |
Central outflows | (435) | (522) | |||||||
Dividends paid | (814) | (1,634) | |||||||
Other movements | (264) | (1,999) | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | |
Total holding company cash flow | (742) | (2,006) | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | |
Cash and short-term investments at the beginning of the year | 2,207 | 4,121 | |||||||
Foreign exchange and other movements | (2) | 92 | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | |
Cash and short-term investments at the end of the year | 1,463 | 2,207 | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | |
52
Remittances from our Asia business were $716 million (2019: $950 million3). In order to support the planned separation process, there were no remittances from Jackson during the period. $55 million remittances from other operations reflects intragroup interest income which is not expected to recur.
Cash remittances were used to meet central costs of $(435) million and to pay dividends of $(814) million. Central costs include net interest paid of $(294) million and a net tax benefit, which is not expected to recur going forward, of $94 million.
Other movements of $(264) million includes the proceeds of the issuance of $1 billion of senior debt in April 2020 offset by central contributions to the funding of Asia strategic growth initiatives, principally payments for bancassurance distribution agreements, including TMB and UOB. Further information is contained in note I(iii) of the Additional Unaudited Financial Information.
Cash and short-term investments totalled $1.5 billion at the end of December 2020 (31 December 2019: $2.2 billion3).
The Group will seek to manage its financial condition such that it has sufficient resources available to provide a buffer to support the retained businesses in stress scenarios and to provide liquidity to service central outflows.
Dividend policy
Reflecting the Group's capital allocation priorities, dividends will be determined primarily based on Asia's operating capital generation after allowing for the capital strain of writing new business and recurring central costs, with a portion of capital generation retained for reinvestment in the business. Dividends are expected to grow broadly in line with the growth in Asia operating free surplus generation net of right-sized central costs, and will be set taking into account financial prospects, investment opportunities and market conditions.
The Board has approved a 2020 second interim ordinary dividend of 10.73 cents per share. Combined with the first interim ordinary dividend of 5.37 cents per share the Group's total 2020 dividend is 16.10 cents per share.
Starting from the 2021 first interim dividend, the Board intends to apply a formulaic approach to first interim dividends, which will be calculated as one-third of the previous year's full-year ordinary dividend.
Asia
Operational and financial highlights
Prudential's Asia businesses delivered a resilient financial performance in 2020. While Covid-19 related containment measures impacted our new business sales we also delivered a step-change in our digital capabilities. While the nature and severity of Covid-19 restrictions varied significantly across our markets, our enhanced digital and physical capabilities combined with our diversified and high quality platform supported a strong sequential quarterly recovery in sales in the third and fourth quarters of the year from a low in the second quarter, illustrating the strength of our franchise.
The resilience and quality of our business is also evident in customer retention levels of 90 per cent (2019: 90 per cent), which combined with our recurring premium, health and protection focused business model, supported an overall 13 per cent1 increase in adjusted life insurance operating profit2.
These qualities enabled us to continue to grow scale and value, even in more challenging operating conditions.
IFRS earnings
Overall Asia adjusted operating profit2 increased by 13 per cent1 to $3,667 million, driven by a 14 per cent1 increase in life insurance adjusted operating profit2, alongside a 2 per cent1 increase at Eastspring.
This growth reflects the benefits of our focus on high quality recurring premium business, which accounts for 90 per cent of our new business, and diversified portfolio of scale businesses, with over 88 per cent of our total life income12 (excluding other income described below) driven by insurance margin and fee income (2019: 86 per cent1), again supporting profit progression across market cycles.
Our Asia life insurance adjusted operating profit2 growth is broad-based and at scale. Overall, nine insurance markets reported double-digit growth1, with three insurance markets delivering growth of 20 per cent1 or more.
53
At a market level, highlights include Hong Kong up 20 per cent1 to $891 million, Singapore up 18 per cent1 to $574 million, Malaysia up 14 per cent1 to $309 million, China up 15 per cent1 to $251 million and Thailand up 24 per cent1 to $210 million. Adjusted operating profit2 in Indonesia was $519 million, marginally lower than the prior year.
Profit margin analysis of Asia long-term insurance and asset management operations15
|
Actual exchange rate |
Constant
exchange rate |
||||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
2020 | 2019 | 2019 | |||||||||||||||
|
$m
|
Margin
bps |
$m
|
Margin
bps |
$m
|
Margin
bps |
||||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Spread income |
296 | 74 | 321 | 108 | 319 | 106 | ||||||||||||
Fee income11 |
282 | 101 | 286 | 104 | 283 | 104 | ||||||||||||
With-profits |
117 | 16 | 107 | 18 | 107 | 18 | ||||||||||||
Insurance margin |
2,648 | 2,244 | 2,234 | |||||||||||||||
Other income |
3,148 | 3,229 | 3,225 | |||||||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total life income |
6,491 | 6,187 | 6,168 | |||||||||||||||
Expenses: |
||||||||||||||||||
Acquisition costs |
(1,904) | (52)% | (2,156) | (42)% | (2,156) | (42)% | ||||||||||||
Administration expenses |
(1,539) | (227) | (1,437) | (252) | (1,430) | (249) | ||||||||||||
DAC adjustments |
382 | 430 | 426 | |||||||||||||||
Share of related tax charges from joint ventures and associates |
(46) | (31) | (30) | |||||||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Long-term insurance business pre-tax adjusted operating profit |
3,384 | 2,993 | 2,978 | |||||||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Eastspring |
283 | 283 | 278 | |||||||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Adjusted operating profit from long-term business and asset management before restructuring costs |
3,667 | 3,276 | 3,256 | |||||||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Tax charge |
(495) | (436) | (432) | |||||||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Adjusted operating profit after tax for the year before restructuring costs |
3,172 | 2,840 | 2,824 | |||||||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Non-operating profit after tax |
210 | 885 | 899 | |||||||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Profit for the year after tax before restructuring costs |
3,382 | 3,725 | 3,723 | |||||||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Our adjusted operating profit2 continues to be based on high-quality drivers. The overall 14 per cent1 growth in Asia life insurance adjusted operating profit2 to $3,384 million (2019: $2,978 million1) was driven principally by 19 per cent1 growth in insurance margin-related revenues and reflects our ongoing focus on recurring premium health and protection products and the associated continued growth of our in-force business.
Fee income was in line with the prior year, while spread income decreased by (7) per cent1 driven by lower interest rates in the year.
With-profits earnings relate principally to the shareholders' share in bonuses declared to policyholders. As these bonuses are typically weighted to the end of a contract, under IFRS, with-profits earnings consequently emerge only gradually over time. The 9 per cent1 growth in with-profits earnings reflects the ongoing growth in these portfolios.
Other income primarily represents amounts deducted from premiums to cover acquisition costs and administration expenses. As such, the (2) per cent1 decrease from 2019 largely reflects lower new business volumes, whereas new business acquisition expense fell 12 per cent1 to $(1,904) million. The ratio of shareholder acquisition costs to shareholder-related APE sales (excluding with-profits-related sales) increased to 68 per cent (2019: 66 per cent on an actual exchange rate basis), reflecting changes to product and geographical mix. Administration expenses, including renewal commissions, increased by 8 per cent1 reflecting in-force business growth.
New business performance
The Group reports annual premium equivalent (APE) as a measure of new business sales, which is a key metric for the Group's management of the development and growth of the business. APE is calculated as the aggregate of regular premiums and one-tenth of single premiums on new business written during the year for all insurance products, including premiums for contracts designated as investment contracts under IFRS 4. APE differs from the IFRS measure of gross premiums earned. A reconciliation of APE new business sales to
54
IFRS gross premiums earned is provided in note II(vii) of the section headed Additional Unaudited Financial Information.
APE new business sales (APE sales)
|
Actual exchange rate | Constant exchange rate | |||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
2020
$m |
2019
$m |
Change
% |
2019
$m |
Change
% |
||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Hong Kong |
758 | 2,016 | (62) | 2,037 | (63) | ||||||||||
China JV |
582 | 590 | (1) | 590 | (1) | ||||||||||
Indonesia |
267 | 390 | (32) | 379 | (30) | ||||||||||
Malaysia |
346 | 355 | (3) | 349 | (1) | ||||||||||
Singapore |
610 | 660 | (8) | 653 | (7) | ||||||||||
Other life insurance markets |
1,133 | 1,150 | (1) | 1,160 | (2) | ||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total Asia |
3,696 | 5,161 | (28) | 5,168 | (28) | ||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total Asia excluding Hong Kong |
2,938 | 3,145 | (7) | 3,131 | (6) | ||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Life insurance new business APE sales decreased by (28) per cent1 to $3,696 million. Outside Hong Kong, overall new business APE sales were (6) per cent1 lower.
The impact of Covid-19 related disruption varied materially in terms of severity and duration across the region. Restrictions eased in many markets as the year progressed. In Mainland China internal travel and business activity resumed from the end of March and restrictions in Hong Kong eased from the end of August, though the border between Mainland China and Hong Kong remains closed. In Indonesia, after an initial relaxation of lockdown measures in June, a further four-week period of lockdown was imposed between mid-September and mid-October and the country re-entered lockdown again in early 2021. Significant containment restrictions remain in place in Malaysia, Vietnam, the Philippines and Thailand, with reduced restrictions in place in Hong Kong domestic, Taiwan, Singapore and India.
Over 2020, we continued to benefit from the resilience our diverse platform provides. Our diverse geographic portfolio saw four markets increase APE sales compared with the prior year, including Thailand up 16 per cent1, Taiwan up 11 per cent1 and Vietnam up 9 per cent1.
Outside of Hong Kong, sales from our bancassurance channel were stable with last year, underpinned by growth in China JV (APE bancassurance sales up 34 per cent1), Thailand (up 21 per cent1), Indonesia (up 15 per cent1) and Vietnam (up 35 per cent1). We also saw increased agency momentum in the second half of the year.
There has been a significant acceleration of our digital capabilities over 2020, with virtual sales accounting for 27 per cent of bank sales from July to December and 28 per cent of all agency sales from April to December. This compares with very low amounts in prior years. Our agency channel was supported by over 2.2 million of 'online to offline' leads generated by our Pulse health and wealth super-app, which, together with direct sales in Pulse, generated $211 million of APE sales21 in the year.
The quality and diversity of our platform contributed to a strong sequential recovery in APE sales as Covid-19 related restrictions were lifted, with discrete third quarter production of $925 million1 sequentially 33 per cent1 higher than the second quarter and fourth quarter sales 18 per cent1 above the third quarter and 10 per cent1 higher than the first quarter of 2020, prior to Covid-19 restrictions being applied in many of the markets in which we operate.
The fourth quarter of 2020 was the highest APE sales quarter of the year for overall Asia and for 9 markets. As we pivoted to standalone protection products of lower case size to meet rising consumer demand, total new policies increased by 1 per cent and new protection policies grew by 10 per cent in the fourth quarter compared with the same period in the prior year.
Health and protection products continue to be a significant proportion of sales, contributing 27 per cent of APE sales in 2020 (2019: 27 per cent).
Overall, Hong Kong APE sales were (63) per cent1 below the prior year. This was principally a result of a very sharp reduction in APE sales to Mainland China customers, reflecting the impact of the border closure early in the year and consequent reduction in Mainland Chinese visitors and associated APE sales to these customers. While domestic Hong Kong APE sales were also impacted by Covid-19 related restrictions, new business
55
production improved markedly over the course of the year, with APE sales in Q3 rising 20 per cent over Q2 and Q4 rising 60 per cent over Q3. The strong sequential sales growth was supported by product innovation and ongoing development of our broader digital capabilities. In particular, our increased focus on standalone protection products, with lower case sizes, to meet rising consumer demand saw domestic new sales policy count reach 98 per cent of prior year levels in the fourth quarter.
Our China JV delivered an encouraging performance despite Covid-19 related disruption. This was supported by the agency force focus on protection products, which accounted for 53 per cent of sales from this channel. We benefited materially from our diversified distribution model, particularly the strength in bancassurance which saw strong and accelerating growth of 34 per cent in APE sales throughout the year. Overall APE sales were only (1) per cent1 lower compared with the prior year and second half APE sales 4 per cent1 higher than the prior year.
The sales environment in Indonesia remained challenging following a deterioration of Covid-19 infections through the summer, culminating in the re-introduction of the highest-level movement restrictions in September, which remain in place today in parts of Indonesia. Despite the challenging environment, we achieved strong performance in the sharia segment with APE sales growing 6 per cent. Meanwhile, the fourth quarter saw the highest overall sales of 2020 (19 per cent higher than APE sales in the first quarter) and was driven by 60 new products launched in 2020, including lower ticket standalone protection products. While this product strategy saw new sales case count rise by 12 per cent at FY20, overall APE sales volumes were (30) per cent1 below the prior year.
In Malaysia, APE sales were (1) per cent1 below the prior year, with a decline in the first half sales largely offset by a recovery in the second half of 14 per cent (compared with the second half of the prior year), despite the reintroduction of partial Covid-19 related restrictions in October, driven by strong agency production across our traditional and takaful markets. The Takaful business grew APE sales by 26 per cent compared with 2019.
In Singapore, APE sales fell by (7) per cent1 reflecting Covid-19 restrictions with declines in the first half of the year partly offset by an increase in the second half of 5 per cent1 when compared with the second half of the prior year. Strong agency momentum following the relaxation of Covid-19 restrictions saw APE sales in the second half of the year being 63 per cent higher than the level in the first half. Singapore continues to develop products and digital capabilities with the launch in December of 3 bite-sized digital products on Pulse (PRUSafe Dengue, PRUSafe BreastCancer, PRUSafe ProstateCancer) and the onboarding of the PRUCancer360 product on UOB's Mighty banking app.
We have made good initial progress with our recent investment in distribution in Thailand, where our APE sales were up 16 per cent1, reflecting strong growth of 21 per cent in bancassurance channel, with the product mix shift to health and protection which accounted for 25 per cent of APE sales (2019: 16 per cent). Our distribution capability will be further strengthened by our partnership with TMB which commenced on 1 January 2021 and our digital partnership with The1, Thailand's largest loyalty platform.
Local statutory capital
We maintained a strong balance sheet with a shareholder LCSM surplus over the regulatory minimum capital requirement of $8.2 billion and coverage ratio of 338 per cent at 31 December 2020 (31 December 2019: $4.7 billion and 253 per cent). If our with-profits funds in Hong Kong, Singapore and Malaysia are added the surplus increases to $23.6 billion (31 December 2019: $18.8 billion). We seek to safeguard our business from market volatility through our strong focus on protection products and our prudent asset and liability management strategy.
56
Asset management
|
Actual exchange rate | ||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
2020 $m
|
2019 $m
|
Change %
|
||||
| | | | | | | |
Total external net flows* |
(9,972) | 8,340 | n/a | ||||
| | | | | | | |
External funds under management* ($bn) |
93.9 | 98.0 | (4) | ||||
Funds managed on behalf of M&G plc ($bn) |
15.7 | 26.7 | (41) | ||||
Internal funds under management ($bn) |
138.2 | 116.4 | 19 | ||||
| | | | | | | |
Total funds under management ($bn) |
247.8 | 241.1 | 3 | ||||
| | | | | | | |
Analysis of adjusted operating profit |
|||||||
Retail operating income |
390 | 392 | (1) | ||||
Institutional operating income |
256 | 244 | 5 | ||||
| | | | | | | |
Operating income before performance-related fees |
646 | 636 | 2 | ||||
Performance-related fees |
7 | 12 | (42) | ||||
| | | | | | | |
Operating income (net of commission) |
653 | 648 | 1 | ||||
Operating expense |
(336) | (329) | (2) | ||||
Group's share of tax on joint ventures' adjusted operating profit |
(34) | (36) | 6 | ||||
| | | | | | | |
Adjusted operating profit |
283 | 283 | - | ||||
| | | | | | | |
Adjusted operating profit after tax |
253 | 250 | 1 | ||||
| | | | | | | |
Average funds managed by Eastspring |
$227.1bn | $214.0bn | 6 | ||||
Fee margin based on operating income |
28bps | 30bps | (2)bps | ||||
Cost/income ratio8 |
52% | 52% | - | ||||
| | | | | | | |
Eastspring's total funds under management were $247.8 billion at 31 December (31 December 2019: $241.1 billion3), reflecting favourable internal net inflows and higher equity markets, partly offset by external net outflows. Compared with 2019, Eastspring's average funds under management increased by 6 per cent3 (7 per cent14 on a constant exchange rate basis). Funds under management were 13 per cent3 higher than at the end of June ($219.7 billion3) as equity markets recovered and asset flows began to recover from the volatility in the first half.
Eastspring continues to benefit from strong, positive net flows from internal insurance funds, recording $8.5 billion (2019: $9.7 billion). Overall third-party flows related to external funds under management were negative $(10.0) billion, reflecting the adverse impact of higher market volatility, as a result of Covid-19, on retail funds, most notably in a number of retail bond funds in Thailand in the first half of 2020. Highlights included strong flows into our China A Fund, and Global Innovation Fund in respect of our equity products, and Income Plus and Active Bond Fund Plus on the fixed income side. As market volatility subsided over the second half of the year, third-party net flows20 improved materially, with the fourth quarter seeing net inflows of $0.5 billion. In addition, as anticipated, there were net outflows from funds managed on behalf of M&G plc of $(10.0) billion in 2020, with further outflows of around $(6) billion expected in the first half of 2021.
Eastspring's adjusted operating profit2 of $283 million was up 2 per cent compared with the prior year on a constant exchange rate basis (level on an actual exchange rate basis). Operating income (net of commission) increased by 1 per cent3 with the benefit of higher average funds under management being partly offset by adverse client and asset mix effects that reduced the fee margin based on operating income to 28 basis points (2019: 30 basis points3). Cost discipline remains robust, with operating costs in line with the prior year, with the resulting cost/income ratio8 the same at 52 per cent.
Return on segment equity
The benefit of our focus on profitable health and protection, with-profit and asset management businesses is evident in the attractive 26 per cent (2019: 30 per cent) operating return delivered on average segment equity8 over 2020.
United States
Operational and financial highlights
All of the results below reflect Jackson Financial Inc. (which we refer to as Jackson), the entity that is proposed to be demerged, except for the discussion on local statutory capital which covers Jackson Financial Inc.'s subsidiary, Jackson National Life, only. All amounts have been prepared on the basis of the
57
Prudential Group's accounting policies and methodologies and are consistent with the Group's reporting in 2019. This will differ from the financial information that Jackson will report as part of the demerger process, which will be prepared under US GAAP and will include certain non-GAAP financial measures which Jackson management believes will be more relevant to manage the business as a standalone entity.
At 31 December 2020, Jackson National Life's RBC ratio was 347 per cent (31 December 2019: 366 per cent). At the point of proposed separation, Jackson expects to have an RBC ratio22 in excess of 450 per cent and total financial leverage19 in the range of 25 to 30 per cent, subject to market conditions. Jackson expects to achieve this level of RBC at the point of separation by contributing proceeds of its debt and hybrid capital raising to its regulated insurance subsidiaries.
IFRS earnings
Adjusted operating profit
US segment adjusted operating profit2,7 was $2,796 million in 2020, down (9) per cent from the prior year. This reduction largely reflects the impact of DAC adjustment effects in the current and prior year, alongside the expected reduction in spread related earnings following the reinsurance contract with Athene in June 2020. Offsetting these falls, fee income was $3,386 million, 3 per cent higher than the prior year as result of higher average account balances.
A further breakdown of the drivers of IFRS profitability is set out below.
Profit margin analysis of US long-term insurance and asset management operations15
|
2020 | 2019 | ||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
$m
|
Margin
bps |
$m
|
Margin
bps |
||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Spread income |
521 | 112 | 642 | 112 | ||||||||
Fee income |
3,386 | 178 | 3,292 | 182 | ||||||||
Insurance margin |
1,298 | 1,317 | ||||||||||
Other income |
- | 26 | ||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total life income |
5,205 | 5,277 | ||||||||||
Expenses: |
||||||||||||
Acquisition costs |
(991) | (52)% | (1,074) | (48)% | ||||||||
Administration expenses |
(1,744) | (71) | (1,675) | (68) | ||||||||
DAC adjustments |
317 | 510 | ||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Long-term insurance business pre-tax adjusted operating profit |
2,787 | 3,038 | ||||||||||
Asset management |
9 | 32 | ||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Adjusted operating profit from long-term business and asset management before restructuring costs |
2,796 | 3,070 | ||||||||||
Tax charge |
(313) | (437) | ||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Adjusted operating profit after tax for the year before restructuring costs |
2,483 | 2,633 | ||||||||||
Non-operating loss after tax |
(2,730) | (3,013) | ||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Loss for the year after tax before restructuring costs |
(247) | (380) | ||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Spread income declined (19) per cent in 2020, primarily as a result of the Athene reinsurance transaction, as well as lower asset yields, partially offset by lower interest credited reflecting lower average crediting rates compared with 2019. The margin of 112 basis points benefited from prior year swap transactions. Excluding that benefit, the spread margin would have been 88 basis points (2019: 101 basis points).
Insurance margin represents profits from insurance risks, including variable annuity guarantees and profits from the legacy life businesses and was marginally lower than that earned in 2019.
Acquisition costs have fallen by 8 per cent following lower sales in the year. Administration expenses increased by 4 per cent to $(1,744) million in 2020 as a result of higher asset-based commissions, as average separate account balances increased, and the non-recurrence of commission income (treated as a negative expense) earned under the John Hancock reinsurance arrangement in 2019. Excluding the asset-based commission, the administration expense ratio would be 34 basis points (2019: 33 basis points).
DAC adjustments, being the cost deferred on sales in the period net of amortisation of amounts deferred previously, have fallen by $(193) million to $317 million. This follows lower deferrals from lower sales and
58
higher amortisation of prior period DAC. DAC amortisation increased as the impact of changes to the longer-term economic assumptions underpinning the amortisation calculation, following an expectation of lower interest rates in the future, more than offset the benefits of increases in DAC deceleration in the period as a result of higher equity markets at the end of 2020 as compared with the start of the year.
Non-operating items
The non-operating result was negative $(3,510) million pre-tax (2019: $(3,795) million) and contributed to a net loss after tax of $(247) million (2019: $(380) million). The non-operating result over 2020 includes a loss of $(4,296) million from short-term investment fluctuations and amortisation of previous acquisition accounting adjustments offset by a $786 million pre-tax gain as a result of the Athene reinsurance transaction.
In the US, Jackson provides certain guarantees on its annuity products, the value of which would typically rise when equity markets fall and long-term interest rates decline. Jackson charges fees for these guarantees which are in turn used to purchase downside protection, in particular options and futures to mitigate the effect of equity market falls.
Jackson designs its hedge programme to protect the economics of the business from large movements in investment markets and does not seek to hedge on an accounting basis. It therefore accepts a degree of variability in the accounting results.
The $(4,296) million discussed above principally arises from the steep rise in equity markets following the low at the end of the first quarter of 2020 that led to equity derivative losses taken out as part of Jackson's hedging programme being in excess of the corresponding reduction in guarantee liabilities and the effect of lower interest rates on the value of its guarantees. Hedge costs were also elevated due to the high levels of volatility observed in the period.
Local statutory capital Jackson National Life (Jackson)
|
2020 | 2019 | ||||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Total
Adjusted Capital (TAC) $m |
Required
capital at 'Company Action Level' (CAL) $m |
Surplus
$m |
Ratio
% |
Surplus
$m |
Ratio
% |
||||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
1 Jan |
5,221 | 1,426 | 3,795 | 366 | 4,315 | 458 | ||||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Capital generation from new business written |
191 | 153 | 38 | (23) | (144) | (75) | ||||||||||||
Operating capital generation from business in force |
798 | (177) | 975 | 100 | 1,531 | 141 | ||||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Operating capital generation |
989 | (24) | 1,013 | 77 | 1,387 | 66 | ||||||||||||
Other non-operating movements |
(1,832) | 115 | (1,947) | (108) | (1,524) | (104) | ||||||||||||
US reinsurance transaction |
524 | (251) | 775 | 67 | - | - | ||||||||||||
Investment by Athene |
500 | - | 500 | 25 | - | - | ||||||||||||
Adoption of NAIC reforms |
- | - | - | - | 142 | (17) | ||||||||||||
Hedge modelling revision |
(139) | 251 | (390) | (80) | - | - | ||||||||||||
Dividends paid |
- | - | - | - | (525) | (37) | ||||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
31 Dec |
5,263 | 1,517 | 3,746 | 347 | 3,795 | 366 | ||||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
The movement in surplus over the course of 2020 was driven by;
59
New business performance
The Group reports annual premium equivalent (APE) as a measure of new business sales, which is a key metric for the Group's management of the development and growth of the business. APE is calculated as the aggregate of regular premiums and one-tenth of single premiums on new business written during the year for all insurance products, including premiums for contracts designated as investment contracts under IFRS 4. APE differs from the IFRS measure of gross premiums earned. A reconciliation of APE new business sales to IFRS gross premiums earned is provided in note II(vii) of the section headed Additional Unaudited Financial Information.
APE sales
|
2020 $m
|
2019 $m
|
Change %
|
|||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| | | | | | | | | | |
Variable annuities |
1,662 | 1,470 | 13 | |||||||
Fixed annuities |
33 | 119 | (72) | |||||||
Fixed index annuities |
100 | 382 | (74) | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Total retail annuity APE sales |
1,795 | 1,971 | (9) | |||||||
Total institutional product APE sales |
128 | 252 | (49) | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Total APE sales |
1,923 | 2,223 | (13) | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Despite challenging market conditions, Jackson delivered a 13 per cent increase in variable annuity sales, reflecting the strength and depth of its leading distribution franchise and value-added customer proposition. Jackson believes that the investment freedom and optional guaranteed benefits Jackson offers its customers support its strong brand recognition with distributors and advisers16.
Jackson has maintained its leading position in the US retail variable annuity market17. This market position reflects the attractiveness of its product, breadth of distribution across multiple channels, and the productivity of Jackson's wholesaler field force, which is among the most productive in the industry, with sales per agent over 10 per cent higher than the nearest competitor18.
In line with Jackson's disciplined approach to pricing and risk management, pricing actions taken in the first half of 2020 in response to changing market conditions and to preserve statutory capital, resulted in an expected and material reduction in new fixed annuity and fixed index annuities sales, evident particularly from the beginning of the second quarter. This, combined with lower institutional sales, resulted in an overall (13) per cent reduction in APE sales.
Group reporting segments after proposed separation of Jackson
In presenting its results for 2020, the Group continues to report its business using the following segments:
Other operations are classified as unallocated to a segment, which includes the Group's head office functions in London and Hong Kong and Africa insurance operations.
In preparation for the planned separation of Jackson, from 2021 the Group has revised its internal management information to focus on the following revised segments, which will be used for external reporting from half year 2021.
The Group's head office functions will continue to be unallocated to a segment. The US has been classified as discontinued following the Board's decision to proceed with a demerger in the second quarter of 2021.
60
Notes
61
General
The overall financial strength of Prudential and the results, both current and future, of the insurance business are in part dependent upon the quality and performance of the various investment portfolios in Asia and the US.
Prudential's total investments
Prudential's total investments, net of derivative liabilities, at 31 December 2020 were $428,903 million (31 December 2019: $405,229 million), of which $248,756 million (31 December 2019: $223,885 million) were held to cover linked liabilities relate to unit-linked and variable annuity products in collective investment schemes.
Further analysis on financial investments and fair value measurement is included in notes C1 and C2 to Prudential's consolidated financial statements, in accordance with IFRS 7 'Financial Instruments: Disclosures'.
Prudential's insurance investment strategy and objectives
Prudential's insurance investments support a range of businesses operating in many geographic areas. Each of the operations formulates a strategy based on the nature of its underlying liabilities, its level of capital and its local regulatory requirements.
Internal funds under management
Prudential manages a significant portion of its group funds principally through its fund management businesses, Eastspring Investments in Asia and PPM America in the US. The remaining Group's funds mainly relate to assets held to back unit-linked, unit trust and variable annuity liabilities.
In each of the operations, local management analyses the liabilities and determines asset allocation, benchmarks and permitted deviations from these benchmarks appropriate for its operation. These benchmarks and permitted deviations are agreed with internal fund managers, who are responsible for implementing the specific investment strategy through their local fund management operations.
Investments strategy and objectives
Investments relating to Asia insurance business
Prudential's Asia insurance business's investments, excluding assets to cover linked liabilities and those attributable to external unit holders of consolidated unit trusts and similar funds, largely support the business of Prudential's Singapore and Hong Kong operations.
In Asia, our exposure to interest rate risk arises from the guarantees of some non-unit-linked investment savings products, including the Hong Kong with-profits and non-profit business. This exposure exists because of the potential for an asset and liability mismatch where long-dated liabilities and guarantees are backed by short-dated assets, which cannot be eliminated but is monitored and managed through local risk and asset liability management committees against risk appetite aligned with the Group's limit framework. A large proportion of the Hong Kong liabilities are denominated in USD and Prudential holds USD assets to back these liabilities.
Investments relating to Prudential's US insurance business
The investment strategy of the US insurance business, for business other than the variable annuity separate account business, is to maintain a diversified and largely investment grade fixed income portfolio that is capital efficient, achieve risk-adjusted returns that support competitive pricing for our products, generate profitable growth of our business and maintain adequate liquidity to support our obligations. Interest rate scenario testing is regularly used to monitor the effect of changes in interest yields on cash flows, the present value of future profits and interest rate spreads.
The investment portfolio of the US insurance business consists primarily of debt securities, although the portfolio also contains loans, primarily publicly-traded corporate and government bonds, private securities and loans, asset-backed securities and commercial mortgage loans.
62
Additional Information on Liquidity and Capital Resources
After making sufficient enquiries the directors of Prudential have a reasonable expectation that the Company and the Group have adequate resources to continue their operations for a period of at least 12 months from the date that the financial statements are approved. Further information is provided in note A1 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
Liquidity sources
The parent company, including centrally managed group holding companies, held cash and short-term investments of $1,463 million as at 31 December 2020 (2019: $2,207 million). The sources of cash in 2020 included dividends, loans and cash remittances received by Prudential from its principal operating subsidiaries and debt issuances. Further information on cash remittances to the Group is detailed in 'Explanation of Performance and Other Financial Measures' section of this report.
The amount of dividends paid by Prudential's main operations is determined after considering the development, growth and investment requirements of the operating businesses. In order to support the planned separation process, there were no remittances from Jackson during the period.
Liquidity resources and requirements by operating business
Asia life insurance
The liquidity sources for Prudential's Asia life insurance businesses comprise premiums, deposits and charges on policies, investment income, proceeds from the sale and maturity of investments, borrowings and capital contributions from the parent company. The liquidity requirements comprise benefits and claims, operating expenses, interest on debt and purchases of investments. Amounts are distributed to the parent company after considering capital requirements. Further information on Asia's local statutory capital requirements are located in provided in 'Local statutory capital' within the 'Explanation of Performance and Other Financial Measures' section of this report.
The liquidity requirements of Prudential's Asia life insurance businesses are regularly monitored to match anticipated cash inflows with cash requirements. Cash needs are forecast and projected sources and uses of funds, as well as the asset, liability, investment and cash flow assumptions underlying these projections, are reviewed periodically. Adjustments are made periodically to the investment policies with respect to, among other things, the maturity and risk characteristics of the investment assets to reflect changes in the business cash needs and the changing competitive and economic environment.
US life insurance
The liquidity sources for US operations are its cash, short-term investments, publicly traded bonds, premium income deposits received on certain annuity and institutional products, investment income, repurchase agreements, utilisation of a short-term borrowing facility with the Federal Home Loan Bank of Indianapolis and capital contributions from the parent company.
Liquidity requirements are principally for purchases of new investments, management of derivative related margin requirements, repayment of principal and interest on debt, payments of interest on surplus notes, funding of insurance product liabilities including payments for policy benefits, surrenders, maturities and new policy loans, funding of expenses including payment of commissions, operating expenses and taxes. As at 31 December 2020, US operations outstanding surplus notes and bank debt included:
Significant increases in interest rates can create sudden increases in surrender and withdrawal requests by policyholders and contract holders. Other factors that are not directly related to interest rates can also give rise to disintermediation risk, including, but not limited to, changes in ratings from rating agencies, general policyholder concerns relating to the life insurance industry (eg the unexpected default of a large, unrelated life insurer) and competition from other products, including non-insurance products such as mutual funds, certificates of deposit and newly developed investment products. Most of the life insurance, annuity and institutional products our US operations offers permit the policyholder or contract holder to withdraw or borrow funds or surrender cash values.
63
Our US operations uses a variety of asset liability management techniques to provide for the orderly provision of cash flow from investments and other sources as policies and contracts mature in accordance with their normal terms. Our US operations principal sources of liquidity to meet unexpected cash outflows associated with sudden and severe increases in surrenders and withdrawals are its portfolio of liquid assets and its net operating cash flows. As at 31 December 2020, the portfolio of cash, short-term investments and publicly traded securities and equities amounted to $39.5 billion.
As at 31 December 2020, the statutory capital and surplus of US operations was in excess of the requirements set out under Michigan insurance law. Further information on Jackson's capital and surplus is provided in 'Local statutory capital Jackson National Life (Jackson)' within the 'Explanation of performance and other financial measures' section in Financial Review.
Contractual obligations
Contractual obligations of the Group with specified payment dates as at 31 December 2020 were on an undiscounted basis as follows:
$m
|
Total
|
Less than
1 year |
1-3 years
|
3-5 years
|
More than
5 years |
|||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Policyholder liabilities(i) |
675,615 | 34,954 | 69,217 | 67,272 | 504,172 | |||||||||||
Long-term debt(ii) |
7,756 | 139 | 1,041 | 220 | 6,356 | |||||||||||
Lease liabilities under IFRS 16 |
564 | 142 | 219 | 98 | 105 | |||||||||||
Other operational borrowings(iii) |
2,181 | 909 | 54 | 54 | 1,164 | |||||||||||
Purchase obligations(iv) |
2,929 | 2,929 | - | - | - | |||||||||||
Obligations under funding, securities lending and sale and repurchase agreements |
10,355 | 3,983 | 2,843 | 1,618 | 1,911 | |||||||||||
Other long-term liabilities(v) |
6,325 | 6,278 | 40 | 2 | 4 | |||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total |
705,725 | 49,335 | 73,414 | 69,266 | 513,711 | |||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Reconciliation to consolidated statement of financial position:
|
$m
|
$m
|
||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| | | | | | |
Total contractual obligations per above |
705,725 | |||||
Difference between policyholder liabilities: |
||||||
Total policyholder liabilities and unallocated surplus of with-profits funds per the consolidated statement of financial position |
446,463 | |||||
Policyholder liabilities (based on undiscounted cash flows) in the table above |
(675,615) | (229,152) | ||||
| | | | | | |
Difference between undiscounted and discounted cash flows of other long-term contractual liabilities |
(2,011) | |||||
Other short-term/non-contractual obligations: |
||||||
Current tax liabilities |
280 | |||||
Deferred tax liabilities |
6,075 | |||||
Accruals, deferred income and other creditors (excluding those included as contractual obligations in the table above) |
15,508 | |||||
Derivative liabilities |
482 | 22,345 | ||||
| | | | | | |
Purchase obligations not on the consolidated statement of financial position |
(2,929) | |||||
| | | | | | |
Total liabilities per consolidated statement of financial position |
493,978 | |||||
| | | | | | |
Notes
64
Group consolidated cash flows
The discussion that follows is based on the consolidated statement of cash flows prepared under IFRS and presented in this Form 20-F.
Net cash inflows from continuing operations in 2020 were $983 million. This amount comprised inflows of $1,966 million from operating activities, outflows of $(1,195) million from investing activities and inflows of $212 million from financing activities. Net cash outflows from continuing operations in 2019 were $2,990 million. This amount comprised outflows of $(72) million from operating activities, outflows of $(324) million from investing activities and outflows of $(2,594) million from financing activities.
The Group held cash and cash equivalents of $8,018 million at 31 December 2020 compared with $6,965 million at 31 December 2019.
65
Enabling decisions to be taken with confidence
Our Group Risk Framework and risk appetite have allowed us to control our risk exposure throughout 2020. Our governance, processes and controls enable us to deal with uncertainty effectively, which is critical to the achievement of our strategy of capturing long-term structural opportunities and helping our customers achieve their long-term financial goals.
This section explains the main risks inherent in our business and how we manage those risks, with the aim of ensuring an appropriate risk profile is maintained. Although Jackson is preparing to be a fully independent business, until the proposed demerger is effected Jackson's risks (as with those of the Group's other businesses) will continue to be managed within the Group Risk Framework and this report reflects this position.
1. Introduction
The Group
2020 was a truly eventful year. The Covid-19 pandemic swept across the world and has resulted in significant humanitarian suffering and material and prolonged disruption to social and economic activity. The business had to consider and navigate the risks arising from the Covid-19 on multiple fronts. These included capital and liquidity risks arising from abrupt market dislocation as well as risks associated with the disruption to the Group's operations across Asia, Africa, the US and UK. Concurrently, the business has maintained uninterrupted delivery of services for its policyholders, and has been committed to doing the right thing for both its customers and employees throughout the crisis. The Risk, Compliance and Security function has successfully transitioned into, and maintained, new ways of working across multiple time zones to provide strong stewardship and enhanced monitoring of these risks during the most acute phases of the pandemic's impact.
Through these extraordinary circumstances, the function has also provided risk opinions, guidance and assurance on critical activity, including Athene's reinsurance of $27.6 billion of Jackson's fixed and fixed index annuity portfolio and $500 million equity investment into Prudential's US business, the proposed demerger of Jackson from the Group and the revision to its hedge modelling for US statutory standards for calculating reserves and capital. At the same time, the function retained its focus on managing the risks of the ongoing business, performing its defined role in providing risk management support and oversight, as well as objective challenge to ensure the Group remained within its risk appetite.
The Group continues to engage constructively with the Hong Kong Insurance Authority (IA) as its Group-wide supervisor and is transitioning to a new supervisory framework. The Group's mature and well-embedded risk framework will enable decisions to be taken with confidence as the business seeks to capture the opportunities in the growth markets in which it is now focused while continuing to operate prudently with discipline.
The world economy
At the start of 2020 the prospects for global growth appeared to be improving. This positive momentum was abruptly reversed by the Covid-19 pandemic, leading to the shutdown of much of the world's economy and a sharp recession. In response to this unprecedented shock, governments and central banks deployed massive fiscal and monetary stimulus measures to mitigate the impact on the labour force and restore confidence in financial markets. Driven largely by the strong macro policy response, global economies have started to recover although this remains far from complete. In Asia, China has been leading the economic rehabilitation, benefitting other Asian economies to an extent, although the regional recovery to date has been highly uneven. The economic environment in Asia is expected to remain challenging given the limited headroom for additional conventional monetary easing, increasing inflation risks from weaker foreign exchange rates, supply chain disruptions, and increasing fiscal pressures. Viewed more broadly, the pandemic has increased the debt burden of many economies and may result in sovereign debt sustainability issues, increasing the dependence on low interest rates by governments.
66
Financial markets
2020 began with risk assets performing well until concerns over the economic impact of the Covid-19 outbreak dented investor confidence, eventually leading to a global sell-off that unfolded at extraordinary speed. The S&P 500 index plunged by 35 per cent from an all-time high on 19 February 2020 to its low point on 23 March 2020. Interest rates in major markets declined significantly, falling to historical lows as investors fretted over the risks to the economic outlook. Credit spreads widened significantly, in line with the plunge in equity markets. The stress on financial markets was broadly eased by the central banks maintaining accommodative monetary policies and implementing various support programmes. Since their trough in March 2020, financial markets have rallied strongly, initially driven by broad reductions in infection rates in some countries, optimism with respect to the restart of the global economy, and, in the US, a small group of large-cap stocks that has buoyed the cap-weighted index. Risk assets in particular continued to rally strongly in the second half of 2020.
Risk asset valuations appear elevated and display some disconnect with economic fundamentals, and may therefore be subject to the risk of a correction given the renewed lockdowns implemented across the world towards the end of 2020 and into 2021, the logistical challenges to the roll out of Covid-19 vaccination programmes (which may more prolonged than initially anticipated) and the development of new strains of the coronavirus. On interest rates, the consensus outlook is of an environment in which they will remain low-for-longer. The US Federal Reserve's forward guidance has constrained expectations of higher short term yields in the foreseeable future, while economic fundamentals and globally accommodative conditions are likely to keep downward pressure on long term yields. For credit assets, risks of a further round of widespread pressure on corporate liquidity as experienced during 2020 remain, given the stretched credit fundamentals of corporate borrowers, although the magnitude of the pre-funding and liquidity-raising that has been accomplished in 2020 is expected to mitigate this to an extent.
(Geo)political landscape
During the first half of 2020, the civil unrest increasingly seen in many places across the world were partially curtailed by the Covid-19 restrictions put in place by governments. The second half of the year, saw an increase in popular protests against long-standing social issues and inequalities and were in some cases triggered by national elections in the US, Africa and Asia. An observable trend in recent protest movements, aided by social media, is the speed and frequency at which they can gather momentum and their evolving forms of leadership. The stability of governments is likely to be tested in different ways and potentially on a more frequent basis as a result, as will the resilience of businesses. As a global organisation, the Group has well-established local and global plans to mitigate the business risks from disruption. These have operated well when deployed across the Group during the Covid-19 crisis and also locally during the outbreaks of unrest seen during 2020 and continued into 2021 in markets where the Group operates. Operational resilience will continue to be critically evaluated and enhanced as the longer-term lessons, from the pandemic response in particular, become clearer. Governmental responses to the pandemic have involved a necessary balancing of the impacts to people's health and lives, their individual rights and liberties, and economic growth. These considerations, and the dynamics between and within them, have become increasingly politicised and another source of polarisation and popular discontent which, in some places, have also provided impetus to protest movements.
Many governments continue to face the challenge of reconciling the inter-connectedness of the global economy with pressure to prioritise national self-interests. The experience of the pandemic may provide a further impetus to the regionalisation or fragmentation of global trade, investment and standards, and risks undermining efforts in international cooperation and coordination. Into 2021, accessibility to Covid-19 vaccine supplies, which may become a prolonged challenge, has the potential to contribute to an increase in geopolitical tensions. A key source of geopolitical risk during 2020 was the US-China relationship and its wider impact on international relations, and this looks likely to continue during President Biden's term in office. Hong Kong's perceived level of autonomy will remain influential in geopolitical tensions, with potential global trade and economic consequences. Responses by the US, UK and other governments to the enactment and application of the national security law in Hong Kong and other constitutional or legislative changes in the territory, which continue to develop, may impact Hong Kong's economy. Being a key market for the Group which also hosts regional and head office functions, this could potentially impact Prudential's sales, operations and product distribution. For internationally active groups which operate across impacted jurisdictions such as Prudential, these government responses and measures add to the complexity of legal and regulatory compliance. Compliance with Prudential's legal or regulatory obligations in one jurisdiction may conflict with the law or policy objectives of another jurisdiction, or may be seen as supporting the law or policy objectives of that jurisdiction over another, creating additional legal, regulatory compliance and reputational risks for the Group.
67
Regulations
Prudential operates in highly regulated markets, and the nature and focus of regulation and laws remain fluid. A number of national and international regulatory developments are in progress, with a continuing focus on solvency and capital standards, conduct of business, systemic risk regulation, corporate governance and senior management accountability, and macroprudential policy. Some of these changes will have a significant impact on the way that the Group operates, conducts business and manages its risks. With geopolitical tensions elevated, the complexity of sanctions compliance is increasing and continues to represent a challenge for international businesses. These regulatory developments will continue to be monitored at a national and global level and form part of Prudential's engagement with government policy teams and regulators. The immediate regulatory and supervisory responses to Covid-19 have been broad and have included increased scrutiny of the operational resilience, liquidity and capital strength (including the impact of making dividend payments) of financial services companies as well as changes that have helped the Group to continue to support its customers through non-face-to-face contact. The financial burden in addressing the pandemic is likely to influence changes in governmental fiscal policies, laws or regulations aimed at increasing financial stability, and this may include measures on businesses or specific industries to contribute to, lessen or otherwise support, the financial cost to governments of treating patients and meeting the logistical challenges of providing vaccines. It is possible that requirements are imposed on private insurance companies and healthcare providers to cover costs associated with the treatment and prevention of Covid-19 beyond contractual or policy terms.
Against this evolving regulatory backdrop, constructive engagement continues with Prudential's Group-wide supervisor, the Hong Kong IA, on the Group-wide Supervision (GWS) Framework. The GWS Framework is expected to be effective for Prudential upon designation by the Hong Kong IA in the second quarter of 2021, subject to transitional arrangements. The primary legislation was enacted in July 2020 and will come into operation on 29 March 2021. The framework adopts a principle-based and outcome-focused approach, and allows the Hong Kong IA to exercise direct regulatory powers over the holding companies of multinational insurance groups, reinforcing Hong Kong's position as a preferred base for large insurance groups in Asia Pacific and a global insurance hub. During 2020, the Hong Kong IA engaged with the Group and other relevant stakeholders in the development of the GWS framework, which will be anchored on the requirements for three pillars: capital, risk and governance, and disclosure.
Societal developments
The experience of the pandemic has underlined the ability of evolving demographic, geographical and environmental factors to change the nature, likelihood and impact of extreme events. These factors can also drive public health trends such as increasing obesity, with consequential potential impacts to Prudential's underwriting assumptions and product design. While insights can be gleaned from the current pandemic, the unique set of variables associated with extreme events means that their impact on the functioning of society, and the disruption to business operations, staff, customers and sales, cannot be predicted or fully mitigated. The Group has been actively managing the impact of the crisis as it has developed over 2020 and into 2021, including assisting affected policyholders and staff in meeting their resulting needs.
In support of increased ease of access and social inclusion, and to meet evolving customer needs, the Group is increasing its use of digital services, technologies and distribution methods for the products and services that it offers. The Covid-19 pandemic has accelerated these developments, with the Group's businesses having implemented virtual face-to-face sales of select ranges of products in many of its markets, and adoption of Prudential's Pulse application has continued to increase. The digital health platform is now available in 15 markets in 11 languages, with total downloads having reached 20 million as of February 2021. Changes to the Group's use of technology and distribution models have broad implications, touching on Prudential's conduct of business, increasing the risks of technology and data being compromised or misused and potentially leading to new and unforeseen regulatory issues.
A strong sense of purpose for an enterprise is a driver of long-term profitability, and this is making companies evaluate their place in, and contribution to, society. The 'why and how' a business acts has become arguably at least as important as what it produces or the services that it provides. Understanding and managing the environmental, social and governance (ESG) impact and requirements of its business is fundamental to Prudential's brand, reputation and ultimately its long-term success. Ensuring high levels of transparency and responsiveness to stakeholders is a key aspect of this. Recent events have highlighted the structural inequalities in our societies and are prompting organisations to question where they stand on these important issues. Prudential's ESG Strategic Framework is designed to deliver on its purpose of 'helping people get the most out of life'. It includes a focus on inclusivity: inclusivity of access to quality healthcare, protection and savings for our customers; inclusivity of the working environment for our people; and inclusivity in the Group's support of the transition to low-carbon in the economies, markets and communities in which it operates.
68
2. Key internal, regulatory, economic and (geo)political events over the past 12 months
69
70
3. Managing the risks in implementing our strategy
This section provides an overview of the Group's strategy, the significant risks arising from the delivery of this strategy. The risks outlined below, which are not exhaustive, are discussed in more detail in section 5.
71
4. Risk governance
Prudential has in place a system of governance that promotes and embeds a clear ownership of risk, processes that link risk management to business objectives and a proactive Board and senior management providing oversight of risks. Mechanisms and methodologies to review, discuss and communicate risks are in place together with risk policies and standards to enable risks to the Group to be identified, measured and assessed, managed and controlled, monitored and reported.
Material risks are retained selectively when it is considered that there is value in doing so, and where it is consistent with the Group's risk appetite and philosophy towards risk-taking. The Group Risk Framework, which is owned by the Board, details Prudential's risk governance, risk management processes and risk appetite. The Group's risk governance arrangements are based on the 'three lines of defence' model, comprising risk taking and management, risk control and oversight, and independent assurance. The aggregate Group exposure to its key risk drivers is monitored and managed by the Risk, Compliance and Security function, which is responsible for reviewing, assessing, providing oversight and reporting on the Group's risk exposure and solvency position from the Group economic, regulatory and ratings perspectives.
During 2020, the Group has continued to review and update its policies and processes for alignment with the requirements of its Group-wide supervisor. The Group has also focused on development of its Group-wide customer conduct risk framework and policy; its AI ethics principles; and enhancements to its operational resilience.
The following section provides more detail on our risk governance, risk culture and risk management process.
i. Risk governance and culture
Prudential's risk governance comprises the Board organisational structures, reporting relationships, delegation of authority, roles and responsibilities, and risk policies that have been established to make decisions and control activities on risk-related matters.
The risk governance structure is led by the Group Risk Committee, supported by independent non-executive directors on risk committees of the Group's main subsidiaries. The Group Risk Committee reviews and approves changes made to the Group Risk Framework and to relevant policies. It also reviews and approves new risk policies and recommends to the Board any material policies which require Board approval. A number of core risk policies and standards support the Framework to enable risks to the Group to be identified, measured and assessed, managed and controlled, monitored and reported.
The risk governance arrangements for the Group's major businesses were delayered and strengthened in 2020 with the implementation of direct lines of communication, reporting and oversight of the risk committees of these businesses by the Committee. To support the enactment of these arrangements, the terms of reference for the major business risk committees were aligned and approved locally, and include a standing invitation for the Group Chief Risk and Compliance Officer (CRCO) and the requirement for risk escalations to the Committee.
Culture is a strategic priority of the Board, which recognises its importance in the way that the Group does business. A Group-wide culture framework is currently being implemented to unify the Group towards its shared purpose of helping people get the most out of life. Components of the framework include principles and values that define how the Group expects business to be conducted in order to achieve its strategic objectives, inform expectations of leadership and guide ESG activities. The culture framework components are intended to be supportive of sound risk management practices by requiring a focus on longer term goals and sustainability, the avoidance of excessive risk taking and highlighting acceptable and unacceptable behaviours. The framework is supported through inclusion of risk considerations in performance management for key individuals; the building of appropriate skills and capabilities in risk management; and by ensuring that employees understand and care about their role in managing risk through open discussions. The Group Risk Committee has a key role in providing advice to the Remuneration Committee on risk management considerations to be applied in respect of executive remuneration.
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Prudential's Group Code of Business Conduct and Group Governance Manual include a series of guiding principles that govern the day-to-day conduct of all its people and any organisations acting on its behalf. This is supported by specific risk-related policies which require that the Group act in a responsible manner. These include, but are not limited to, policies related to financial crime covering anti-money laundering and sanctions and anti-bribery and corruption. The Group's third-party supply policy requires that human rights and modern slavery considerations are embedded across all of its supplier and supply chain arrangements. Embedded procedures to allow individuals to speak out safely and anonymously against unethical behaviour and conduct are also in place.
ESG is overseen by the Board, which is responsible for determining strategy and prioritisation of key focus areas. In order to provide greater senior executive involvement and holistic oversight of ESG matters material to the Group, in 2020, a Group ESG Committee was established. The Committee, chaired by the Group Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer in his role as ESG sponsor, was supported by senior functional leaders and representatives from the Group's business units, including the chief investment officers of the Group's asset managers. The Group ESG Committee reported to the Board in 2020 through the Group Nomination & Governance Committee, comprising the Group's Chair, the Senior Independent Director, and the chairs of the Audit, Remuneration and Risk committees and was regularly attended by the Group Chief Executive. The policies and procedures to support how the Group operates in relation to certain ESG topics are included in the Group Governance Manual, which establishes standards for managing ESG issues across the Group and sets out the policies and procedures to support how Prudential operates.
ii. The risk management cycle
Risk identification
A process is in place to support Group-wide identification of the company's emerging and principal risks and this combines both top-down and bottom-up views of risks at the level of the Group and its business units.
The Group Own Risk and Solvency Assessment (ORSA) is the ongoing process of identifying, measuring and assessing, managing and controlling, monitoring and reporting the risks to which the business is exposed. It includes an assessment of capital adequacy to ensure that the Group's solvency needs are met at all times. Stress and scenario testing, which includes reverse stress testing requiring the Group to ascertain the point of business model failure, is another tool that helps to identify the key risks and scenarios that may have a material impact on the Group. The risk profile is a key output from the risk identification and risk measurement processes and is used as a basis for setting Group-wide limits, management information, assessment of solvency needs, and determining appropriate stress and scenario testing. The Group's annual set of principal risks is given enhanced management and reporting focus.
Risk measurement and assessment
All identified risks are assessed based on an appropriate methodology for that risk. All quantifiable risks, which are material and mitigated by holding capital, are modelled in the Group's internal model, which is used to determine economic capital requirements and is subject to independent validation and processes and controls around model changes and limitations.
Risk management and control
The Group's control procedures and systems focus on aligning the levels of risk-taking with the Group's strategy and can only provide reasonable, and not absolute, assurance against material misstatement or loss. Risk management and control requirements are set out in the Group's risk policies and define the Group's risk appetite in respect of material risks and the framework under which the Group's exposure to those risks is limited. The processes to enable Group senior management to effect the measurement and management of the Group material risk profile in a consistent and coherent way, which include the flows of management information required, are also set out in the Group's risk policies. The methods and risk management tools that the Group employs to mitigate each of its major categories of risks are detailed in section 5 below.
Risk monitoring and reporting
The identification of the Group's principal risks informs the management information received by the Group Risk Committee and the Board. Risk reporting of key exposures against appetite is also included, as well as ongoing developments in the Group's principal and emerging risks.
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iii. Risk appetite, limits and triggers
The Group recognises that interests of its customers and shareholders, and a managed acceptance of risk in pursuit of its strategy, lies at the heart of its business, and that effective risk management capabilities represent a key source of competitive advantage. Qualitative and quantitative expressions of risk appetite are defined and operationalised through risk limits, triggers and indicators. The Risk, Compliance and Security function reviews the scope and operation of these measures at least annually. The Board approves changes to the Group's aggregate risk appetite and the Group Risk Committee has delegated authority to approve changes to the system of limits, triggers and indicators.
Group risk appetite is defined and monitored in aggregate by the setting of objectives for its liquidity, capital requirements and non-financial risk exposure, covering risks to shareholders, including those from participating and third-party business. Group limits operate within these expressions of risk appetite to constrain material risks, while triggers and indicators provide additional defined points for escalation. The Group Risk Committee is responsible for reviewing the risks inherent in the Group's business plan and for providing the Board with input on the risk/reward trade-offs implicit therein. This review is supported by the Risk and Compliance function, which uses submissions from local business units to calculate the Group's aggregated position relative to Group risk appetite and limits.
Non-financial risks. The Group is exposed to non-financial risks, including environmental, social and governance risks, as an outcome of its chosen business activities and strategy. It aims to manage these risks effectively to maintain its operational resilience and its commitments to customers and other external stakeholders, and to avoid material adverse impact on its reputation.
5. The Group's principal risks
Broadly, the risks assumed across the Group can be categorised as those relating to its financial situation; its business and industry; regulatory and legal compliance; and those relating to ESG. Principal risks, whether materialising within the Group or at third parties on which the Group relies, may have a financial impact and could also impact the performance of products or services provided to customers and distributors and the ability to fulfil commitments to customers, giving rise to potential risks to its brand and reputation. These risks, which are not exhaustive, are detailed below. The materiality of these risks, whether material at the level of the Group or its business units, is also indicated. The Group's disclosures covering risk factors are aligned to the same categories and can be found under the Risk Factors section of this document.
In reading the sections below, it is useful to understand that there are some risks that Prudential's policyholders assume by virtue of the nature of their products, and some risks that the Group and its shareholders assume. Examples of the latter include those risks arising from assets held directly by and for the Group or the risk that policyholder funds are exhausted. This report is focused mainly on risks to the shareholder but will include those which arise indirectly through policyholder exposures.
Covid-19 risks and responses
The Group has responded in a number of ways to the risks arising from the coronavirus pandemic; some responses were part of existing risk management processes and procedures, while others have been initiated specifically in response to the pandemic, in particular during the acute phases experienced in Q1 and Q2.
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The Group Critical Incident Procedure (GCIP) defines specific governance to be invoked in the event of a critical incident, such as a significant market, liquidity or credit-related event. This includes, where necessary, the convening of a Critical Incident Group (CIG) to oversee, coordinate, and where appropriate, direct any activity during a critical incident. In response to the economic and financial market shocks triggered by the Covid-19 pandemic the Group CRCO invoked the GCIP and convened a series of CIG meetings to provide high-cadence monitoring and management of potential threats to the capital or liquidity position of the Group. Local Incident Management teams were also activated to monitor and manage the tailored response required to support the operations, customers and employees of the Group's businesses.
These risks arising from Covid-19, and the Group's responses to them, are summarised below, with further information provided, where relevant, within the descriptions of the Group's principal risks.
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Risks to the Group's financial situation (including those from the external macroeconomic and geopolitical environment) | ||||
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The global economic and geopolitical environment may impact on the Group directly by affecting trends in financial markets and asset values, as well as driving short-term volatility. |
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Risks in this category include the market risks to our investments and the credit quality of our investment portfolio as well as liquidity risk. |
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Global economic and geopolitical conditions
Changes in global economic conditions can impact Prudential directly; for example, by leading to reduced investment returns and fund performance and liquidity, and increasing the cost of promises (guarantees) that have been made to the Group's customers. Changes in economic conditions, such as the abrupt and uncertain longer-term impacts resulting from the Covid-19 crisis, can also have an indirect impact on the Group; for example, leading to a decrease in the propensity for people to save and buy Prudential's products, as well as changing prevailing political attitudes towards regulation.
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The geopolitical environment can also impact the Group in a wide range of ways, both directly and indirectly. Financial markets and economic sentiment have been highly susceptible to geopolitical developments in recent years, with implications for the Group's financial situation. We have seen in recent times that geopolitical tensions can result in the imposition of protectionist or restrictive regulatory and trading requirements by governments and regimes. The Covid-19 pandemic has further prompted governments to rethink the current globalised nature of supply chains, while accessibility to vaccine supplies has the potential to contribute to an increase in geopolitical tensions. These factors may have geopolitical and trading implications, the full extent of which may not be clear for a while. Various governments have effected, or may effect, the postponement of elections and other constitutional or legislative processes in response to the pandemic, and the longer-term impact from this increase in constitutional and political uncertainty remains to be seen. The pandemic has had a negative impact on all economies, with increased fiscal burdens, higher levels of borrowing and reduced revenues. These pressures will impact on the business operating environments, for example, through changes to taxation, and are likely to contribute to political pressures for governments.
Responses by the US, UK and other governments to the enactment and application of the national security law in Hong Kong and other constitutional or legislative changes in the territory, which continue to develop, may impact Hong Kong's economy. Being a key market for the Group which also hosts regional and head office functions, this could potentially impact Prudential's sales, operations and product distribution. For internationally active groups which operate across impacted jurisdictions such as Prudential, these government measures and responses add to the complexity of legal and regulatory compliance. Compliance with Prudential's legal or regulatory obligations in one jurisdiction may conflict with the law or policy objectives of another jurisdiction, or may be seen as supporting the law or policy objectives of that jurisdiction over another, creating additional legal, regulatory compliance and reputational risks for the Group. All these factors can increase the operational, business disruption, regulatory and financial market risks to the Group and can directly impact its sales and distribution networks. Developments in Hong Kong and the continuing impacts of the pandemic are being closely monitored by the Group and plans have been enacted to manage the disruption to the business, its employees and its customers within existing business resilience processes. Further information on the Group's business disruption risks are included below.
Macroeconomic and geopolitical risks are considered material at the level of the Group.
Market risks to our investments
(Audited)
This is the potential for reduced value of Prudential's investments resulting from the volatility of asset prices, driven by fluctuations in equity prices, interest rates, foreign exchange rates and property prices. Interest rates in the Group's key markets decreased to historically low levels in Q1 2020, with the stance of central banks making it likely they will remain extremely low for a while. A persistently low interest rate environment poses challenges to both the capital position of life insurers as well as to new business profitability and this is a scenario that the Group is planning for.
The Group has appetite for market risk where it arises from profit-generating insurance activities to the extent that it remains part of a balanced portfolio of sources of income for shareholders and is compatible with a robust solvency position.
The Group's market risks are managed and mitigated by the following:
As noted above, in response to the economic and financial market shocks triggered by the Covid-19 pandemic, the Group CRCO invoked the GCIP and convened a series of CIG meetings to provide high-cadence monitoring and management of any potential threats to the capital or liquidity position of the Group.
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In Jackson, investment risk arises from the assets backing customer policies. Equity risk is driven by the variable annuity business, where the assets are invested in both equities and bonds and the main risk to the shareholder comes from providing the guaranteed benefits offered. The exposure to this is primarily controlled by using a derivative hedging programme, as well as through the use of reinsurance to pass on the risk to third-party reinsurers.
Basis risk is the inherent risk associated with imperfect hedging and is caused by variables or characteristics that drive differences between the value of an underlying position and the hedge instruments used to offset changes in its value. Within Jackson's variable annuity business, basis risk can arise from differences between the performance of the Separate Account funds in which policyholders choose to invest and that of the instruments used to replicate these funds for hedging and liability modelling purposes, which are primarily linked to the S&P 500 index. This risk exposure is proportionate to the magnitude of liability risk/hedge position which fluctuates with equity and interest rate levels. While the market sell-off in Q1 2020 increased this liability risk/hedge exposure, the subsequent rally in equity markets over 2020 has had a corresponding opposite and positive impact. Jackson continues to actively evaluate the costs and benefits of ways to further mitigate basis risk.
The Group's appetite for interest rate risk is limited to where assets and liabilities can be tightly matched and where liquid assets or derivatives exist to cover interest rate exposures.
In Asia, our exposure to interest rate risk arises from the guarantees of some non-unit-linked products with a savings component, including the Hong Kong with-profits and non-profit business. This exposure exists because of the potential for an asset and liability mismatch, where long-dated liabilities and guarantees are backed by short-dated assets, which cannot be eliminated but is monitored and managed through local risk and asset liability management committees against risk appetite aligned with the Group's limit framework.
Interest rate risk results from the cost of guarantees in the variable annuity and fixed index annuity business, which may increase when interest rates fall. The level of sales of variable annuity products with guaranteed living benefits is actively monitored, and the risk limits we have in place help to ensure we are comfortable with the level of interest rate and market risks incurred as a result. Derivatives are also used to provide some protection. Jackson is also affected by interest rate movements to its fixed annuity book where the assets are primarily invested in bonds and shareholder exposure comes from the mismatch between these assets and the guaranteed rates that are offered to policyholders. As at 1 June 2020, this risk has been substantially transferred as part of the reinsurance transaction with Athene, leaving only a limited exposure from residual policies including those from the blocks acquired externally (ie from the REALIC and John Hancock businesses).
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In cases where a non-US dollar denominated surplus arises in an operation which is to be used to support Group capital, or where a significant cash payment is due from a subsidiary to the Group, this currency exposure may be hedged where it is believed to be economically favourable to do so. Further, the Group generally does not have appetite for significant direct shareholder exposure to foreign exchange risks in currencies outside the countries in which it operates, but it does have some appetite for this on fee income and on equity investments within the with-profits fund. Where foreign exchange risk arises outside appetite, currency swaps and other derivatives are used to manage the exposure.
Liquidity risk
(Audited)
Prudential's liquidity risk arises from the need to have sufficient liquid assets to meet policyholder and third-party payments as they fall due, and the Group considers this under both normal and stressed conditions. It includes the risk arising from funds composed of illiquid assets and results from a mismatch between the liquidity profile of assets and liabilities. Liquidity risk may impact on market conditions and valuation of assets in a more uncertain way than for other risks like interest rate or credit risk. It may arise, for example, where external capital is unavailable at sustainable cost, increased liquid assets are required to be held as collateral under derivative transactions or where redemption requests are made against Prudential's external funds. Liquidity risk is considered material at the level of the Group.
Prudential has no appetite for any business to have insufficient resources to cover its outgoing cash flows, or for the Group as a whole to not meet cash flow requirements from its debt obligations under any plausible scenario.
The Group has significant internal sources of liquidity, which are sufficient to meet all of our expected cash requirements for at least 12 months from the date the financial statements are approved, without having to resort to external sources of funding. The Group has a total of $2.6 billion of undrawn committed facilities that can be made use of, expiring in 2025. Access to further liquidity is available through the debt capital markets and an extensive commercial paper programme is in place, and Prudential has maintained a consistent presence as an issuer in the market for the past decade.
A number of risk management tools are used to manage and mitigate this liquidity risk, including the following:
Credit risk
(Audited)
Credit risk is the potential for a reduction in the value of investments which results from the perceived level of risk of an investment issuer being unable to meet its obligations (defaulting). Counterparty risk is a type of credit risk and relates to the risk of the counterparty to any contract we enter into being unable to meet their obligations causing the Group to suffer a loss.
Prudential invests in bonds that provide a regular, fixed amount of interest income (fixed income assets) in order to match the payments needed to policyholders. It also enters into reinsurance and derivative contracts with third parties to mitigate various types of risk, as well as holding cash deposits at certain banks. As a result, it is exposed to credit risk and counterparty risk across its business. The assets backing the Jackson general account portfolio and the Asia shareholder business means credit risk is considered a material risk for the Group's business units.
The Group has some appetite to take credit risk to the extent that it remains part of a balanced portfolio of sources of income for shareholders and is compatible with a robust solvency position.
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A number of risk management tools are used to manage and mitigate this credit risk, including the following:
The total debt securities4 at 31 December 2020 were $125.8 billion (31 December 2019: $134.6 billion). Credit risk arises from the debt portfolio in the Asia business comprising the shareholder, with-profit and unit-linked funds, the value of which was $89.6 billion at 31 December 2020. The majority (69 per cent) of the portfolio is in unit-linked and with-profits funds. The remaining 31 per cent of the debt portfolio is held to back the shareholder business.
In the general account of the Group's US business, $36.0 billion of debt securities are held to support shareholder liabilities. The shareholder-backed debt portfolio of the Group's other operations was $0.2 billion as at 31 December 2020. Further details of the composition and quality of our debt portfolio, and exposure to loans, can be found in the IFRS financial statements.
The exposures held by the shareholder-backed business and with-profits funds in sovereign debt securities at 31 December 2020 are given in note C1 of the Group's IFRS financial statements.
At 31 December 2020:
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Risks from the nature of our business and our industry | ||||
These include the Group's non-financial risks (including operational and financial crime risk), transformation risks from significant change activity and the insurance risks assumed by the Group in providing its products. | ||||
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Transformation risk
Prudential has a number of significant change programmes under way to deliver the Group's strategy for growth, improve customer experiences, strengthen its operational resilience and control environment, and meet regulatory and industry requirements. If the Group does not deliver these programmes to defined timelines, scope and cost, this may negatively impact on its operational capability; control environment; reputation; and ability to deliver its strategy and maintain market competitiveness.
Transformation risk remains a material risk for Prudential. The Group's transformation and change programmes inherently give rise to design and execution risks, and may introduce new, or increase existing, business risks and dependencies. Implementing further strategic transformation initiatives may amplify these risks. In order to manage these risks, the Group's Transformation Risk Framework aims to ensure that, for both transformation and strategic initiatives, strong programme governance is in place with embedded risk expertise to achieve ongoing and nimble risk oversight, and regular risk monitoring and reporting to risk committees is delivered.
Prudential's current portfolio of transformation and significant change programmes include the proposed demerger of Jackson from the Group; the expansion of the Group's digital capabilities and use of technology, platforms and analytics; and improvement of business efficiencies through operating model changes (covering data, systems and people). Programmes related to regulatory/industry change such as the transition to the Hong Kong IA's GWS Framework, changes required to effect the discontinuation of inter-bank offered rates (IBORs) in their current form and the implementation of IFRS 17 are also ongoing. See below for further detail on these regulatory changes. The Group is cognisant that the speed of technological change in the business could outpace its ability to anticipate all the unintended consequences that may arise. While the adoption of innovative technologies such as artificial intelligence has opened up new product opportunities and channels, it also exposes the Prudential to potential information security, operational, ethical and conduct risks which, if not managed effectively, could result in customer detriment and reputational damage. The Transformation Risk Framework therefore operates alongside the Group's existing risk policies and frameworks in these areas to ensure appropriate controls and governance are in place to mitigate these risks.
Non-financial risks
In the course of doing business, the Group is exposed to non-financial risks. A combination of the complexity of the Group, its activities and the extent of transformation in progress creates a challenging operating environment. The Group's main non-financial risks are detailed below. These risks are considered to be material at the level of the Group.
The Group's outsourcing and third-party relationships require distinct oversight and risk management processes. A number of important third-party relationships exist which provide the distribution and processing of Prudential's products, both as market counterparties and as outsourcing partners, including new IT and technology partners. In Asia, the Group continues to expand its strategic partnerships and renew bancassurance arrangements, and in Africa Prudential is continuing its expansion through acquisitions. These third-party arrangements support Prudential in providing a high level and cost-effective service to our customers, but they also make us reliant on the operational resilience and performance of our outsourcing partners.
The Group's requirements for the management of material outsourcing arrangements, which are in accordance with relevant applicable regulations, are included through its well-established Group-wide third-party supply policy. Third-party management is also included and embedded in the Group-wide framework and risk management for operational risk (see below).
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The performance of the Group's core business activities places reliance on the IT infrastructure, provided by our external IT and technology partners, that supports day-to-day transaction processing and administration. This IT environment must also be secure, and an increasing cyber risk threat needs to be addressed as the Group's digital footprint increases and the sophistication of cyber threats continue to evolvesee separate information security risk sub-section below. Exposure to operational and other external events could impact operational resilience by significantly disrupting systems, operations and services to customers, which may result in financial loss, customer impacts and reputational damage. Operational challenges also exist in keeping pace with regulatory changes. This requires implementing processes to ensure we are, and remain, compliant on an ongoing basis, including regular monitoring and reporting.
Group-wide framework and risk management for operational risk
The risks detailed above form key elements of the Group's operational risk profile. A Group-wide operational risk framework is in place to identify, measure and assess, manage and control, monitor and report effectively on all material operational risks across the business. The key components of the framework are:
Outputs from these processes and activities performed by individual business units are monitored by the Risk function, which provides an aggregated view of the risk profile across the business to the Group Risk Committee and Board.
These core framework components are embedded across the Group via the Group Operational Risk Policy and Standards documents, which set out the key principles and minimum standards for the management of operational risk across the Group. The Group Operational Risk Policy, standards and operational risk appetite framework sit alongside other risk policies and standards that individually engage with key operational risks, including outsourcing and third-party supply, business continuity, financial crime, technology and data, operations processes and extent of transformation. These policies and standards include subject matter expert-led processes that are designed to identify, assess, manage and control operational risks, including:
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These activities are fundamental in maintaining an effective system of internal control, and as such outputs from these also inform core RCSA, incident management and scenario analysis processes and reporting on operational risk. Furthermore, they also ensure that operational risk considerations are embedded in key business decision-making, including material business approvals and in setting and challenging the Group's strategy.
Prudential and the insurance industry are making increasing use of emerging technological tools and digital services, or forming partnerships with third parties that provide these capabilities. While this provides new opportunities, opening up markets, improving insights and increasing scalability, it also comes with additional risks which are managed within the Group's existing governance and risk management processes, including additional operational risks and increased risks around data security and misuse. Automated digital distribution channels increase the criticality of system and process resilience in order to deliver uninterrupted service to customers.
Developments in data protection requirements, such as the California Consumer Protection Act which came into force on 1 January 2020, continue to evolve worldwide. This increases financial and reputational implications for Prudential in the event of a breach of its (or third-party suppliers') IT systems. As well as protecting data, stakeholders expect companies and organisations to use personal information transparently and appropriately. New and currently unforeseeable regulatory issues may also arise from the increased use of emerging technology, data and digital services. This includes the international transfer of data which, as a global organisation, increases regulatory risks for Prudential. Given this, both information security and data privacy are key risks for the Group. As well as having preventative risk management in place, it is fundamental that the Group has robust critical recovery systems in place in the event of a successful attack on its infrastructure, a breach of its information security or a failure of its systems in order to retain its customer relationships and trusted reputation.
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During 2020, work to operationalise the revised organisational structure and governance model for cyber security management has continued. This change has resulted in a centralised Group-wide Information Security and Privacy function, leveraging skills, tools and resources across the business under a 'centre of excellence' model. This global function is led by the Group Chief Information Security Officer and falls within the scope of the responsibilities of the Group Chief Digital Officer, working closely with the Group Risk and Compliance Function and Group CRCO to ensure appropriate second line oversight. Cyber risk management is also conducted locally within business units with input from business information security officers and with oversight from local risk committees. The Prudential plc Board is briefed at least twice annually on cyber security by the Group CISO and executive training is provided to ensure that members understand the latest regulatory expectations and the threats facing the Group and that they have the means to enable appropriate oversight in this area.
An updated Group-wide information security policy has been introduced that aligns to over 20 international standards such as ISO 27001/2, MAS, and NIST Cyber Security Framework to ensure full coverage and adoption of best practices. Local policies are also aligned to relevant local regulation or law. Our Group-wide privacy policy was developed in collaboration with industry experts to support a pragmatic approach to the evolving regulatory environment globally and ensure compliance with all applicable laws and regulations. This approach ensures that all our stakeholders have confidence in our approach to information security and risk management.
These developments have allowed the Group to progress on its cyber security strategy, which for 2020 has four key objectives:
The Group has no appetite for model, UDA and RPA risk arising as a result of failing to develop, implement and monitor appropriate risk mitigation measures.
Prudential's model, UDA and RPA risk is managed and mitigated using the following:
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Prudential operates in some high-risk countries where, for example, the acceptance of cash premiums from customers may be common practice, large-scale agency networks may be in operation where sales are incentivised by commission and fees, where there is a higher concentration of exposure to politically-exposed persons, or which otherwise have higher geopolitical risk exposure.
The Group-wide policies we have in place on anti-money laundering, fraud, sanctions and anti-bribery and corruption reflect the values, behaviours and standards that are expected across the business. Screening and transaction monitoring systems are in place and a series of improvements and upgrades are being implemented, while a programme of compliance control monitoring reviews is being undertaken. Risk assessments are performed annually at higher risk locations. Due diligence reviews and assessments against Prudential's financial crime policies are performed as part of the Group's business acquisition process. The Group continues to undertake strategic activity to monitor and evaluate the evolving fraud risk landscape, mitigate the likelihood of fraud occurring and increase the rate of detection.
The Group has in place a mature confidential reporting system through which staff and other stakeholders can report concerns relating to potential misconduct. The process and results of this are overseen by the Group Audit Committee.
Insurance risks
(Audited)
Insurance risk makes up a significant proportion of Prudential's overall risk exposure. The profitability of its businesses depends on a mix of factors, including levels of, and trends in, mortality (policyholders dying), morbidity (policyholders becoming ill) and policyholder behaviour (variability in how customers interact with their policies, including utilisation of withdrawals, take-up of options and guarantees and persistency, ie lapsing of policies), and increases in the costs of claims, including the level of medical expenses increases over and above price inflation (claim inflation).
The principal drivers of the Group's insurance risk vary across its business units. Across Asia, where a significant volume of health and protection business is written, the most significant insurance risks are persistency risk, morbidity risk and medical inflation risk. In Jackson, policyholder behaviour risk is particularly material, especially in the take up of options and guarantees on variable annuity business which impacts profitability and is influenced by market performance and the value of policy guarantees.
The Group has appetite for retaining insurance risks in the areas where it believes it has expertise and operational controls to manage the risk and where it judges it to be more value-creating to do so rather than transferring the risk, and only to the extent that these risks remains part of a balanced portfolio of sources of income for shareholders and is compatible with a robust solvency position.
The impact of Covid-19 to economic activity and employment levels across the Group's markets has the potential to elevate the incidence of claims, lapses, or surrenders of policies, and some policyholders may choose to defer or stop paying insurance premiums or reduce deposits into retirement plans. In particular extended restrictions on movement could affect product persistency in the Group's Asia business. The pandemic may also result in elevated claims and policy lapses or surrenders in a less direct way, and with some delay in time before being felt by the Group, due to factors such as policyholders deferring medical treatment during the pandemic, or policyholders lapsing or surrendering their policies on the expiry of grace periods for premium payments provided by the Group's businesses. While these impacts to the business have not been material to date, they are being closely monitored by the Group's businesses with targeted management actions being implemented where necessary, which includes additional Incurred But Not Reported (IBNR) claims reserves in some markets where deferrals in non-acute medical treatments due to movement restrictions have been observed.
The Group's persistency assumptions reflect similarly a combination of recent past experience for each relevant line of business and expert judgement, especially where a lack of relevant and credible experience data exists. Any expected change in future persistency is also reflected in the assumptions. Persistency risk is managed by appropriate training and sales processes (including active customer engagement and service quality) and managed locally post-sale through regular experience monitoring and the identification of common characteristics of business with high lapse rates. Where appropriate, allowance is made for the relationship (either assumed or observed historically) between persistency and investment returns and any additional risk is accounted for. Modelling this dynamic policyholder behaviour is particularly important when assessing the likely take-up rate of options embedded within certain products. The effect of persistency on the Group's financial results can vary but depends mostly on product design and market conditions.
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In Asia, Prudential writes significant volumes of health and protection business and so a key assumption is the rate of medical inflation, which is often in excess of general price inflation. There is a risk that the expenses of medical treatment increase more than expected, so the medical claim cost passed on to Prudential is higher than anticipated. Medical expense inflation risk is best mitigated by retaining the right to reprice our products each year and by having suitable overall claims limits within our policies, either limits per type of claim or in total across a policy, annually and/or over the policy lifetime. Prudential's morbidity risk is mitigated by appropriate underwriting when policies are issued and claims are received. Our morbidity assumptions reflect our recent experience and expectation of future trends for each relevant line of business.
Prudential's insurance risks are managed and mitigated using the following:
Conduct risk
Prudential's conduct of business, especially the design and distribution of its products, is crucial in ensuring that the Group's commitment to meeting customers' needs and expectations are met. The Group's conduct risk framework, owned by the Group Chief Executive, was further developed in 2020 and reflects management's focus on customer outcomes.
Factors that may increase conduct risks can be found throughout the product life cycle, from the complexity of the Group's products, to its diverse distribution channels, including virtual face-to-face sales and sales via online digital platforms. In alignment with the Group's purpose of helping people get the most out of life, Prudential strives towards making health and protection coverage affordable and accessible to all. Through the Pulse by Prudential app, there is increased focused on making insurance more inclusive to underserved segments of society, through bite-size low cost digital products and services. Through this transition, Prudential must continue to ensure the quality of its ongoing servicing of all its customers. Prudential mitigates conduct risk with robust controls, which are identified and assessed through the Group's conduct risk assessment framework, regularly tested within its monitoring programmes, and overseen within reporting to its Boards and Committees.
Management of Prudential's conduct risk is key to the Group's strategy. Prudential's conduct risks are managed and mitigated using the following:
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Risks related to regulatory and legal compliance | ||||
These include risks associated with prospective regulatory and legal changes and compliance with existing regulations and laws including their retrospective application with which the Group must comply with in the conduct of its business. | ||||
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Prudential operates under the ever-evolving requirements set out by diverse regulatory, legal and tax regimes which may impact Prudential's business or the way in which it is conducted. This covers a broad range of risks including changes in government policy and legislation, capital control measures, and new regulations at either national or international level. In addition to the risks arising from regulatory change, the breadth of local and Group-wide regulatory arrangements presents the risk that regulatory requirements are not fully met, resulting in specific regulator interventions or actions including retrospective interpretation of standards by regulators which may result in regulatory censure or significant additional costs to the business. Furthermore, as the industry's use of emerging technological tools and digital services increases, this is likely to lead to new and unforeseen regulatory issues and the Group is monitoring the regulatory developments and standards emerging around the governance and ethical use of technology and data.
In certain jurisdictions in which Prudential operates there are also a number of ongoing policy initiatives and regulatory developments that are having, and will continue to have, an impact on the way Prudential is supervised. Decisions taken by regulators, including those related to solvency requirements, corporate or governance structures, capital allocation, financial reporting and risk management may have an impact on our business.
The focus of some governments toward more protectionist or restrictive economic and trade policies could impact on the degree and nature of regulatory changes and Prudential's competitive position in some geographic markets. This could take effect, for example, through increased friction in cross-border trade, capital controls or measures favouring local enterprises such as changes to the maximum level of non-domestic ownership by foreign companies. These developments continue to be monitored by the Group at a national and global level and these considerations form part of the Group's ongoing engagement with government policy teams and regulators.
Further information on specific areas of regulatory and supervisory requirements and changes are included below.
In November 2019 the IAIS adopted the Common Framework (ComFrame) which establishes supervisory standards and guidance focusing on the effective group-wide supervision of Internationally Active Insurance Groups (IAIGs). Prudential was included in the first register of IAIGs released by the IAIS on 1 July 2020 and was designated an IAIG by the Hong Kong IA following an assessment against the established criteria in ComFrame.
The IAIS has also been developing the ICS (Insurance Capital Standard) as part of ComFrame. The implementation of ICS will be conducted in two phases: a five-year monitoring phase followed by an implementation phase. The Aggregation Method is one of the alternatives being considered to the default approach undertaken for the ICS during the monitoring period and the related proposals are being led by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC). Alongside the current ICS developments, the
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NAIC is also developing its Group Capital Calculation (GCC) for the supervision of insurance groups in the US. The GCC is intended to be a risk-based capital (RBC) aggregation methodology. In developing the GCC, the NAIC will also consider Group capital developments by the US Federal Reserve Board, which will inform the US regulatory association in its construction of a US group capital calculation.
In November 2019 the FSB endorsed a new Holistic Framework (HF), intended for the assessment and mitigation of systemic risk in the insurance sector, for implementation by the IAIS in 2020 and has suspended G-SII designations until completion of a review to be undertaken in 2022. Many of the previous G-SII measures have already been adopted into the Insurance Core Principles (ICPs) and ComFrame. As an IAIG, Prudential is expected to be subject to these measures. The HF also includes a monitoring element for the identification of a build-up of systemic risk and to enable supervisors to take action where appropriate. As a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, this monitoring requirement was replaced with a Covid-19-focused exercise for 2020, with annual monitoring expected to recommence in 2021. In November 2020 the IAIS launched a public consultation on phase 1 of a proposed liquidity metric to be used as an ancillary indicator in the monitoring of the build-up of systemic risk. This followed a more general consultation on liquidity metrics earlier in 2020. Consultations on a phase 2 liquidity metric, as well as on macroeconomic elements of the HF, are expected to follow. The FSB published its 2020 Resolution Report in November 2020, highlighting intra-group connectedness and funding in resolution as key areas of attention for its work on resolution planning. Resolution regimes will continue to be a near term focus in the FSB's financial stability work, potentially being a key tool in informing decisions around the reformed G-SII designation in 2022.
In the US, various initiatives are under way to introduce fiduciary obligations for distributors of investment products, which may reshape the distribution of retirement products. Jackson has introduced fee-based variable annuity products in response to the potential introduction of such rules, and we anticipate that the business's strong relationships with distributors, history of product innovation and efficient operations should further mitigate any impacts.
In Asia, regulatory regimes are developing at different speeds, driven by a combination of global factors and local considerations. New local capital rules and requirements could be introduced in these and other regulatory regimes that challenge legal or ownership structures, or current sales practices, or could be applied to sales made prior to their introduction retrospectively, which have a negative impact on Prudential's business and reported results.
Risk management and mitigation of regulatory risk at Prudential includes the following:
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The Group's ESG-related risks | ||||
These include environmental risks associated with climate change (including physical and transition risks), social risks arising from diverse stakeholder commitments and expectations and governance-related risks. | ||||
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The purpose of a business and the way in which it operates in achieving its objectives, including in relation to ESG-related matters, are an increasingly material consideration for key stakeholders in achieving their own objectives and aims. ESG-related risks may directly or indirectly impact Prudential's business and the achievement of its strategy and consequently those of its key stakeholders, which range from customers, institutional investors, employees and suppliers, to policymakers, regulators, industry organisations and local communities, all of whom have expectations, concerns and aims which may differ. Material risks associated with key ESG themes may adversely impact the reputation and brand of the Group, its ability to attract and retain customers and staff, its ability to deliver on its long-term strategy and therefore the results of its operations and long-term financial success.
The Prudential ESG Strategic Framework, developed in 2020, focuses on giving people greater access to good health and financial security, responsible stewardship in managing the human impact of climate change and building human and social capital with its broad range of stakeholders. Prudential seeks to ESG-related risks to its strategy and their negative implications to stakeholder through a transparent and consistent implementation of this strategy in its key markets and across operational, underwriting and investment activities. The strategy is enabled by strong internal governance, sound business practices and a responsible investment approach, both as an asset owner and asset manager.
Prudential's strategic ESG focus on stewarding the human impacts of climate change recognises that environmental concerns, notably those associated with climate change, may pose significant risks to Prudential, its customers and other stakeholders. Prudential's investment horizons are long term and it is therefore exposed to the potential long-term impact of climate change risks, which include the financial and non-financial impact of transition, physical and litigation risks. A failure to understand, manage and provide greater transparency of its exposure to these climate-related risks may have increasing adverse implications for Prudential and its stakeholders.
The global transition to a lower carbon economy may have an adverse impact on investment valuations as the financial assets of carbon-intensive companies re-price, and this could result in some asset sectors facing significantly higher costs and a reduction in demand for their products and services. The speed of this transition, and the extent to which it is orderly and managed, will be influenced by factors such as public policy, technology and changes in market or investor sentiment. This climate-related transition risk may adversely impact the valuation of investments held by the Group, and the potential broader economic impact may affect customer demand for the Group's products. Prudential's stakeholders increasingly expect and/or rely on the Group to support an orderly transition based on an understanding of relevant country and company-level plans and which takes into consideration the impact on the economies, businesses and customers in the markets in which it operates and invests. Understanding and appropriately reacting to transition risk requires sufficient and reliable data on carbon exposure and transition plans for the assets in which the Group invests. The direct physical impacts of climate change, driven by both specific short-term climate-related events such as natural disasters and longer-term changes to climate and the natural environment, will increasingly influence the longevity, mortality and morbidity risk assessments for the Group's life insurance product underwriting and offerings and their associated claims profiles. Climate-driven events in countries in which Prudential or its key third parties operate could impact the Group's operational resilience and its customers.
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Social risks that could impact Prudential may arise from a failure to consider the rights, diversity, well-being, and interests of people and communities in which the Group or its third parties operate. These risks are increased as Prudential operates in multiple jurisdictions with distinct local cultures and considerations. As an employer, the Group aims to attract, retain and develop highly-skilled staff, which relies on having in place responsible working practices and recognising the benefits of diversity and promoting a culture of inclusion. The Group's reputation extends to its supply chains, which may be exposed to factors such as poor labour standards and abuses of human rights by third parties. Emerging population risks associated with public health trends (such as an increase in obesity) and demographic changes (such as population urbanisation and ageing) may affect customer lifestyles and therefore may impact claims against the Group's insurance product offerings. As a provider of insurance and investment services the Group is committed to playing a greater role in preventing and postponing illness in order to protect its customers as well as making health and financial security accessible through an increased focused on digital innovation, technologies and distribution methods for a broadening range of products and services. As a result, Prudential has access to customer personal data, including data related to personal health, and an increasing ability to analyse and interpret this data through the use of complex tools, machine learning and artificial intelligence technologies. The Group therefore actively manages the regulatory, ethical and reputational risks associated with actual or perceived customer data misuse or security breaches. These risks are explained above. The increasing digitalisation of products, services and processes may also result in new and unforeseen regulatory requirements and stakeholder expectations which Prudential monitors for, as well as ensuring support for its customers through this transformation.
Maintaining high standards of corporate governance is crucial for the Group and its customers, staff and employees, reducing the risk of poor decision-making and a lack of oversight of its key risks. Poor governance may arise where key governance committees have insufficient independence, a lack of diversity, skills or experience in their members, or unclear (or insufficient) oversight responsibilities and mandates. Inadequate oversight over remuneration increases the risk of poor senior management behaviours. Prudential operates across multiple jurisdictions and has a group and subsidiary governance structure which may add further complexity to these considerations. Participation in joint ventures or partnerships where Prudential does not have direct overall control and the use of third party suppliers increases the potential for reputational risks arising from poor governance.
Risk management and mitigation of ESG risks at Prudential include the following:
Notes
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SUPERVISION AND REGULATION OF PRUDENTIAL
Prudential's principal insurance and investment operations are in Asia and the US, with a smaller base in Africa. Accordingly, our operations are subject to applicable Asia, US and Africa insurance and other financial services regulations which are discussed below.
Prudential's individual insurance and asset management businesses are supervised at a local entity level and local statutory capital requirements apply. For more detailed information on the framework of local capital requirements, see note C10 of the consolidated financial statements. The Hong Kong Insurance Authority (Hong Kong IA) is the Group-wide supervisor for Prudential plc. The Hong Kong IA has developed a new Group-wide Supervision (GWS) Framework for multinational insurance groups under its supervision. The GWS Framework is expected to be effective for Prudential upon designation by the Hong Kong IA in the second quarter of 2021, subject to transitional arrangements. The primary legislation was enacted in July 2020 and will come into operation on 29 March 2021. The framework is based on a principle-based and outcome-focused approach, and allows the Hong Kong IA to exercise direct regulatory powers over the designated holding companies of multinational insurance groups.
In agreement with the Hong Kong IA, the Group currently applies the local capital summation method (LCSM) to determine Group regulatory capital requirements (both minimum and prescribed levels) until the GWS Framework is effective. Further information is provided in the 'Explanation of Performance and Other Financial Measures' section and in note I(i) of Additional unaudited financial information.
Global regulatory developments and trends
Efforts to curb systemic risk and promote financial stability continue to be developed. In 2019, the IAIS adopted the Common Framework (ComFrame) for the group-wide supervision of Internationally Active Insurance Groups (IAIGs). The Holistic Framework for Systemic Risk in the Insurance Sector, endorsed by the FSB in 2019 and implemented by the IAIS in 2020, includes enhanced supervisory policy measures and a monitoring element for monitoring risks and trends in the global insurance sector and assessing the possible build-up of systemic risk. In 2020, this monitoring requirement was temporarily replaced with a COVID-19-focused exercise on the global insurance sector's solvency, profitability, liquidity, assets and liabilities. The annual monitoring element will recommence in 2021. The IAIS has also been developing the ICS (Insurance Capital Standard) as part of ComFrame.
In conduct regulation, there is continual focus at the international level and across jurisdictions on market policies, fairness, sustainable finance and responsible investment, culture and behaviour. Conduct regulators are also putting growing emphasis on the economic consequences that poor value products and services have on consumers. In Asia, distribution and product suitability linked to innovation continues to set the pace of conduct regulatory change. Prudential plc falls under scope of these conduct regulations and remains committed to meeting customer needs and expectations and ensuring regulatory changes are appropriately implemented.
Climate Change
Regulatory and legislative developments are increasingly including references to climate-related risks and incorporating reporting recommendations, such as those outlined in the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosure (TCFD) framework. The TCFD framework provides voluntary guidance to enable more effective disclosures by businesses about their potential exposure to climate-related financial risks and opportunities. The Group's focus is on continuing to strengthen its governance, oversight and risk management of climate-related risks, and further developing its strategic approach to managing the climate impact of the Group's business activities.
LIBOR
In July 2014, the Financial Stability Board (FSB) announced widespread reforms to address the integrity and reliability of IBORs. Further, on 5 March 2021, the FCA announced final cessation dates for all LIBOR rates, with most US dollar LIBOR rates ceasing on 30 June 2023 and all other rates ceasing on 31 December 2021. The market has identified alternative reference rates, including Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR) for USD LIBOR and Sterling Overnight Index Average (SONIA) for GBP LIBOR. Many of Prudential's assets and liabilities reference, or are linked to, LIBOR and extend past the expected transition date. A Group-wide program is in place to provide oversight and ensure appropriate resources are deployed during the transition period. The Group's US operations have established a LIBOR Discontinuation Steering Committee to provide strategic direction regarding the impact of the LIBOR transition. The review of legal documentation is underway
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to identify the transition mechanisms by which the reference rates in existing contracts or instruments may be amended through market-wide protocols, fallback contractual provisions, bespoke negotiations, amendments or otherwise. Similarly, the Group's Asia operations have established a working group to ensure an orderly transition for LIBOR-linked asset holdings, although exposure in the Asia businesses is of low materiality. The effect of the LIBOR transition remains uncertain. The LIBOR Discontinuation Steering Committee continues to monitor the market liquidity of the instruments referencing the new alterative rates, noting the effectiveness of certain hedging transactions and increased illiquidity and volatility in markets that currently rely on LIBOR could adversely impact Prudential's asset and liability values.
Financial crime
In the markets in which it operates, Prudential is subject to regulatory requirements and obligations with respect to financial crime including anti-money laundering and sanctions compliance, which may either impose obligations on the Group to act in a certain manner or restrict the way that it can act in respect of specified individuals, organisations, businesses and/or governments. The Group has appropriate systems and controls to mitigate financial crime risks, including sanctions and anti-bribery and corruption, and it examines these on an ongoing basis as part of its proactive supervision agenda.
Data Privacy
Following the implementation of General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and subsequent demerger of M&G plc, a key focus in 2020 was driving consistency of approach in the management of data privacy activities in order to embed high standards across the Group and ensure compliance with the Group Privacy Policy. This was supported by the roll-out of a global privacy management platform to assist with data protection activities and to automate administrative tasks where possible. Activities also took place in 2020 to enhance and embed processes that were implemented as part of compliance efforts with the California Consumer Privacy Act.
Prudential's Group Privacy Office continues to maintain oversight of data protection and privacy compliance. The Office works with all functions in the UK and businesses across Asia, Africa and the US to support and advise on ongoing privacy compliance as well as to provide a point of escalation for resolving issues. Privacy is integrated within the Group-wide Information Security & Privacy team, which reports to the Group Chief Information Security Officer, giving coverage of each region and the different countries in which Prudential operates.
The security measures that the Group takes to protect its data and systems are commensurate with local regulatory requirements and risk appetite. In practice, this means that the Group's businesses must identify and classify data and operate a risk-based information security approach which leverages people, processes, and technology solutions. This is in the context of a Group-wide Information Security Policy and operating standards.
Disclosure obligations under the US Securities Exchange Act and in particular under Section 219 of the Iran Threat Reduction and Syria Human Rights Act of 2012
Under Section 219 of the Iran Threat Reduction and Syria Human Rights Act of 2012, which added Section 13(r) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, Prudential is required to disclose certain activities and those of its affiliates related to Iran and to persons sanctioned by the US under programs relating to terrorism, proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and trading with North Korea that have occurred in the twelve-month period covered by this report.
Prudential's non-US affiliates have engaged in transactions with four persons sanctioned by the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) of the US Department of Treasury in relation to Iran, terrorism, proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and trading with North Korea. These transactions were entered into in compliance with laws and regulations applicable to the relevant affiliates.
The first individual, designated pursuant to US Executive Order 13224, took out a takaful certificate (a Shariah compliant life policy) with Prudential's Malaysian insurance subsidiary in October 2011 and was identified in March 2012 through periodic customer screening. Total premiums of RM 7,500 (US$1,852) were received in 2020. The matter was reported to the Malaysian government regulatory authority, the Bank Negara Malaysia Financial Intelligence Unit. Currently, the policy is frozen with no top-up, withdrawal or claims permitted, although regular premium payment is still allowed in Malaysian Ringgit. The policy is in force, with no claims submitted or any outward payments made to date.
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The second individual, also designated pursuant to US Executive Order 13224, is a beneficiary of three life insurance policies in his wife's name, the first taken out in December 2010 and two others taken out in November 2011 with Prudential's Indonesian insurance subsidiary. The annual premium of the three life insurance policies is IDR 6,000,000 (US$426), IDR 12,000,000 (US$852) and IDR 12,000,000 (US$852), respectively. The matter was notified to the Indonesian governmental sanctions authority, the Pusat Pelaporan Dan Analisis Transaksi Keuangan. All three policies remain in force and annual premiums are being funded by the policies' cash value. As such, there have been no premiums received and there have also been no claims or other outward payments in 2020.
The third individual, designated on 30 August 2019 pursuant to US Executive Order 13810, took out four medical and critical illness policies between November 2012 and February 2015 with Prudential's Taiwan insurance subsidiary. The annual premiums of the four policies are NT$20,856 (US$744), NT$22,956 (US$819), NT$12,048 (US$430) and NT$19,512 (US$696) respectively. The matter was identified during periodic customer screening in September 2019 and reported to the Taiwan Anti-Money Laundering Division of the Ministry of Justice's Investigation Bureau. All policies are in force but frozen with no withdrawal or claims permitted, regular premiums are still being received in New Taiwan Dollars in accordance with the policy terms and conditions. There have been no claims or other outward payments since the policies were purchased.
The fourth individual, designated on 16 December 2020 pursuant to US Executive Order 13846, took out one endowment policy in March 2014 and is the life assured of an investment-linked policy taken out by his wife in November 2018 with Prudential's Vietnam insurance subsidiary. The matter was discovered during periodic customer screening in December 2020. Both policies are denominated in Vietnam Dong and the annual premiums are VND 25,800,000 (US$1,109) and VND 129,890,000 (US$5,585) respectively. The matter was reported to Vietnam government regulatory authority, the State Bank of Vietnam. Premium of the endowment policy has been overdue since November 2020 and is being funded by the policy's cash value. Both policies remain in force, with no claims submitted or any outward payments made to date.
As the provisioning of insurance liabilities is undertaken on a portfolio basis, it is not practical to estimate the net profits on the contracts referred to above. Prudential does not intend to engage in further new business dealings with these individuals.
Asia Supervision and Regulation
Regulators, laws and major regulations of insurance business
Prudential's businesses in Asia are subject to all relevant local regulatory and supervisory schemes. These laws and regulations vary from jurisdiction to jurisdiction, but it is the local regulators that typically grant (or revoke) licenses and therefore control the ability to operate a business.
The regulatory environment continues to evolve in Asia, where economies in the region are in various phases of maturity. In general (although there are exceptions), regulators in developing economies continue to build the regulatory framework relevant to their level of economic development. Increasing regulatory developments in the region will continue to affect Prudential's Asia businesses.
A central issue for all regulators in 2020 was to ensure the financial and operational resilience of the insurance industry and the protection of consumers and policyholders of insurance products amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Efforts were made and new regulations and guidelines were issued to assist and require the industry to (i) assess, monitor and manage insurance and financial risks, including capital and solvency, (ii) introduce new coverages and services applicable for the risks specific to the crisis, (iii) launch/enhance new/existing sales and servicing platform with corresponding controls, while maintaining capability of meeting all regulatory requirements including ongoing filings.
Apart from the COVID-19 related issues, conduct of business and consumer protection continue to be a key priority for regulators in Asia. The focus continues to be on product design, commission structure, marketing literature, sales processes and various distribution business models.
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Significant additional details of the regulatory regimes, to which Prudential's Asia insurance operations are subject, are discussed below:
Hong Kong
Prudential currently operates two subsidiaries in Hong Kong for life (Prudential Hong Kong Limited (PHKL)) and general (Prudential General Insurance Hong Kong Limited (PGHK)) insurance businesses, with both entities now fully under the regulatory regime of the Hong Kong IA. The HKIA has put in place comprehensive regulatory Guidelines (GL) covering all aspects of the insurance lifecycle, from product design to post-sale controls, to ensure customers' expectations are met. Major efforts were made by PHKL in 2020 to implement requirements introduced from key conduct-related GLs introduced in 2019, with full implementation expected to be completed by the deadline in Q1 2021.
The HKIA took over the regulatory regime for direct supervision of intermediaries and enforcement in late 2020. A sizable enforcement team was established to review complaints and allegations referred from all sources. The regulator's current and upcoming focus of its supervisory process will be on agency administration, controls for unlicensed sales in Mainland China, handling of premium by agents and claims handling. Routine visits will also be made by the supervision team (Long Term Business) to PHKL.
Apart from the above, the sale of mandatory pensions by agents is regulated by the Mandatory Provident Fund (MPF) Schemes Authority which supervises the MPF intermediaries. Investment-linked insurance and voluntary health insurance schemes manufactured by local insurers are also required to obtain approvals respectively from the Securities and Futures Commission and the Food and Health Bureau, before launching of such businesses.
Singapore
Prudential Assurance Company Singapore (Pte.) Limited (PACS) is registered by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (the MAS) to design and sell both life and accident and health insurance products pursuant to the Insurance Act and Financial Advisers Act.
Under the Insurance Act, the MAS is responsible for insurance regulation and supervision of insurance companies. The MAS has detailed regulatory frameworks to govern insurance companies and the distribution of insurance products in Singapore. MAS regulations cover, inter alia, product development, pricing and management of insurance products, market conduct standards, investments undertaken, public disclosure requirements, reinsurance management, maximum representatives tier structure, loans and advances and product disclosure. The MAS also issues directions and regulations for the prevention of money laundering and to counter financing terrorism. This is in addition to the general AML law under which suspicious transactions must also be notified to the Commercial Affairs Department, an enforcement agency of the Singapore Police Force.
The Financial Adviser Act gives the MAS the authority to regulate and supervise all financial advisory activities conducted by insurance companies. The MAS regulation covers, among other things, the appointment and training of representatives, disciplinary action, mandatory disclosure to clients, sales and recommendations process on investment products, replacement (switching) of investment products and fair dealings with customers. Mandatory disclosure to clients covers both product information and basic data about the representatives and the firm.
The MAS published in September 2020 the Guidelines on Individual Accountability & Conduct ("IAC Guidelines") as part of its efforts to promote a culture of trust, accountability and ethical behaviour in the financial industry. The IAC Guidelines focus on measures Financial Institutions should put in place to promote individual accountability of senior managers, strengthen oversight over material risk personnel, and reinforce standards of proper conduct among all employees.
The MAS also published in December 2020 the Guidelines on Environmental Risk Management (Insurers) with the aim to enhance the insurance sector's resilience to and management of environmental risk through setting out sound risk management practices in the areas of (i) Governance and strategy, (ii) Risk Management, (iii) Underwriting; (iv) Investment; and (v) Disclosure. Key requirements include ensuring the board of directors and senior management play critical roles in incorporating the environmental considerations into the risk appetite, strategy and relevant business plans as well as maintaining oversight of the environmental risk management to ensure resilience in different environmental scenarios.
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Indonesia
PT. Prudential Life Assurance (PLA) is authorised to carry out long-term insurance business in Indonesia. Prudential's operations in Indonesia are authorised to distribute life insurance products based on either conventional or Shariah principles, through agency, bancassurance (including direct marketing) and other alternate distribution channels.
The financial regulatory regime in Indonesia operates on a 'twin peaks' model with the OJK responsible for microprudential supervision and Bank Indonesia retaining its macroprudential responsibilities. The implementation of AML controls in the insurance industry is monitored by the Indonesian Financial Transaction Reports and Analysis Center, or Pusat Pelaporan dan Analisis Transaksi Keuangan in Indonesian.
Key new regulations from OJK in 2020 covered insurance product distribution channels with new requirements on insurance product distribution through non-bank institutions, standard disclosures on product information, company soundness level assessment using the risk-based non-bank rating approach, countercyclical policy during the Covid-19 pandemic, and draft regulations on investment linked product that will have significant impacts to the ILP product feature, as well as operational and system readiness.
OJK plan to issue other significant regulations such as those related to sharia spin-offs, market conduct, and IT risk management. The government has issued an omnibus law on job creation with implications for the tax treatment of cash benefits received from insurance companies, requiring that they should be reported by the individual taxpayer, and this is currently under discussion by the industry association (AAJI).
OJK issued the sustainable finance regulation in 2017 to govern the Environment, Social, and Governance implementation in financial institutions, and the implementation for insurance companies was effective in 2020 with first reporting to OJK of sustainable finance plan implementation in 2021. PLA have set up a five-year sustainable finance plan, with key focus on developing responsible investment/product, social and environment risk management, corporate governance, and internal capability development.
Malaysia
Prudential Assurance Malaysia Berhad (PAMB) carries out life insurance business in Malaysia.
The Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) is the central bank of Malaysia and is the regulatory body responsible for supervising and regulating the financial services sector, including the conduct of insurance and Takaful business (insurance that is compliant with Islamic principles). BNM places considerable emphasis on fair market conduct by the insurance industry and protection of consumers' interests and is also responsible for administering legislation in relation to AML matters. BNM has the power to enforce sanctions on financial institutions.
In addition, PAMB is a member of the Life Insurance Association of Malaysia (LIAM), a self-regulatory body. Resolutions and circulars issued by the LIAM are binding on the member insurance companies.
Market liberalisation measures were introduced by BNM in April 2009, which increased the limit from 49 per cent to 70 per cent on foreign equity ownership for insurance companies and Takaful operators in Malaysia. A higher foreign equity limit beyond 70 per cent for insurance companies will be considered by BNM on a case-by-case basis, for example, for companies who support expansion of insurance provision to the most vulnerable in Malaysian society.
In light of the adjusted priorities due to the Covid-19 pandemic, BNM did not issue their Regulatory Calendar for 2020 as planned. Policy and supervisory initiatives in 2020 were re-focused on monitoring and responding to material risks in the financial sector and supporting the industry's efforts to preserve and strengthen the resilience of individuals and businesses against risks. BNM continues to implement a series of measures for insurers to assist policyholders to manage the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic. These measures aim to preserve protection coverage for policyholders that may experience temporary financial constraints, and enable insurers to remain focused on meeting the needs of their customers during these exceptional circumstances.
Prudential BSN Takaful Berhad (a Prudential joint venture with Bank Simpanan Nasional) was one of the first overseas insurers to be granted a domestic Takaful License in Malaysia.
The Takaful business in Malaysia is also regulated by BNM. In addition, Prudential Takaful is also a member of the Malaysian Takaful Association (MTA), an association for Takaful operators that seeks to improve industry self-regulation through uniformity in market practice and to promote a higher level of co-operation.
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Mainland China
CITIC-Prudential Life Insurance Company Limited, Prudential's joint venture with CITIC in which Prudential has a 50 per cent share, is authorised to conduct life insurance business in China.
The body responsible for regulation of the insurance sector is the China Banking and Insurance Regulatory Commission (CBIRC). CBIRC reports directly to the State Council. CBIRC is authorised to conduct the administration, supervision and regulation of the Chinese insurance market and to ensure that the insurance industry operates in a stable manner in compliance with the law. CBIRC also has local offices in all 41 provinces and selected direct administrative cities and regions across the country, which set and administer implementation rules and guidelines in the application of the regulations introduced by CBIRC.
The People's Bank of China (PBOC) oversees all AML activities in China and has actively been developing rules and guidance, requiring insurance companies to abide by the main AML law and regulations in connection with capital investment, transfers and set-up of new branches, as well as specifying senior management's responsibilities on AML.
Other markets
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Regulation of investment and fund management businesses and other regulated operations
Prudential conducts investment and fund management businesses through subsidiaries or joint ventures (JVs) in Asia through Eastspring Investments in Hong Kong, Japan, Korea, Taiwan, mainland China, India, Singapore, Malaysia, Vietnam and Indonesia. Eastspring Investments also has a presence in Luxembourg, the US and the UK. All operations are authorised and licensed by the relevant authorities. Depending on the licensing regime in the respective jurisdictions, Eastspring entities are generally authorised to conduct fund/investment management and investment advisory activities for both retail and institutional funds. In addition, two of the JV companies are licensed to provide Trust services to funds.
Significant additional details of the regulatory regimes, to which Prudential's Asia asset management operations are subject, are discussed below:
Singapore
Eastspring Singapore is regulated by the MAS. The Company holds a Capital Markets Services Licence under the Securities and Futures Act, Cap 286 (SFA) to conduct the following regulated activities: (a) fund management; and (b) dealing in securities. Eastspring Singapore is also an exempt financial adviser under the Financial Advisers Act, Cap 110 (FAA).In addition, Eastspring Singapore holds other registrations outside of Singapore, including the Registered Investment Adviser with the US SEC and the Renminbi Qualified Foreign Institutional Investors with the China Securities Regulatory Commission (CSRC) in China. As such, the US SEC and CSRC regulations relevant to these registrations apply to Eastspring Singapore. Furthermore, Eastspring Singapore is the appointed fund manager and global distributor of the Eastspring Investments Luxembourg SICAV funds. Accordingly, the UCITS regulations issued by the Commission de Surveillance du Secteur Financier and certain aspects of the MiFID II requirements by the European Securities and Markets Authority are relevant to Eastspring Singapore.
India
ICICI Prudential Asset Management Company and ICICI Prudential Trust are Prudential's two asset management related JVs with ICICI Bank. These two entities are registered with the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) to perform asset management activities and to act as trustees to funds registered with SEBI respectively.
SEBI is primarily set up to protect the interests of investors in the securities market. It promotes the development of the securities market and regulates the business. It regulates the operations of depositories, participants, custodians of securities, foreign portfolio investors, and credit rating agencies and acts to prohibit fraudulent and unfair trade practices related to the securities market. It ensures that investors are educated on the securities markets as well as undertakes research and development to ensure the securities market is efficient at all times.
South Korea
Eastspring Asset Management Korea Co. Ltd is licenced as an asset manager and investment advisor by the Financial Services Commission. The Financial Services Commission is a central government body responsible for financial policy and financial supervision. The FSC has statutory mandates to draft and amend financial laws and regulations; supervise, inspect and sanction financial institutions; issue regulatory licenses and approval to financial institutions; oversee capital markets; and supervise foreign exchange transactions conducted by financial institutions to ensure their financial soundness.
Thailand
TMBAM Eastspring and TFund Eastspring, Prudential's majority owned subsidiaries are both investment management companies regulated by the Securities and Exchange Commission of Thailand. They are licenced to conduct Mutual Fund Management, Private Fund Management, Investment Advisory Services, Derivatives Fund Manager and Derivatives Advisory Services.
The core obligation of the SEC as prescribed by the Securities and Exchange Act is to carry out supervision. The SEC has the responsibility to issue rules and regulations, ensure compliance and pursue enforcement in case of violations. In order to create effective supervisory mechanism and sustainable capital market, the SEC has moved towards more principle-based regulations and self-discipline among practitioners by issuing preventive regulations, conducting monitoring activities, imposing enforcement actions and providing supportive measures to improve regulatory standards and practices within the financial industry.
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Mainland China
Eastspring Overseas Investment Fund Management (Shanghai) Company Limited and Eastspring Investment Fund Management (Shanghai) Company Limited, both Eastspring subsidiaries, as well as Citic-Prudential Fund Management, Prudential's asset management JV with Citic Trust, and its subsidiary, Citic CP Asset Management Company, are governed by the China Securities Regulatory Commission (CSRC). The duties of CSRC includes the formulation and development of policies, rules and regulations for the securities and futures markets as well as to perform regulatory supervision over the management and the managerial officials of the relevant companies.
In addition, these entities need to abide by the self-regulatory rules established by Asset Management Association of China (AMAC), covering private investment fund management institutions, fund products, qualified investors, fund custody, fund sales, fund investment, information disclosure, accounting, fund valuation and outsourcing of services.
Other key regulators for the Eastspring businesses are as follows:
The Group has also invested in businesses located in various other markets. The Group has operations in Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Ghana, Kenya, Uganda, Zambia, Nigeria, Cameroon, Côte d'Ivoire and Togo. These developments and such incremental regulation remain immaterial at present in terms of the overall business of the Group.
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Prudential plc conducts its US insurance activities through Jackson National Life Insurance Company (Jackson) and Brooke Life, both life insurance companies organised in Michigan and licensed to transact insurance businesses in, and subjected to regulation by and supervision of, the District of Columbia and 49 of the 50 states. In addition, Jackson operates a subsidiary, Jackson National Life Insurance Company of New York, in the state of New York. The extent of regulation varies, but all jurisdictions have laws and regulations governing the financial aspects of insurance companies, including standards of solvency, reserves, reinsurance and capital adequacy and business conduct. In addition, statutes and regulations usually require the licensing of insurers and their agents and the approval of policy forms and related materials. The statutes and regulations of a US insurance company's state of domicile (Michigan in the case of Jackson and Brooke Life, and New York for Jackson National Life Insurance Company of New York) also regulate the investment activities and dividend payments of insurers. Additionally, Jackson and its subsidiaries are subject to US federal and state tax and securities laws, and certain other laws, rules and regulations, and the supervision of other regulators such as the SEC, governing the U.S. financial services industry.
On 15 December 2020, the Department of Labor (DOL) released its final prohibited transaction exemption on Improving Investment Advice for Workers and Retirees, PTE 2020-02 (the "Fiduciary Advice Rule"). The Final Rule reinstates the text of the DOL's 1975 investment advice regulation defining what constitutes fiduciary "investment advice" to ERISA Plans and individual retirement accounts (IRAs) and provides guidance interpreting such regulation. The guidance provided by the DOL broadens the circumstances under which financial institutions, including insurance companies, could be considered fiduciaries under ERISA or the Tax Code. Under the Fiduciary Advice Rule, individuals or entities providing such advice would be considered fiduciaries under ERISA or the Tax Code, as applicable, and would therefore be required to act solely in the interest of ERISA Plan participants or IRA beneficiaries, or risk exposure to fiduciary liability with respect to their advice. They would further be prohibited from receiving compensation for this advice, unless an exemption applied. Additional changes were also introduced related to compensation connected to investment advice provided, including commissions to insurance agents, broker-dealers, and others in connection with the sale of insurance and annuity contracts.
The NAIC has adopted the Insurance Data Security Model Law which established the standards for data security, investigation, and notification of a breach of data security for insurance companies. As of December 2020, eleven states (including Michigan) had adopted the model. Jackson has taken steps to comply with this regulation. For Michigan, the law was effective January 1, 2021.
The NAIC has also developed risk-based capital (RBC) standards for life insurance companies as well as a model act for state legislatures to enact. The model act requires that life insurance companies report on an RBC formula standard calculated by applying factors to various asset, premium and reserve items and separate model based calculations of risk associated primarily with interest rate and market risks. The RBC formula takes into account the risk characteristics of a company, including asset risk, insurance risk, interest rate risk, market risk and business risk. The NAIC designed the formula as an early warning tool to identify potentially inadequately capitalized companies for purposes of initiating regulatory action.
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GOVERNANCE
In response to the pandemic, the Board adjusted quickly to different ways of working, including holding virtual meetings and hybrid sessions, reflecting the resilience demonstrated by the business in the face of challenges posed by Covid-19, with some Directors when possible gathering physically in our London and Hong Kong head offices and others connecting through video conference. Given the severe curtailment on travel during 2020, we were unable to conduct our usual programme of face-to-face meetings with management and employees, which typically would have included deep dive visits at one or more of our business locations. Instead, we have found other virtual ways to connect with people across the business.
2020 saw important changes to the Board. Paul Manduca, who stepped down as Chairman and Director at the end of 2020, left a legacy of a high-functioning Board of committed Directors. Sir Howard Davies stepped down after 10 years on the Board and as Chair of our Risk Committee, and Jeremy Anderson was appointed to the Board, bringing with him substantial leadership experience of the financial services sector across Asia and the US. Jeremy has extensive technical knowledge on audit and risk management, particularly concerning international companies, and he succeeded Sir Howard as Chair of the Risk Committee in May 2020. The Board would like to thank Paul and Howard for their significant contributions and leadership of the Board and Risk Committee respectively during their tenures. We will be losing more of our experienced Non-executive Directors in the next couple of years as they are reaching the end of their nine-year tenures. Following nine years of service Kai Nargolwala will not offer himself for re-election at the Annual General Meeting (AGM) this year. The Board would like to thank Kai, who will step down from the Board at the conclusion of the 2021 AGM, for his significant contribution, both on the Board and as a member of the Risk and Remuneration Committees. More recently, Kai also took on the role of Employee Engagement Director for the Group's workforce in Asia and Africa.
Below are some of the principal strategic and governance items the Board considered during 2020.
Strategy
In its strategy discussions, the Board focused on developing and repositioning the Group for Asian growth. The Board considers that the Group is well positioned to meet the protection and savings needs of the growing populations in Asia and Africa with top-three positions in nine Asian life insurance markets, and significant upside potential in the region's two largest markets. The new growth strategy has been set to align to markets where insurance penetration is currently low and demand for savings solutions is rapidly developing. In August, we announced the new dividend policy, which aligns to this revised strategy.
Time and attention were given to executing the decision, announced in 2020, to separate our US business, through detailed discussions during regular Board meetings and dedicated, additional workshops. This was to ensure that Jackson will have a governance framework suitable for a listed group in the US at the point of the proposed separation. This culminated in our announcement on 28 January 2021 of our plan to separate Jackson in the second quarter of 2021 through a demerger, subject to shareholder and regulatory approval.
Our purpose, culture and values
Good governance encourages decisions to be made in a way that is most likely to promote the long-term, sustainable success of the Company, taking into account the views and interests of the Group's wider stakeholders. We aim to achieve this through a governance framework that supports decision-making, facilitates challenge, is continuously updated to meet the Group's business needs, and encompasses a prudent system of internal controls and rigorous processes for identifying, managing and mitigating key risks.
After an extensive consultation over the course of nine months involving 12,000 employees, we have refreshed and restated our shared purpose to help people get the most out of life. We fulfil this purpose by making healthcare accessible and affordable, protecting wealth and growing assets, and empowering people to save for their education and retirement goals. The Board supported the articulation and development of a framework to embed the desired culture, promoting the Group's purpose consistently across the Group.
2020 was the first year of a three-year plan to promote and embed a diverse and inclusive culture across the Group with our purpose at its core, supporting our people to think about not only what they do but how they do it, aligning our behaviours with performance and managing risks. Embedding this cultural change will require systems and programmes that help shift behaviours and create new habits, both individually and organisationally. This has been a key focus during the year and the Board has discussed, reviewed and monitored the frameworks being put into place to enable this progress.
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Looking after our stakeholders and wider community initiatives
At Prudential, we recognise that all our stakeholders are key to our long-term success. We seek to engage proactively with them, to understand their views and to take these views into account when making decisions.
Throughout 2020, the Board was particularly concerned about the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the health and welfare of customers and employees. The Summary Overview of Operating and Financial Prospects section of this report describe the various ways in which we responded to the needs of our customers in this challenging period. Our two designated Non-executive Directors appointed to represent the workforce have been working hard to find innovative ways to engage with the workforce during what has been an incredibly difficult year in which to bring people together. They joined a number of events at the start of the year, including visiting our offices in the UK and Asia to meet with and address colleagues. Once the pandemic started, both designated Directors received briefings from Group Security about steps being taken to support and protect employees during the Covid-19 outbreak. The results of our staff survey in 2020 have been considered carefully by the Board and the designated Directors are monitoring the implementation of the action plans, which will enable our employees to see that their feedback has been taken seriously and acted upon. Both designated Directors participated in our follow-up Collaboration Jam. We will continue to keep our employee engagement mechanisms under review to ensure we choose methods that best serve our employees and provide useful feedback to the Board.
The Board considered Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) matters and approved the ESG strategic framework for the Group, on the recommendation of the Nomination & Governance Committee. A number of Directors and members of the Nomination & Governance Committee, as well as other stakeholders, were consulted during the year to shape this strategy. For more information, please see the Governance Committee section of this report.
Focus for 2021
In light of the transformation of the business, the composition of the Board has been one of the Chair's key priorities, supported by the work of the Nomination & Governance Committee. Reflecting our focus on growth in Asia and Africa, enabled by digital capabilities, the Chair is pleased to welcome Chua Sock Koong and Ming Lu to the Board. Sock Koong has had a distinguished career with operations experience in many of our key markets, while Ming has a long track record of investing in and growing businesses throughout Asia. These appointments are part of an ongoing process to refresh the Board and make sure it has the right skills and experience to support the Group, in particular pan-Asian operating experience, and a high degree of digital familiarity. The next phase of appointments will focus on experience and knowledge of specialist financial services.
As the Board changes, the Chair is keen to ensure that we mitigate some of the loss of experience, wisdom and institutional memory by enabling new Non-executive Directors joining the Board to overlap with those nearing retirement, to give new joiners sufficient time to benefit from building relationships and sharing experience and insight to ensure a smooth transition period.
We are committed to continuing to develop the Group's governance to ensure that it keeps pace with the rapid progress of the business and the evolving external environment. We will draw on the conclusions of the externally facilitated Board effectiveness evaluation conducted in 2020 by Ffion Hague of Independent Board Evaluation, to ensure continued strong oversight and challenge. The methodology and results of that evaluation are set out in the 'Board effectiveness' section of this report. This annual exercise helps inform how we approach governance, risk and culture, which is set out in the Group Risk Framework section of this report. Our Group-wide Internal Audit function will continue to consider the risk and control culture of the organisation throughout its activities, with our Group Code of Business Conduct underpinning everything we do, shaping our culture and linking culture explicitly to values and behaviours. Good governance includes a commitment to continuous improvement and to that end the Board has asked Jeremy Anderson to lead on considering any lessons for the Board to learn from the revision to Jackson's hedge modelling, announced on 28 January, which impacted Jackson's statutory capital.
Our clarity of strategy and purpose will be supported and enabled by our culture and the people who make them a reality. We are clear that our strength as people and in our performance will come from continued investment in our diversity and inclusion. The Board has a vital role in setting the tone and demonstrating this in the diversity of our thinking, and through our oversight, constructive challenge and support for management and Prudential's employees. The Responsibility & Sustainability Working Group, established by the Board and chaired by Alice Schroeder, will oversee the embedding of Prudential's ESG framework and progress on diversity and inclusion initiatives, and will take on employee engagement activities.
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We hope this report demonstrates the work we have undertaken and the tangible and positive impact this has had on our business and for our stakeholders, with oversight and challenge to promote the long-term success of Prudential and the long-term prosperity of our stakeholders. Given the current restrictions, we are working hard to ensure that shareholders will be able to participate fully in our AGM through digital means. The detailed arrangements will be communicated as part of our AGM Notice published in April.
The Prudential Board consists of 13 directors as at 15 March 2021.
Board changes
Non-executive Directors
As announced on 10 December 2019, Jeremy Anderson was appointed to the Board as a Non-executive Director and member of the Risk and Audit Committees with effect from 1 January 2020. He became the Chair of the Risk Committee with effect from the conclusion of the 2020 AGM held on 14 May 2020.
As announced on 30 January 2020, Shriti Vadera joined the Board as a Non-executive Director and member of the Nomination & Governance Committee with effect from 1 May 2020. She became Chair of the Board and of the Nomination & Governance Committee with effect from 1 January 2021.
As announced on 30 January 2020, Paul Manduca stepped down from the Board with effect from 31 December 2020.
As announced on 11 March 2020, Sir Howard Davies stepped down from the Board with effect from the conclusion of the 2020 AGM held on 14 May 2020. As announced on 4 February 2021, Chua Sock Koong and Ming Lu will join the Board on 1 May 2021.
As announced on 3 March 2021, Kai Nargolwala will step down from the Board on 13 May 2021.
Set forth below are the names, ages, positions, business experience and principal business activities performed by the current Directors, as well as the dates of their initial appointment to the Prudential Board. This includes those Directors who joined the Board up to the date of filing. Ages are given at 15 March 2021.
SHRITI VADERA
Appointments
Board:
May 2020
Chair of the Board: January 2021
Chair of the Nomination & Governance Committee: January 2021
Age: 58
Relevant skills and experience
Shriti is the Chair of the Board. She joined Prudential as a Non-executive Director and member of the Nomination & Governance Committee on 1 May 2020 and became Chair of the Board with effect from 1 January 2021. She became Chair of the Nomination & Governance Committee at the same time.
She contributes her senior boardroom experience at complex organisations, including extensive experience with international operations, strong strategic and financial services experience and experience at the highest level of international negotiations between Governments and in multilateral organisations.
Shriti was chair of Santander UK Group Holdings from 2015 until October 2020. She was a Director of BHP from 2011 and its Senior Independent Director from 2015 until October 2020, and a Non-executive Director of Astra Zeneca from 2011 until 2018.
Between 2009 and 2014, she undertook a wide range of assignments, such as advising the South Korean Chair of the G20 in 2010, two European countries on the Eurozone and banking crisis, the African Development Bank on infrastructure financing, a number of global investors and sovereign wealth funds on strategy and economic and market developments.
Shriti was a Minister in the UK government from 2007 to 2009 in the Cabinet Office, Business Department and International Development Department and led on the UK Government's response to the global financial crisis and its Presidency of the G20. She was a member of the HM Treasury's Council of Economic Advisers from 1999 to 2007, advising on domestic and international issues including reforms to international organisations following the Asian and financial crisis.
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Shriti began her career in investment banking with SG Warburg/UBS in 1984, where she had a strong focus on emerging markets.
Other appointments
Institute
of International Finance, Board Member
National Institute of Economic and Social Research, Governor
MICHAEL WELLS
Appointments
Board:
January 2011
Group Chief Executive: June 2015
Age: 60
Relevant skills and experience
Mike continues to develop the operational management of the Group on behalf of the Board, implementing Board decisions and leading the Executive Directors and senior executives in the management of all aspects of the day-to-day business of the Group.
Mike has more than three decades' experience in insurance and retirement services, having started his career at the US brokerage house Dean Witter, before going on to become a managing director at Smith Barney Shearson.
Mike joined the Prudential Group in 1995 and became Chief Operating Officer and Vice-Chairman of Jackson in 2003. In 2011, he was appointed President and Chief Executive Officer of Jackson, and joined the Board of Prudential.
During his leadership of Jackson, Mike was responsible for the development of Jackson's market-leading range of retirement solutions. He was also part of the Jackson teams that purchased and successfully integrated a savings institute and two life companies.
Mike is Group Chief Executive, a position he has held since June 2015.
Other appointments
International
Advisory Panel of the Monetary Authority of Singapore
San Diego University Advisory Board
MARK FITZPATRICK CA
Appointment
Board:
July 2017
Age: 52
Relevant skills and experience
Mark has a strong background across financial services, insurance and investment management, encompassing wide geographical experience relevant to the Group's key markets.
Mark previously worked at Deloitte for 26 years, building his industry focus on insurance and investment management globally. During this time, Mark was managing partner for Clients and Markets, a member of the executive committee and a member of the board of Deloitte UK. He was a vice chairman of Deloitte for four years, leading the CFO Programme and developing the CFO Transition labs.
Mark previously led the Insurance & Investment Management audit practice and the insurance industry practice.
Mark is Group Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer, a position he has held since July 2019. He joined the Board as Chief Financial Officer in July 2017.
Other appointment
British Heart Foundation
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JAMES TURNER FCA FCSI FRM
Appointment
Board:
March 2018
Age: 51
Relevant skills and experience
Having held senior positions at Prudential for over a decade, James has a wide-ranging understanding of the business and draws on previous experience across internal audit, finance and compliance, as well as technical knowledge, relevant to his role.
James joined Prudential as the Director of Group-wide Internal Audit and was appointed Director of Group Finance in September 2015, with responsibility for delivery of the Group's internal and external financial reporting, business planning, performance monitoring and capital and liquidity planning.
James joined the Board as an Executive Director and Group Chief Risk Officer in March 2018 and in July 2019 assumed responsibility for Group Compliance. James relocated to Hong Kong in August 2019 and has led the discussions with the Hong Kong Insurance Authority on the development of their Group Wide Supervisory Framework.
THE HON. PHILIP REMNANT CBE FCA
Appointments
Board:
January 2013
Audit Committee: January 2013
Nomination & Governance Committee: January 2013
Remuneration Committee: January 2013
Age: 66
Relevant skills and experience
Philip contributes experience across a number of sectors and in particular listed company experience and the financial services industry, including asset management, in the UK and Europe.
Philip was a senior adviser at Credit Suisse and a vice chairman of Credit Suisse First Boston (CSFB) Europe and head of the UK Investment Banking Department. He was twice seconded to the role of director general of the Takeover Panel. Philip served on the board of Northern Rock plc and as chairman of the Shareholder Executive. Until July 2018, he also served on the board of UK Financial Investments Limited. In October 2020, Philip stepped down as chairman and member of the board of The City of London Investment Trust plc.
Philip joined the Board in January 2013 as a Non-executive Director, as Senior Independent Director and as a member of each of the Audit Committee, the Remuneration Committee and the Nomination & Governance Committee. He also chaired the M&G Group Limited board from April 2016 until October 2018.
Other appointments
Severn
Trent plc
Takeover Panel (deputy chairman)
JEREMY ANDERSON CBE
Appointments
Board:
January 2020
Chair of the Risk Committee: May 2020
Audit Committee: January 2020
Responsibility & Sustainability Working Group: February 2021
Age: 62
Relevant skills and experience
Jeremy contributes substantial leadership experience of the financial services sector across Asia and the US. He has extensive technical knowledge on audit and risk management, particularly concerning international companies.
Jeremy joined KPMG Consulting in 1985 and held the role of Chief Executive Officer in 2001 before being appointed as head of UK operations at Atos Origin and a member of the Management Board of Atos Origin SA in 2002. From 2006, following two years as head of financial services at KPMG UK, Jeremy held the role of
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KPMG's Head of Financial Services for Europe followed by head of clients & markets in 2008. He served as KPMG's Chairman of Global Financial Services until 2017. Jeremy also served on the board of the UK Commission for Employment and Skills, and now serves as a non-executive director and chairman of the audit committee of UBS Group AG.
Jeremy joined the Board in January 2020 as a Non-executive Director and member of the Audit and Risk Committees. He became Chair of the Risk Committee and a member of the Nomination & Governance Committee in May 2020. In February 2021, Jeremy stepped down from the Nomination & Governance Committee and became a member of the Responsibility & Sustainability Working Group.
Other appointments
UBS
Group AG / UBS AG (Audit Committee Chair, Senior Independent Director, Vice-Chair)
The Productivity Group
The Kingham Hill Trust
DAVID LAW ACA
Appointments
Board:
September 2015
Chair of the Audit Committee: May 2017
Risk Committee: May 2017
Remuneration Committee: February 2021
Age: 60
Relevant skills and experience
David has experience across the Group's key international markets including North America and Asia, and across a number of industry sectors. He contributes extensive technical knowledge of audit, accounting and financial reporting essential to his role as Chair of the Audit Committee.
David is an accountant and spent 33 years working with Price Waterhouse and PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC). During this time he was inter alia the global leader of PwC's insurance practice, a partner in the UK firm, and worked as the lead audit partner for multinational insurance companies until his retirement in 2015. Other roles included leadership of PwC's insurance and investment management assurance practice in London and the firm's Scottish assurance division. He also spent three months working in Hong Kong in the early 1990s. After his retirement David became a director and CEO of L&F Holdings Limited and its subsidiaries (L&F). L&F is the professional indemnity captive insurance group which serves the PwC network and its member firms. David retired from this role in July 2019.
David joined the Board in September 2015 as a Non-executive Director and member of the Audit Committee. He was appointed Chair of the Audit Committee and a member of the Risk Committee and of the Nomination & Governance Committee in May 2017. In February 2021, David stepped down from the Nomination & Governance Committee and was appointed a member of the Remuneration Committee.
Other appointment
University of Edinburgh (Member of the Court and Policy and Resources committee)
KAIKHUSHRU NARGOLWALA FCA
Appointments
Board:
January 2012
Remuneration Committee: January 2012
Risk Committee: January 2012
Responsibility & Sustainability Working Group: February 2021
Employee Engagement Director: May 2019
Age: 70
Relevant skills and experience
Kai has experience across some of the Group's key international markets, particularly Hong Kong and the wider Asian market. In addition to his experience with listed groups, he contributes knowledge of the financial services sector.
Kai spent 19 years at Bank of America and was based in Hong Kong in roles as group executive vice president and head of the Asia Wholesale Banking Group from 1990 to 1995. He spent 10 years working for
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Standard Chartered PLC in Singapore as group executive director responsible for Asia governance and risk from 1998 to 2007. Kai was chief executive officer of the Asia Pacific Region of Credit Suisse AG from 2008 to 2010 and now serves as director and chairman of their remuneration committee. Kai also served as chairman of Clifford Capital Pte. Ltd from April 2012 until December 2020 and Clifford Capital Holdings from April 2020 until December 2020.
Kai has served on a number of other boards, including Singapore Telecommunications and Tate & Lyle plc and was appointed deputy chairman of Singapore Pools (Private) Limited with effect from January 2021.
Kai joined the Board in January 2012 as a Non-executive Director and member of the Remuneration and Risk Committees. In February 2021, he was appointed a member of the Responsibility & Sustainability Working Group. Kai acts as a designated Non-executive Director for employee engagement matters as set out in the UK Code, for the Group's workforce in Asia and Africa.
Other appointments
Credit
Suisse Group AG
PSA International Pte Ltd
Co-Chair of Sustainable Finance Steering Committee formed by Temasek
Singapore Pools (Private) Limited
ANTHONY NIGHTINGALE CMG SBS JP
Appointments
Board:
June 2013
Chair of the Remuneration Committee: May 2015
Nomination & Governance Committee: May 2015
Age: 73
Relevant skills and experience
Anthony has long executive experience of listed companies and, in particular, extensive knowledge of Asian markets.
Anthony spent his career in Asia, where he joined the Jardine Matheson Group in 1969, holding a number of senior positions before joining the board of Jardine Matheson Holdings in 1994. He was managing director of the Jardine Matheson Group from 2006 to 2012. Anthony was on the Board of Schindler Holding Limited until 19 March 2020.
He was a past chairman of the Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce and was appointed as an ABAC Representative of Hong Kong, China from 2005 to 2017 and the Hong Kong representative to the APEC Vision Group from 2018 to 2019.
He is the Chairperson of the Sailors Home and Missions to Seafarers in Hong Kong.
Anthony joined the Board in June 2013 as a Non-executive Director and member of the Remuneration Committee. He became Chair of the Remuneration Committee and a member of the Nomination & Governance Committee in May 2015.
Other appointments
Jardine
Matheson Holdings (and other Jardine Matheson group companies)
Shui On Land Limited
Vitasoy International Holdings Limited
The Innovation and Strategic Development Council in Hong Kong
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ALICE SCHROEDER
Appointments
Board:
June 2013
Audit Committee: June 2013
Risk Committee: March 2018
Chair of the Responsibility & Sustainability Working Group: February 2021
Age: 64
Relevant skills and experience
Alice has experience across the insurance, asset management, technology and financial services industries in the US.
Alice began her career as a qualified accountant at Ernst & Young. She joined the Financial Accounting Standards Board as a manager in 1991, overseeing the issuance of several significant insurance accounting standards.
From 1993, she led teams of analysts specialising in property-casualty insurance as a managing director at CIBC Oppenheimer, PaineWebber (now UBS) and Morgan Stanley. Alice was also an independent board member of the Cetera Financial Group and held the office of CEO and chair of WebTuner (now Showfer Media LLC), until its sale in 2017. She was also a director of Bank of America Merrill Lynch International until December 2018.
Alice joined the Board in June 2013 as a Non-executive Director and member of the Audit Committee. She became a member of the Risk Committee in March 2018 and was appointed Chair of the Responsibility & Sustainability Working Group in February 2021.
Other appointments
Quorum
Health Corporation
Natus Medical Incorporated
Westland Insurance Group Ltd
THOMAS WATJEN
Appointments
Board:
July 2017
Remuneration Committee: July 2017
Risk Committee: November 2018
Nomination & Governance Committee: February 2021
Employee Engagement Director: May 2019
Age: 66
Relevant skills and experience
Tom has experience across the insurance, asset management and financial services industries as well as experience with listed companies in the UK and the US.
Tom started his career at Aetna Life and Casualty before joining Conning & Company, an investment and asset management provider, where he became a partner in the consulting and private capital areas. He joined Morgan Stanley in 1987, and became a managing director in its insurance practice.
In 1994 he was appointed executive vice president and chief financial officer of Provident Companies Inc.
He was a key member of the team associated with Provident's merger with Unum in 1999 and was appointed president and chief executive officer of the renamed Unum Group in 2003, a role he held until May 2017. Tom also served on the board of Sun Trust Banks from 2010 until April 2019. In 2019, Tom joined the boards of LocatorX, Inc and in 2020 he joined the board of Arch Capital Group Limited.
Tom joined the Board in July 2017 as a Non-executive Director and member of the Remuneration Committee. He became a member of the Risk Committee in November 2018 and a member of the Nomination & Governance Committee in February 2021. Tom acts as a designated Non-executive Director for employee engagement matters as set out in the UK Code, for the Group's workforce in the US and UK.
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Other appointments
Arch
Capital Group Limited
LocatorX, Inc
FIELDS WICKER-MIURIN OBE
Appointments
Board:
September 2018
Remuneration Committee: September 2018
Responsibility & Sustainability Working Group: February 2021
Age: 62
Relevant skills and experience
Fields has extensive international boardroom experience, combining knowledge of the Group's key geographic markets in Asia and Africa with experience across the global financial services industry, including more than 10 years as a non-executive director and committee chair of life insurance and reinsurance companies.
Fields has held a number of senior positions, including senior partner at Strategic Planning Associates, chief financial officer and director of strategy at the London Stock Exchange, and leader of the global markets practice at AT Kearney. She was appointed to Nasdaq's Technology Advisory Council and as an expert on the Panel advising the European Parliament on financial markets harmonisation. She previously chaired the investment committee of the Royal London Group and has chaired the audit committee of Savills plc. From 2004-2014, Fields focused on sub-Saharan Africa, India and China in her role as chair of the investment impact committee of CDC, the UK Government's development finance institution.
Fields has served on the boards of three UK Government departments, including the Department of Business, where she chaired the strategic investment committee and was a member of the technology strategy board, and the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (2016-2020), where she chaired the audit and risk committee.
Fields joined the Board in September 2018 as a Non-executive Director and member of the Remuneration Committee and was appointed a member of the Responsibility & Sustainability Working Group in February 2021.
Other appointments
BNP
Paribas
SCOR SE
Leaders' Quest (Partner)
AMY YIP
Appointments
Board:
September 2019 Audit Committee: March 2021
Age: 69
Relevant skills and experience
Amy has extensive experience of China and South-east Asia following a 40-year career in banking, insurance, asset management and government.
Amy started her career in 1978 and has held a number of senior positions in financial services in Asia. She was formerly head of wealth management of DBS Bank, chair of DBS Asset Management and chief executive officer of DBS Bank Hong Kong. Since 2011 she has been an adviser to Vita Green, a health supplements provider based in Hong Kong.
Amy became a non-executive director of AIG Insurance Hong Kong Limited in 2011 and chairs its audit committee. She became a non-executive director and member of the Technology Committee of Deutsche Börse AG in 2015 and became chair of the Asia Pacific advisory board of EFG Bank International in 2019. Amy served as a member of the compensation and nomination committees of Temenos Group AG from 2014 until May 2020, and as a non-executive director of Fidelity Funds from 2017 until October 2020.
Amy joined the Board in September 2019 as a Non-executive Director and member of the Remuneration Committee. With effect from 3 March 2021, Amy stepped down from the Remuneration Committee and joined the Audit Committee.
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Other appointments
AIG
Insurance Hong Kong Limited
Deutsche Böerse AG
EFG Bank and EFG Bank International (Chairman, Asia Pacific Advisory Board)
Following the change of Group-wide supervisor in October 2019 to the Hong Kong Insurance Authority, the composition of the Prudential Corporation Asia Limited board of directors mirrors the Prudential Board.
Group Executive Committee
The Group Executive Committee (GEC) comprises the Executive Directors, the Chief Executive of each of Prudential Corporation Asia and Jackson Holdings LLC, the Group Human Resources Director and the Group Chief Digital Officer. The GEC is a management committee constituted to support the Group Chief Executive, who also chairs the GEC. For the purposes of the Hong Kong Listing Rules, Senior Management is defined as the members of the GEC.
JOLENE CHEN
Group
Human Resources Director
Appointment to the GEC: June 2019
Age: 61
Relevant skills and experience
Jolene is the Group Human Resources Director and Chief Human Resources Officer for Prudential Corporation Asia. She is also a member of the Prudential Corporation Asia Executive Board and a Councillor of Prudence Foundation, the community investment arm of Prudential in Asia.
Jolene has more than 30 years' experience, including eight as Chief Human Resources Officer for Prudential Corporation Asia. Prior to joining us she spent over 21 years with multinational companies in a variety of resourcing, organisational design, talent management, learning and development and human resources roles.
NICOLAOS NICANDROU
Chief
Executive, Prudential Corporation Asia
Appointment to the GEC: October 2009
Age: 55
Relevant skills and experience
Nic became Chief Executive of Prudential Corporation Asia in July 2017 and is responsible for Prudential Corporation Asia's life insurance and asset management business across 14 markets in Asia. Nic is also the chairman of CITIC-Prudential Life Insurance Limited.
Nic started his career at PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC). Before joining Prudential as an Executive Director and Chief Financial Officer in 2009, he worked at Aviva, where he held a number of senior finance roles, including as Norwich Union Life's finance director and board member, Aviva group financial control director, Aviva group financial management and reporting director and CGNU group financial reporting director.
LAURA PRIESKORN
Chief
Executive Officer, Jackson Holdings LLC
Appointment to the GEC: February 2021
Age: 53
Relevant skills and experience
Laura is Chief Executive Officer of Jackson Holdings LLC, which includes Jackson's US subsidiaries and affiliates. Prior to this, as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, Laura was responsible for leading Jackson's operations and technology teams as well as the business integration efforts directed at continuously supporting and improving the client, adviser and distribution partner experience. Laura joined Jackson in August of 1989, and during her career at the company has held a variety of senior roles, including membership of the Executive, Investment and Product Committees.
She earned a bachelor's degree from Central Michigan University in business administration.
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AL-NOOR RAMJI
Group
Chief Digital Officer
Appointment to the GEC: January 2016
Age: 66
Relevant skills and experience
Al-Noor, who joined Prudential in 2016 in the newly-created role of Group Chief Digital Officer, is responsible for developing and executing an integrated, long-term digital strategy for the Group.
Before joining Prudential, he worked at Northgate Capital, a venture capital firm in Silicon Valley, where he ran the technology-focused funds. Prior to that, Al-Noor was at Misys, the financial services software group, and he has previously held leading technology and innovation roles at BT Group, Qwest Communications, Dresdner Kleinwort Benson and Swiss Bank Corporation.
How we operate
Our governance framework
The Group has established a governance framework for the business, which is approved by the Board, and is designed to promote appropriate behaviours across the Group. The Nomination & Governance Committee keeps material changes to the governance arrangements under review.
The governance framework includes the key mechanisms through which the Group sets strategy, plans its objectives, monitors performance, considers risk management, holds business units to account for delivering on business plans and arranges governance.
Group Governance Manual
The Group Governance Manual (the Manual) sets out the policies and procedures under which the Group operates, taking into account statutory, regulatory and other relevant matters. The Manual includes the Group Code of Business Conduct which is regularly reviewed by the Board. The Risk Committee approves the Group Risk Framework, an integral part of the Manual, and the Audit Committee monitors Group-wide compliance with the Manual throughout the year.
Business units manage and report compliance with the Group-wide mandatory requirements set out in the Manual through annual attestations. This includes compliance with our risk management framework.
The content of the Manual is reviewed regularly, reflecting the developing nature of both the Group and the markets in which it operates, with significant changes on key policies reported to the relevant Board Committee.
Subsidiary governance
Since the demerger of M&G plc in October 2019, the Group has made changes to its subsidiary audit and governance arrangements to reflect the changing shape of the Group, in particular with respect to the Asia business. The Group Audit and Risk Committees have established direct links to the audit and risk committees of the four major Asia insurance businesses, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore. Arrangements include regular reports and calls between the Chairs of the Group committees and the local committee chairs, with an open invitation to the Group Committee Chairs to attend the committee meetings of the major Asia business.
In addition, an internal legal restructuring has been undertaken to form a holding company for Eastspring managed entities, Eastspring Investments Group Pte. Ltd. This has created a regional board as well as audit and risk committees with consolidated oversight across the Eastspring business unit and a direct link to the Group-level Audit and Risk Committees.
Other Prudential Corporation Asia businesses also operate local audit and risk committees, with standard terms of reference. Those committees report to the Group-level committees through written updates provided by the attendees from Group functions.
The Nomination & Governance Committee is responsible for oversight of governance arrangements for the significant subsidiaries. A report on the activities of the Nomination & Governance Committee during 2020 can be in the Governance Committees of this report.
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Regulatory environment
Following the demerger of M&G plc on 21 October 2019, the Group-wide supervisor of Prudential changed to the Hong Kong Insurance Authority (the Hong Kong IA). On 24 July 2020 the Insurance (Amendment) (No. 2) Ordinance, being the enabling primary legislation providing for the GWS Framework, was enacted. This primary legislation is supported by subsidiary legislation and guidance material from the Hong Kong IA. The relevant subsidiary legislation, including the Insurance (Group Capital) Rules, was tabled before the Legislative Council on 6 January 2021 and will come into operation on 29 March 2021.
The GWS Framework includes requirements for Hong Kong insurance groups to have in place appropriate corporate governance arrangements and to maintain appropriate internal controls for the oversight of their business.
Individual regulated entities within the Group continue to be subject to entity-level regulatory requirements in the relevant jurisdictions in which they carry on business.
Interactions with regulators shape the Group's governance framework and the Chair, Group Chief Executive, Group Chief Risk Officer and Compliance Officer, and the Chief Executive of Prudential Corporation Asia play a leading role in representing the Group to regulators and ensuring our dialogue with them is constructive.
Terms of reference for each of the Board's principal Committees have been updated to align their duties with the changes expected under the GWS Framework.
Stakeholder engagement
Employee voice
The Board has designated two Non-executive Directors to represent the workforce; Kai Nargolwala with responsibility for Asia and Africa, and Tom Watjen with responsibility for the US and the UK.
The Board received an update on activities undertaken and themes arising for consideration on a six-monthly basis. Kai Nargolwala and Tom Watjen offer their insight to Board discussions and decisions as part of the Board's consideration of the workforce as key stakeholders. Kai Nargolwala will be retiring at the AGM in May and post the proposed separation of Jackson the work he and Tom Watjen undertook will be continued by the Responsibility & Sustainability Working Group. As part of this, the Working Group will consider the best method for employee engagement in the longer term, to ensure this is tailored to the culture and strategic priorities of the refocused Group following the proposed separation of the Jackson business, and make a recommendation to the Board for implementation following the 2022 Annual General Meeting.
Shareholders
The Board recognises the importance of maintaining an appropriate level of two-way communication with shareholders. The Group holds an ongoing programme of regular contact with major shareholders, conducted by the Chair, to discuss their views on the Group's governance. The Senior Independent Director and the Committee Chairs are available at the request of shareholders. Engagement with institutional investors on the Directors' Remuneration Policy and implementation is led by the Remuneration Committee Chair on an annual basis.
During 2020, in addition to the governance meetings held with investors by Paul Manduca, Shriti Vadera met with a large number of our major investors as part of her introduction to the business. The Chair of the Remuneration Committee also engaged with our investors on the Directors' Remuneration Policy.
Due to the UK government restrictions to limit the spread of Covid-19, the AGM on 14 May 2020 chaired by Paul Manduca was held as a 'closed meeting' with just two shareholders to provide the requisite quorum to enable the formal business of passing resolutions to be conducted. In recognising the continuing importance of the AGM as an opportunity to engage with shareholders, the Board encouraged participation from shareholders. The revised meeting arrangements included an option for shareholders to submit questions to the Board in advance of the meeting, the answers to which were posted on the Company's website, and shareholders were also asked to vote their shares by proxy ahead of the meeting. Prudential kept shareholders informed through its website and released a number of updates during the period of the Covid-19 pandemic, including a Q1 business update and other presentations.
Notwithstanding the pandemic and related unprecedented measures and circumstances, the Board continues to receive regular updates on shareholder engagement activities.
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Operation of the Board
How the Board leads the Group
The Group is headed by a Board led by the Chair.
The Board currently consists of 13 Directors, of which a majority, excluding the Chair are independent Non-executive Directors. Biographical details of each of the Directors and further details of the roles of the Chair, Group Chief Executive, Senior Independent Director, Committee Chairs and the Non-executive Directors can be found in the Board of Directors section above.
The Board is collectively responsible to shareholders for the long-term sustainable success of the business through:
Specific matters are reserved for decision by the Board, including:
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Key areas of focus how the Board spent its time
The Board held nine meetings during 2020. The table below gives an indication of the key topics considered at each meeting.
Notes
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The Board held a separate workshop focusing on the proposed separation of Jackson in January and a three-day strategy event in June.
Between meetings, the Board is provided with monthly update reports from management.
Board and Committee meeting attendance throughout 2020
Individual Directors' attendance at meetings throughout the year is set out in the table below.
Notes
Board and Committee papers are usually provided one week in advance of a meeting. Where a Director is unable to attend a meeting, his or her views are canvassed in advance by the Chair of that meeting where possible.
Board effectiveness
Actions during 2020 arising from the 2019 review
The performance evaluation of the Board and its principal Committees for 2019 was conducted internally at the end of 2019 through a questionnaire. The findings were presented to the Board in February 2020 and an action plan was agreed to address areas of focus identified by the evaluation.
The review confirmed that the Board continued to operate effectively during the year and no major areas requiring improvement were highlighted.
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Set out below are the themes, summary of actions and progress updates:
2020 review and actions for 2021
The performance evaluation of the Board and its principal Committees for 2020 was conducted externally by Independent Board Evaluation, an independent consultancy. The external nature of the review met the provisions of the UK Corporate Governance Code which requires external evaluations on no less than three-yearly intervals.
The evaluation covered the Board, each of the principal committees, and an individual assessment of the Chair and each of the other Non-executive Directors. The Board evaluation focused on Board performance and focus, Board composition, succession planning and induction, and support provided to Board members. The evaluation included seeking feedback from each Director, the Company Secretary and senior management.
Interviews were held with all Board members and other stakeholders, and these were supplemented by attendance and observation at a number of Board and Committee meetings. Supporting materials to enhance understanding of how the Board and its Committees operate were provided.
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The findings were presented to the Nomination & Governance Committee and the Board in December 2020 and collective Committee and Board discussions to exchange ideas and agree priorities arising from the report took place.
The Board agreed an action plan to respond to the recommendations at its meeting in February.
The report identified a number of strengths of the Board, including a strong Board culture of engagement and collaboration, strong governance and compliance, and clear, timely information being provided to support Board meetings. The evaluation concluded that the Board and its principal committees were operating effectively. Some areas were identified for development in order to support the onboarding of new Board members and to keep pace with the transformation of the Group.
Through the evaluation and subsequent additional discussion at the Board meeting in February 2021, the Board identified areas of particular focus and related actions:
Director evaluation
The performance of Directors during 2020 was evaluated by Independent Board Evaluation as part of the overall Board evaluation programme. Feedback on individual performance of Non-executive Directors was provided to the then Chair designate, who held discussions with each of them at the start of 2021 on becoming Chair. Feedback on the performance of the then Chair designate was separately provided to, and discussed with her, by the Senior Independent Director. Feedback on the performance of the Executive Directors, in their capacity as Board Directors, was also provided to the Chair designate, who discussed feedback with each of them separately.
The performance of Executive Directors, in their capacity as Executives, is subject to regular review; Paul Manduca assessed the performance of the Group Chief Executive while Mike Wells individually appraised the performance of each of the Executive Directors as part of the annual Group-wide performance evaluation of all employees. The Chair of the Risk Committee provided feedback to the Group Chief Executive on the performance of the Group Chief Risk and Compliance Officer.
The outcome of each of these evaluation processes is reported to the Nomination & Governance Committee in February each year in order to inform the Committee's recommendation for Board members to be put forward for re-election by shareholders.
Executive Director performance is also reviewed by the Remuneration Committee as part of its deliberations on bonus payments.
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Directors
Board roles and governance
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Chair Shriti Vadera | ||||
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The Chair is responsible for leadership of the Board and managing Board business. She ensures, in collaboration with the Group Chief Executive and senior management, that appropriate issues are brought to the Board, that there is a culture of openness and debate, and that the Board is setting the right tone from the top. | ||||
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Other aspects of the Chair role include:
Leadership and succession planning - Responsible for the leadership and the governance of the Board as a whole, demonstrating objective judgement, the highest standards of integrity and probity, and ethical leadership - Responsible for developing, in conjunction with the Nomination & Governance Committee and the Group Chief Executive, an effective Board as regards its composition, skills and competencies - Leading the Board in discharging its responsibility in respect of the appointment and removal of directors - Leading periodic evaluations, including externally facilitated evaluations, of the Board, its Committees and individual Directors - Leading the Board in holding to account the performance of management and individual executive Directors against agreed performance objectives - Working with the Nomination & Governance Committee, ensuring that Directors receive a full formal and tailored induction programme, that their development needs are identified and that they keep their skills and knowledge up to date |
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Managing Board business
- Setting the Board agenda and ensuring, in collaboration with the Group Chief Executive, and the Company Secretary, that appropriate issues are brought to the Board's attention - Maintaining an effective and constructive liaison with the Non-executive Directors, encouraging their engagement so as to maximise their contribution to the work of the Board and also ensuring constructive relations between Executive and Non-executive Directors - Meeting with Non-executive Directors independently of the Executive - Ensuring, in collaboration with management, that information brought to the Board is accurate, clear, timely and contains sufficient analysis appropriate to the scale and nature of the decisions to be made - Ensuring the Board has effective decision-making processes and applies sufficient challenge to major proposals - Promoting effective reporting of Board Committee business at Board meetings through regular Committee Chair updates |
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Relations with shareholders and other stakeholders
- Ensuring effective communication with shareholders and that relevant governance and strategy issues are discussed with major shareholders and that their views are communicated to the Board as a whole - Representing the Board externally at business, political and community level. Alongside the Group Chief Executive, presenting the Group's views and positions as determined by the Board on key public policy and industry matters and communicating them effectively to governments, other public organisations and regulatory authorities - Balancing the interests of different categories of stakeholders, preserving an independent view and ensuring effective communication, ensuring that the Board listens to the views of key stakeholders |
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External positions
- Approving Directors' external positions prior to them being accepted, taking into account the required time commitment and escalating consideration of conflicts of interest to the Nomination & Governance Committee as required |
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The Board has established four principal Committees. These Committees form a key element of the Group governance framework, providing effective independent oversight of the Group's activities by the Non-executive Directors. Each Committee Chair provides an update to the Board on the matters covered at each Committee meeting, supported by a short written summary. The terms of reference for each Committee are reviewed at least annually. The functions of the principal Committees are summarised below. Further information on these committees can be found in the Governance Committee section.
Terms of reference for the principal Committees can be accessed at www.prudentialplc.com/investors/governance-and-policies/board-and-committees-governance
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Standing Committee
The Board has established a Standing Committee which can meet as required to assist with any business of the Board. It is typically used for ad hoc urgent matters which cannot be delayed until the next scheduled Board meeting. All Directors are members of the Standing Committee and have the right to attend all meetings and receive papers.
Notice of a Standing Committee meeting is sent to all Directors and if an individual is unable to attend, that individual can give comments to the Chair or Company Secretary ahead of the meeting for consideration by the Standing Committee. Before taking decisions on any matter, the Standing Committee must first determine that the business it is intending to consider is appropriate for a Committee of the Board and does not properly need to be brought before the whole Board. All Standing Committee meetings are reported in full to the next scheduled Board meeting.
This governance structure allows for fast decision-making where necessary, while ensuring that the full Board has oversight of all matters under consideration and all Non-executive Directors can contribute. Over 2020, the Company held three meetings of the Standing Committee.
Responsibility & Sustainability Working Group
Chair
Alice Schroeder
Following the Board's approval in December 2020 of a new Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Strategic Framework, the Board recognises that the next 18 months will be critical for the embedding of the framework within the Group, as well as for the progress of related matters such as the development and embedding of the Group's Purpose and Values, progressing diversity & inclusion (D&I) priorities, and building upon employee engagement activities in 2020.
To ensure an appropriate level of Board engagement in, and oversight of, these matters, the Board has established for the period up to the 2022 AGM a Responsibility & Sustainability Working Group, to be chaired by Alice Schroeder. As part of its remit, the Working Group will consider and recommend to the Board appropriate long-term governance arrangements for these matters. It will also take on employee engagement activities after the 2021 AGM.
Building Directors' knowledge
Induction new Directors
Jeremy Anderson and Shriti Vadera received a comprehensive induction, tailored to reflect their respective experience and positions on the Board.
A summary of the general induction programme for Non-executive Directors is set out below:
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Role-specific induction for Jeremy Anderson focused on briefings from senior management in Group Risk across the Group and briefings from the outgoing Group Risk Committee Chair. Shriti Vadera worked with the outgoing Chairman, Paul Manduca and met extensively with the Group's major shareholders to shape her understanding of their views and concerns and share her vision as incoming Chair. Ms Vadera also held multiple meetings with each of the Non-executive Directors, members of management and country level teams from across the Group, including on physical visits to Hong Kong and Singapore, and with the Group's key advisers, as part of her induction activities.
Continuing development of knowledge and skills
During 2020, the Board and its Committees received a number of technical and business updates as part of their scheduled meetings, providing information on external developments relevant to the Group and on particular products or operations. Below is an overview of how Directors are kept up to date:
All Directors have the opportunity to discuss their individual development needs as part of their Director evaluations and are encouraged to request specific updates during the year. At the start of the year, suggested topics are shared with the Board for feedback. Directors are asked to provide information on any external training or development on an annual basis. All Directors have the right to obtain professional advice at Prudential's expense. Board training materials are also made available, as relevant, to Group Executive Committee members.
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Nomination & Governance Committee report
This report describes how the Nominations & Governance Committee has fulfilled its duties under its terms of reference during 2020.
In 2020, the Committee held three meetings, in addition to our three scheduled meetings, to focus on succession planning and the significant progress by Prudential on articulating its ESG strategy and framework.
Board succession planning
A key aspect of the Committee's role is to ensure that the Board retains an appropriate balance of skills to support the strategic objectives of the Group. As part of this, the Committee helps to maintain a rigorous and transparent approach to the identification of candidates for appointment as Directors.
As explained in the introduction section above, an important focus has been on the composition of the Board. The Board has prioritised the identification of individuals with the experience and skills to guide Prudential's transformation into a business focused exclusively on Asia and Africa with strong digital capabilities. In February 2021, following interviews in 2020, we announced that Chua Sock Koong and Ming Lu will join the Board on 1 May 2021. Chua Sock Koong has had a distinguished career, with operations experience in many of our key markets, while Ming Lu has a long track record of investing and growing businesses throughout Asia. We will continue to work in 2021 to ensure that the Board reflects our strategic priorities.
During 2020, the Committee also confirmed the appointment of Jeremy Anderson as Chair of the Risk Committee, succeeding Sir Howard.
The Committee received a detailed update on the process and succession plans in place for members of the Group Executive Committee and was also briefed on the process and initiatives to review and promote talent throughout the Group to develop senior leaders. In addition, the Committee supported Jackson in the creation of a new board prior to the proposed separation of our US business and oversaw the succession planning process at senior management level.
Diversity and inclusion
When identifying candidates for Board-level succession, the Committee considers primarily what diverse perspectives will contribute to a more robust strategy. Talent search agencies are briefed on the Group's requirements in respect of diversity of thinking as well as ensuring the appropriate skills, knowledge and experience when identifying candidates. Gender and race representation has improved at Board level during 2020, and we continue to look for opportunities for progress in this important area as well as ensuring we have representation from individuals with insights to the geographical markets and businesses linking to the strategic objectives of the Group following the demerger of M&G plc in 2019 and the proposed separation of the US business in 2021.
The newly established Responsibility & Sustainability Working Group will bring increased focus to the area of diversity, but also inclusion in 2021: driving a culture where everyone feels valued, treated fairly and respected enabling them to fully contribute their thoughts and perspectives and to be their authentic selves. This Working Group will assist the Committee and the Board to drive forward its diversity and inclusion agenda, both at Board level, in the executive talent pipeline, and more broadly across the organisation. The Group remains on target to achieve 30 per cent representation of women in senior leadership roles by the end of 2021, in accordance with our commitment to the HM Treasury Women in Finance Charter.
Prudential appointed a Group D&I Director and established a global Diversity & Inclusion Council in 2020, responsible for defining the global D&I strategy, promoting, championing and embedding D&I initiatives and challenging the organisation and leaders where progress is limited. The Working Group will get regular updates on the Diversity & Inclusion Council's activities.
Environmental, social and governance (ESG) considerations
The Committee has focused on Prudential's commitment to being a responsible business. ESG matters have been discussed during all Committee meetings held as part of the usual meeting cycle in 2020 and members have been significantly involved in shaping the ESG Strategic Framework. Committee members have provided feedback at specific points in the year and also met with management ahead of an additional meeting held in October to discuss the framework before it was recommended to the Board for approval.
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The Committee oversaw the implementation of the recommendations of the TCFD, including the three work streams that have been established to focus on the main aspects of the Group's exposure to climate-related risks. Prudential became a formal supporter of the TCFD recommendations in December 2018, before the UK government announced in November 2020 that it intends to make it mandatory for large financial institutions to make disclosures in line with the TCFD recommendations by 2025, with other jurisdictions including Hong Kong and Singapore advancing approaches through 2020.
In addition, the Committee received updates on primary ESG-related reporting developments and climate-related risk, and received regular reporting from the newly established executive Group ESG Committee.
The Responsibility &Sustainability Working Group will also oversee the embedding of Prudential's new ESG Strategic Framework, and will take on employee engagement activities after the 2021 AGM.
Governance
In line with our recently expanded remit, which now includes oversight of the Board evaluation process, the Committee approved the appointment of Ffion Hague of Independent Board Evaluation to conduct the evaluation of the Board, its Committees and individual Directors' effectiveness in respect of 2020. Following the evaluation, the Committee discussed the outcome ahead of the results being discussed with the whole Board, focusing in its discussions on findings relevant to succession planning and diversity.
The Committee continues to oversee the governance arrangements for the Group's subsidiaries to ensure that they remain appropriate.
Committee members
Shriti Vadera (Member from 1 May 2020 and Chair from 1 January 2021)
Paul Manduca (Chair until 31 December 2020)
Jeremy Anderson (from 14 May 2020 until 4 February 2021)
Howard Davies (until 14 May 2020)
David Law (until 4 February 2021)
Anthony Nightingale
Philip Remnant
Tom Watjen (from 4 February 2021)
Regular attendees
Group Chief Executive
Group Human Resources Director
Company Secretary
Number of meetings in 2020
Six
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How the Committee spent its time during 2020
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Key matters considered during the year | ||||||||
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Process for appointing new Directors
The Committee assists the Board in ensuring that there is a formal, rigorous and transparent approach to the appointment of new Directors. The Committee is involved from the start when a vacancy or a gap in the Board's skills is identified. Led by the Chair, and working with the Group Chief Executive and the Group Human Resources Director, a role specification is prepared, reflecting the desired skills and experience and the Group's Diversity and Inclusion Policy. This specification takes into account feedback from the Committee. Once agreed, specialist talent agencies are typically engaged to create a shortlist of candidates which is reviewed by the Committee and other stakeholders. Interviews with individuals then take place with selected Committee members and feedback is provided to all members. In this manner, a preferred candidate is selected and the Committee then recommends the individual to the Board for appointment. For the appointment of Executive Directors, the process is led by the Group Chief Executive working closely with the Chair. The Senior Independent Director leads the Committee in the process of appointing a new Chair. Contemporaneous with this process, due diligence checks are undertaken on the candidate and Prudential liaises with the relevant regulatory authorities. The Committee is kept updated on this process as appropriate. |
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Key matters considered during the year | ||||||||
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Matter considered | How the committee addressed the matter | |||||||
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Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) | ||||||||
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The Committee played a key role in setting ESG strategy and the oversight of ESG activities.
During the year, the Committee received updates on climate-related risk and progress towards implementing the recommendations of the TCFD. Committee members, as well as Board members more widely, were among those engaged as internal stakeholders in the development of the Group's ESG strategic ambition which will guide the Group's activity and decision-making in this area. Each Committee member spent time with management to contribute their views and experiences as part of the shaping of the ESG strategy. In addition, the Committee received regular updates during the development of the ESG strategy and heard from the newly established executive Group ESG Committee. An additional meeting was held in October to review the ESG strategic framework ahead of the fully-articulated strategic ambition which was presented to the Board in December 2020.This strategic framework focuses on three priorities: making health and financial security accessible; stewarding the human impacts of climate change; and building social capital. |
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Conflicts of interest | ||||||||
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Directors have a statutory duty to exercise independent judgement when carrying out their role and to avoid conflicts of interest. In addition, the Company has in place procedures to identify and, where necessary,
mitigate potential conflicts of interest. These processes help to ensure decisions are made in the best interests of the Company.
The Board has delegated authority to the Committee to identify and, where necessary, authorise any actual or potential conflicts of interest. When recommending a candidate for appointment to the Board, the Committee considers the external appointments of the proposed candidate and recommends authorisation of any conflicts to the Board as appropriate, attaching conditions to the authorisation where necessary. The Committee considered the external positions of Ming Lu and Chua Sock Koong prior to recommending their appointments to the Board. Prior to proposing Directors for election or re-election, the Committee considered the external appointments of Directors and reviewed existing conflict authorisations, reaffirming or updating any terms or conditions attached to authorisations where necessary. If a Director makes a request to take on a new external position during the year, the Chair considers the proposed external appointment and escalates to the Committee for authorisation where a conflict or potential conflict could arise. The Board considers that the procedures for dealing with conflicts of interests operate effectively. |
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Audit Committee report
This report describes how the Audit Committee has fulfilled its duties under its terms of reference during 2020.
The Chair is pleased to present this report on the Committee's activities during 2020. In what has been a challenging year, we have observed many examples of how the Group has responded to the global pandemic while at the same time continuing to press ahead with strategic change. Throughout, the Committee has continued to provide the Board with assurance as to the integrity of the Group's financial reporting and, together with the Risk Committee, monitor the effectiveness of the second and third lines of defence, which are an even more integral part of our internal control environment at this difficult time.
Good communication has never been more important than in the current circumstances and, as a result, we have added additional meetings to deal with particular issues, such as the accounting implications of the proposed separation and divestment of Jackson, including the accounting of the associated transaction with Athene in June, and the external audit tender. Potential conflicts of interest have been monitored, as they were for the separation of M&G.
Coordination with the Risk Committee has also been important and, while we were disappointed to lose the experience of Sir Howard Davies after his many years of valuable contribution, we were delighted to welcome Jeremy Anderson to the Committee. During the year, Howard, Jeremy and the Chair have agreed the most appropriate Committee to address particular matters, as well as holding a joint Risk and Audit Committee session, as last year, to focus on cyber and information security, to which all Non-executive Directors were invited.
Not surprisingly, throughout 2020 a key focus of the Committee has been the impact of Covid-19 on controls and financial reporting, including key judgements and disclosures. The Group has responded well to the social-distancing and working-from-home measures implemented across all our markets and has carefully considered their effects on key controls and processes. No significant deterioration in the control environment has been observed. The Committee also reflected on any wider control and accounting implications of the change to the Jackson hedge modelling that impacted their statutory capital.
The introduction of accounting standard IFRS 17, now expected to come into effect in 2023, has also continued to be a significant challenge, given the scope of changes it entails. The Committee received updates during 2020 on external developments and lobbying as the standard was being developed and on the Group's progress towards its implementation.
We have paid particular attention to our whistleblowing procedures and monitored these for any indicators of issues. The chair regularly meet privately with the Group Resilience Director to discuss whistleblowing cases and their resolution. These are also discussed in private sessions with the Committee or the relevant local audit committee. During the year, we conducted an external review of the processes and enhanced the governance arrangements.
External auditor and audit tender
An important part of the Committee's work consists of overseeing the relationship with the Group's current audit firm KPMG LLP (KPMG), including safeguarding independence, approving non-audit fees and satisfying ourselves that it is in the best interests of shareholders for the Committee to recommend the annual reappointment of KPMG. During the year, the Financial Reporting Council (FRC) conducted a review of KPMG's audit of Prudential's financial statement for the year ended 31 December 2019. The Committee was pleased with the outcome, as no significant recommendations for improvement were noted. The KPMG team continues to look at ways it can enhance its audit and challenge of management, something also encouraged by the Committee in its own effectiveness review of KPMG in 2020.
The Committee discussed with KPMG the impact of Covid-19 on its own business to ensure it had the resources and technology necessary to complete its audit work satisfactorily. We also meet privately with KPMG and the Chair has held a number of meetings with the lead partner team throughout the year. The Chair has also had a review meeting with KPMG's UK Senior Partner.
During the year, the Committee oversaw a formal competitive tender process to select an audit firm to succeed KPMG, in accordance with regulatory requirements and FRC guidance.
Following regular discussion by the Committee in 2020 and formal evaluation of potential candidates, a shortlist of eligible audit firms were invited to tender and the process concluded with presentations to Committee members in September 2020. Given the Chair's former position at PwC, he voluntarily recused himself from the decision-making and asked the Group Chief Internal Auditor to support the audit tender process. Alice Schroeder chaired the final Committee meetings and the presentations by shortlisted candidate firms.
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The Committee was impressed by the quality of each candidate's presentations and team, but, on balance, the Committee determined that, given the Group's future strategic direction, Ernst & Young LLP (EY) was the best fit as the Group's audit firm. The Committee recommended to the Board two firms with a preference that EY be engaged as the Group's audit firm for the year 2023 onwards. The Board approved this recommendation at its meeting in December 2020, subject to future shareholder approval. Further details on the audit tender process are set out in the Audit Tender section at the end of this report.
Internal audit
Throughout 2020, the Committee continued to receive regular briefings from the Group Chief Internal Auditor. Group-wide Internal Audit (GwIA) undertook a programme of risk-based audits covering matters across the business units in addition to assurance work. The work undertaken by GwIA during the year was important in supporting the proposed separation and divestment of Jackson and the control environment of the Group under the revised working conditions.
We assessed the effectiveness of GwIA and the Chair met regularly with the Group Chief Internal Auditor and the Group-wide Quality Assurance Director to discuss internal audit work and matters arising. Where particular issues have been raised, management have been invited to Committee meetings to respond. We have monitored resource levels and delivery of and amendments to the audit plan, which by necessity has had to be more flexible than in prior years. Internal Audit have responded well.
Regulatory developments
Following the Hong Kong IA replacing the Prudential Regulation Authority as the Group's regulator, a key focus for the Committee during 2020 has been the Group's programme to demonstrate readiness for compliance with the Hong Kong IA's new group-wide supervision framework, effective from the first half of 2021. The Committee has held a number of discussions on the requirements and received proposals for the assurance work that will be needed to demonstrate compliance. The Chair also met privately with the Hong Kong IA during the year.
Committee governance
Following the demerger of M&G plc in October 2019, the Committee was focused on overseeing the development and embedding of new governance arrangements across the Group's Asian business, building direct communication and escalation links with the existing local audit committees of the significant businesses. Regular direct communication with each of the local chairs remains a key component of our governance framework, and the Chair has worked closely with the respective chairs of our significant business unit audit committees during the year. At each meeting, the Chair updates the Committee on important points raised at local level, and after the meeting the Chair reports to the Board on the main matters discussed.
In order to foster a close and collegiate working relationship between the Committee and the local audit committees, Jeremy Anderson and the Chair held a session attended by all of the non-executive directors at the four major Prudential Corporation Asia businesses.
In May 2020, we held a private session without the Executives to discuss the results of our 2019 effectiveness evaluation and set the key focus areas for 2020. These included consideration of the impact of Covid-19 on financial matters, the implications of the proposed separation and divestment of Jackson, and the audit tender.
Committee members
David
Law (Chair)
Jeremy Anderson
Howard Davies (until 14 May 2020)
Philip Remnant
Alice Schroeder
Amy Yip (from 3 March 2021)
Regular attendees
Chair
of the Board
Group Chief Executive
Group Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer
Group Chief Risk and Compliance Officer
Director of Group Finance
Director of Group Financial Accounting and Reporting
Company Secretary
Group Chief Internal Auditor
External Audit Partner
Number of meetings in 2020
Eleven meetings
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How the Committee spent its time during 2020
Notes
In addition:
The Committee also held two informal meetings, also in September, to progress the audit tender.
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Audit tender in 2020
Introduction
The Prudential Group's Annual Report 2018 noted the Group's intention to commence a tender process to appoint a new auditor in line with the UK Code in respect of audit tendering and European rules on mandatory audit rotation. The external audit tender resulted in the proposal, subject to shareholder approval at the 2023 AGM, to appoint EY as the Prudential external auditor for the financial year 2023.
The process ran from November 2019 to December 2020, was led by the Committee and was in compliance with statutory requirements and guidance issued by the FRC.
Governance
The objective of the audit tender was to select the best audit firm to provide a high quality, effective and efficient audit in succession to KPMG, recognising the business lines and geographical spread of the organisation. To ensure a transparent and robust selection and evaluation process, the Committee assumed responsibility for leading the tender process and recommending the preferred firm to the Board.
Prior to commencing the audit tender, two potential conflicts of interest were specifically recognised. These related to the Chair of the Committee's former positions and pension from PwC and the Group Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer's former position and pension from Deloitte. To mitigate the risk the Group Chief Internal Auditor was asked to support the audit tender process. In addition, with the Committee's agreement, the Chair recused himself from the final decision and asked Alice Schroeder to chair those meetings at which decisions regarding the tender were made.
Participants
Five firms were approached (three from the 'Big Four' and two 'challenger' firms). The two challenger firms chose not to take part in the process due to resources and strategic focus. Request for Information (RFI) letters were issued to the remaining candidate firms in November 2019. EY and PwC responded positively, confirming their intention to commit to the tender process and that they could meet the independence requirements. Deloitte noted potential independence concerns and subsequently withdrew from the process as they did not believe these could be resolved.
Scope of tender
The audit tender was designed to select the Prudential Group's external auditor, as well as the auditor for the business units across the group. The audit tender acknowledged that certain local companies within the Group had separate auditor rotation requirements.
Independence
Firms were asked to confirm that they would be able to demonstrate how independence would be achieved by no later than 31 December 2021, in accordance with the FRC Revised Ethical Standard 2019 and PCAOB auditing and related professional practice standards. In response, the firms confirmed their ability to assert their independence by 31 December 2021 and set out how this would be achieved in respect of:
Prudential is satisfied that the required independence of the audit firm can be achieved.
Selection criteria
In order to codify what was required of the firms, a transparent set of selection criteria was devised and incorporated in scorecards used to evaluate the firms' proposals and presentations:
The selection criteria also took account of local qualification requirements to ensure that these were able to be satisfied.
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Access to information
In order to ensure a level playing field (ie a fair, open and transparent tender process), between June and September 2020 both firms were given access to management and key stakeholders across the Group in order to help them understand the business and better tailor their proposals. These meetings included the Head Office locations and the principal business units. The information received by the candidate firms from these visits was supplemented with the provision of additional information made available through a virtual data room to ensure both firms had the same information.
Evaluation activities
The following activities were conducted to assess the firms and inform evaluation against each of the evaluation criteria:
Evaluation
The Committee recommended both EY and PwC to the Board and considered both able to conduct a high quality audit of the Group. The Committee identified a first and second choice, and at its meeting on 3 December 2020 the Board resolved that it intends to recommend EY for appointment for the year ending 31 December 2023, subject to shareholders' approval at the AGM in 2023. In making this decision, the Board noted that EY had particularly differentiated themselves with the Asian experience of their team.
Transition
KPMG will remain the Group's auditor until 2023. Over the intervening period EY and the Group will start the transition process, including independence in respect of non-audit services and other business relationships globally and preparation for the introduction of revised accounting procedures IFRS 17 and IFRS 9.
Risk Committee report
This report describes how the Risk Committee has fulfilled its duties under the terms of reference during 2020.
The Committee assists the Board in providing leadership, direction and oversight of the Group's overall risk appetite, limits and strategy. It also oversees and advises the Board on current and future risk exposures of the Group, including those which have the potential to impact on the delivery of the Group's Business Plan. The Committee reviews the Group Risk Framework and recommends changes to it for approval by the Board to ensure that it remains effective in identifying and managing the risks faced by the Group. The Committee received regular reports from the Group Chief Risk and Compliance Officer, who is advised by the Group Executive Risk Committee (GERC). The Chair provided feedback on the performance of the Group Chief Risk and Compliance Officer to the Group Chief Executive as part of the annual evaluation of the Board and its members. The Committee also received regular reports from the Group-wide Internal Audit function and updates from other areas of the business as needed.
The risk governance arrangements for the Group's major businesses were delayered and strengthened in 2020 with the implementation of direct lines of communication, reporting and oversight of the risk committees of these businesses by the Committee. To support the enactment of these arrangements, the terms of reference for the major business unit risk committees were aligned and approved locally and include a standing invitation for the Group Chief Risk and Compliance Officer and Group Chief Executive and the requirement for relevant risk escalations directly to the Committee.
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Covid-19 risks and responses
As the Covid-19 crisis started to take hold at the start of the year the Group responded incisively. An additional meeting of the Committee was convened in March to consider the potential impacts and disruption to the Group's people, customers and service delivery and to its solvency, liquidity position and credit risk exposures. At the same meeting the Committee reviewed and approved a recalibration to the Group's Economic Capital (ECap) solvency risk appetite target given the evident shift in the position in the economic cycle triggered by the pandemic. High cadence monitoring, with a focus on solvency and liquidity risks to the Group, was performed through a series of meetings of the Critical Incident Group (CIG), invoked by the Group Chief Risk and Compliance Officer under the Group's Critical Incident Procedures. Key updates from the CIG meetings were provided to the Committee.
In addition to the operational and market impact of Covid-19, the pandemic has accelerated digital adoption at the Group's agency business and increased the user base of Prudential's digital health application Pulse. Increased digitalisation was an emerging focus during 2020 and will remain a prominent theme in 2021. For the remainder of the year, the Committee also considered changes to the Group's sales processes (including the rollout of virtual face-to-face sales processes across its markets and associated regulatory and conduct risk implications) and the impact to sales, claims, lapses and surrenders. The Committee also monitored the operational resilience of the business and its key third parties as well as its information security posture and cyber defence capabilities amidst the crisis
Regulatory matters
To align Hong Kong's regulatory regime with international standards and practices, the Hong Kong IA has developed a new group-wide supervision (GWS) framework for multinational insurance groups under its supervision. On 24 July 2020 the Insurance (Amendment) (No. 2) Ordinance, being the enabling primary legislation providing for the GWS Framework, was enacted. This primary legislation is supported by subsidiary legislation and guidance material from the Hong Kong IA. The relevant subsidiary legislation, including the Insurance (Group Capital) Rules, was tabled before the Legislative Council on 6 January 2021 and will also come into operation on 29 March 2021. The GWS framework is expected to become effective for Prudential upon designation by the Hong Kong IA in the second half of 2021, subject to transitional arrangements. The framework is based on a principle-based and outcome-focused approach and allows the Hong Kong IA to exercise direct regulatory powers over the holding companies of multinational insurance groups, reinforcing Hong Kong's position as a preferred base for large insurance groups in Asia Pacific and as a global insurance hub. During 2020, the Hong Kong IA engaged with the Group and other relevant stakeholders in the development of the GWS framework, which will be anchored on the requirements for three pillars: capital, risk and governance, and disclosure. Prior to the GWS framework becoming effective, the Group remains subject to the Regulatory Letter signed with the Hong Kong IA, which outlines the interim supervision arrangements from October 2019 when it became the Group-wide supervisor of the Group.
During the year, the Committee has received regular updates from the Group Chief Risk and Compliance Officer on GWS developments as well as compliance with the existing regime and the Group's preparation for the implementation of the new framework.
The Group Chief Risk and Compliance Officer briefed the Committee regularly on developments in systemic risk regulation and the Insurance Capital Standards (ICS). We considered the Group's FY 2019 ICS results, including the results from the 2020 data collection exercise and the latest developments in the Standards in December. Many of the policy requirements that resulted from the Group's prior designation in 2016 as a Global Systemically Important Insurer (G-SII) have been adopted into the Insurance Core Principles (ICPs) and the Common Framework (ComFrame). The Committee therefore considered and approved the Group's 2020 Systemic Risk Management Plan, Liquidity Risk Management Plan and Recovery Plan.
Transformation risk, including the proposed Jackson separation, and other in-depth reviews
During 2020, a key area of consideration for the Committee was the risks associated with the Group's key strategic change initiatives, which included the Athene reinsurance and equity injection transactions and the Group's digital transformation, as well as those related to IFRS 17 and LIBOR transition. The Committee also considered risk opinions related to the financial and non-financial risks to the execution of the Jackson separation strategy and reviewed the risk disclosures within key in-progress transaction documentation, including those for the Prudential plc shareholder Circular and Jackson's Form 10 Information Statement.
In-depth reviews were performed on existing and emerging high-risk areas including the risks related to the Group's insurance products in Asia and Africa; the product portfolio at Prudential Life Thailand; and the actions for managing the risks from historically low interest rates during the year in Hong Kong, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam. The latter review formed part of a series of work considering the long-term impact of lower
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interest rates on product profitability and local business unit solvency. Following a 2019 deep dive review performed on Digital Transformation and Artificial Intelligence (AI), a number of developments resulting from the review were considered by the Committee during 2020. This included progress updates on the development of AI governance and Ethics Principles for the Group.
Risk appetite and principal risks
The Committee performed its regular review of the Group's risk policies and proposed changes to the Group risk appetite statements. Aligned with these reviews, proposals to amend associated limits were also considered. The Committee reviewed the Group's annual ORSA report in May, and in light of the change in the Group's risk profile following the Athene transactions and the changes in the economic environment driven by the pandemic, an interim refreshed ORSA update was reviewed by the Committee in September. In addition to the frequent monitoring performed during the most acute phases of the market turmoil in the first half of 2020, we regularly reviewed the strength of our capital and liquidity positions (including the results of stress and scenario analyses) under the Hong Kong IA's Local Capital Summation Method (LCSM) to assess the resilience of the buffer above the Group's regulatory capital requirements.
The Committee also considered the principal risks facing the Group and received updates on these through the course of the year, as well as reports from the risk committee chairs of the Group's major businesses, with the chief risk officers of Prudential Corporation Asia and Jackson regularly attending Committee meetings. A fuller explanation of principal risks facing the Group and the way in which the Group manages these is set out in the Group Risk Framework section of this report. During 2020, the Committee considered risk assessments and opinions on key areas covering the risks associated with the Group's Business Plan and executive remuneration.
In respect of our principal risks, we continued to focus on the risks to the Group's financial viability and non-financial sustainability. This includes those arising from the external business and macroeconomic environment in which the Group operates, including the implications of sustained low interest rates; risks arising from the nature of the Group's business and industry; risks around global legal and regulatory compliance; and environmental, social and governance (ESG) related risks. In May 2020, a joint session with the Audit Committee on cyber security included an update on the Group-wide response to Covid-19 related cyber security risks, as well as progress updates on the Group's Privacy Programme and the standardised Information Security Programme across the businesses. The Committee approved a global set of ethics principles for artificial intelligence and complex tools (forming part of the Group Code of Business Conduct) in May, and in December was provided a progress update on the development of the governance in this area.
The Committee convened an additional meeting in September focusing on ESG risks, in particular climate-related transition risk for the Group's invested assets. Aligned to the strategic focus by the Group on its purpose, culture and values and the adoption of People & Culture as one of the Group's principal risks at the beginning of 2020, the Committee considered how the Group's culture initiative and purpose could be applied to support sound risk management practice, behaviours, conduct and awareness. In December 2020, after a successful period of road-testing, the Committee approved a new Group Customer Conduct Risk Policy.
Committee governance
The Committee works closely with the Audit Committee to ensure both Committees are updated and aligned on matters of common interest. Where responsibilities are perceived to overlap between the two Committees, David Law and the Chair agree the most appropriate Committee to consider the matter. Aligned with the consolidation of the Risk, Compliance and Security functions under the leadership of the Group Chief Risk and Compliance Officer during 2019, the Committee assumed responsibility for Compliance oversight from the Audit Committee with effect from 1 January 2020. The Committee considered and approved the Risk and Compliance plans for the year.
Following the demerger of M&G in October 2019, the Committee was focused on overseeing the development and embedding of new governance arrangements across the Group's Asian business, building direct communication and escalation links with the existing local risk committees of the significant businesses. Regular direct communication with each of the local chairs remains a key component of our governance framework, and the Chair has worked closely with the respective chairs of our significant business unit risk committees during the year. At each meeting, the Chair updates the Committee on important points raised at local level, and after the meeting the Chair reports to the Board on the main matters discussed.
In order to foster a close and collegiate working relationship at the Committee and with the local audit committees, David Law and the Chair held a session attended by all of the non-executive directors at the four major Prudential Corporation Asia businesses.
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Committee members
Jeremy Anderson (from 1 January 2020, and Chair from 14 May 2020)
David Law
Kai Nargolwala
Alice Schroeder
Tom Watjen
Howard Davies (Chair until 14 May 2020)
Regular attendees
Chair of the Board
Group Chief Executive
Group Chief Risk and Compliance Officer
Group Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer
Company Secretary
Group Chief Internal Auditor
Chief risk officers of the main business units and members of the Group Risk Leadership Team are invited to attend each meeting as appropriate.
Number of meetings in 2020
Eight
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How the Committee spent its time during 2020
In addition:
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Audit Committee Financial Expert
The Board has determined that David Law, Chair of the Audit Committee, qualifies as audit committee financial expert within the meaning of Item 16A of Form 20-F, and that David Law is independent within the meaning of Rule 10A-3 under the Exchange Act.
Governance Differences between Prudential's Governance Practice and the
NYSE Corporate Governance Rules
The application of the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) corporate governance rules for foreign companies, recognises that they have to comply with domestic requirements. As a foreign private issuer, Prudential must comply with the following NYSE rules:
As a company listed on the London Stock Exchange, Prudential is required to comply with the Listing Rules, the Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules and the Prospectus Rules issued by the FCA. Prudential is also required, pursuant to the Listing Rules, to report on its compliance with the UK Corporate Governance Code (the "UK Code") which is issued by the Financial Reporting Council. Throughout 2020, the UK Code applicable to Prudential consisted of a number of main principles, and a series of more detailed provisions. The Listing Rules stipulate that Prudential must set out to shareholders how it has applied the main principles of the UK Code and a statement as to whether it has complied with all relevant provisions. Where it has not complied with all the applicable provisions of the UK Code, it must set out reasons for such deviation (the so-called "comply or explain" regime).
As a result of its listing on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, Prudential is also required to comply with certain continuing obligations set forth in the Rules Governing the Listing of Securities on The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited (the 'HK Listing Rules') and is expected to comply with or explain any deviation from the provisions of the Corporate Governance Code contained in Appendix 14 to the HK Listing Rules (the 'HK Code').
The material differences between Prudential's corporate governance practices and the NYSE rules on corporate governance (NYSE Rules) are set out below. Unless specifically indicated otherwise, references to compliance with the UK Code below also includes compliance with the HK Code.
Independence of directors
The NYSE Rules require that the majority of the Board be independent and sets out specific tests for determining director independence. The UK Code requires at least half of the Board, excluding the Chairman, to consist of Non-executive Directors whom the Directors have determined to be independent. The UK Code also requires that the Board should include a balance of executive and Non-executive Directors such that no individual or small group of individuals can dominate the Board's decision taking.
The Independence of Directors is outlined in the 'Board of Directors' section above.
The Board is required to determine whether Non-executive Directors are independent and whether there are relationships or circumstances which are likely to affect, or could affect, the Directors' judgement. If the Board determines that a director is independent notwithstanding the existence of relationships or circumstances which may appear relevant to its determination it shall state its reasons. In undertaking this process the Board is required to take into account the factors set out in the UK Code.
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Every Non-executive Director must satisfy the Hong Kong Stock Exchange that he or she has the character, integrity, independence and experience to effectively fulfill his or her role. The HK Listing Rules set out a number of factors which may impact independence. Each independent Non-executive Director is asked, on an annual basis, to confirm whether any of the factors are relevant to their personal circumstances (without treating any such factor as necessarily conclusive).
Separation of duties
The NYSE Rules do not specify a requirement for roles of the CEO and the Chairman to be separate.
The UK Code requires that these roles be fulfilled by different individuals. As at 15 March 2021, the roles of the CEO and Chair of the Board are fulfilled by Mike Wells and Shriti Vadera, respectively.
Committees of the board
Prudential has established a number of Board Committees which are similar in both composition and purpose to those required under the NYSE Rules. The membership of these committees is entirely made up of non-executive directors whom the board has deemed to be independent. The chair of the Nomination & Governance Committee is the Chair of the Board, as permissible under the UK and HK Codes. The Chair is not a member of the Remuneration, Risk or Audit Committee Paul Manduca was the Chair of the Board up until 31 December 2020. Shriti Vadera became the Chair of the Board from 1 January 2021.
In accordance with Rule 10A-3 of the Exchange Act, Prudential is required to have an Audit Committee which complies with the requirements of that rule. The Audit Committee of Prudential complies with these requirements except that it is responsible for considering the appointment, re-appointment or removal of the auditor and to make recommendations to the Board, to be put to shareholders for consideration at the annual general meeting. Shareholders are asked at the annual general meeting to authorise the Audit Committee to set the remuneration of the auditor. Prudential's Audit Committee reviews the Company's internal financial controls and, unless expressly addressed by the Board itself, reviews the Company's internal control and risk management systems in relation to financial reporting. The Risk Committee has responsibility for the oversight of risk management.
The role of the compensation committee under NYSE rules is fulfilled at Prudential by the Remuneration Committee, which consists entirely of independent Non-executive Directors, in line with the UK Code.
Prudential has established a Nomination & Governance Committee whose membership consists of independent Non-Executive Directors and the Chair. The Committee is not responsible for developing and recommending a set of corporate governance guidelines to apply to the Company as would be applicable for a US domestic company.
Non-executive Director meetings
To empower non-management directors to serve as a more effective check on management, the NYSE Rules require that the non-management directors of each listed company must meet at regularly scheduled executive sessions without management.
Prudential complies with the equivalent provisions set out in the UK Code.
Code of ethics
Under the NYSE Rules, US companies must adopt and disclose a code of business conduct and ethics for directors, officers and employees, and promptly disclose any waiver of the code for directors or executive officers.
Prudential's Code of Business Conduct is available on Prudential's website. Although not required by the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, Prudential has extended the applicability of its Code of Business Conduct to all employees and agents.
Approval of equity compensation plans
The NYSE Rules for US companies require that shareholders must be given the opportunity to vote on all equity-compensation plans and material revisions thereto, except for employment inducement awards, certain grants, plans and amendments in the context of mergers and acquisitions, and certain specific types of plans. Prudential complies with corresponding domestic requirements in the Listing Rules issued by the UK Listing Authority where appropriate, which mandate that the Company must seek shareholder approval for certain employee share plans, however, the Board does not explicitly take account of the NYSE definition of 'material revisions'. The HK Listing Rules also provide that shareholder approval is required when making certain amendments to equity compensation plans.
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Memorandum and Articles of Association
Prudential plc is incorporated and registered in England and Wales, under registered number 1397169. Its objects are unrestricted, in line with the default position under the Companies Act 2006.
The following is a summary of both the rights of Prudential shareholders including certain provisions of Prudential's Articles of Association (the Articles). Rights of Prudential shareholders are set out in the Articles or are provided for by English law. This document is a summary and, therefore, does not contain full details of the Articles. A complete copy of the Articles was filed as an exhibit to Form 20-F on 22 March 2019. In addition, the Articles may be viewed on Prudential's website.
Issued share capital
The issued share capital as at 31 December 2020 consisted of 2,609,489,702 (2019: 2,601,159,949) ordinary shares of 5 pence each, all fully paid up and listed on the London Stock Exchange and the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. As at 31 December 2020, there were 45,176 (2019: 46,847) accounts on the register. Further information can be found in note C8 to the consolidated financial statements.
As at 11 March 2021, the issued share capital of Prudential consisted of 2,609,521,199 ordinary shares of 5 pence each, all fully paid up and listed on the London Stock Exchange and the Hong Kong Exchange. No shares were held in treasury.
Prudential also maintains secondary listings on the New York Stock Exchange (in the form of American Depositary Receipts which are referenced to ordinary shares on the main UK register) and the Singapore Stock Exchange.
Prudential has maintained a sufficiency of public float throughout the reporting period as required by the Hong Kong Listing Rules.
Rights and obligations
The issued share capital of Prudential is not currently divided into different classes of shares. The Companies Act 2006 abolished the requirement for a company to have an authorised share capital.
The rights and obligations attaching to the Company's shares are set out in full in the Articles. There are currently no voting restrictions on the Ordinary Shares, all of which are fully paid, and each share carries one vote on a poll. If votes are cast on a show of hands, each shareholder present in person or by proxy, or in the case of a corporation, by its duly authorised corporate representatives, has one vote. The same individual may be appointed as proxy or as a corporate representative by more than one member.
Holders of Ordinary Shares have the right to participate in a distribution of profits, by way of dividend and have the right to participate in the surplus assets of the Company available for distribution in the event of a winding up or liquidation, voluntary or otherwise in proportion to the amounts paid up or credited as paid up on such Ordinary Shares.
Where, under an employee share scheme, participants are the beneficial owners of the shares but not the registered owners, the voting rights are normally exercisable by the trustee on behalf of the registered owner in accordance with the relevant plan rules. The trustees would not usually vote any unallocated shares held in trust but they may do so at their discretion provided it would be considered to be in the best interests of the beneficiaries of the trust and permitted under the relevant trust deed.
As at 11 March 2021, Trustees held 0.4 per cent of the issued share capital under the various plans in operation.
Rights to dividends under the various plans are set out in 'Compensation and Employees' section of this report.
Transfer of shares
In accordance with English company law, shares may be transferred by an instrument of transfer or through an electronic system (currently CREST) and no transfer is restricted except that the Directors may, in certain circumstances, refuse to register transfers of shares. If the Directors make use of that power, they must send the transferee notice of the refusal within two months.
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Certain restrictions may be imposed from time to time by applicable laws and regulations (for example, insider trading laws) and pursuant to the Listing Rules of both the Financial Conduct Authority and the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, as well as under the rules of some of the Group's employee share plans.
Changes in share capital and authority to issue shares
Under English law, directors require authority from shareholders, other than under certain types of employee share schemes, whenever shares are issued. Newly issued shares must first be offered to existing shareholders pro rata to their holdings (pre-emption rights) subject to certain exemptions, for example, where shares are issued for non-cash consideration or in respect of certain types of employee share schemes.
Prudential seeks authority from its shareholders on an annual basis to issue shares up to a maximum amount of which a defined number may be issued without pre-emption rights applying. Dis-application of statutory pre-emption procedures is also available for rights issues. The existing authorities to issue shares and dis-apply pre-emption rights are due to expire at the end of the 2021 annual general meeting of the Company when shareholder approval will be sought to renew and enhance those authorities.
Shares may not be consolidated or sub-divided without approval by an ordinary resolution of the shareholders.
Reductions in Prudential's issued share capital and share premium account must be approved by a special resolution of the shareholders and must be confirmed by an order of the court.
Subject to the Articles, if the share capital is divided into different classes of shares, the rights of any class of shares may be changed or deemed varied, only if such measure is approved by a special resolution passed at a separate meeting of the members of that class, or with the written consent of members holding at least three quarters of the shares of that class. At least two persons holding or representing by proxy at least one-third in nominal amount of the issued shares of the class must be present at such a meeting in person or by proxy to constitute a quorum.
The Board may not authorise, create or increase the amount of, any shares of any class or any security convertible into shares of any class or any security which is convertible into shares of any class ranking, as regards rights to participate in the profits or assets in the company, in priority to a series or class of preference shares without the consent in writing of at least three-quarters in nominal value of, or the sanction of a special resolution of, the holders of such series or class of preference shares.
In accordance with the terms of a waiver granted by the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, Prudential confirms that it complies with the applicable law and regulation in the UK in relation to the holding of shares in treasury and with the conditions of the waiver in connection with the purchase of own shares and any treasury shares it may hold.
Shares authorised but not issued
Preference shares
The Directors have authority to allot Sterling preference shares up to a maximum nominal amount of £20 million, Dollar preference shares up to a maximum nominal amount of US$20 million, and Euro preference shares up to a maximum nominal value of €20 million, the terms of which will be determined by the Board on allotment. This authority, originally granted in 2004 for five years, was renewed most recently by shareholders at the 2019 annual general meeting and is due to expire in May 2024 (or at the 2024 annual general meeting, if earlier) unless renewed by shareholders. It is anticipated that shareholder approval will be sought to renew the authority at the 2024 annual general meeting of the Company.
Prior to the date of allotment, the Board shall determine whether the preference shares are to be redeemable and the terms of any redemption, their dividend rights, their rights to a return of capital or to share in the assets of the Company on a winding up or liquidation and their rights to attend and vote at general meetings of the Company prior to the date on which the preference shares are allotted.
The Board may only capitalise any amounts available for distribution in respect of any series or class of preference shares if to do so would mean that the aggregate of the amounts so capitalised would be less than the multiple, if any, determined by the Board of the aggregate amount of the dividends payable in the 12 month period following the capitalisation on the series or class of preference shares and on any other preference shares in issue which rank pari passu in relation to participation in profits. This restriction may be overturned with either: (i) the written consent of the holders of at least three-quarters in nominal value; or (ii) a special resolution passed at a general meeting of the holders of the class or series of preference shares.
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Mandatory Convertible Securities (MCS)
At the Company's annual general meeting held on 14 May 2020, shareholders renewed the authority for Directors to issue Ordinary Shares or grant rights to subscribe for or to convert or exchange any security in the Company in connection with an issue of MCS. The authority gave the Company the ability to make allotments of equity securities pursuant to any proposal to issue MCS without the need to comply with the pre-emption requirements of the UK statutory regime. The authority is limited to approximately ten per cent of the issued Ordinary Share capital of the Company. The authority to allot MCS will expire at the earlier of 30 June 2021 or the conclusion of the Company's 2021 annual general meeting of the Company.
Any MCS issued would automatically convert into new Ordinary Shares upon the occurrence of predefined trigger events. The holder of MCS would have no rights to require the conversion of MCS into Ordinary Shares in any other circumstances. The terms of any MCS would provide for full automatic conversion to occur if, broadly, the amount of capital held by the Group were to fall below 75 per cent of its capital requirements. The Directors may also issue MCS that include terms providing for automatic conversion to occur in other defined circumstances. The terms and conditions of any MCS issued would specify the conversion price or a mechanism for setting a conversion price, which is the rate at which the MCS would be converted into Ordinary Shares of the Company.
Dividends
Under English law, Prudential may pay dividends only if distributable profits are available for that purpose. Distributable profits are accumulated, realised profits not previously distributed or capitalised, less accumulated, realised losses not previously written off in a reduction or reorganisation of capital. Even if distributable profits are available, Prudential may only pay dividends if the amount of its net assets is not less than the aggregate of its called-up share capital and undistributable reserves (including, for example, the share premium account) and the payment of the dividend does not reduce the amount of the net assets to less than that aggregate. Subject to these restrictions, Prudential's Directors may recommend to ordinary shareholders that a final dividend be declared and recommend the amount of any such dividend or determine whether to pay a distribution by way of an interim dividend, and the amount of any such interim dividend, but must take into account Prudential's financial position. Final dividends become a legal liability of a company upon the later of the date they are declared and the date the shareholder approval expresses them to be payable. Interim dividends only become a legal liability of a company at the point they are paid.
The Company or its Directors determine the date on which Prudential pays dividends. Prudential pays dividends to the shareholders on its share registers on the record date in proportion to the number of Ordinary Shares held by each shareholder. There are no fixed dates on which entitlements to dividends arise. Interest is not payable on dividends or on other amounts payable in respect of Ordinary Shares.
If a shareholder does not claim a dividend within 12 years of such dividend becoming due for payment, such shareholder forfeits their right to receive it. Such unclaimed amounts may be invested or otherwise used for Prudential's benefit.
The Company periodically undertakes share forfeiture programmes. If a shareholder is recorded as untraced for more than 12 years, the shares are deemed as forfeited and sold by the Company. The proceeds from the sale of the forfeited shares are held for a period of six years by the Company, as required under the Articles.
A number of dividend waivers are in place and these relate to Ordinary Shares issued but not allocated under the Group's employee share plans. These shares are primarily held by the Trustees and will, in due course, be used to satisfy requirements under the Group's employee share plans.
Shareholder meetings
English law provides for shareholders to exercise their power to decide on corporate matters at general meetings. In accordance with English law, the Company is required to call and hold annual general meetings. General meetings to consider specific matters may be held at the discretion of Prudential's Directors or must be convened, in accordance with English law, following the written request of shareholders representing at least five per cent of the voting rights of the issued and paid-up share capital. The quorum required under the Articles for a general meeting is two shareholders present in person or by proxy and entitled to vote on the business to be transacted.
Under English law, notice periods for all general meetings must be at least 21 clear days unless certain requirements are met. Prudential seeks an authority annually at its annual general meeting to hold general meetings which are not an annual general meeting on 14 clear days' notice.
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Save for where a holder has failed to pay any monies payable in respect of his Ordinary Shares following a call by the Company, holders of partly paid Ordinary Shares may attend, be counted in the quorum at meetings and vote. If more than one joint shareholder votes, only the vote of the shareholder whose name appears first in the register is counted. A shareholder whose shareholding is registered in the name of a nominee may only attend and vote at a general meeting if appointed by his or her nominee as a proxy or a corporate representative. Any shareholder who is entitled to attend and vote at a general meeting may appoint one or more proxies to attend and vote at the meeting on his or her behalf.
Shareholders resident abroad
There are no limitations on non-resident or foreign shareholders' rights to own Prudential securities or exercise voting rights where such rights are given under English company law.
Board of Directors
Subject to the Articles and to any directions given by special resolution by shareholders, the business of the Company is managed by the Board, which may exercise all the powers of the Company. However, the Company's shareholders must approve certain matters, such as changes to the share capital and the election and re-election of Directors. Directors are appointed subject to the Articles. The Board may appoint Directors to fill vacancies and appoint additional Directors who hold office until the next general meeting. The Articles require that each Director must have beneficial ownership of a given number of Ordinary Shares. The number of Ordinary Shares is determined by ordinary resolution at a general meeting and is currently 2,500.
Shareholders may appoint and remove Directors by ordinary resolution at a general meeting of the Company. The UK Corporate Governance Code contains a provision that all Directors should stand for annual re-election. In line with these provisions, all Directors, except those who are retiring or being elected for the first time, are expected to stand for re-election at the 2021 annual general meeting.
There is no age restriction applicable to Directors in the Articles.
Borrowing powers
The Directors may exercise all the powers of the Company to borrow money and to mortgage or charge any of its assets provided that the total aggregate amount borrowed (excluding, amongst other things, intra-group borrowings and amounts secured by policies, guarantees, bonds or contracts issued or given by the Company or its subsidiaries in the course of its business) by the Company and its subsidiaries does not, exceed the aggregate of the share capital and consolidated reserves and of one-tenth of the insurance funds of Prudential and each of its subsidiaries as shown in the most recent audited consolidated balance sheet of the Group prepared in accordance with the English law.
Disclosure of interests
There are no provisions in the Articles that require persons acquiring, holding or disposing of a certain percentage of Ordinary Shares to make disclosure of their ownership percentage. Shareholders are required to disclose certain interests in accordance with Rule 5 of the UK's Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules by notifying Prudential of the percentage of the voting rights he or she directly or indirectly holds or controls if the percentage of the voting rights:
The UK Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules set out in detail the circumstances in which an obligation to disclose will arise, as well as certain exemptions from those obligations.
The City Code on Takeovers and Mergers also imposes strict disclosure requirements with regard to dealings in the securities of an offeror or offeree company on all parties to a takeover and also on their respective associates during the course of an offer period.
Directors' interests in contracts
A Director may hold positions with, or be interested in, other companies (subject to Board authorisation where such position or interest can reasonably be regarded as giving rise to a conflict of interest) and, subject to applicable legislation, contract with the Company or any other company in which Prudential has an interest, provided he has declared his interest to the Board.
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In accordance with English company law, the Articles allow the Board to authorise any matter which would otherwise involve a Director breaching his duty under the Companies Act 2006 to avoid conflicts of interest or potential conflicts of interest and the relevant Director is obliged to conduct himself or herself in accordance with any terms imposed by the Board in relation to such authorisation.
A Director may not vote or be counted in the quorum in relation to any resolution of the Board in respect of any contract in which he or she has an interest. This prohibition does not, however, apply to any resolution where that interest cannot reasonably be regarded as likely to give rise to a conflict of interest or where that interest arises only from certain matters specified in the Articles, including the following:
The Company may by ordinary resolution suspend or relax these provisions to any extent or ratify any contract not properly authorised by reason of a contravention of these provisions contained in its Articles.
Directors' power to vote on own terms of appointment
A Director shall not vote on or be counted in the quorum in relation to any resolution of the Board concerning his or her own appointment, or the settlement or variation of the terms or the termination of his or her own appointment, as the holder of any office or place of profit with the Company or any other company in which the Company is interested.
Directors' remuneration
The remuneration of the Executive Directors and the Chair is determined by the Remuneration Committee, which consists solely of Non-executive Directors. The remuneration of the Non-executive Directors is determined by the Board. For further information, including information on payments to Directors for loss of office, see, 'Compensation and employees'.
Change of control
There is no specific provision in the Articles that would have an effect of delaying, deferring or preventing a change in control of Prudential and that would operate only with respect to a merger, acquisition or corporate restructuring involving Prudential, or any of its subsidiaries.
Exclusive jurisdiction
Under the Articles, any proceeding, suit or action between a shareholder and Prudential and/or its Directors arising out of or in connection with the Articles or otherwise, between Prudential and any of its Directors (to the fullest extent permitted by law), between a shareholder and Prudential's professional service providers and/or between Prudential and Prudential's professional service providers (to the extent such proceeding, suit or action arises in connection with a proceeding, suit or action between a shareholder, Prudential and/or its Directors and/or such professional service provider) may only be brought in the courts of England and Wales.
Prudential has a code of ethics, as defined in Item 16B of Form 20-F under the Exchange Act, (which Prudential calls its Group Code of Business Conduct) which applies to the Group Chief Executive, Group Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer, the Group Chief Risk and Compliance Officer and persons performing similar functions as well as to all other employees. Prudential's Code of Business Conduct is available on its website at www.prudentialplc.com. If Prudential amends the provisions of the Code of Business Conduct, as it applies to the Group Chief Executive, Group Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer and the Group Chief Risk and Compliance Officer or if Prudential grants any waiver of such provisions, the Company will disclose such amendment or waiver on the Prudential website.
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Our Executive Directors' remuneration at a glance
What performance means for Executive Directors' pay
At Prudential, remuneration packages are designed to ensure strong alignment between pay and performance. 2020 saw the Group perform well against its key operating profit and operating free surplus generation targets in the face of difficult external conditions. This has been reflected in both the annual bonuses paid and the release of long-term incentive awards, as set out in the Annual report on remuneration.
The financial performance, combined with his effective personal leadership, resulted in an overall bonus outcome for Mr Wells of 66 per cent of his maximum opportunity. However, the Committee and Mr Wells recognised the impact on investors of elements of the Group's announcement on 28 January 2021 with respect to Jackson and the Committee exercised its discretion to reduce Mr Wells's 2020 bonus outcome by 30 per cent (from 66 to 46 per cent of his maximum opportunity).
The value of the performance-related elements of remuneration is added to the fixed packages provided to Executive Directors to calculate the 2020 'single figure' of total remuneration. The total 2020 'single figure' for the Group Chief Executive is 11 per cent less than the total 2019 'single figure'. This chiefly reflects the reduction in the value of his 2020 bonus and the decrease in the pension contribution from 25 per cent to 13 per cent of salary. The values for the current Executive Directors are outlined in the table below:
Notes
Aligning pay and performance in the context of Covid-19
Prudential has a highly resilient business model and remains well placed to support its customers and distribution partners, and deliver profitable growth for its shareholders. Nevertheless, in light of the challenges presented by Covid-19 and the need for continued restraint in executive remuneration, in April 2020 Prudential's Executive Directors proposed the following changes to their remuneration, which were accepted by the Remuneration Committee:
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In recognition of the continued focus on pay restraint and after due deliberation, the Committee considered there should be no salary increases for the Executive Directors for 2021. The factors taken into account by the Committee when determining that the pay freeze should apply included treatment of all Company stakeholders and pay fairness. 2021 will be the ninth consecutive year in which the increases generally offered to executives have been below or close to the bottom of the salary increase budget ranges for the broader workforce.
Remuneration packages for 2021, effective 1 January 2021, are set out in detail in the Annual report on remuneration and are summarised below:
Notes
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Summary of the current Directors' remuneration policy
The current Directors' remuneration policy was approved at the AGM on 14 May 2020 and is expected to fully apply until the 2023 AGM, when shareholders will be asked to approve a revised Directors' remuneration policy. The Committee is comfortable that the current Policy operated as intended and that the overall 2020 remuneration paid to Executive Directors set out below was appropriate.
The pages that follow present a summary of the current Directors' remuneration policy. The complete policy is available on the Company's website at www.prudentialplc.com/investors/governance-and-policies/policies-and-statements.
Summary of the Directors' remuneration policy
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Principles underlying the policy
When determining the 2020 Directors' remuneration policy, the Committee had regard to a number of key principles as illustrated below:
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Annual report on remuneration
The Board has established Audit, Remuneration, Risk and Nomination & Governance Committees as principal standing committees of the Board. These committees form a key element of the Group governance framework.
The operation of the Remuneration Committee
Members
Anthony Nightingale (Chair of the Committee)
Kai Nargolwala
Philip Remnant
Thomas Watjen
Fields Wicker-Miurin
Amy Yip
Individual Directors' attendance at meetings throughout 2020 is set out in the 'Governance' section.
Role and responsibilities
The role and responsibilities of the Committee are set out in its terms of reference, which are reviewed by the Committee and approved by the Board on a periodic basis, and which can be found on the Company's website at www.prudentialplc.com/~/media/Files/P/Prudential-V3/content-pdf/gremco-tor-at-01-01-2021-v2.pdf. The Committee's role is to assist the Board in meeting its responsibilities regarding the determination, implementation and operation of the overall remuneration policy for the Group, including the remuneration of the Chair of the Board, Executive Directors, Group Executive Committee members and the Company Secretary, as well as overseeing the remuneration arrangements of other staff within its purview.
The principal responsibilities of the Committee set out In their terms of reference during 2020 were:
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In 2020, the Committee met five times. Key activities at each meeting are shown in the table below:
The Chair and the Group Chief Executive attend meetings by invitation. The Committee also had the benefit of advice from:
Individuals are not present when their own remuneration is discussed and the Committee is always careful to manage potential conflicts of interest when receiving views from Executive Directors or senior management about executive remuneration proposals.
As part of our broader programme of shareholder engagement, the Chair of the Committee held meetings with shareholders and the principle advisory bodies to discuss decisions taken in respect of the Executive Directors' remuneration arrangements for 2021. We have had the benefit of substantive feedback from over 40 per cent of our shareholder register and are pleased that the majority of shareholders and advisory bodies who provided input were supportive of our proposals and commended the manner in which we conducted the consultation process.
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During 2020, Deloitte LLP was the independent adviser to the Committee. Deloitte was appointed by the Committee in 2011 following a competitive tender process. As part of this process, the Committee considered the services that Deloitte provided to Prudential and its competitors, as well as other potential conflicts of interest. Deloitte is a member of the Remuneration Consultants' Group and voluntarily operates under their code of conduct when providing advice on executive remuneration in the UK. Deloitte regularly meets with the Chair of the Committee without management present. The Committee is comfortable that the Deloitte engagement partner and team providing remuneration advice to the Committee do not have connections with Prudential that may impair their independence and objectivity. The total fees paid to Deloitte for the provision of independent advice to the Committee in 2020 were £75,500 charged on a time and materials basis. During 2020, Deloitte provided Prudential management advice on remuneration, capital optimisation, digital and technology, taxation, internal audit, real estate, global mobility and other financial, ESG, risk and regulatory matters. Remuneration advice is provided by an entirely separate team within Deloitte. The Committee reviewed Deloitte's appointment in March 2019 and considered Deloitte to be independent. As disclosed in the 2019 Directors' remuneration report, the Committee agreed to review the appointment of its independent adviser during 2020. In light of the restrictions resulting from Covid-19, the tender process commenced in late 2020 and will be completed during 2021.
In addition, management received external advice and data from a number of other providers. This included market data and legal counsel. This advice, and these services, are not considered to be material.
As set out in the Governance section of this Annual report, in 2020 the Board conducted an external valuation of its effectiveness which included an assessment of the Remuneration Committee. The Committee was found to be functioning effectively. During the year, the Company has acted in a manner that is consistent with the appropriate provisions of the UK Corporate Governance Code regarding Directors' remuneration.
Table of 2020 Executive Director total remuneration (the 'single figure')
$000s |
2020
salary |
2020
taxable benefits* |
2020
total bonus |
2020
PLTIP releases |
2020
pension benefits§ |
Total 2020
fixed remuneration~ |
Total 2020
variable remuneration~ |
Total 2020
remuneration the 'single figure'^ |
Total 2020
remuneration the 'single figure' in GBP (£000)# |
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Mark FitzPatrick | 980 | 239 | 1,186 | 1,405 | 171 | 1,390 | 2,591 | 3,981 | 3,104 | ||||||||||
James Turner1 | 950 | 643 | 1,322 | 729 | 169 | 1,762 | 2,051 | 3,813 | 2,973 | ||||||||||
Mike Wells | 1,481 | 388 | 1,355 | 3,398 | 258 | 2,127 | 4,753 | 6,880 | 5,364 | ||||||||||
Total | 3,411 | 1,270 | 3,863 | 5,532 | 598 | 5,279 | 9,395 | 14,674 | 11,441 | ||||||||||
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Note
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Table of 2019 Executive Director total remuneration (the 'single figure')
We note that this table was presented in sterling in the 2019 Annual report. All amounts have been restated to reflect the transition to US dollars as the main reporting currency.
Notes
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Remuneration in respect of performance in 2020
Base salary
Executive Directors' salaries were reviewed in 2019 with changes effective from 1 January 2020. When the Committee took these decisions it considered:
After careful consideration by the Committee, all Executive Directors received a salary increase of 2 per cent. The 2020 salary increase budgets for other employees across our business units were between 2.5 per cent and 5.1 per cent.
To provide context for the market review, information was also drawn from the following market reference points:
As announced by the Company in April 2020, after careful consideration by the Committee, salaries for Executive Directors were reduced to December 2019 levels from 1 April 2020 in light of the Covid-19 pandemic and its impact on the communities Prudential serves globally.
As a result, Executive Directors received the following salaries in 2020:
Note
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Pension benefit entitlements
Pension benefit arrangements which became effective on 14 May 2020 are set out in the table below.
Note
Annual bonus outcomes for 2020
Target setting
Financial AIP metrics comprise 80 per cent of the bonus opportunity for all Executive Directors apart from the Group Chief Risk and Compliance Officer, for whom this accounts for 40 per cent of the bonus opportunity. The performance ranges are based on the annual business plans approved by the Board and reflect the ambitions of the Group, in the context of anticipated market conditions. The financial element of Executive Directors' 2020 bonuses was determined by the achievement of four Group measures, namely adjusted operating profit, operating free surplus generation, EEV new business profit and cash flow, which are aligned to the Group's growth and cash generation focus.
Personal objectives comprise 20 per cent of the bonus opportunity for all Executive Directors. These objectives were established at the start of the year and reflect the Company's Strategic Priorities set by the Board. For 2020, Executive Directors had one shared strategic objective linked to developing plans to determine the Group's exposure to climate-related risks and opportunities.
Functional objectives account for the remaining 40 per cent of the Group Chief Risk and Compliance Officer's bonus opportunity. These are based on the Group Risk Plan and are developed with input from the Chair of the Group Risk Committee.
AIP payments are subject to meeting minimum capital thresholds which are aligned to the Group risk framework and appetites (as adjusted for any Group Risk Committee approved counter-cyclical buffers), as described in the Group Risk Framework section of this report.
The Committee seeks advice from the Group Risk Committee on risk management considerations to inform decisions about remuneration architecture and performance measures to ensure that risk management, culture and conduct are appropriately reflected in the design and operation of Executive Directors' remuneration.
Performance assessment
The Committee determines the overall value of the bonus, taking account of the inputs described above and any other factors which it considers relevant. The table below illustrates the weighting of performance measures for 2020 and the level of achievement under the AIP. As set out earlier in this report, the Committee exercised discretion to reduce the bonus outcome for Mike Wells by 30 per cent:
Note
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Financial performance
The Committee reviewed performance against the performance ranges at its meeting in February 2021. Group adjusted operating profit was approaching the stretch target. Group free surplus generation exceeded the stretching target established by the Board. Below threshold Group cash flow reflects the lower level of remittances received from the business units. Life new business profit achievement was below threshold reflecting the negative impact of Covid-19.
The Committee considered a report from the Group Chief Risk and Compliance Officer which had been approved by the Group Risk Committee. This report confirmed that the 2020 results were achieved within the Group's and business units' risk framework and appetite. The Group Chief Risk and Compliance Officer also considered the effectiveness of risk management and internal controls, and specific actions taken to mitigate risks, particularly where these may be at the expense of profits or sales. The report also confirmed that the Group met minimum capital thresholds which were aligned to the Group risk framework and appetites. The Committee took into account this advice when determining AIP outcomes for Executive Directors.
The level of performance required for threshold, plan and maximum payment against the Group's 2020 AIP financial measures and the results achieved are set out below:
Personal performance
As set out in our Directors' remuneration policy, a proportion of the annual bonus for each Executive Director is based on the achievement of personal objectives including:
At the end of the year, the Committee considered the performance of all executives against objectives established at the start of the year. At its meeting in February 2021, it concluded that there had been a high level of performance against these 2020 objectives. All executives met their individual conduct measures and each Executive Director made a significant contribution to the achievement of Group strategy during 2020.
The below summarises performance against the personal objectives and strategic priorities for the current Executive Directors:
Shared strategic objective
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Mark FitzPatrick, Group Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer
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| 2020 key strategic deliverables | | | Achievement | | | Performance relative to target | | ||||
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| Advance Project Scott, developing and executing strategic routes for Jackson. | | |
Developed and led the financial planning and corporate finance plans for the execution of the separation of Jackson. Led the determination of the preferred route for separation and created optionality for the pivot to alternative routes. Led the execution of the preparation of the financial processes supporting execution including the management of multi-jurisdictional stakeholder documentation. |
| | Above the stretch target | | ||||
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| Lead strategic communications between Prudential and the debt and equity markets. | | |
Raised $1 billion of Group debt in three days of global marketing. This was completed virtually and it was the first deal in the US debt market for a number of years. Managed and co-ordinated virtual results, ad hoc Webex and conference call events in 2020 including the $27.6 billion US reinsurance agreement alongside $500 million equity investment by Athene Holding Ltd into the US business. |
| | Above target | | ||||
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| Deliver reporting changes including IFRS 17, LCSM and GWS. | | |
Reviewed the requirements of the new standard on insurance accounting IFRS 17, 'Insurance Contracts', including targeted amendments to this standard issued in June 2020. Implemented the local capital summation method (LCSM) that has been agreed with the Hong Kong Insurance Authority (IA) to determine Group regulatory capital requirements until the Group-wide Supervision (GWS) Framework is effective in 2021. |
| | Above the stretch target | | ||||
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| Recognising Mr FitzPatrick's very strong performance against both his individual and shared personal objectives during 2020, the Committee judged that 19 per cent of a maximum of 20 per cent attributable to personal objectives was appropriate. | | ||||||||||
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James Turner, Group Chief Risk and Compliance Officer
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Lead strategic communications between Prudential and key regulators, ensuring constructive and open relationships.
Oversee the internal Regulatory Communication Policy which sets out the values and behaviours to ensure that communication is appropriate, complete and timely. Maintain constructive engagement and relationships with industry peers. |
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Worked closely with the HKIA and industry peers in support of development of GWS legislation and associated guidelines, with the GWS Bill passed by the HK Legislative Council (HK LegCo) in July 2020. Developed a strong relationship with the HKIA in its first year acting as Group-wide Regulatory Supervisor. Regular and transparent communication with the HKIA on the Group's response and positions versus risk appetite linked to the impact of Covid-19. Proactive engagement with the HKIA & DIFS on developments in the Group's strategy, particularly in relation to the progress towards an independent US business. Provided insight to regulators on key Group risks and associated developments as part of the annual College of Supervisors. Focused on exploratory discussions with HKIA and peers on HK RBC capital regime given economic capital focus. |
| | Above the stretch target | | ||||
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Develop the Risk & Compliance leadership team and key talent to enable strong succession planning/talent pipeline.
Further develop close working relationships and strong lines of communication within the Group-wide risk and compliance management structure to operate as one team, to most effectively support prompt identification and oversight of Group-wide risks and issues. |
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Led realignment of function towards Group-wide supervisor, and operational centres to support business strategy, despite significant headwinds linked to the pandemic. Monitored the implementation of Group-wide regulatory capital rule changes and risks arising including Jackson for early adoption of NAIC rules for VA business and PCA for implementation of LCSM. |
| | Above target | | ||||
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| Recognising Mr Turner's very strong performance against both his individual and shared personal objectives during 2020, the Committee judged that 19 per cent of a maximum of 20 per cent attributable to personal objectives was appropriate. | | ||||||||||
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Mike Wells, Group Chief Executive
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| Advance Project Scott, developing and executing strategic routes for Jackson. | | |
Pursued numerous explorations for all options for the separation during the year with several third parties following expressions of interest. Secured and completed reinsurance and primary capital transactions with Athene. Announced full separation intent for Jackson in August 2020. Announced the Jackson demerger which will take place in the second quarter of 2021 and will accelerate the separation. Secured the appointment of high calibre Chair of JFI and monitored the creation of an equity story for Jackson that supported value creation through the demerger. |
| | Above the stretch target | | ||||
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| Develop and implement the Group's approach to talent management, Group culture and diversity & inclusion. | | |
Launched several initiatives (eg Pru Connect, flexible working arrangements) to support employees' wellbeing and mental health. Supported employees through both the pandemic and the post-demerger restructuring activity taking place in Jackson and Angel Court, communicating regularly and clearly and prioritising the fair treatment of all our employees. Recruited global lead on D&I and formed Global D&I Council established to empower employees and create a sense of belonging by respecting and appreciating differences. Organised an array of remote events including the PCA Virtual Regional Conference, staff Townhalls and meetings of the NABU Diversity & Inclusion Council and the Global D&I Council. Refreshed Company values as part of the work on corporate purpose. Supported the efforts of the two Non-executive Directors, Kai Nargolwala for Asia and Africa and Tom Watjen for the US and the UK in their ongoing activity in their roles as conduits between employees and the Board. |
| | Above the stretch target | | ||||
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| Build, deploy and leverage digital enablers for customer proposition, operational efficiency and distribution; develop regional models to acquire new customers, leveraging 'Pulse' platform. | | |
Led the development by the Executive team of the Group's digital proposition, specifically the digital health app, Pulse by Prudential. This has enabled the Company to provide its customers a greater range of services, including through partnerships with others. Delivered and executed increased engagement with policy-makers on health systems, health financing and the role of technology across the Group's markets to support and promote the roll out of Pulse. Identified and drove the opportunity to accelerate and introduce a range of innovative measures (eg dedicated hotline, fast-track processing of claims, policy premium grace period extensions) to both deal with the short impact of the virus and provide the means for the customers to emerge in a stronger position once the effect of the virus has subsided. |
| | Above the stretch target | | ||||
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| Make progress towards business expansion in China and tackle strategic opportunities in India. | | |
Focused considerable effort and application of relationship management in negotiating potential changes in the ownership of the joint venture operations in China and India. Sought and initiated relationship with the incoming new Chairman of CITIC to continue the dialogue despite Covid travel restrictions. Explored potential business combinations with financial advisers and Principals. |
| | At target level | | ||||
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| Recognising Mr Wells's very strong performance against both his individual and shared personal objectives during 2020, the Committee judged that 15 per cent of a maximum of 20 per cent attributable to personal objectives was appropriate. | | ||||||||||
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Functional performance
The Group Chief Executive and the Chair of the Group Risk Committee undertakes the assessment of performance against functional objectives for the Group Chief Risk and Compliance Officer. 2020 achievement is summarised below:
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2020 bonus awards
The Committee determined the 2020 AIP awards below on the basis of the performance of the Group and of the individual executives. In making these decisions, it reflected on factors including:
174
As set out earlier in this report, the Committee exercised discretion to reduce the 2020 bonus outcome for Mike Wells by 30 per cent.
Notes
Further details of Key Management Remuneration is provided in note B2.3 to the consolidated financial statements.
Long-term incentives vesting in respect of performance to 31 December 2020
Prudential Long Term Incentive Plan (PLTIP)
Target setting
Our long-term incentive plans have stretching performance conditions that are aligned to the strategic priorities of the Group. In 2018, all Executive Directors were granted awards under the PLTIP. In determining the financial targets the Committee had regard to the stretching nature of the three-year Business Plan for adjusted operating profit and capital positions as set by the Board. Further, in setting the conduct and diversity targets under the sustainability scorecard, the Committee considered input from Group-wide Internal Audit and the Group Chief Risk and Compliance Officer on conduct risk for the conduct measure and had regard to the Company's commitment under the Women in Finance Charter for the diversity measure.
Further details may also be found in note B2.1 to the consolidated financial statements.
The weightings of the measures are detailed in the table below:
Notes
175
As discussed in the section on 'Remuneration decisions taken in relation to the demerger' of the 2019 Directors' remuneration report, the Committee adjusted the performance conditions attached to the 2018 PLTIP awards in order to take account of the demerger, ensuring that the revised performance conditions are no more or less stretching than those originally attached to the awards. The performance assessment provided below is based on these adjusted targets.
Performance assessment
In deciding the proportion of the awards to be released, the Committee considered actual financial results against performance targets. The Committee also reviewed underlying Company performance to ensure vesting levels were appropriate, including an assessment of whether results were achieved within the Group's risk framework and appetite. Finally, overall vesting levels were reviewed to ensure that levels of reward provided remain reflective of the Company's performance in the challenging circumstances. The Directors' remuneration policy summary section contains further details of the design of Prudential's long-term incentive plans.
Group adjusted operating profit performance
Under the adjusted operating profit measure, 25 per cent of the 2018 awards vest for meeting the threshold adjusted operating profit target set at the start of the performance period, increasing to full vesting for performance at or above the stretch level. The table below illustrates the cumulative performance achieved over 2018 to 2020 compared to the adjusted Group targets which exclude M&G plc from the point of demerger:
The cumulative adjusted operating profit target established for the PLTIP is expressed using exchange rates consistent with the reported disclosures.
TSR performance
Under the Group TSR measure attached to 2018 PLTIP awards, 25 per cent of the award vests for TSR at the median of the peer group increasing to full vesting for performance within the upper quartile. TSR is measured on a local currency basis since this has the benefit of simplicity and directness of comparison. No adjustments were made to the peer group used for 2018 awards in respect of the demerger. The peer group for the 2018 awards is set out below:
Following the demerger of Quilter from Old Mutual and Old Mutual's delisting from the FTSE on 26 June 2018, the Committee determined that Old Mutual be retained as a TSR peer with no adjustment to its performance during the period prior to its demerger and delisting, and that Old Mutual's TSR performance from the date of its demerger and delisting would track an index of the peers (excluding Prudential plc) for all outstanding PLTIP awards.
Prudential's TSR performance during the performance period (1 January 2018 to 31 December 2020) was ranked below the median of the peer group. The portion of the awards related to TSR will therefore lapse.
Sustainability scorecard performance
Capital measures Group Solvency II operating capital generation/Group operating free surplus generation
Under the Group Solvency II operating capital generation and Group operating free surplus generation measure, performance below threshold results in nil vesting, 25 per cent of the award vests for achieving threshold, increasing to full vesting for performance above the stretch level. The weighted average of the adjusted Group Solvency II operating capital generation from 1 January 2018 to 30 June 2019 (target
176
$7.0 billion) and the Group operating free surplus generation from 1 July 2019 to 31 December 2020 (target $5.6 billion), which excludes M&G plc performance from the point of demerger, met the cumulative stretch target and therefore generated 100 per cent vesting on this element.
Capital measure Group ECap operating capital generation
Under the Group ECap operating capital generation measure, performance below threshold results in nil vesting, 25 per cent of the award vests for achieving threshold, increasing to full vesting for performance above the stretch level. The adjusted cumulative Group ECap operating capital generation was below the target of $6.8 billion (which excludes M&G plc from the point of demerger) and therefore generated a 0 per cent vesting outcome on this element of the PLTIP.
Details of cumulative achievement under the capital measures have not been disclosed as the Committee considers that these are commercially sensitive and would put the Company at a disadvantage compared to its competitors. The Committee will keep this disclosure policy under review based on whether, in its view, disclosure would compromise the Company's competitive position.
Conduct assessment
Under the conduct measure, performance below threshold results in nil vesting, 25 per cent of the award vests for partial achievement of Group's expectations, increasing to full vesting for achieving the Group's expectations. During the performance period there were no conduct, culture or governance issues that resulted in significant capital add-ons or material fines so 100 per cent of this element of the PLTIP vested.
Diversity assessment
Under the diversity measure, performance below threshold results in nil vesting, 25 per cent of the award vests for achievement of threshold diversity target (27 per cent of Leadership Team being female) increasing to full vesting for achieving the stretch diversity target (29 per cent of Leadership Team being female). On 31 December 2020, 32.5 per cent of our Leadership Team was female. Since this was above the 29 per cent level required for full vesting, the portion of the awards related to diversity that therefore vested was 100 per cent. Please note that in 2019 the Leadership Team was subdivided into the Leadership Team and the Executive Council. Both of these leadership groups are considered for the purposes of this assessment.
PLTIP vesting
The Committee considered a report from the Group Chief Risk and Compliance Officer which had been approved by the Group Risk Committee. This report confirmed that the financial results were achieved within the Group's risk framework and appetite. On the basis of this report and the performance of the Group described above, the Committee decided not to apply a discretionary adjustment to the arithmetic vesting outcome under the 2018 PLTIP awards and determined the vesting of each Executive Director's PLTIP awards as set out below:
Notes
177
Long-term incentives awarded in 2020
2020 share-based long-term incentive awards
The table below shows the awards of conditional shares made to Executive Directors under the PLTIP and the performance conditions attached to these awards. Awards are made annually with face value determined by reference to each Director's salary, as set out in the Directors' remuneration policy. As set out earlier in this report, the increase planned to the PLTIP award level for Mr. FitzPatrick was not applied and the award was made at 250 per cent of salary.
As disclosed by the Company at the time of grant, the Committee will review awards on vesting to ensure that participants do not benefit from windfall gains. The Committee will consider Prudential's stretching performance targets, the share performance of Prudential and its peers, the prices of the indices on which Prudential is listed and any other factors deemed relevant.
Relative TSR
Under the Group TSR measure, 20 per cent of the award will vest for TSR at the median of the peer group, increasing to full vesting for performance within the upper quartile. TSR is measured on a local currency basis since this has the benefit of simplicity and directness of comparison. A comprehensive review of the TSR peer group which anticipated the Group's post-demerger footprint was undertaken for the 2019 PLTIP awards. The companies were selected based on organisational size, product mix and geographical footprint. The peer group for 2020 PLTIP awards is the same as that used for 2019 and is set out below:
Operating return on average shareholders' funds
Operating return on average shareholders' funds is calculated as adjusted IFRS operating profit based on longer-term investment returns ('adjusted operating profit') after tax and net of non-controlling interests divided by average shareholders' funds, and is assessed at Group level. 20 per cent of the award will vest for achieving the threshold level of performance of 16.7 per cent, increasing to full vesting for reaching the stretch level of at least 22.9 per cent.
178
Sustainability scorecard
Under the 2020 sustainability scorecard, performance will be assessed for each of the four measures, at the end of the three-year performance period. Performance will be assessed on a sliding scale. Each of the measures has equal weighting and the 2020 measures are set out below:
|
|
|
||
---|---|---|---|---|
| | | | |
Capital measure: Cumulative three-year ECap Group operating capital generation relative to threshold, less cost of capital (based on the capital position at the start of the performance period). | ||||
|
|
Vesting basis: Performance below threshold results in nil vesting, 20 per cent vesting for achieving threshold, increasing to full vesting for performance above stretch level. The threshold figure for this metric will be published in the Annual report for the final year of the performance period. |
|
|
| | | | |
Capital measure: Cumulative three-year LCSM operating capital generation relative to threshold. | ||||
|
|
Vesting basis: Performance below threshold results in nil vesting, 20 per cent vesting for achieving threshold, increasing to full vesting for performance above stretch level. The threshold figure for this metric will be published in the Annual report for the final year of the performance period. |
|
|
| | | | |
Conduct measure: Through strong risk management action, ensure there are no significant conduct/culture/governance issues that result in significant capital add-ons or material fines. | ||||
|
|
Vesting basis: Performance below threshold results in nil vesting, 20 per cent vesting for partial achievement of the Group's expectations, increasing to full vesting for achieving the Group's expectations. |
|
|
| | | | |
Diversity measure: Percentage of the Executive Council and Leadership Team that are female at the end of 2022. | ||||
|
|
Vesting basis: Performance below threshold results in nil vesting, 20 per cent vests for meeting the threshold of at least 27 per cent of our Executive Council and Leadership Team being female at the end of 2022, increasing to full vesting for reaching the stretch level of at least 33 per cent being female at that date. |
|
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| | | | |
Pay comparisons
Performance graph and table
The chart below illustrates the TSR performance of Prudential, the FTSE 100 (as the Company has a premium listing on the London Stock Exchange) and the peer group of international insurers used to benchmark the Company's performance for the purposes of the 2020 PLTIP awards. The chart illustrates the performance of a hypothetical investment of $100 in ordinary shares of Prudential plc over the 10-year period 1 January 2011 to 31 December 2020 compared to a similar investment in the FTSE 100 or an index of the Company's peers. Total shareholder return is based on Returns Index data calculated on a daily share price growth plus re-invested dividends (as measured at the ex-dividend dates).
Note
The index of Prudential's peers represents the average daily total shareholder return performance of the peer group used for the 2020 PLTIP awards (excluding companies not listed at the start of the
period).
179
The information in the table below shows the total remuneration for the Group Chief Executive over the same period:
Notes
Relative importance of spend on pay
The table below sets out the amounts payable in respect of 2019 and 2020 on all employee pay and dividends:
Notes
180
Percentage change in remuneration
The table below sets out how the change in remuneration for each Director between 2019 and 2020 compared to a wider employee comparator group:
Notes
The regulations prescribe that this comparison should include all employees of the parent company. The number of individuals employed by the parent company is insufficient to be the basis of a representative comparison. Therefore the Committee decided to use all UK-based employees as the basis for this calculation. As disclosed in the 2019 Directors' remuneration report, employees in M&G plc have been excluded from the calculation of average pay in 2019 as M&G plc demerged from Prudential plc on 21 October 2019. The average pay for all employees has been calculated on a full-time equivalent basis by reference to the total pay awarded to UK employees in 2020 and 2019. The salary increase includes uplifts made through the annual salary review, as well as any additional changes in the year; for example to reflect promotions or role changes. The decrease in benefits paid to all UK employees is due to the reduction in the cost to the Company of providing certain benefits.
Group Chief Executive pay compared with employee pay
The table below compares the Group Chief Executive's 'single figure' of total remuneration to that received by three representative UK employees in 2020.
The pay ratio decreased in 2020 which chiefly reflects the higher pay outcomes for the identified employees and a lower bonus outcome for the Group Chief Executive.
Note
181
Under the regulations there is a choice of three methodologies to determine the 25th, median and 75th full-time equivalent remuneration of our UK employees. The Company has chosen to use the 2020 hourly rate gender pay gap information (collected in accordance with the Equality Act 2010 (Gender Pay Gap Information) Regulations 2017) as this method uses data that is aligned with other disclosures made under our gender pay gap reporting and includes all UK employees ('Option B' in the table above). The employees used in the calculations were identified using the most recently collected gender pay gap data, on 29 January 2021, following the end of the financial year. Base salary and total remuneration for these identified employees has then been calculated based on their actual remuneration for 2020. The Committee determined that the identified employees are reasonably representative since the structure of their remuneration arrangements is in line with that of the majority of employees within the UK-based Group Head Office workforce. The same methodology used for calculating the 'single figure' of the Group Chief Executive has been used for calculating the pay and benefits of these three UK employees. No elements of remuneration were omitted or adjusted. The identified individuals were employed on a full-time basis so no further adjustment has been made to their remuneration.
The salary and total remuneration received during 2020 by the indicative employees used in the above analysis are set out below:
The Committee believes the median pay ratio is consistent with the pay, reward and progression policies for our UK-based Group Head Office employees. The base salary and total remuneration levels for the Group Chief Executive and the median representative employee are competitively positioned within the relevant markets and reflect the operation of our remuneration structures which are effective in appropriately incentivising staff, having regard to our risk framework, risk appetites and to rewarding the 'how' as well as the 'what' of performance.
Gender pay gap
Our UK business, Prudential Services Limited, is the employing entity for all of our London Head Office staff including the UK-based Group Chief Executive and his direct reports. Prudential Services Limited has recently reported its 2020 UK gender pay gap data and details can be found on the Group's website (www.prudentialplc.com/about-us/esg/performance/gender-pay-gap-report). Due to the change in the Group's business focus, senior management roles are now split between locations in the UK and Asia. The 2020 gender pay gap calculations are based on the employees based in the UK only, and therefore exclude data for part of our senior management team, including a number of senior female leaders, who are based in Hong Kong.
While women and men continue to be paid equally for performing similar roles, our gender pay gap reflects the fact that men and women have traditionally held different roles, particularly in the financial services sector. It highlights the fact that we have more men than women in leadership and senior operational roles. In addition, a number of senior roles were transferred to M&G as part of the demerger process. Some of these senior roles were held by women, and as M&G is now excluded from our calculations, this has affected Prudential's reported gender pay gap for this year. We continue to focus our efforts on closing the gender pay gap as quickly as possible. Female representation in our leadership roles has increased from 25 per cent in 2017 to 33 per cent in 2020 in our London Head Office.
Consideration of workforce pay and approach to engagement
During the year, the Committee considered workforce remuneration and related policies in the business units across the Group. Information presented to the Committee, by way of a dashboard, included how the Company's incentive arrangements are aligned with the culture and informed the Committee's decision-making on executive pay and policy. By way of example, business unit salary increase budgets are considered as part of the year-end review of Executive Director compensation and salary increases. As part of the Board's wider approach to employee engagement, which also included a Group-wide engagement survey, the Committee took additional measures in 2020 to explain how the remuneration of Executive Directors aligns with the wider Company pay policy. The Company operates a microsite on its intranet that outlines executive pay arrangements during the previous financial year and key areas of change for 2020. It explains to employees that total remuneration for Executive Directors is made up of a number of elements and is governed by both the Directors' remuneration policy and the Group's remuneration policy (which is also published on the Company's website) with the relevant links to these documents. Employee engagement is led by two Non-executive Directors and the Governance section of this report describes how they discharged this responsibility during 2020.
182
Chair and Non-executive Director remuneration in 2020
Chair fees
The Chair fee was reviewed by the Committee during 2020 which resulted in no increase being awarded. The fee remains at £765,000 ($981,000 converted at the exchange rate of 1.2824). As disclosed in the Governance section of this Annual report, Shriti Vadera became the Chair of the Board from 1 January 2021. Her 2021 fee has been set at £765,000 ($981,000) with effect from that date.
Non-executive Directors' fees
The Non-executive Directors' fees were reviewed by the Board during 2020 which resulted in no increase being awarded.
| | | | | | | | |
Annual fees |
From 1 July 2019
($) |
From 1 July 2019
(£) |
From 1 July 2020
($) |
From 1 July 2020
(£) |
||||
| | | | | | | | |
Basic fee |
126,000 | 99,000 | 127,000 | 99,000 | ||||
Additional fees: |
||||||||
Audit Committee Chair |
96,000 | 75,000 | 96,000 | 75,000 | ||||
Audit Committee member |
38,000 | 30,000 | 38,000 | 30,000 | ||||
Remuneration Committee Chair |
83,000 | 65,000 | 83,000 | 65,000 | ||||
Remuneration Committee member |
38,000 | 30,000 | 38,000 | 30,000 | ||||
Risk Committee Chair |
96,000 | 75,000 | 96,000 | 75,000 | ||||
Risk Committee member |
38,000 | 30,000 | 38,000 | 30,000 | ||||
Nomination & Governance Committee Chair1 |
- | - | - | - | ||||
Nomination & Governance Committee member |
19,000 | 15,000 | 19,000 | 15,000 | ||||
Senior Independent Director |
64,000 | 50,000 | 64,000 | 50,000 | ||||
Workforce engagement role |
38,000 | 30,000 | 38,000 | 30,000 | ||||
| | | | | | | | |
Notes
The resulting fees paid to the Chair and Non-executive Directors are:
183
Notes
Statement of Directors' shareholdings
The interests of Directors in ordinary shares of the Company are set out below. 'Beneficial interest' includes shares owned outright, shares acquired under the Share Incentive Plan (SIP) and deferred annual incentive awards, detailed in the 'Supplementary information' section. It is only these shares that count towards the share ownership guidelines.
The Company and its Directors, Chief Executives and shareholders have been granted a partial exemption from the disclosure requirements under Part XV of the Securities and Futures Ordinance (SFO). As a result of this exemption, Directors, Chief Executives and shareholders do not have an obligation under the SFO to notify the Company of shareholding interests, and the Company is not required to maintain a register of Directors' and Chief Executives' interests under section 352 of the SFO, nor a register of interests of substantial shareholders under section 336 of the SFO. The Company is, however, required to file with the Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited any disclosure of interests notified to it in the United Kingdom.
184
Notes
The bar chart below illustrates the Executive Directors' shareholding as a percentage of base salary versus the share ownership guideline.
Note
Mark FitzPatrick and James Turner were appointed to the Board in July 2017 and March 2018 respectively so both are within the period over which they were asked to attain the share ownership guideline.
Outstanding share options
The following table sets out the share options held by the Executive Directors in the UK Savings-Related Share Option Scheme (SAYE) as at the end of the period. No other directors participated in any other option scheme.
Notes
185
Directors' terms of employment
Details of the service contracts of each Executive Director are outlined in the table below. The Directors' remuneration policy contains further details of the terms included in Executive Director service contracts.
Directors served on the boards of educational, charitable and cultural organisations without receiving a fee for these services.
Letters of appointment of the Chair and Non-executive Directors
Details of Non-executive Directors' individual appointments are outlined below. The Directors' remuneration policy contains further details on their letters of appointment. The Chair and Non-executive Directors are not entitled to receive any payments for loss of office.
Note
Payments to past Directors and payments for loss of office
There were no payments for loss of office in 2020.
As disclosed in the 2019 Directors' remuneration report, a number of Directors stepped down from the Board in 2019. Treatment of their outstanding awards and other remuneration elements was disclosed in 2019. We set out below payments in respect of the awards that vested during 2020.
186
Nic Nicandrou
Nic holds a PLTIP award granted in 2018 and as set out in the section 'Remuneration in respect of performance in 2020' the performance condition attached to Nic's 2018 PLTIP awards was partially met and 68.75 per cent of these awards will be released in 2021. The details of the release are set out below.
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
Award |
Number of shares vesting1 | Value of shares vesting2 | |||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
PLTIP |
119,407 | $1,829,874 | |||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Notes
Barry Stowe
Barry holds a PLTIP award granted in 2018 and as set out in the section 'Remuneration in respect of performance in 2020' the performance condition attached to Barry's 2018 PLTIP awards was partially met and 68 per cent of these awards will be released in 2021. These awards were pro-rated for service (nine of 36 months) and the details of the release are set out below.
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
Award |
Number of ADRs vesting1 | Value of ADRs vesting2 | |||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
PLTIP |
22,931 | $725,537 | |||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Notes
Other Directors
A number of former Directors receive retiree medical benefits for themselves and their partner (where applicable). This is consistent with other senior members of staff employed at the same time. A de minimis threshold of £10,000 has been set by the Committee; any payments or benefits provided to a past Director above this amount will be reported.
Statement of voting at general meeting
At the 2020 Annual General Meeting, shareholders were asked to vote on the current Directors' remuneration policy and the 2019 Directors' remuneration report. Each of these resolutions received a significant vote in favour by shareholders and the Committee is grateful for this support and endorsement by our shareholders. The votes received were:
Statement of implementation of remuneration policy in 2021
Base salary
Executive Directors' remuneration packages were reviewed in 2020 with changes effective from 1 January 2021. When the Committee made these decisions, it considered the salary increases awarded to other employees in 2020 and the expected increases in 2021. The external market reference points used to provide context to the Committee were similar to those used for 2020 salaries.
In recognition of the continued focus on pay restraint and after due deliberation the Committee considered there should be no salary increases to the Executive Directors for 2021. The 2021 salary increase budgets for other employees across the Group's business units were between 2 per cent and 4.6 per cent. On this basis, 2021 will be the ninth consecutive year in which the increases generally offered to executives have been below or close to the bottom of the range of salary increases budgeted for the broader workforce.
187
The salaries effective from 1 January 2021 are set out below:
2021 pension entitlements
While the approved Directors' remuneration policy provides for a phased reduction of Executive Directors' pension benefits to the workforce rate of 13 per cent of salary, the Committee accelerated this change to be effective on 14 May 2020. Pension levels will remain at this reduced rate for 2021. In addition, statutory contributions will continue to be made into mandatory pension arrangements in the country in which the Executive Directors are based, in line with the local requirements.
Annual bonus
No changes have been made to the bonus opportunities for Executive Directors for 2021.
The separation and divestment of Jackson will transform Prudential into a Group targeting the structural opportunities of Asia and Africa. The post-separation Group will focus on achieving sustained double-digit growth in embedded value per share. This will be supported by growth rates of new business profit, which are expected to substantially exceed GDP growth in the markets in which the Group operates. It is therefore imperative that the measures attached to the 2021 AIP and PLTIP awards create a clear focus within the executive team and a straightforward connection with the value to be delivered to shareholders.
2021 AIP financial measures
The Committee is mindful of the need for the weightings of the AIP measures to be sufficiently aligned with the post-separation Group's focus on the high-growth Asia and Africa businesses. The proposed revised weightings of the financial performance measures are set out in the table below.
The Remuneration Committee intends to include Jackson within the targets and results used for the AIP until the Group owns less than 50% of Jackson. From the date on which the Group owns less than 50% of Jackson, Jackson will be removed from Group AIP targets and outcomes for the remainder of the relevant year. From this date, Group AIP weightings will be consistent with those adopted for the Asia business. The date from which Jackson is removed from the AIP targets and the resulting changes to the weighting of the bonus metrics will be disclosed in the Annual Report on Remuneration for the year in which this takes place. Principles which will underpin the approach to the separation of Jackson are described in the Annual statement from the Chair of the Remuneration Committee.
188
2021 share-based long-term incentive awards
Award levels
No changes have been made to the PLTIP award levels for Executive Directors for 2021.
Performance conditions
Performance conditions for 2021 PLTIP awards have been revised to ensure that reward remains aligned with the strategic priorities and capital allocation framework of the post-separation Group. In particular, RoE replaced with RoEV to reflect the focus on achieving sustained double-digit growth in Embedded Value per share. In addition, the TSR peer group was revised to reflect the footprint of the post-separation Prudential Group.
The weighting of measures for the 2021 PLTIP awards for all Executive Directors will be as follows:
The proportion of 2021 long-term incentive awards which will vest for threshold performance will remain at 20 per cent.
The conduct measure in the sustainability scorecard will include Jackson for 2021 awards for the period in which the Group owns at least 50% of Jackson, whilst the other scorecard metrics and RoEV will be calculated based on the Group excluding the US business. Principles which will underpin the approach to the separation of Jackson are described in the Annual statement from the Chair of the Remuneration Committee.
Relative TSR
Under the Group TSR measure, 20 per cent of the award will vest for TSR at the median of the peer group, increasing to full vesting for performance within the upper quartile. TSR is measured on a local currency basis since this has the benefit of simplicity and directness of comparison.
In 2020 the Committee reviewed the TSR peer group to reflect the footprint post separation of Jackson. The resulting peer group for 2021 PLTIP awards is set out below:
Return on embedded value
RoEV will replace RoE as the PLTIP measure for 2021 awards. The Company believes that this measure is more relevant, considering the Asia focus of the Group, aligned to the ambition to grow EV and pivot towards EV based valuations.
RoEV will be calculated as the total post-tax EEV operating profit as a percentage of the average EEV basis shareholders' equity. RoEV will be assessed at the Group level.
20 per cent of the award will vest for achieving the threshold level of performance of 9 per cent, increasing to full vesting for reaching the stretch level of at least 11 per cent.
189
Sustainability scorecard
Under the 2021 sustainability scorecard, performance will be assessed for each of the four measures, at the end of the three-year performance period. Performance will be assessed on a sliding scale. Each of the measures has equal weighting and the 2021 measures are set out below:
|
|
|
||
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| | | | |
Capital measure: Cumulative three-year ECap Group operating capital generation relative to threshold, less cost of capital (based on the capital position at the start of the performance period). | ||||
|
|
Vesting basis: Performance below threshold results in nil vesting, 20 per cent vesting for achieving threshold, increasing to full vesting for performance above stretch level. The threshold figure for this metric will be published in the Annual report for the final year of the performance period. |
|
|
| | | | |
Capital measure: Cumulative three-year LCSM operating capital generation relative to threshold. | ||||
|
|
Vesting basis: Performance below threshold results in nil vesting, 20 per cent vesting for achieving threshold, increasing to full vesting for performance above stretch level. The threshold figure for this metric will be published in the Annual report for the final year of the performance period. |
|
|
| | | | |
Conduct measure: Through strong risk management action, ensure there are no significant conduct/culture/governance issues that result in significant capital add-ons or material fines. | ||||
|
|
Vesting basis: Performance below threshold results in nil vesting, 20 per cent vesting for partial achievement of the Group's expectations, increasing to full vesting for achieving the Group's expectations. |
|
|
| | | | |
Diversity measure: Percentage of the Executive Council and Leadership Team1 that are female at the end of 2023. | ||||
|
|
Vesting basis: Performance below threshold results in nil vesting, 20 per cent vests for meeting the threshold of at least 33 per cent of our Executive Council and Leadership Team being female at the end of 2023, increasing to full vesting for reaching the stretch level of at least 37 per cent being female at that date. |
|
|
| | | | |
Chair and Non-executive Directors
Fees for the Chair and Non-executive Directors were unchanged in 2020. The Committee has decided to appoint the new Chair, Ms Vadera, on the same fee (£765,000 per annum) as the outgoing Chair, Mr Manduca.
The Board has established for the period up to the 2022 AGM a Responsibility & Sustainability Working Group which will oversee the embedding of our new ESG framework and progress on diversity and inclusion initiatives and employee engagement activities. As Chair of the Working Group, Ms Schroeder will receive a fee of £45,000 per annum while Working Party members will receive a fee of £22,000.
Additional remuneration disclosures
Directors' outstanding long-term incentive awards
Share-based long-term incentive awards
|
Plan
name |
Year of
award |
Conditional
share awards outstanding at 1 Jan 2020 (number of shares) |
Conditional
awards in 2020 (number of shares) |
Market
price at date of award (pence) |
Dividend
equivalents on vested sharesnote (number of shares released) |
Rights
exercised in 2020 |
Rights
lapsed in 2020 |
Conditional
share awards outstanding at 31 Dec 2020 (number of shares) |
Date of
end of performance period |
||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Mark FitzPatrick |
PLTIP | 2017 | 117,047 | - | 1828 | 6,449 | 73,155 | 43,892 | - | 31 Dec 19 | ||||||||||
|
PLTIP | 2018 | 123,110 | - | 1750 | - | - | - | 123,110 | 31 Dec 20 | ||||||||||
|
PLTIP | 2019 | 142,470 | - | 1605.5 | - | - | - | 142,470 | 31 Dec 21 | ||||||||||
|
PLTIP | 2020 | - | 175,115 | 1049.5 | - | - | - | 175,115 | 31 Dec 22 | ||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
382,627 | 175,115 | - | 6,449 | 73,155 | 43,892 | 440,695 | |||||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
James Turner |
PLTIP | 2017 | 32,264 | - | 1672 | 1,738 | 20,165 | 12,099 | - | 31 Dec 19 | ||||||||||
|
PLTIP | 2018 | 103,281 | - | 1750 | - | - | - | 103,281 | 31 Dec 20 | ||||||||||
|
PLTIP | 2019 | 119,600 | - | 1605.5 | - | - | - | 119,600 | 31 Dec 21 | ||||||||||
|
PLTIP | 2020 | - | 177,562 | 1049.5 | - | - | - | 177,562 | 31 Dec 22 | ||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
255,145 | 177,562 | - | 1,738 | 20,165 | 12,099 | 400,443 | |||||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Mike Wells |
PLTIP | 2017 | 304,166 | - | 1672 | 16,414 | 190,103 | 114,063 | - | 31 Dec 19 | ||||||||||
|
PLTIP | 2018 | 297,713 | - | 1750 | - | - | - | 297,713 | 31 Dec 20 | ||||||||||
|
PLTIP | 2019 | 344,629 | - | 1605.5 | - | - | - | 344,629 | 31 Dec 21 | ||||||||||
|
PLTIP | 2020 | - | 423,594 | 1049.5 | - | - | - | 423,594 | 31 Dec 22 | ||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
946,508 | 423,594 | - | 16,414 | 190,103 | 114,063 | 1,065,936 | |||||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Note
A dividend equivalent was accumulated on these awards.
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Other share awards
The table below sets out Executive Directors' deferred bonus share awards.
Note
A dividend equivalent was accumulated on these awards.
All-employee share plans
It is important that all employees are offered the opportunity to own shares in Prudential, connecting them both to the success of the Company and to the interests of other shareholders. Executive Directors are invited to participate in these plans on the same basis as other staff in their location.
Save As You Earn (SAYE) schemes
UK-based Executive Directors are normally eligible to participate in the HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) approved Prudential Savings-Related Share Option Scheme. This scheme allows all eligible employees to save towards the exercise of options over Prudential plc shares with the option price set at the beginning of the savings period at a discount of up to 20 per cent of the market price.
Since 2014 participants have been able to elect to enter into savings contracts of up to £500 per month for a period of three or five years. At the end of this term, participants may exercise their options within six months and purchase shares. If an option is not exercised within six months, participants are entitled to a refund of their cash savings plus interest if applicable under the rules. Shares are issued to satisfy those options which are exercised. No options may be granted under the schemes if the grant would cause the number of shares which have been issued, or which remain issuable pursuant to options granted in the preceding 10 years under the scheme and any other option schemes operated by the Company, or which have been issued under any other share incentive scheme of the Company, to exceed 10 per cent of the Company's ordinary share capital at the proposed date of grant.
Details of Executive Directors' rights under the SAYE scheme are set out in the 'Outstanding share options' table.
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Share Incentive Plan (SIP)
UK-based Executive Directors are also eligible to participate in the Company's Share Incentive Plan (SIP). Since April 2014, all UK-based employees have been able to purchase Prudential plc shares up to a value of £150 per month from their gross salary (partnership shares) through the SIP. For every four partnership shares bought, an additional matching share is awarded which is purchased by Prudential plc on the open market. Dividend shares accumulate while the employee participates in the plan. If the employee withdraws from the plan, or leaves the Group, matching shares may be forfeited.
The table below provides information about shares purchased under the SIP together with matching shares (awarded on a 1:4 basis) and dividend shares.
|
Year of
initial grant |
Share Incentive
Plan awards held in Trust at 1 Jan 2020 |
Partnership
shares accumulated in 2020 |
Matching
shares accumulated in 2020 |
Dividend
shares accumulated in 2020 |
Share Incentive
Plan awards held in Trust at 31 Dec 2020 |
||||||
|
|
(number of shares) |
||||||||||
|
|
|
(number of
shares) |
(number of
shares) |
(number of
shares) |
(number of
shares) |
||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Mark FitzPatrick |
2017 | 372 | 150 | 37 | 11 | 570 | ||||||
James Turner |
2011 | 829 | - | - | 20 | 849 | ||||||
Mike Wells |
2015 | 719 | 150 | 38 | 18 | 925 | ||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Cash-settled long-term incentive awards
This information has been prepared in line with the reporting requirements of the Hong Kong Stock Exchange and sets out Executive Directors' outstanding share awards and share options. For details of the cash-settled long-term incentive awards held by one Executive Director, please see our 2019 Annual report on remuneration.
Dilution
Dilution Releases from the Prudential Long Term Incentive Plan and the Prudential Agency Long Term Incentive Plan are satisfied using new issue shares rather than by purchasing shares in the open market. Shares relating to options granted under all-employee share plans are also satisfied by new issue shares. The combined dilution from all outstanding shares and options at 31 December 2020 was 1 per cent of the total share capital at the time. Deferred bonus awards will continue to be satisfied by the purchase of shares in the open market.
Directors shareholdings
The current shareholding policy and the interests of directors in ordinary shares of Prudential are shown under the sections 'Compensation Shareholding guidelines' and 'Compensation Directors' Shareholdings' above.
Prudential is not owned or controlled directly or indirectly by another corporation or by any government or by any other natural or legal person severally or jointly and Prudential does not know of any arrangements that might result in a change in Prudential's control.
In addition, Prudential's directors held, as at 15 February 2021, options to purchase 5,165 shares, all of which were issued under Prudential's Savings-Related Share Option Scheme (SAYE). These options and schemes are described in more detail below under 'Options to purchase securities from Prudential' in this section.
Outstanding options of directors and other executive officers
The SAYE schemes are open to all UK and certain overseas employees. Options under the UK scheme up to HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) limits are granted at a 20 per cent discount and cannot normally be exercised until a minimum of three years has elapsed. No payment is made for the grant of any options.
The share options held by the directors and other executive officers as at the end of period are shown under the section 'Compensation Outstanding share options' above.
Options to purchase and discretionary awards of securities from Prudential
As of 15 February 2021, 2,233,568 options were outstanding, which Prudential issued under the SAYE schemes. As described above in 'Outstanding options of directors and other executive officers', each option represents the right of the bearer to subscribe for one share at a particular pre-determined exercise price at a pre-set exercise date.
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As of 15 February 2021, 35,888,681 shares were outstanding under other awards. Of those 1,241,236 shares outstanding under the Annual Incentive Plan, 2,153,033 shares were outstanding under the Restricted Share Plan, 17,461,213 shares were outstanding under the PLTIP, 1,120,899 shares were outstanding under the Deferred Share Plans, 6,604,554 shares were outstanding under the PCA LTIP and 7,307,746 shares were outstanding under the Prudential Agency Long Term Incentive Plan. Such outstanding awards held by directors or other executive officers at 31 December 2020 are included under 'Long-term incentive plans' in the 'Compensation' section above.
The aggregate proceeds that would arise if all outstanding options under the SAYE schemes were exercised is £24 million. The latest expiration dates for exercise or release of the securities underlying the options or awards and the number of options or shares are set out in the table below.
Year of Expiration
|
Options Outstanding
Under Savings Related Share Option Scheme (in millions) |
Shares Outstanding
Under Other Awards (in millions) |
Total
(in millions) |
|||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| | | | | | | | | | |
2021 |
0.437 | 8.965 | 9.402 | |||||||
2022 |
0.413 | 11.064 | 11.477 | |||||||
2023 |
0.594 | 15.742 | 16.336 | |||||||
2024 |
0.401 | 0.004 | 0.405 | |||||||
2025 |
0.230 | 0.114 | 0.344 | |||||||
2026 |
0.159 | - | 0.159 | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Total |
2.234 | 35.889 | 38.123 | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Information concerning the Group's share award and share option plans for its employees is provided above as well as in note B2.2 to the consolidated financial statements.
The average number of staff employed by the Group, for the following periods were:
|
2020
|
2019
|
2018
|
|||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| | | | | | | | | | |
Asia and Africa operations* |
12,949 | 14,206 | 16,520 | |||||||
US operations |
3,650 | 4,014 | 4,285 | |||||||
Head office function |
657 | 784 | 954 | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Total continuing operations |
17,256 | 19,004 | 21,759 | |||||||
Discontinued UK and Europe operations |
- | 5,672 | 6,447 | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Total Group |
17,256 | 24,676 | 28,206 | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
At 31 December 2020, Prudential employed 16,226 permanent employees (31 December 2019:13,765), excluding commission based sales staff who have an employment contract with the Company. Of the total permanent employees, approximately 78 per cent were in Asia and Africa (2019: 83 per cent), 21 per cent in the US (2019: 16 per cent) and the remainder in head office functions.
At 31 December 2020, Prudential had:
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A number of risk factors may affect Prudential's business, financial condition, results of operations and/or prospects and, accordingly, the trading price of its shares. The risk factors mentioned below should not be regarded as a complete and comprehensive statement of all potential risks and uncertainties. The information given is as of the date of this document, and any forward-looking statements are made subject to the reservations specified under 'Forward-looking statements'.
1. RISKS RELATING TO PRUDENTIAL'S FINANCIAL SITUATION
1.1 The Covid-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on financial market volatility and global economic activity, increased operational disruption risks to the Group and has adversely impacted Prudential's sales in affected markets and its financial condition, results of operations and prospects. The full extent of the longer-term impacts from the pandemic remains uncertain
The Covid-19 pandemic has significantly increased the volatility of equity markets, interest rates and credit spreads, reduced market liquidity and reduced global economic activity. The potential adverse impacts to the Group of these effects are detailed in the Financial Market and Economic Conditions risk factor detailed below. However, the full extent of the impact of the pandemic on financial markets and economic growth remains highly uncertain and unpredictable and will be influenced by the actions of governments, policymakers and the public. This includes the duration and effectiveness of mitigating measures against the current and future strains of the coronavirus, including a continued reliance on restrictions of movement and the deployment of vaccination programmes (which may occur over a prolonged period of time), the effectiveness and timing of which remains uncertain across markets. Where these impacts are prolonged, this may affect the solvency position of Prudential's subsidiaries and prevent or limit their ability to make remittances, adversely impacting the financial condition and prospects of the Group.
The immediate regulatory and supervisory responses to the Covid-19 pandemic have been broad and have included increased scrutiny of the operational resilience, liquidity and capital strength (including the impact of making dividend payments) of financial services companies. Various governments have effected, or may effect, the postponement of elections and other constitutional or legislative processes in response to the pandemic, and this may result in an increase in constitutional and political uncertainty in the markets in which the Group operates. Governments are either starting or planning the roll-out of Covid-19 vaccination programmes, and accessibility to vaccine supplies has the potential to contribute to an increase in geopolitical tensions. The longer term political, regulatory and supervisory developments resulting from the Covid-19 pandemic remain highly uncertain. These may include changes to government fiscal policies, laws or regulations aimed at increasing financial stability and/or measures on businesses or specific industries to contribute to, lessen or otherwise support, the financial cost to governments in addressing the pandemic. This may include requirements on private insurance companies and healthcare providers to cover the costs associated with the treatment of Covid-19 beyond contractual or policy terms.
The Covid-19 pandemic, and measures to contain it, have slowed economic and social activity in the Group's geographical markets. While these conditions persist, the level of sales activity in affected markets has been, and will continue to be, adversely impacted through a reduction in travel and agency and bancassurance activity, which may be prolonged in markets which continue to rely on containment measures based on restrictions of movement rather than vaccine deployment. The impact to economic activity and employment levels may result in an elevated incidence of claims, lapses, or surrenders of policies, and some policyholders may choose to defer or stop paying insurance premiums or reduce deposits into retirement plans. The pandemic may also indirectly result in elevated claims and policy lapses or surrenders, and with some delay in time before being felt by the Group, due to factors such as policyholders deferring medical treatment during the pandemic, or policyholders lapsing or surrendering their policies on the expiry of grace periods for premium payments provided by the Group's businesses. Extended restrictions on movement in particular may adversely impact product persistency in the Group's Asia business. While these impacts to the Group have not been material to date, the full extent of the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic is currently highly uncertain and the Group's claims experience to date and its current insurance assumptions cannot be taken as an indicator of future potential experience from the Covid-19 pandemic which may deteriorate significantly and have a material adverse effect on Prudential's business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects.
Disruption to Prudential's operations may result where its employees, or those of its service partners and counterparties, contract the coronavirus or are affected by restrictions on movement; where office closures and other measures impacting working practices are effected, such as the imposition of remote working arrangements; and where quarantine requirements and isolation measures under local laws apply, and as a result of social distancing and/or other psychosocial impacts. While such measures are in place, there may be an increase in attempts to compromise IT systems through phishing and social engineering tactics.
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In some markets Prudential has implemented changes to its sales and distribution processes. These include virtual face-to-face sales of its products and the online recruitment, training and, where possible, licensing of agents. Such changes may increase or introduce new operational and regulatory risks, in particular those focused on customer outcomes and conduct. A failure to implement appropriate governance and management of these new or incremental risks may adversely impact Prudential's reputation and brand and the results of its operations. In markets where the level of sales under these new processes is material or where such processes become permanent distribution channels, the commercial value of the Group's existing sale and distribution arrangements, such as bancassurance arrangements, may be adversely impacted.
1.2 Prudential's businesses are inherently subject to market fluctuations and general economic conditions, each of which may adversely affect the Group's business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects
Uncertainty, fluctuations or negative trends in international economic and investment climates could have a material adverse effect on Prudential's business and profitability. Prudential operates in a macroeconomic and global financial market environment that presents significant uncertainties and potential challenges. For example, during 2020 interest rates in the United States ('US') and some Asian countries in which Prudential operates have decreased to historic lows driven by the responses of central banks to mitigate the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic. The transition to a lower carbon economy may also impact long-term asset valuations.
Global financial markets are subject to uncertainty and volatility created by a variety of factors. These factors include slowdowns or reversals in world economic growth (particularly where this is abrupt, as has been the case with the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic), fluctuations in global energy prices, changes in monetary policy in China, the US and other jurisdictions together with their impact on the valuation of all asset classes and effect on interest rates and inflation expectations, and concerns over sovereign debt. Other factors include the increased level of (geo)political risk and policy-related uncertainty (including the broader market impacts resulting from the trade negotiations between the US and China) and socio-political, climate-driven and pandemic events. The extent of financial market and economic impact of these factors may be highly uncertain and unpredictable and influenced by the actions, including the duration and effectiveness of mitigating measures of governments, policymakers and the public.
The adverse effects of such factors could be felt principally through the following items:
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revenue derived from fees from the unit-linked products in the Group's Asia business and from annuity contracts at Jackson, where fees are charged on account and asset values.
In general, upheavals in the financial markets may affect general levels of economic activity, employment and customer behaviour. As a result, insurers may experience an elevated incidence of claims, lapses, or surrenders of policies, and some policyholders may choose to defer or stop paying insurance premiums or reduce deposits into retirement plans. The demand for insurance products may also be adversely affected. In addition, there may be a higher incidence of counterparty failures. If sustained, this environment is likely to have a negative impact on the insurance sector over time and may consequently have a negative impact on Prudential's business and its balance sheet and profitability. For example, this could occur if the recoverable value of intangible assets for bancassurance agreements and deferred acquisition costs are reduced. New challenges related to market fluctuations and general economic conditions may continue to emerge.
For some non-unit-linked products with a savings component, in particular those written in some of the Group's Asia operations, it may not be possible to hold assets which will provide cash flows to match those relating to policyholder liabilities. This is particularly true in those countries where bond markets are less developed and in certain markets where regulated premium and claim values are set with reference to the interest rate environment prevailing at the time of policy issue. This results in a mismatch due to the duration and uncertainty of the liability cash flows and the lack of sufficient assets of a suitable duration. While this residual asset/liability mismatch risk can be managed, it cannot be eliminated. Where interest rates in these markets remain lower than those used to calculate premium and claim values over a sustained period, this could have a material adverse effect on Prudential's reported profit and the solvency of its business units. In addition, part of the profit from the Group's Asia operations is related to bonuses for policyholders declared on with-profits products, which are impacted by the difference between actual investment returns of the with-profits fund (which are broadly based on historical and current rates of return on equity, real estate and fixed income securities) and minimum guarantee rates offered to policyholders. This profit could be lower in particular in a sustained low interest rate environment.
Jackson writes a significant amount of variable annuities that offer capital or income protection guarantees. The value of these guarantees is affected by market factors (such as interest rates, equity values, bond spreads and realised volatility) and policyholder behaviour. Changes in markets, or deviations in policyholder behaviour experience from assumptions, may result in the need to hold additional reserves for these products, which may impact Jackson's liquidity, require it to raise additional capital and/or adversely impact its net income. Jackson uses a derivative hedging programme to reduce its exposure to market risks arising on these guarantees. There may be circumstances where the derivatives that Jackson enters into to hedge its market risks may not sufficiently or effectively offset its exposures under the guarantees, or where its exposures may be over-hedged. This includes circumstances where:
If the results from Jackson's hedging programmes do not correlate with the economic effect of changes in benefit exposures to customers, it could experience economic losses and increased volatility in its earnings which could adversely impact the Group's business, financial condition and results of operations. The cost of any guarantees that remain unhedged will also affect Jackson's results.
Periods of significant and sustained downturns in securities markets, increased equity volatility, reduced interest rates, or deviations in expected policyholder behaviour could also increase the cost of hedging beyond that anticipated in the pricing of the products being hedged and could produce losses not addressed by the risk management techniques employed.
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In addition, Jackson hedges the guarantees on its variable annuity book on an economic basis (with consideration of the local regulatory position) and, thus, accepts variability in its accounting results in the short term in order to achieve the appropriate result on these bases. In particular, for Prudential's Group International Financial Reporting Standards ('IFRS') reporting, the measurement of the Jackson variable annuity guarantees is typically less sensitive to market movements than for the corresponding hedging derivatives, which are held at market value. However, depending on the level of hedging conducted regarding a particular risk type, certain market movements can drive volatility in the economic or local regulatory results that may be less significant under IFRS reporting.
Also, Jackson has a mix of spread-based and mortality business with assets invested in fixed-income securities and its results are therefore affected by fluctuations in prevailing interest rates. In particular, stable value products written by Jackson expose Prudential to the risk that changes in interest rates, which are not fully reflected in the interest rates credited to customers, will reduce spread. The spread is the difference between the rate of return Jackson is able to earn on the assets backing the policyholders' liabilities and the amounts that are credited to policyholders in the form of benefit increases, subject to minimum crediting rates. Declines in spread from these products or other spread businesses that Jackson conducts, and increases in surrender levels arising from interest rate rises, could have a material impact on its businesses or results of operations.
Any of the foregoing factors and events, individually or together, could have a material adverse effect on Prudential's business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects.
1.3 As a holding company, Prudential is dependent upon its subsidiaries to cover operating expenses and dividend payments
The Group's insurance and investment management operations are generally conducted through direct and indirect subsidiaries, which are subject to the risks discussed elsewhere in this 'Risk Factors' section.
As a holding company, Prudential's principal sources of funds are remittances from subsidiaries, shareholder-backed funds, the shareholder transfer from long-term funds and any amounts that may be raised through the issuance of equity, debt and commercial paper.
Certain of Prudential's subsidiaries are subject to applicable insurance, foreign exchange and tax laws, rules and regulations (including in relation to distributable profits) that can limit their ability to make remittances. In some circumstances, including where there are changes to general market conditions, this could limit Prudential's ability to pay dividends to shareholders or to make available funds held in certain subsidiaries to cover operating expenses of other members of the Group.
A material change in the financial condition of any of Prudential's subsidiaries may have a material effect on its business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects.
1.4 (Geo)political risks and uncertainty may adversely impact economic conditions, increase market volatility, cause operational disruption to the Group and impact its strategic plans, which could have adverse effects on Prudential's business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects
The Group is exposed to (geo)political risks and uncertainty in the markets in which it operates. Recent shifts in the focus of some national governments toward more protectionist or restrictive economic and trade policies with specific markets, and international trade disputes, could impact on the macroeconomic outlook and the environment for global financial markets. This could take effect, for example, through increased friction in cross-border trade, such as implementation of trade tariffs or the withdrawal from existing trading blocs or agreements and the exercise of executive powers to restrict overseas trade, financial transactions, capital movements and/or investment. The degree and nature of regulatory changes and Prudential's competitive position in some geographic markets may also be impacted, for example, through measures favouring local enterprises, such as changes to the maximum level of non-domestic ownership by foreign companies or differing treatment under regulations and tax rules.
(Geo)political risks and political uncertainty may also adversely impact the Group's operations and its operational resilience. Increased (geo)political tensions may increase cross-border cyber activity and therefore increase cyber security risks. (Geo)political tensions may also lead to civil unrest and/or acts of civil disobedience. This includes the unrest in Hong Kong, where mass anti-government demonstrations have given rise to increased disruption throughout the region. Such events could impact operational resilience by disrupting Prudential's systems, operations, new business sales and renewals, distribution channels and services to customers, which may result in a reduction in contributions from business units to the central cash balances and profit of the Group, decreased profitability, financial loss, adverse customer impacts and reputational damage and may impact Prudential's business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects.
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Responses by the US, UK and other governments to the enactment and application of the national security law in Hong Kong and other constitutional or legislative changes in the territory, which continue to develop, may adversely impact Hong Kong's economy with potential adverse sales, operational and product distribution impacts to the Group due to the territory being a key market which also hosts regional and head office functions. For internationally active groups such as Prudential, operating across multiple jurisdictions, government measures and responses may also add to the complexity of legal and regulatory compliance and increase the risk of conflicts between the requirements of one jurisdiction and another. See risk factor 3.1 below.
1.5 Prudential is subject to the risk of potential sovereign debt credit deterioration owing to the amounts of sovereign debt obligations held in its investment portfolio
Investing in sovereign debt creates exposure to the direct or indirect consequences of political, social or economic changes (including changes in governments, heads of state or monarchs) in the countries in which the issuers of such debt are located and to the creditworthiness of the sovereign. Investment in sovereign debt obligations involves risks not present in debt obligations of corporate issuers. In addition, the issuer of the debt or the governmental authorities that control the repayment of the debt may be unable or unwilling to repay principal or pay interest when due in accordance with the terms of such debt, and Prudential may have limited recourse to compel payment in the event of a default. A sovereign debtor's willingness or ability to repay principal and to pay interest in a timely manner may be affected by, among other factors, its cash flow situation, its relations with its central bank, the extent of its foreign currency reserves, the availability of sufficient foreign exchange on the date a payment is due, the relative size of the debt service burden to the economy as a whole, the sovereign debtor's policy toward local and international lenders, and the political constraints to which the sovereign debtor may be subject.
Moreover, governments may use a variety of techniques, such as intervention by their central banks or imposition of regulatory controls or taxes, to devalue their currencies' exchange rates, or may adopt monetary and other policies (including to manage their debt burdens) that have a similar effect, all of which could adversely impact the value of an investment in sovereign debt even in the absence of a technical default. Periods of economic uncertainty may affect the volatility of market prices of sovereign debt to a greater extent than the volatility inherent in debt obligations of other types of issuers.
In addition, if a sovereign default or other such events described above were to occur as has happened on occasion in the past, other financial institutions may also suffer losses or experience solvency or other concerns, which may result in Prudential facing additional risks relating to investments in such financial institutions that are held in the Group's investment portfolio. There is also risk that public perceptions about the stability and creditworthiness of financial institutions and the financial sector generally might be adversely affected, as might counterparty relationships between financial institutions.
If a sovereign were to default on its obligations, or adopt policies that devalued or otherwise altered the currencies in which its obligations were denominated, this could have a material adverse effect on Prudential's business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects.
1.6 Downgrades in Prudential's financial strength and credit ratings could significantly impact its competitive position and damage its relationships with creditors or trading counterparties
Prudential's financial strength and credit ratings, which are used by the market to measure its ability to meet policyholder obligations, are an important factor affecting public confidence in Prudential's products, and as a result its competitiveness. Downgrades in Prudential's ratings as a result of, for example, decreased profitability, increased costs, increased indebtedness or other concerns could have an adverse effect on its ability to market products, retain current policyholders, and the Group's ability to compete for acquisition and strategic opportunities. Downgrades may also impact the Group's financial flexibility, including its ability to issue commercial paper at current levels and pricing. The interest rates at which Prudential is able to borrow funds are affected by its credit ratings, which are in place to measure the Group's ability to meet its contractual obligations.
In addition, changes in methodologies and criteria used by rating agencies could result in downgrades that do not reflect changes in the general economic conditions or Prudential's financial condition.
Any such downgrades could have a material adverse effect on Prudential's business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects. Prudential cannot predict what actions rating agencies may take, or what actions Prudential may therefore take in response to the actions of rating agencies, which could adversely affect its business.
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1.7 Prudential is subject to the risk of exchange rate fluctuations owing to the geographical diversity of its businesses
Due to the geographical diversity of Prudential's businesses, Prudential is subject to the risk of exchange rate fluctuations. Prudential's operations generally write policies and invest in assets denominated in local currencies. Although this practice limits the effect of exchange rate fluctuations on local operating results, it can lead to fluctuations in Prudential's consolidated financial statements upon the translation of results into the Group's presentation currency. This exposure is not currently separately managed. The Group presents its consolidated financial statements in US dollars, which is the currency in which a large proportion of the Group's earnings and assets and liabilities are denominated or to which they are linked (such as the Hong Kong dollar). There remain some entities within the Group the results of which are not denominated in or linked to the US dollar and transactions which are conducted in non-US dollar currencies. Prudential is subject to the risk of exchange rate fluctuations from the translation of the results of these entities and transactions and the risks from the maintenance of the Hong Kong dollar peg to the US dollar.
2. RISKS RELATING TO PRUDENTIAL'S BUSINESS ACTIVITIES AND INDUSTRY
2.1 The proposed demerger of Jackson carries with it execution risk and will require significant management attention
The proposed demerger of Jackson is subject to a number of factors and dependencies, such as prevailing market and political conditions and external approvals (including those from regulators and shareholders). In addition, preparing for and implementing the proposed demerger of Jackson is expected to require significant time from management, and management time will continue to be required in respect of any future sale of Prudential's remaining stake in Jackson. Management's attention may be diverted from other aspects of Prudential's business as a result.
Therefore, there can be no certainty that the demerger of Jackson will be implemented on the anticipated timetable, or that it will be completed as proposed (or at all). Further, if the proposed demerger of Jackson is completed, there can be no assurance that either Prudential or Jackson will realise the anticipated benefits of the transaction, or that the proposed demerger of Jackson and/or the future sale of Prudential's remaining stake in Jackson will not adversely affect the trading value or liquidity of the shares of either or both of the two businesses.
If the demerger of Jackson does complete, Prudential will continue to hold shares in Jackson. The market price of Jackson shares may be volatile and can go down as well as up. It is therefore possible that the value of Prudential's shareholding may be lower than anticipated, and the gross proceeds due to Prudential from any future sale may be lower than Prudential might otherwise achieve.
Failure to complete the demerger of Jackson would result in the potential benefits of the separation not being realised and may have an adverse effect on the reputation of Prudential and on the external perception of its ability to implement large-scale projects successfully. This may be the case even where the failure to implement the demerger of Jackson is due to factors outside the control of Prudential. A failure to complete the demerger of Jackson may also result in increased regulatory scrutiny on Prudential, in particular where the reasons for the demerger of Jackson not proceeding are internal to Prudential.
2.2 The implementation of large-scale transformation, including complex strategic initiatives, gives rise to significant design and execution risks, may affect Prudential's operational capability and capacity, and may adversely impact the Group and the delivery of its strategy if these initiatives fail to meet their objectives
In order to implement its business strategies for growth, improve customer experiences, strengthen operational resilience, meet regulatory and industry requirements and maintain market competitiveness, Prudential undertakes Group restructuring, large-scale transformation and acquisitions and disposals across its business. Many of these change initiatives are complex, interconnected and/or of large scale, including a current focus on preparations for the proposed demerger of Jackson, advancing the Group's digital capability, expanding strategic partnerships and industry and regulatory-driven change. There may be a material adverse effect to Prudential's business, customers, financial condition, results of operations and prospects if these initiatives incur unplanned costs, are subject to implementation delays, or fail to fully meet their objectives. Additionally, there may be adverse non-financial (including operational, regulatory, conduct and reputational) implications for the Group. These initiatives inherently give rise to design and execution risks, and may increase existing business risks, such as placing additional strain on the operational capacity, or weakening the control environment, of the Group.
Implementing further initiatives related to significant regulatory changes, such as IFRS 17 and the transition to a legislative framework in Hong Kong for the group-wide supervision of insurance groups, may amplify these
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risks. Risks relating to these regulatory changes are explained in the 'Legal and Regulatory Risk' risk factor below.
The speed of technological change in the business could outpace the Group's ability to anticipate all the unintended consequences that may arise from such change. Innovative technologies, such as artificial intelligence, expose Prudential to potential information security, operational, ethical and conduct risks which, if improperly managed, could result in customer detriment and reputational damage.
2.3 Prudential's businesses are conducted in highly competitive environments with developing demographic trends and continued profitability depends upon management's ability to respond to these pressures and trends
The markets for financial services in the US and Asia are highly competitive, with several factors affecting Prudential's ability to sell its products and continued profitability, including price and yields offered, financial strength and ratings, range of product lines and product quality, brand strength and name recognition, investment management performance and fund management trends, historical bonus levels, the ability to respond to developing demographic trends, customer appetite for certain savings products and technological advances. In some of its markets, Prudential faces competitors that are larger, have greater financial resources or a greater market share, offer a broader range of products or have higher bonus rates. Further, heightened competition for talented and skilled employees, agents and independent financial advisers may limit Prudential's potential to grow its business as quickly as planned. Technological advances, including the increased capability for gathering large volumes of customer health data and developments in capabilities and tools in analysing and interpreting such data (such as artificial intelligence and machine learning), may result in increased competition to the Group, both from within and outside the insurance industry, and may increase the competition risks resulting from a failure to be able to attract sufficient numbers of skilled staff.
In Asia, the Group's principal competitors include global life insurers together with regional insurers and multinational asset managers. In most Asia markets, there are also local companies that have a material market presence.
Jackson's competitors in the US include major stock and mutual insurance companies, mutual fund organisations, banks and other financial services companies.
Prudential believes that competition will intensify across all regions in response to consumer demand, digital and other technological advances (including the emergence of new distribution channels), the need for economies of scale and the consequential impact of consolidation, regulatory actions and other factors. Prudential's ability to generate an appropriate return depends significantly upon its capacity to anticipate and respond appropriately to these competitive pressures. This includes managing the potential adverse impacts to the commercial value of the Group's existing sale and distribution arrangements, such as bancassurance arrangements, in markets where new distribution channels develop.
Failure to do so may negatively impact Prudential's ability to attract and retain customers and, importantly, may limit Prudential's ability to take advantage of new business arising in the markets in which it operates, which may have an adverse interest on the Group's business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects.
2.4 Adverse experience in the operational risks inherent in Prudential's business, and those of its material outsourcing partners, could disrupt its business functions and have a negative impact on its business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects
Operational risks are present in all of Prudential's businesses, including the risk of direct or indirect loss resulting from inadequate or failed internal and external processes, systems or human error, fraud, the effects of natural or man-made catastrophic events (such as natural disasters, pandemics, cyber-attacks, acts of terrorism, civil unrest and other catastrophes) or from other external events. These risks may also adversely impact Prudential through its partners which provide bancassurance and product distribution, outsourcing, external technology, data hosting and other services.
Exposure to such events could impact Prudential's operational resilience and ability to perform necessary business functions by disrupting its systems, operations, new business sales and renewals, distribution channels and services to customers, or result in the loss of confidential or proprietary data. Such events, as well as any weaknesses in administration systems (such as those relating to policyholder records) or actuarial reserving processes, may also result in increased expenses, as well as legal and regulatory sanctions, decreased profitability, financial loss, customer conduct risk impacts and may damage Prudential's reputation and relationship with its customers and business partners.
Prudential's business is dependent on processing a large number of transactions for numerous and diverse products. It also employs a large number of complex and interconnected IT and finance systems and models, and user developed applications in its processes to perform a range of operational functions including the
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calculation of regulatory or internal capital requirements, the valuation of assets and liabilities, determining hedging requirements, and in acquiring new business using artificial intelligence and digital applications. Some of these tools form an integral part of the information and decision-making framework of Prudential and the risk of adverse consequences arising from erroneous or misinterpreted tools used in core business activities, decision making and reporting exists. Errors or limitations in these tools, or inappropriate usage, may lead to regulatory breaches, inappropriate decision-making, financial loss, or reputational damage. The long-term nature of much of the Group's business also means that accurate records have to be maintained securely for significant time periods. Further, Prudential operates in an extensive and evolving legal and regulatory environment (including in relation to tax) which adds to the complexity of the governance and operation of its business processes and controls.
The performance of the Group's core business activities and the uninterrupted availability of services to customers rely significantly on, and require significant investment in, IT infrastructure and security, system development, data governance and management, compliance and other operational systems, personnel, controls and processes. During times of significant change, the resilience and operational effectiveness of these systems and processes at Prudential and/or its third party providers may be adversely impacted. In particular, Prudential and its business partners are making increasing use of emerging technological tools and digital services, or forming strategic partnerships with third parties to provide these capabilities. Automated distribution channels to customers increase the criticality of providing uninterrupted services. A failure to implement appropriate governance and management of the incremental operational risks from emerging technologies may adversely impact Prudential's reputation and brand, the results of its operations, its ability to attract and retain customers and its ability to deliver on its long-term strategy and therefore its competitiveness and long-term financial success.
Although Prudential's IT, compliance and other operational systems, models and processes incorporate governance and controls designed to manage and mitigate the operational and model risks associated with its activities, there can be no assurance as to the resilience of these systems and processes to disruption or that governance and controls will always be effective. Due to human error, among other reasons, operational and model risk incidents do occur from time to time and no system or process can entirely prevent them, although Prudential has not, to date, identified any such incidents that have had a material impact. Prudential's legacy and other IT systems, data and processes, as with operational systems and processes generally, may also be susceptible to failure or security/data breaches.
In addition, Prudential relies on the performance and operations of a number of bancassurance, outsourcing (including external technology and data hosting) and service partners. These include back office support functions, such as those relating to IT infrastructure, development and support and customer facing operations and services, such as product distribution and services (including through digital channels) and investment operations. This creates reliance upon the resilient operational performance of these partners, and failure to adequately oversee the partner, or the failure of a partner (or of its IT and operational systems and processes) could result in significant disruption to business operations and customers, may have reputational or conduct risk implications and which could have a material adverse effect on its business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects.
2.5 Attempts to access or disrupt Prudential's IT systems, and loss or misuse of personal data, could result in loss of trust from Prudential's customers and employees, reputational damage and have material adverse effects on the Group's business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects
Prudential and its business partners are increasingly exposed to the risk that individuals (which includes connected persons such as employees, contractors or representatives of Prudential or its third-party service providers, and unconnected persons) or groups may intentionally or unintentionally disrupt the availability, confidentiality and integrity of its IT systems or compromise the integrity and security of data (both corporate and customer), which could result in disruption to key operations, make it difficult to recover critical services or damage assets, any of which could result in loss of trust from Prudential's customers and employees, reputational damage and direct or indirect financial loss. The cyber-security threat continues to evolve globally in sophistication and potential significance. Prudential's increasing profile in its current markets and those in which it is entering, growing customer interest in interacting with their insurance providers and asset managers through the internet and social media, improved brand awareness and the 2016 designation of Prudential as a G-SII could also increase the likelihood of Prudential being considered a target by cyber criminals. Further, there have been changes to the threat landscape in recent years and the risk from untargeted but sophisticated and automated attacks has increased.
There is an increasing requirement and expectation on Prudential and its business partners to not only hold customer, shareholder and employee data securely, but also to ensure its ongoing accuracy and that it is being used in a transparent, appropriate and ethical way, including in decision-making where automated
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processes are employed. A failure to do so may result in regulatory scrutiny and sanctions and may adversely impact the reputation and brand of the Group, its ability to attract and retain customers, its ability to deliver on its long-term strategy and therefore the results of its operations. New and currently unforeseeable regulatory issues may also arise from the increased use of emerging technology.
The risk to the Group of not meeting these requirements and expectations may be increased by the development and usage of digital distribution and service channels, which can collect a broader range of personal and health-related data from individuals at increased scale, and the use of complex tools, machine learning and artificial intelligence technologies to process, analyse and interpret this data. Regulatory developments in data protection worldwide (such as the implementation of EU General Data Protection Regulation that came into force in 2018 and the California Consumer Protection Act that came into force on 1 January 2020) may also increase the financial and reputational implications for Prudential following a significant breach of its (or its third-party suppliers') IT systems or data. The international transfer of data may, as a global organisation, increase regulatory risks for the Group. Although Prudential has experienced or has been affected by cyber and data breaches, to date, it has not identified a failure or breach, or an incident of data misuse in relation to its legacy and other IT systems and processes which has had a material impact. However, Prudential has been, and likely will continue to be, subject to potential damage from computer viruses, unauthorised access and cyber-security attacks such as 'denial of service' attacks (which, for example, can cause temporary disruption to websites and IT networks), phishing and disruptive software campaigns.
Prudential is continually enhancing its IT environment to remain secure against emerging threats, together with increasing its ability to detect system compromise and recover should such an incident occur. However, there can be no assurance that such events will not take place which may have material adverse consequential effects on Prudential's business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects.
2.6 Prudential's digital health application, Pulse, has seen increasing adoption in Asia and as the markets in which it operates, its user base, features, partnerships and product offerings develop, existing business risks to the Group may be increased and new risks may be introduced
Prudential's digital health application, Pulse, is subject to the risks discussed within this 'Risk Factors' section. In particular, these include risks related to legal and regulatory compliance and the conduct of business; the execution of complex change initiatives; information security, cyber and data privacy; the use of models (including those using artificial intelligence) and personal data; the resilience and integrity of IT infrastructure and operations; and those related to the management of third parties. These existing risks for the Group may be increased due to a number of factors:
New product offerings may be developed and provided through the application, some of which Prudential may have limited or no experience in providing, which may introduce new regulatory, operational, conduct and strategic risks for Group.
A failure to implement appropriate governance and management of the incremental and new risks detailed above may adversely impact Prudential's reputation and brand, its ability to attract and retain customers, its competitiveness and its ability to deliver on its long-term strategy.
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2.7 Prudential operates in certain markets with joint venture partners, minority shareholders and other third parties, resulting in certain risks that Prudential does not face with respect to its wholly-owned subsidiaries
Prudential operates, and in certain markets is required by local regulation to operate, through joint ventures and other joint ownership or third-party arrangements. For such Group operations the level of control exercisable by the Group depends on the terms of the contractual agreements, in particular, those terms providing for the allocation of control among, and continued cooperation between, the participants. In addition, the level of control exercisable by the Group could be subject to changes in the maximum level of non-domestic ownership imposed on foreign companies in certain jurisdictions.
Prudential may face financial, reputational and other exposure (including regulatory censure) in the event that any of its partners fails or is unable to meet its obligations under the arrangements, encounters financial difficulty, or fails to comply with local or international regulation and standards such as those pertaining to the prevention of financial crime. In addition, a significant proportion of the Group's product distribution is carried out through arrangements with third parties not controlled by Prudential such as bancassurance and agency arrangements in Asia and broker-dealer networks in the US and is therefore dependent upon continuation of these relationships. A temporary or permanent disruption to these distribution arrangements, such as through significant deterioration in the reputation, financial position or other circumstances of the third party, material failure in controls (such as those pertaining to the third-party system failure or the prevention of financial crime) or failure to meet any regulatory requirements could adversely affect Prudential's reputation and its business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects.
2.8 Adverse experience relative to the assumptions used in pricing products and reporting business results could significantly affect Prudential's business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects
In common with other life insurers, the profitability of the Group's businesses depends on a mix of factors including mortality and morbidity levels and trends, policy surrenders and take-up rates on guarantee features of products, investment performance and impairments, unit cost of administration and new business acquisition expenses. The Group's businesses are subject to inflation risk. In particular, the Group's medical insurance businesses in Asia are also exposed to medical inflation risk.
Prudential needs to make assumptions about a number of factors in determining the pricing of its products, for setting reserves, and for reporting its capital levels and the results of its long-term business operations.
Assumptions about future expected levels of mortality are of relevance to the Guaranteed Minimum Withdrawal Benefit ('GMWB') of Jackson's variable annuity business.
A further factor is the assumption that Prudential makes about future expected levels of the rates of early termination of products by its customers (known as persistency). This is relevant to a number of lines of business in the Group, especially for Jackson's portfolio of variable annuities and across product lines in Asian markets. Prudential's persistency assumptions reflect a combination of recent past experience for each relevant line of business and expert judgement, especially where a lack of relevant and credible experience data exists. Any expected change in future persistency is also reflected in the assumption. If actual levels of future persistency are significantly different than assumed, the Group's results of operations could be adversely affected. Furthermore, Jackson's variable annuity products are sensitive to other types of policyholder behaviour, such as the take-up of its GMWB product features.
In addition, Prudential's business may be adversely affected by epidemics, pandemics and other effects that give rise to a large number of deaths or additional sickness claims, as well as increases to the cost of medical claims. Pandemics, significant influenza and other epidemics have occurred a number of times historically but the likelihood, timing, or the severity of future events cannot be predicted. The effectiveness of external parties, including governmental and non-governmental organisations, in combating the spread and severity of any epidemics could have a material impact on the Group's claims experience. The risks to the Group resulting from the Covid-19 pandemic are included in the 'Covid-19' risk factor detailed in above.
Prudential uses reinsurance to selectively transfer mortality, morbidity and other risks. This exposes the Group to the counterparty risk of a reinsurer being unable to pay reinsurance claims or otherwise meet their commitments; the risk that a reinsurer changes reinsurance terms and conditions of coverage, or increases the price of reinsurance which Prudential is unable to pass on to its customers; and the risk of ambiguity in the reinsurance terms and conditions leading to uncertainty whether an event is covered under a reinsurance contract.
Any of the foregoing, individually or together, could have a material adverse effect on Prudential's business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects.
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2.9 Prudential is exposed to ongoing risks as a result of the demerger of M&G plc (the 'M&G Demerger')
On 21 October 2019, Prudential completed the M&G Demerger and, in connection with this, Prudential entered into a demerger agreement with M&G plc. Among other provisions, the demerger agreement contains a customary indemnity under which Prudential has agreed to indemnify M&G plc against liabilities incurred by the M&G plc group that relate to the business of the Group. Although it is not anticipated that Prudential will be required to pay any substantial amount pursuant to such indemnity obligations, if any amount payable thereunder is substantial this could have a material adverse effect on Prudential's business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects.
3. LEGAL AND REGULATORY RISK
3.1 Prudential conducts its businesses subject to regulation and associated regulatory risks, including a change to the basis in the regulatory supervision of the Group, the effects of changes in the laws, regulations, policies and interpretations and any accounting standards in the markets in which it operates
Changes in government policy and legislation (including in relation to tax), capital control measures on companies and individuals, regulation or regulatory interpretation applying to companies in the financial services and insurance industries in any of the markets in which Prudential operates (including those related to the conduct of business by Prudential or its third party distributors), or decisions taken by regulators in connection with their supervision of members of the Group, which in some circumstances may be applied retrospectively, may adversely affect Prudential. The impact from any regulatory changes may be material to Prudential, for example changes may be required to its product range, distribution channels, handling and usage of data, competitiveness, profitability, capital requirements, risk management approaches, corporate or governance structure and, consequently, reported results and financing requirements. Also, regulators in jurisdictions in which Prudential operates may impose requirements affecting the allocation of capital and liquidity between different business units in the Group, whether on a geographic, legal entity, product line or other basis. Regulators may also change solvency requirements, methodologies for determining components of the regulatory or statutory balance sheet including the reserves and the level of capital required to be held by individual businesses (with implications to the Group capital position), the regulation of selling practices, and could introduce changes that impact products sold or that may be sold. Furthermore, as a result of interventions by governments in light of financial and global economic conditions, there may continue to be changes in government regulation and supervision of the financial services industry, including the possibility of higher capital requirements, restrictions on certain types of transactions and enhancement of supervisory powers.
In the markets in which it operates, Prudential is subject to regulatory requirements and obligations with respect to financial crime including anti-money laundering and sanctions compliance, which may either impose obligations on the Group to act in a certain manner or restrict the way that it can act in respect of specified individuals, organisations, businesses and/or governments. A failure to do so may adversely impact the reputation of Prudential and/or result in the imposition of legal or regulatory sanctions for the Group. For internationally active groups such as Prudential, operating across multiple jurisdictions increases the complexity of legal and regulatory compliance. Compliance with Prudential's legal or regulatory obligations in one jurisdiction may conflict with the law or policy objectives of another jurisdiction, or may be seen as supporting the law or policy objectives of that jurisdiction over another, creating additional legal, regulatory compliance and reputational risks for the Group. These risks may be increased where uncertainty exists on the scope of regulatory requirements and obligations, and where the complexity of specific cases applicable to the Group is high. Following the demerger of Jackson, these risks may become more pronounced for the Group as markets with higher geopolitical risk exposure will form a larger proportion of Prudential's operations.
Further information on specific areas of regulatory and supervisory requirements and changes are included in the sub-sections below.
With effect from 21 October 2019, the Group-wide supervisor of Prudential plc changed to the Hong Kong Insurance Authority ('IA'). To align Hong Kong's regulatory regime with international standards and practices, the Hong Kong IA has developed a new Group-wide Supervision ('GWS') Framework for multinational insurance groups under its supervision. The GWS Framework is based on a principle-based and outcome-focused approach, and allows the Hong Kong IA to exercise direct regulatory powers over the designated holding companies of multinational insurance groups. On 24 July 2020 the Insurance (Amendment) (No. 2) Ordinance, being the enabling primary legislation providing for the GWS Framework, was enacted. This primary legislation is supported by subsidiary legislation and guidance material from the Hong Kong IA. The relevant subsidiary legislation, including the Insurance (Group Capital) Rules, was tabled before the Legislative
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Council on 6 January 2021 and will come into operation on 29 March 2021. The GWS Framework is expected to be effective for Prudential upon designation by the Hong Kong IA in the second quarter of 2021, subject to transitional arrangements. Prior to the GWS Framework becoming effective for the Group, Prudential remains subject to the Regulatory Letter signed with the Hong Kong IA. This letter outlines the interim supervision arrangements from 21 October 2019 when the Hong Kong IA became the Group-wide supervisor of the Group.
Although the GWS Framework is broadly consistent with the interim supervision arrangements that currently apply to the Group under the Regulatory Letter, until all elements of the GWS Framework are finalised the Group cannot be certain of the nature and extent of differences between the interim principles agreed with the Hong Kong IA and the specific regulatory requirements of the GWS Framework. The Group's existing processes and resources may also need to change to comply with the final GWS Framework or any other requirements of the Hong Kong IA. The need to adapt to any such changes or to respond to any such requirements may lead to increased costs or otherwise impact the business, financial condition, results, profitability and/or prospects of the Group.
With the agreement of the Hong Kong IA, Prudential currently applies the Local Capital Summation Method (the 'LCSM') to determine Group regulatory capital requirements under the Regulatory Letter. Prudential currently expects the GWS methodology to be largely consistent with these interim supervisory requirements, with the exception of the treatment of debt instruments outlined below which will be subject to transitional arrangements under the GWS Framework, however any differences in the final requirements adopted under the GWS Framework may lead to changes to the way in which capital requirements are calculated and to the eligibility of the capital instruments issued by Prudential to satisfy such capital requirements.
The Hong Kong IA has agreed that the subordinated debt instruments issued by Prudential at the date of the demerger of M&G plc can be included as part of the Group's capital resources for the purposes of satisfying the capital requirements imposed under the interim LCSM principles agreed with the Hong Kong IA. Senior debt instruments issued by Prudential are not included as part of the Group capital resources under the LCSM. Under the GWS Framework, Prudential's initial analysis indicates that all debt instruments (senior and subordinated) issued by Prudential will meet the transitional conditions set by the Hong Kong IA and will be included as eligible Group capital resources, although this will be subject to approval by the Hong Kong IA. If the Hong Kong IA does not approve the subordinated debt instruments Prudential has in issue as part of the Group's eligible capital resources for the purposes of satisfying the capital requirements imposed under the GWS Framework, Prudential may have less eligible capital resources compared to under the LCSM and may need to raise additional debt instruments, which may in turn lead to increased costs for the Group.
Currently there are also a number of other global regulatory developments which could impact Prudential's businesses in the many jurisdictions in which they operate. These include the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act ('Dodd-Frank Act') and its subsequent amendments in the US which provided for a comprehensive overhaul of the financial services industry within the US including reforms to financial services entities, products and markets, the work of the Financial Stability Board (the 'FSB') in the area of systemic risk including the reassessment of the designation of Global Systemically Important Insurers ('G-SIIs'), and the Insurance Capital Standard (the 'ICS') being developed by the International Association of Insurance Supervisors (the 'IAIS'). In addition, regulators in a number of jurisdictions in which the Group operates are further developing their local capital regimes. Across Asia this includes China, Hong Kong, Singapore, Thailand and India. There remains a high degree of uncertainty over the potential impact of such changes on the Group.
In November 2019 the IAIS adopted the Common Framework ('ComFrame') which establishes supervisory standards and guidance focusing on the effective group-wide supervision of Internationally Active Insurance Groups ('IAIGs'). The ComFrame proposals, which include the ICS, could result in enhanced capital and regulatory measures for IAIGs. Prudential was included in the first register of IAIGs released by the IAIS on 1 July 2020 and was designated an IAIG by the Hong Kong IA following an assessment against the established criteria in ComFrame.
In November 2019 the FSB endorsed a new Holistic Framework ('HF'), intended for the assessment and mitigation of systemic risk in the insurance sector, for implementation by the IAIS in 2020 and has suspended G-SII designations until completion of a review to be undertaken in 2022. Many of the previous G-SII measures have already been adopted into the Insurance Core Principles ('ICPs') and ComFrame. As an IAIG, Prudential is expected to be subject to these measures. The HF also includes a monitoring element for the identification of a build-up of systemic risk and to enable supervisors to take action where appropriate. As a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, this monitoring requirement has been replaced with a Covid-19-focused exercise for 2020, with annual monitoring expected to recommence in 2021. In November 2020 the IAIS launched a public consultation on phase 1 of a proposed liquidity metric to be used as an ancillary indicator in the monitoring of the build-up of systemic risk. This followed a more general consultation on liquidity metrics earlier in 2020.
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Consultations on a phase 2 liquidity metric, as well as on macroeconomic elements of the HF, are expected to follow. The FSB published its 2020 Resolution Report in November 2020, highlighting intra-group connectedness and funding in resolution as key areas of attention for its work on resolution planning. Resolution will continue to be a near term focus in the FSB's financial stability work and may inform decisions around the reformed G-SII designation in 2022.
The IAIS continues to develop the ICS as part of ComFrame. The implementation of ICS will be conducted in two phases a five-year monitoring phase followed by an implementation phase.
The Group's accounts are prepared in accordance with current IFRS applicable to the insurance industry. The International Accounting Standards Board (the 'IASB') introduced a framework that it described as Phase I which, under its standard IFRS 4, permitted insurers to continue to use the statutory basis of accounting for insurance assets and liabilities that existed in their jurisdictions prior to January 2005. In May 2017, the IASB published its replacement standard on insurance accounting (IFRS 17, 'Insurance Contracts'). Some targeted amendments to this standard, including to the effective date, were issued in June 2020. IFRS 17, 'Insurance Contracts', as amended, will have the effect of introducing fundamental changes to the statutory reporting of insurance entities that prepare accounts according to IFRS from 2023. The standard is subject to endorsement in the UK via the UK Endorsement Board which is currently being established. Prudential has a Group-wide implementation programme underway to implement this new standard. The effect of changes required to the Group's accounting policies as a result of implementing the new standard is currently uncertain particularly as amendments were issued by the IASB in June 2020, but these changes can be expected to, amongst other things, alter the timing of IFRS profit recognition. The implementation of this standard will involve significant enhancements to IT, actuarial and finance systems of the Group.
Any changes or modification of IFRS accounting policies may require a change in the way in which future results will be determined and/or a retrospective adjustment of reported results to ensure consistency.
In July 2014, the FSB announced widespread reforms to address the integrity and reliability of IBORs. The discontinuation of IBORs in their current form and their replacement with alternative risk-free reference rates such as the Sterling Overnight Index Average benchmark ('SONIA') in the UK and the Secured Overnight Financing Rate ('SOFR') in the US could, among other things, impact the Group through an adverse effect on the value of Prudential's assets and liabilities which are linked to or which reference IBORs, a reduction in market liquidity during any period of transition and increased legal and conduct risks to the Group arising from changes required to documentation and its related obligations to its stakeholders.
Various jurisdictions in which Prudential operates have created investor compensation schemes that require mandatory contributions from market participants in some instances in the event of a failure of a market participant. As a major participant in the majority of its chosen markets, circumstances could arise in which Prudential, along with other companies, may be required to make such contributions.
3.2 The resolution of several issues affecting the financial services industry could have a negative impact on Prudential's business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects or on its relations with current and potential customers
Prudential is, and in the future may continue to be, subject to legal and regulatory actions in the ordinary course of its business on matters relevant to the delivery of customer outcomes. Such actions relate, and could in the future relate, to the application of current regulations or the failure to implement new regulations (including those relating to the conduct of business), regulatory reviews of broader industry practices and products sold (including in relation to lines of business already closed) in the past under acceptable industry or market practices at the time and changes to the tax regime affecting products. Regulators may also focus on the approach that product providers use to select third-party distributors and to monitor the appropriateness of sales made by them. In some cases, product providers can be held responsible for the deficiencies of third-party distributors.
In the US, there has been significant attention on the different regulatory standards applied to investment advice delivered to retail customers by different sectors of the industry. As a result of reports relating to perceptions of industry abuses, there have been numerous regulatory inquiries and proposals for legislative and regulatory reforms. This includes focus on the suitability of sales of certain products, alternative investments and the widening of the circumstances under which a person or entity providing investment advice with respect to certain employee benefit and pension plans would be considered a fiduciary subjecting the person or entity to certain regulatory requirements. There is a risk that new regulations introduced may have a
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material adverse effect on the sales of the products by Prudential and increase Prudential's exposure to legal risks.
Any regulatory action arising out of the Group's position as a product provider could have an adverse impact on the Group's business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects, or otherwise harm its reputation.
3.3 Litigation, disputes and regulatory investigations may adversely affect Prudential's business, financial condition, cash flows, results of operations and prospects
Prudential is, and may in the future be, subject to legal actions, disputes and regulatory investigations in various contexts, including in the ordinary course of its insurance, investment management and other business operations. These legal actions, disputes and investigations may relate to aspects of Prudential's businesses and operations that are specific to Prudential, or that are common to companies that operate in Prudential's markets. Legal actions and disputes may arise under contracts, regulations (including tax) or from a course of conduct taken by Prudential, and may be class actions. Although Prudential believes that it has adequately provided in all material respects for the costs of litigation and regulatory matters, no assurance can be provided that such provisions are sufficient. Given the large or indeterminate amounts of damages sometimes sought, other sanctions that might be imposed and the inherent unpredictability of litigation and disputes, it is possible that an adverse outcome could have an adverse effect on Prudential's business, financial condition, cash flows, results of operations and prospects.
3.4 Changes in tax legislation may result in adverse tax consequences for the Group's business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects
Tax rules, including those relating to the insurance industry, and their interpretation may change, possibly with retrospective effect, in any of the jurisdictions in which Prudential operates. Significant tax disputes with tax authorities, and any change in the tax status of any member of the Group or in taxation legislation or its scope or interpretation could affect Prudential's business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects.
3.5 Prudential operates across multiple jurisdictions, including China and other emerging markets, which increases the complexity of its legal and regulatory compliance and hence heightens its operational and financial reporting risks
Prudential is an internationally active group with operations in Asia and listings in the US, UK, Hong Kong and Singapore. Compliance with Prudential's legal or regulatory obligations in one jurisdiction may conflict with the law or policy objectives of another, creating additional legal, regulatory compliance and reputational risk for the Group. Differences in legal systems between the countries in which the Group operates may also create uncertainty and inconsistency in the interpretation and enforcement of laws and regulations. Particular risks exist in respect of its US listing obligations and potential conflicts with Chinese requirements. The UK-based auditor of the consolidated financial statements included in this annual report, for example, uses work performed by its China entity to perform certain audit work. Independent registered public accounting firms operating in China are not permitted to be subject to inspection by the US Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB). As a consequence of the US listing, Prudential could be exposed to regulatory actions or requirements in the US which may have an adverse impact on Prudential's listing in the US and the trading price of Prudential ADRs.
4. ENVIRONMENTAL, SOCIAL AND GOVERNANCE RISKS
4.1 The failure to understand and respond effectively to the risks associated with environmental, social or governance ('ESG') factors could adversely affect Prudential's achievement of its long-term strategy
The purpose of a business and the way in which it operates in achieving its objectives, including in relation to ESG-related matters, are an increasingly material consideration for key stakeholders in achieving their own objectives and aims. ESG-related risks may directly or indirectly impact Prudential's business and the achievement of its strategy and consequently those of its key stakeholders, which range from customers, institutional investors, employees and suppliers, to policymakers, regulators, industry organisations and local communities. A failure to transparently and consistently implement the Group's ESG strategy, in its key markets and across operational, underwriting and investment activities, may adversely impact the financial condition and reputation of the Group and may negatively impact the Group's stakeholders, who all have expectations, concerns and aims related to ESG matters, which may differ. In its investment activities, Prudential's stakeholders increasingly place reliance on an approach to responsible investment that demonstrates how ESG considerations are effectively integrated into investment decisions and the performance of fiduciary and stewardship duties, including voting and active engagement decisions with respect to investee companies, as both an asset owner and an asset manager.
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A failure to manage the material risks associated with key ESG themes detailed below may adversely impact the reputation and brand of the Group, its ability to attract and retain customers and staff, its ability to deliver on its long-term strategy and therefore the results of its operations and long-term financial success.
Environmental concerns, notably those associated with climate change, pose significant risks to Prudential and its customers. Prudential's investment horizons are long term and it is therefore exposed to the potential long-term impact of climate change risks, which include the financial and non-financial impact of transition, physical and litigation risks. A failure to understand, manage and provide greater transparency of its exposure to these climate-related risks may have increasing adverse implications for Prudential and its stakeholders.
The global transition to a lower carbon economy may have an adverse impact on investment valuations as the financial assets of carbon-intensive companies re-price, and this could result in some asset sectors facing significantly higher costs and a reduction in demand for their products and services. The speed of this transition, and the extent to which it is orderly and managed, will be influenced by factors such as public policy, technology and changes in market or investor sentiment. This climate-related transition risk may adversely impact the valuation of investments held by the Group, and the potential broader economic impact may adversely affect customer demand for the Group's products. Prudential's stakeholders increasingly expect and/or rely on the Group to support an orderly transition based on an understanding of relevant country and company-level transition plans and which takes into consideration the impact on the economies, businesses and customers in the markets in which it operates and invests. The Group's ability to sufficiently understand and appropriately react to transition risk may be limited by insufficient or unreliable data on carbon exposure and transition plans for the assets in which it invests. The direct physical impacts of climate change, driven by both specific short-term climate-related events such as natural disasters and longer-term changes to climate and the natural environment, will increasingly influence the longevity, mortality and morbidity risk assessments for the Group's life insurance product underwriting and offerings and their associated claims profiles. Climate-driven events in countries in which Prudential or its key third parties operate could impact the Group's operational resilience and its customers.
Social risks that could impact Prudential may arise from a failure to consider the rights, diversity, well-being, and interests of people and communities in which the Group or its third parties operate. These risks are increased as Prudential operates in multiple jurisdictions with distinct local cultures and considerations. As an employer, the Group is also exposed to the risk of being unable to attract, retain and develop highly-skilled staff, which may increase if Prudential does not have in place responsible working practices or fails to recognise the benefits of diversity or promote a culture of inclusion. The potential for reputational risk extends to the Group's supply chains, which may be exposed to factors such as poor labour standards and abuses of human rights by third parties. Emerging population risks associated with public health trends (such as an increase in obesity) and demographic changes (such as population urbanisation and ageing) may affect customer lifestyles and therefore may impact claims against the Group's insurance product offerings. As a provider of insurance and investment services, the Group is increasingly focused on digital innovation, technologies and distribution methods for a broadening range of products and services. As a result, Prudential has access to extensive amounts of customer personal data, including data related to personal health, and an increasing ability to analyse and interpret this data through the use of complex tools, machine learning and artificial intelligence technologies. The Group is therefore exposed to the regulatory, ethical and reputational risks associated with customer data misuse or security breaches. These risks are explained above. The increasing digitalisation of products, services and processes may also result in new and unforeseen regulatory requirements and stakeholder expectations, including those related to how the Group supports its customers through this transformation.
A failure to maintain high standards of corporate governance may adversely impact the Group and its customers, staff and employees, through poor decision-making and a lack of oversight of its key risks. Poor governance may arise where key governance committees have insufficient independence, a lack of diversity, skills or experience in their members, or unclear (or insufficient) oversight responsibilities and mandates. Inadequate oversight over remuneration increases the risk of poor senior management behaviours. Prudential operates across multiple jurisdictions and has a group and subsidiary governance structure which may add further complexity to these considerations. Participation in joint ventures or partnerships where Prudential does not have direct overall control and the use of third party suppliers increase the potential for reputational risks arising from poor governance.
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The table below shows the holdings of major shareholders in the Company's issued share capital as notified to the Company in accordance with the Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules. At 11 March 2021, Prudential had received the following notifications:
Significant Changes in Ownership
Notifications received within the last three years:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Year | Name of Company |
Date
Prudential was notified |
Number of
Prudential shares held |
% of total voting
rights attaching to issued share capital |
Change in interest | |||||||||||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
2019 | The Capital Group Companies, Inc. | October | 128,267,497 | 4.93 | Decrease in interest | |||||||||||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
2020 | Norges Bank | February | 77,815,026 | 2.99 | Decrease in interest | |||||||||||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
2020 | Third Point LLC | June | 131,575,000 | 5.04 | Increase in interest | |||||||||||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Current major shareholders:
Shareholder
|
Date advised
|
Percentage of
share capital |
Shareholding
|
||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| | | | | | | | | |
BlackRock Inc |
05 April 2012 | 5.08% | 129,499,098 | ||||||
Third Point LLC |
09 June 2020 | 5.04% | 131,575,000 | ||||||
| | | | | | | | | |
Major shareholders of Prudential have the same voting rights per share as other shareholders. See Governance Memorandum and Articles of Association Voting Rights'.
As at 11 March 2021, there were 134 shareholders with a US address on Prudential's register of shareholders. These shares represented approximately 0.01 per cent of Prudential's issued ordinary share capital. As at 11 March 2021, there were 88 registered Prudential ADR holders. The shares represented by these ADRs amounted to approximately 1.92 per cent of Prudential's issued ordinary share capital.
Prudential does not know of any arrangements which may at a subsequent date result in a change of control of Prudential.
Prudential conducts business under the 'Prudential', 'Jackson' and 'Eastspring Investments' brand names and logos. It is also the registered owner of over 100 domain names, including 'www.prudentialplc.com', 'www.prudentialcorporation-asia.com', 'www.jackson.com'and 'www.eastspringinvestments.com'.
Prudential does not operate in the US under the Prudential name and there have been long-standing arrangements between it and Prudential Financial, Inc. and its subsidiary, the Prudential Insurance Company of America, relating to their respective uses of the Prudential name. Under these arrangements Prudential Financial Inc. has the right to use the Prudential name in the Americas and certain parts of the Caribbean, Japan, Korea and Taiwan. Following the demerger of M&G from the Group in October 2019, M&G has the right to use the Prudential brand in the United Kingdom and Europe. Prudential has the right to use the name everywhere else in the world although third parties have rights to the name in certain countries.
The Group is involved in various litigation and regulatory proceedings. These may from time to time include class actions involving Jackson. While the outcome of such litigation and regulatory issues cannot be predicted with certainty, the Company believes that their ultimate outcome will not have a material adverse effect on the Group's financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows.
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On 17 July 2020, Prudential announced the completion of a $500 million equity investment by Athene Life Re Ltd ("Athene"), a subsidiary of Athene Holding Ltd, in Jackson Financial Inc. (the holding company of Prudential's US business) ("Jackson") in return for an 11.1 per cent economic interest for which the voting interest is 9.9 per cent. As part of the investment documentation, Jackson and Prudential (US Holdco 1) Limited entered into a stockholder agreement with Athene on 17 July 2020 (the "Athene Stockholder Agreement"). The Athene Stockholder Agreement governs the relationship between Jackson and Athene, including matters related to corporate governance, terms and conditions regarding the ownership of common stock of Jackson, including restrictions on the transfer of common stock owned by Athene, and certain consent and information rights. Pursuant to the Athene Stockholder Agreement, so long as Athene owns at least 8 per cent of the outstanding common stock of Jackson, it will have the right to designate one individual to attend in person or electronically or join telephonically all meetings of the board of directors, the audit committee and risk committee in a non-voting, observer capacity. Athene's board observer right and provisions regarding transfer of common stock (including transfer restrictions and any right of first refusal, tag-along right or drag-along right) and all consent and information rights of Athene will terminate automatically upon the consummation of a public listing of shares in Jackson.
On 25 September 2019, Prudential and M&G entered into a demerger agreement (the "Demerger Agreement"). The Demerger Agreement sets forth the primary terms and conditions pursuant to which the Demerger was effected. The Demerger Agreement also governs the post-Demerger obligations and restrictions of each of the parties thereto, including, among others, obligations in respect of data sharing, intercompany debt, third party-dealings and the treatment of confidential information.
Specifically, the Demerger Agreement provides that, for a period of ten years after completion, Prudential and M&G, as applicable, must deliver to the other party certain corporate and personal data as reasonably requested, subject to certain exceptions as agreed to by the parties. Additionally, in connection with the announcement of a possible change of control within two years after completion, the Demerger Agreement provides that the party not affected by the change of control may require the other party to delete confidential information held by such other party. The Demerger Agreement also sets forth the mechanisms by which any pre-Demerger guarantees, indemnities or other assurances given by Prudential or M&G to the other are released. Generally, the beneficiary of such a guarantee, indemnitee or assurance must seek to obtain the guarantor's release from the guarantor's obligations thereunder and, pending release, indemnify the guarantor against all liabilities and costs arising under or by reason of the guarantee and ensure that the guarantor's exposure under the guarantee is not increased.
The Demerger Agreement also contains mutual cross indemnities under which Prudential and M&G, as applicable, must indemnify the other party against losses, costs, damages and expenses of any kind suffered or arising directly or indirectly from or in consequence of the business carried on by Prudential (other than the M&G business) and M&G, as applicable, prior to the Demerger. Pursuant to the Demerger Agreement, Prudential and M&G are obliged to satisfy any claims made by the other party in respect of such indemnities, subject to the right of M&G or Prudential, as applicable, to defend any such claim. The mutual cross indemnities set forth in the Demerger Agreement are unlimited in terms of amount and duration.
Other than the requirement to report certain events and transactions to HM Revenue & Customs, there are currently no UK laws, decrees or regulations that restrict the export or import of capital, including, but not limited to, foreign exchange controls, or that affect the remittance of dividends or other payments to non-UK residents or to US holders of Prudential's securities, except as otherwise set forth under 'Taxation' in this section.
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The following is a summary, under current law and practice, of the principal UK tax, US federal income tax, Hong Kong and Singapore tax considerations relating to an investment by a US taxpayer in Prudential ordinary shares or ADSs. This summary applies to you only if:
This summary does not address any tax consideration other than certain UK tax, US federal income tax, Hong Kong tax and Singapore tax considerations and does not purport to be a comprehensive description of all of the tax considerations that may be relevant to any particular investor, and does not address the tax treatment of investors that are subject to special rules. Prudential has assumed that you are familiar with the tax rules applicable to investments in securities generally and with any special rules to which you may be subject. You should consult your own tax advisers regarding the tax consequences of the ownership of Prudential ordinary shares or ADSs in the context of your own particular circumstances.
The discussion is based on laws, treaties, judicial decisions, and regulatory interpretations in effect on the date hereof, all of which are subject to change possibly retrospectively.
Beneficial owners of ADSs will be treated as owners of the underlying Prudential ordinary shares for US federal income tax purposes and for purposes of the 24 July 2001 Treaty between the United States and the United Kingdom. Deposits and withdrawals of Prudential ordinary shares in exchange for ADSs generally will not result in the realisation of gain or loss for US federal income tax purposes.
UK Taxation of Dividends
UK tax is not required to be withheld in the United Kingdom at source from cash dividends paid to US resident holders.
UK Taxation of Capital Gains
A holder of Prudential ordinary shares or ADSs who for UK tax purposes is a US corporation that is not resident in the United Kingdom will not be liable for UK taxation on capital gains realised on the disposal of Prudential ordinary shares or ADSs unless at the time of disposal:
Subject to the comments in the following paragraph, a holder of Prudential ordinary shares or ADSs who, for UK tax purposes, is an individual who is not resident in the United Kingdom will not be liable for UK taxation on capital gains realised on the disposal of Prudential ordinary shares or ADSs unless at the time of the disposal:
A holder of Prudential ordinary shares or ADSs who is an individual who is temporarily a non-UK resident for UK tax purposes will, in certain circumstances, become liable to UK tax on capital gains in respect of gains realised while he or she was not resident in the UK.
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UK Inheritance Tax
Prudential ordinary shares which are registered on the main Prudential share register are assets situated in the United Kingdom for the purposes of UK inheritance tax (the equivalent of US estate and gift tax). Prudential ADSs are likely to be treated in the same manner as the underlying Prudential ordinary shares and as situated in the United Kingdom. Subject to the discussion of the UK-US estate tax treaty in the next paragraph, UK inheritance tax may apply if an individual who holds Prudential ordinary shares which are registered on the main Prudential share register or ADSs gifts them or dies even if he or she is neither domiciled in the United Kingdom nor deemed to be domiciled there under UK law. For inheritance tax purposes, a transfer of Prudential ordinary shares or ADSs at less than full market value may be treated, to the extent of the undervalue, as a gift for these purposes. Special inheritance tax rules apply (1) to gifts if the donor retains some benefit, (2) to close companies and (3) to trustees of settlements. Prudential ordinary shares which are registered on the Hong Kong branch register should not be treated as situated in the United Kingdom for the purpose of UK inheritance tax.
However, as a result of the UK-US estate tax treaty, Prudential ordinary shares which are registered on the main Prudential share register or ADSs held by an individual who is domiciled in the United States for the purposes of the UK-US estate tax treaty and who is not a UK national will, subject to special rules relating to trusts and settlements, not be subject to UK inheritance tax on that individual's death or on a gift of the Prudential ordinary shares or ADSs unless the Prudential ordinary shares or ADSs:
The UK-US estate tax treaty provides a credit mechanism if the Prudential ordinary shares or ADSs are subject to both UK inheritance tax and to US estate and gift tax.
UK Stamp Duty and Stamp Duty Reserve Tax
Relevant legislation provides that, subject to certain exemptions, UK stamp duty would be payable on a transfer of, and UK stamp duty reserve tax (SDRT) would be payable upon a transfer or issue of, Prudential ordinary shares to the depositary of Prudential ordinary shares that is responsible for issuing ADSs (the 'ADS Depositary'), or a nominee or agent of the ADS depositary, in exchange for American Depositary Receipts (ADRs) representing ADSs. For this purpose, the current rate of stamp duty and SDRT is 1.5 per cent (rounded up, in the case of stamp duty, to the nearest £5).
However, as a result of case law, HMRC's current position is that they will not seek to levy a 1.5 per cent SDRT charge on an issue of UK shares to a person providing clearance services or issuing depositary receipts, wherever located. HMRC do not, however, agree that the relevant case law extends to transfers of shares to a person providing clearance services or issuing depositary receipts, wherever located, where that transfer is not an integral part of an issue of share capital. It is recommended that, should this charge arise, independent professional tax advice be sought without delay.
Provided that the instrument of transfer is not executed in the United Kingdom no UK stamp duty should be required to be paid on any transfer of Prudential ADRs representing ADSs. Based on Prudential's understanding of HMRC's application of the exemption from SDRT for depositary receipts a transfer of Prudential ADRs representing ADSs should not, in practice, give rise to a liability to SDRT.
Subject to the special rules relating to clearance services and issuers of depositary receipts, a transfer for value of Prudential ordinary shares (but excluding Prudential ordinary shares registered on the Hong Kong branch register unless the instruments of transfer are executed in the UK), as opposed to ADSs, will generally give rise to a charge to UK stamp duty, other than where the amount or value of the consideration for the transfer is £1,000 or under and the transfer instrument is certified to that effect, at the rate of 0.5 per cent (rounded up to the nearest £5). The rate is applied to the amount or value of the consideration payable for the relevant Prudential ordinary shares. To the extent that UK stamp duty is paid on a transfer of Prudential ordinary shares, no SDRT should generally be payable on the agreement for that transfer.
Subject to certain special rules relating to clearance services and issuers of depositary receipts, a transfer of ordinary shares from a nominee to their beneficial owner (other than on sale), including a transfer of underlying Prudential ordinary shares from the ADS Depositary or its nominee to an ADS holder, is not subject to UK stamp duty or SDRT. No UK SDRT should be payable on an agreement to transfer Prudential ordinary shares registered on the Hong Kong branch registers, subject to the special rule relating to clearance services and issuers of depositary receipts.
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UK stamp duty is usually paid by the purchaser. Although SDRT is generally the liability of the purchaser, any such tax payable on the transfer or issue of Prudential ordinary shares to the ADS Depositary or its nominee would be payable by the ADS Depositary as the issuer of the ADSs. In accordance with the terms of the Deposit Agreement, the ADS Depositary will recover an amount in respect of such tax from the initial holders of the ADSs. However, due to HMRC's position set out above, it is likely that no such tax will be charged in relation to an issue of Prudential ordinary shares into the ADS Depositary.
US Federal Income Tax Treatment of Distributions on Prudential Ordinary Shares or ADSs
If Prudential pays dividends, you must include those dividends in your income when you receive them. The dividends will be treated as foreign source income. You should determine the amount of your dividend income by converting pounds sterling into US dollars at the exchange rate in effect on the date of your (or the depositary's, in the case of ADSs) receipt of the dividend. Subject to certain exceptions for short-term and hedged positions, the US dollar amount of dividends received by an individual will be subject to taxation at a lower rate than ordinary income if the dividends are 'qualified dividends.' Dividends received with respect to the ordinary shares or ADSs will be qualified dividends if Prudential was not, in the year prior to the year in which the dividend was paid, and is not, in the year in which the dividend is paid, a passive foreign investment company (PFIC). Based on the nature of its business activities and its expectations regarding such activities in the future, Prudential believes that it was not treated as a PFIC within the meaning of the Code with respect to its 2020 taxable year and does not anticipate becoming a PFIC for its 2021 taxable year.
US Federal Income Tax Treatment of Capital Gains
If you sell your Prudential ordinary shares or ADSs, you will recognise a US source capital gain or loss equal to the difference between the US dollar value of the amount realised on the disposition and the US dollar basis in the ordinary shares of the ADSs. A gain on the sale of Prudential ordinary shares or ADSs held for more than one year will be treated as a long-term capital gain. The net long-term capital gain generally is subject to taxation at a lower rate than ordinary income. Your ability to offset capital losses against ordinary income is subject to limitations.
US Federal Medicare Tax on Net Investment Income
A 3.8 per cent surtax will generally apply to the net investment income of individuals whose modified adjusted gross income exceeds certain threshold amounts. For 2020, these amounts are $200,000 in the case of single taxpayers, $250,000 in the case of married taxpayers filing joint returns, and $125,000 in the case of married taxpayers filing separately. Net investment income includes, among other items, dividends, interest, and net gain from the disposition of property (other than certain property held in a trade or business).
US Information Reporting and Backup Withholding
Under the US tax code, a US resident holder of Prudential ordinary shares or ADSs may be subject, under certain circumstances, to information reporting and possibly backup withholding with respect to dividends and proceeds from the sale or other disposition of Prudential ordinary shares or ADSs, unless the US resident holder provides proof of an applicable exemption or correct taxpayer identification number and otherwise complies with applicable requirements of the backup withholding rules. Any amount withheld under the backup withholding rules is not additional tax and may be refunded or credited against the US resident holder's federal income tax liability, so long as the required information is furnished to the IRS.
Hong Kong Taxation of Dividends
No tax will be payable in Hong Kong in respect of dividends Prudential pays to its US resident holders. Dividends distributed to Prudential's US resident holders will be free of withholding taxes in Hong Kong.
Hong Kong Taxation on gains of sale
No tax is imposed in Hong Kong in respect of capital gains. However, trading gains from the sale of property by persons carrying on a trade, profession or business in Hong Kong where the trading gains are derived from or arise in Hong Kong will be chargeable to Hong Kong profits tax. Hong Kong profits tax is currently charged at the rate of 16.5 per cent on corporations and at a maximum rate of 15 per cent on individuals. Certain categories of taxpayers whose business consists of buying and selling shares are likely to be regarded as deriving trading gains rather than capital gains (eg financial institutions, insurance companies and securities dealers) unless these taxpayers can prove that the investment securities are held for long-term investment purposes.
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Trading gains from the sale of the Prudential ordinary share by US resident holders effected on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange will be considered to be derived from Hong Kong. A liability for Hong Kong profits tax would thus arise in respect of trading gains derived by US resident holders from the sale of Prudential ordinary shares effected on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange where such trading gains are realised by US resident holders from a business carried on in Hong Kong.
Hong Kong Stamp duty
Hong Kong stamp duty, currently charged at the ad valorem rate of 0.1 per cent on the higher of the consideration for or the value of the Prudential ordinary shares, will be payable by the purchaser on a purchase and by the seller on a sale of Prudential ordinary shares where the transfer is required to be registered in Hong Kong (ie a total of 0.2 per cent is ordinarily payable on a sale and purchase transaction involving ordinary shares). In addition, a fixed duty of HK$5 is currently payable on any instrument of transfer of ordinary shares.
Hong Kong Estate duty
Hong Kong estate duty has been abolished with effect to all deaths occurring on or after 11 February 2006.
Singapore Taxation on gains of sale
Disposal of the Prudential ordinary shares
Singapore does not impose tax on capital gains. However, gains of an income nature may be taxable in Singapore. There are no specific laws or regulations which deal with the characterisation of whether a gain is income or capital in nature. Gains arising from the disposal of the Prudential ordinary shares by US resident holders may be construed to be of an income nature and subject to Singapore income tax, especially if they arise from activities which are regarded as the carrying on of a trade or business and the gains are sourced in Singapore.
Adoption of FRS 109 for Singapore Tax Purposes
Any US resident holders who apply, or who are required to apply, the Singapore Financial Reporting Standard 109 Financial Instruments (FRS 109) for the purposes of Singapore income tax may be required to recognise gains or losses (not being gains or losses in the nature of capital) in accordance with the provisions of FRS 109 (as modified by the applicable provisions of Singapore income tax law) even though no sale or disposal is made. Taxpayers who may be subject to such tax treatment should consult their own accounting and tax advisers regarding the Singapore income tax consequences of their acquisition, holding and disposal of the Prudential ordinary shares.
Singapore Taxation of Dividend distributions
As Prudential is incorporated in England and Wales and is not tax resident in Singapore for Singapore tax purposes, dividends paid by Prudential will be considered as sourced outside Singapore (unless the Prudential ordinary shares are held as part of a trade or business carried out in Singapore in which event the US resident holders of such shares may be taxed on the dividends as they are derived).
Foreign-sourced dividends received or deemed received in Singapore by a US resident individual not resident in Singapore is exempt from Singapore income tax. This exemption will also apply in the case of a Singapore tax resident individual who receives his foreign-sourced income in Singapore on or after 1 January 2004 (except where such income is received through a partnership in Singapore).
Foreign-sourced dividends received or deemed received by corporate investors in Singapore (including US investors carrying on trade or business in Singapore) will ordinarily be liable to Singapore tax. However, foreign-sourced income in the form of dividends, branch profits and service income received or deemed to be received in Singapore by Singapore tax resident companies on or after 1 June 2003 can be exempt from tax if certain prescribed conditions are met, including the following:
Certain concessions and clarifications have also been announced by the Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore with respect to such conditions.
214
Singapore Stamp duty
As Prudential is incorporated in England and Wales and the Prudential ordinary shares are not registered on any register kept in Singapore, no stamp duty is payable in Singapore:
Prudential ordinary shares held or traded in Singapore through CDP will be registered on the HK Register. As such, Hong Kong stamp duty will be payable on a transfer of Prudential ordinary shares held or traded in Singapore through CDP. Please refer to the description under the Hong Kong stamp duty section above.
All persons, including US resident holders, who hold or transact in Prudential ordinary shares in Singapore through the SGX-ST and/or CDP should expect that they will have to bear Hong Kong stamp duty in respect of transactions in Prudential ordinary shares effected in Singapore through the SGX-ST and/or CDP. Such persons should consult their brokers, or custodians for information regarding what procedures may be instituted for collection of Hong Kong stamp duty from them.
Singapore Estate duty
Singapore estate duty has been abolished with respect to all deaths occurring on or after 15 February 2008.
Singapore Goods and Services Tax
There is no Goods and Services Tax (GST) payable in Singapore on the subscription or issuance of the Prudential ordinary shares. The clearing fees, instruments of transfer deposit fees and share withdrawal fees are subject to GST at the prevailing standard-rate (currently 7 per cent) if the services are provided by a GST registered person to a holder of the Prudential ordinary shares. However, such fees could be zero-rated when provided to a US resident holder of the Prudential ordinary shares belonging outside Singapore provided certain conditions are met. For a holder of the Prudential ordinary shares belonging in Singapore who is registered for GST, the GST incurred is generally not recoverable as input tax credit from the Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore unless certain conditions are satisfied. These GST-registered holders of the Prudential ordinary shares should seek the advice of their tax advisors on these conditions.
Prudential is subject to the informational requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 applicable to foreign private issuers. In accordance with these requirements, Prudential files its annual report on Form 20-F and other documents with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
The SEC maintains a website that contains reports and other information regarding registrants. All the SEC filings made electronically by registrants including Prudential can be accessed at www.sec.gov. Prudential's SEC filings are also available in our corporate website at www.prudentialplc.com.
Prudential also files reports and other documents with the London, Hong Kong and Singapore stock exchanges. This information may be viewed on the websites of each of those exchanges as well as via the UK Financial Conduct Authority's National Storage Mechanism. All reports and other documents filed with each of the exchanges are also published on Prudential's website. The contents of this website are not incorporated by reference into this Form 20-F.
215
Management has evaluated, with the participation of Prudential plc's Group Chief Executive and Group Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer, the effectiveness of Prudential plc's disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (Exchange Act)) as of 31 December 2020. There are inherent limitations to the effectiveness of any system of disclosure controls and procedures, including the possibility of human error and the circumvention or overriding of the controls and procedures. Accordingly, even effective disclosure controls and procedures can only provide reasonable assurance of achieving their control objectives. Based upon Prudential plc's evaluation, Prudential plc's Group Chief Executive and Group Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer have concluded that as of 31 December 2020 Prudential plc's disclosure controls and procedures were effective to provide reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed by Prudential plc in the reports Prudential plc files and submits under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarised and reported, within the time periods specified in the applicable rules and forms and that it is accumulated and communicated to Prudential plc's management, including Prudential plc's Group Chief Executive and Group Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
Prudential plc is required to undertake an annual assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting under Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act 2002 (Section 404). In accordance with the requirements of Section 404 the following report is provided by management in respect of Prudential plc's internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act).
Management's Annual Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting
Management acknowledges its responsibility for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting for Prudential plc. Internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board.
Management has conducted, with the participation of Prudential plc's Group Chief Executive and Group Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer, an evaluation of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting based on the criteria set forth in '2013 Internal Control Integrated Framework' issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). Based on the assessment under these criteria, management has concluded that, as of 31 December 2020, Prudential plc's internal control over financial reporting was effective.
In addition, there have been no changes in Prudential plc's internal control over financial reporting during 2020 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to affect materially, Prudential plc's internal control over financial reporting.
KPMG LLP, which has audited the consolidated financial statements of Prudential plc for the year ended 31 December 2020, has also audited the effectiveness of Prudential plc's internal control over financial reporting in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (US). KPMG LLP's report on internal control over financial reporting is shown in the Financial Statements section.
Prudential ordinary shares are listed on the Premium Listing segment of the Official List of the UK Listing Authority and traded on the London Stock Exchange under the symbol 'PRU'. Since 25 May 2010, Prudential ordinary shares have been listed on the Main Board of the Hong Kong Stock Exchange and are traded in board lots of 500 shares with the short name 'PRU' and stock code 2378; and as a secondary listing on the Singapore Stock Exchange, also traded in board lots of 500 shares, with the abbreviated name 'PRU 500'.
Prudential American Depositary Shares (ADSs) have been listed for trading on the NYSE since 28 June 2000 under the symbol 'PUK'.
Trading on the Singapore Stock Exchange may be infrequent for certain periods during the year. This does not have any material impact on the liquidity of the Group.
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Description of Securities Other than Equity Securities
Payments received from the ADR Depositary
Direct payments
J.P. Morgan Chase Bank, N.A. is the depositary (ADR Depositary) of Prudential's ADR program.
Fees or charges payable by ADR holders
The ADR holders of Prudential are required to pay the following fees to the ADR Depositary for general depositary services:
Category
|
ADR Depositary actions
|
Associated fee or charge
|
||
---|---|---|---|---|
| | | | |
Depositing or surrendering the underlying shares | Each person to whom ADRs are delivered against deposits of shares, and each person surrendering ADRs for withdrawal of deposited securities | Up to US$5.00 for each 100 ADSs (or portion thereof) evidenced by the ADRs delivered or surrendered | ||
| | | | |
Cable fee | Cable fee for delivery of underlying shares in the home market on the back of a cancellation | US$25 for each delivery | ||
| | | | |
Currency charges | Charges incurred by the ADR Depositary in the conversion of foreign currency into US Dollars | Amount paid by the ADR Depositary, and such charges are reimbursable out of such foreign currency | ||
| | | | |
Purchases of Equity Securities by Prudential plc and Affiliated Purchasers
The following table sets forth information with respect to purchases made by or on behalf of Prudential or any 'affiliated purchasers' (as that term is defined in Rule 10b-18(a)(3) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended) of Prudential's ordinary shares or American depositary shares for the year ended 31 December 2020.
Period
|
Total
Number of Shares Purchased* |
Average
Price Paid Per Share ($) |
Total
Number of Shares Purchased at Part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs |
Maximum
Number of Shares that May Yet be Purchased Under Plans or Programs |
|||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
1 January 31 January |
62,395 | 19.16 | - | - | |||||||||
1 February 29 February |
62,680 | 18.89 | - | - | |||||||||
1 March 31 March |
79,057 | 14.05 | - | - | |||||||||
1 April 30 April |
5,363,563 | 12.68 | - | - | |||||||||
1 May 31 May |
81,377 | 13.74 | - | - | |||||||||
1 June 30 June |
167,724 | 15.15 | - | - | |||||||||
1 July 31 July |
87,239 | 15.65 | - | - | |||||||||
1 August 31 August |
72,287 | 16.14 | - | - | |||||||||
1 September 30 September |
75,368 | 15.11 | - | - | |||||||||
1 October 31 October |
116,802 | 15.11 | - | - | |||||||||
1 November 30 November |
74,178 | 16.62 | - | - | |||||||||
1 December 31 December |
70,814 | 17.20 | - | - | |||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
217
Principal Accountant Fees and Services
Total fees payable to KPMG for the fiscal years ended 31 December are set out below:
|
Note | 2020 $m | 2019 $m | |||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Audit fees: |
||||||||||||
Fees payable to the Company's auditor for the audit of the Company's annual accounts |
1 | 2.3 | 2.2 | |||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Audit of subsidiaries pursuant to legislation |
2 | 9.2 | 9.5 | |||||||||
|
11.5 | 11.7 | ||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Audit-related assurance services |
3,4 | 3.5 | 10.1 | |||||||||
Other fees paid to auditors: |
||||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Other assurance services |
0.7 | 1.3 | ||||||||||
Services relating to corporate finance transactions |
0.3 | 7.3 | ||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
5 | 1.0 | 8.6 | |||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total fees paid to the auditor |
6 | 16.0 | 30.4 | |||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Analysed into: |
||||||||||||
Fees payable to the auditor attributable to the continuing operations: |
||||||||||||
Non-audit services associated with the demerger of the UK and Europe operations |
- | 11.7 | ||||||||||
Other audit and non-audit services |
16.0 | 15.3 | ||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
16.0 | 27.0 | ||||||||||
Fees payable to the auditor attributable to the discontinued UK and Europe operations |
- | 3.4 | ||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
16.0 | 30.4 | ||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Notes
218
Change in Registrant's Certifying Accountant
The Prudential Group's Annual Report 2018 noted the Group's intention to commence a tender process to appoint a new auditor in line with the UK Code in respect of audit tendering and European rules on mandatory audit rotation. The external audit tender resulted in the Board resolving, in December 2020, that it intends to recommend EY as the Prudential external auditor for the financial year 2023, subject to shareholders' approval at the Annual General Meeting in 2023. Further details on the tender process is provided in the Governance section of this document.
During the two fiscal years ended 31 December 2020, there were no: (1) disagreements with KPMG LLP on any matter of accounting principles or practices, financial statement disclosure, or auditing scope or procedures, which disagreements if not resolved to their satisfaction would have caused them to make reference in connection with their opinion to the subject matter of the disagreement, or (2) reportable events.
The audit reports of KPMG LLP on the consolidated financial statements of Prudential plc (and subsidiaries) as of and for the years ended 31 December 2020 and 2019 did not contain any adverse opinion or disclaimer of opinion, nor were they qualified or modified as to uncertainty, audit scope, or accounting principles.
A letter from KPMG LLP to the SEC is attached as Exhibit 15.2 to this Form 20-F.
Limitations on Enforcement of US Laws Against Prudential, Its Directors, Management and Others
Prudential plc is a public limited company incorporated and registered in England and Wales. Most of its directors and executive officers are resident outside the US, and a substantial portion of its assets and the assets of such persons are located outside the US. As a result, it may be difficult for you to effect service of process within the US upon these persons or to enforce against them or Prudential plc in US courts judgements obtained in US courts predicated upon the civil liability provisions of the federal securities laws of the US. We believe that there may be doubt as to the enforceability in England and Wales, in original actions or in actions for enforcement of judgements of US courts, of liabilities predicated solely upon the federal securities laws of the US.
219
Index to the consolidated financial statements
220
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
To
the Shareholders and Board of Directors
Prudential plc:
Opinions on the Consolidated Financial Statements and Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
We have audited the accompanying consolidated statements of financial position of Prudential plc and subsidiaries (the Company) as of 31 December 2020 and 2019, the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, changes in equity, and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended 31 December 2020, and the related notes and the disclosures marked 'audited' within the Group Risk Framework section on pages 66 to 89 of the 2020 Form 20-F of the Company, and the condensed financial statement Schedule II (collectively, the consolidated financial statements). We also have audited the Company's internal control over financial reporting as of 31 December 2020, based on criteria established in Internal Control Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission.
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of 31 December 2020 and 2019, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended 31 December 2020, in conformity with International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board. Also in our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of 31 December 2020 based on criteria established in Internal Control Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission.
Basis for Opinions
The Company's management is responsible for these consolidated financial statements, for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting, and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Management's Annual Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting within the Controls and Procedures section of the 2020 Form 20-F of the Company. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company's consolidated financial statements and an opinion on the Company's internal control over financial reporting based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB) and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud, and whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects.
Our audits of the consolidated financial statements included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the consolidated financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the consolidated financial statements. Our audit of internal control over financial reporting included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audits also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinions.
Definition and Limitations of Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
A company's internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company's internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial
221
statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorisations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorised acquisition, use, or disposition of the company's assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
Critical Audit Matters
The critical audit matters communicated below are matters arising from the current period audit of the consolidated financial statements that were communicated or required to be communicated to the audit committee and that: (1) relate to accounts or disclosures that are material to the consolidated financial statements and (2) involved our especially challenging, subjective, or complex judgements. The communication of critical audit matters does not alter in any way our opinion on the consolidated financial statements, taken as a whole, and we are not, by communicating the critical audit matters below, providing separate opinions on the critical audit matters or on the accounts or disclosures to which they relate.
Evaluation of insurance contract liabilities and investment contract liabilities with discretionary participation features
As discussed in notes A3.1 and C3 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company has recorded insurance contract liabilities and investment contract liabilities with discretionary participation features (policyholder liabilities) of $437 billion as of 31 December 2020. This represented 88 per cent of the Company's total liabilities.
We identified the evaluation of insurance contract liabilities and investment contract liabilities with discretionary participation features as a critical audit matter. Due to the significant measurement uncertainty associated with the estimate, subjective auditor judgement, including specialised skills and knowledge, was required in evaluating the actuarial methodology and certain assumptions used in determining the liabilities. This assessment encompassed the evaluation of certain economic and operating assumptions, which are outlined below for the Company's different insurance segments. Additionally, it involved subjective auditor judgement in assessing the calibration of complex reserving models.
For the US insurance operations, the evaluation of the guarantees in the variable annuity ('VA') business was complex as it involved exercising significant auditor judgement in evaluating market inputs and actuarially determined assumptions. Market inputs include, but are not limited to, expected market rates of return, fund performance, and discount rates. Actuarially determined assumptions include, but are not limited to, mortality, benefit utilisation, and persistency.
For the Asia insurance operations, the evaluation of the policyholder liabilities involved exercising significant auditor judgement over the evaluation of mortality, morbidity, persistency, and expense assumptions.
The following are primary procedures we performed to address this critical audit matter. We evaluated the design and tested the operating effectiveness of certain internal controls, with the involvement of actuarial professionals where appropriate, over the Company's accounting process relating to the determination of insurance contract liabilities. This included controls related to the:
We involved actuarial professionals with specialised skills and knowledge, who assisted in:
222
Assessment of fair value of certain level 2 and level 3 investments held at fair value
As discussed in notes A3.1 and C2 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company has recorded level 2 and level 3 investments held at fair value of $64 billion at 31 December 2020. For certain of these investments, a reliable third-party price is not readily available because the fair values are based on unobservable inputs.
We identified the assessment of the fair value of certain level 2 and level 3 investments held at fair value, which includes unlisted debt securities and unlisted equity funds, as a critical audit matter. Complex and subjective auditor judgement was involved in evaluating the significant inputs and assumptions, including liquidity premiums and credit spreads, and the pricing methodologies used in these fair value estimates. In addition, we made this determination due to the specialised skills and knowledge required to assess the estimates.
The following are the primary procedures we performed to address this critical audit matter.
We evaluated the design and tested the operating effectiveness of certain internal controls over the Company's process for estimating the fair value of certain level 2 and level 3 instruments. This included controls related to the:
We assessed the pricing methodologies with reference to relevant accounting standards and industry practice. We performed a retrospective review and compared the historical actual valuations with the most recently estimated valuations available at that time for a sample of unlisted equity funds in order to assess the reliability of the estimated valuations. We involved financial instrument valuation professionals with specialised skills and knowledge who assisted in developing an independent estimate of the fair value of a sample of unlisted debt securities and compared that estimate to the Company's fair value estimate.
Evaluation of certain assumptions impacting expected gross profits used in the calculation of US deferred acquisition costs ('DAC')
As discussed in notes A3.1 and C4.2 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company has US DAC of $14 billion at 31 December 2020, a substantial portion of which relates to annuities and will be amortised into income in proportion to expected gross profits of the relevant contracts.
We identified the evaluation of certain assumptions impacting expected gross profits used in the calculation of US DAC as a critical audit matter. Complex and subjective auditor judgement, which required specialised skills and knowledge was required in evaluating certain actuarially determined assumptions, including mortality and lapses, used in estimating expected gross profits. In addition, for the US variable annuity business, a high degree of auditor judgement was required in assessing the methodology used to derive the long-term investment return and future hedge costs.
The following are the primary procedures we performed to address this critical audit matter.
We evaluated the design and tested the operating effectiveness of certain internal controls, with the involvement of actuarial professionals, where appropriate, over the Company's process for estimating future gross profits. These included controls related to the:
223
We involved actuarial professionals with specialised skills and knowledge who assisted in:
/s/
KPMG LLP
KPMG LLP
We have served as the Company's auditor since 1999.
London,
United Kingdom
15 March 2021
224
|
Note | 2020 $m | 2019 $m | 2018 $m | ||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Continuing operations: |
||||||||||||
Gross premiums earned |
42,521 | 45,064 | 45,614 | |||||||||
Outward reinsurance premiums |
B1.4 | (32,209) | (1,583) | (1,183) | ||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Earned premiums, net of reinsurance |
B1.4 | 10,312 | 43,481 | 44,431 | ||||||||
Investment return |
B1.4 | 44,991 | 49,555 | (9,117) | ||||||||
Other income |
B1.4 | 670 | 700 | 531 | ||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total revenue, net of reinsurance |
B1.4 | 55,973 | 93,736 | 35,845 | ||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Benefits and claims |
C3.1 | (82,176) | (85,475) | (26,518) | ||||||||
Reinsurers' share of benefits and claims |
C3.1 | 34,409 | 2,985 | 1,598 | ||||||||
Movement in unallocated surplus of with-profits funds |
C3.1 | (438) | (1,415) | 1,494 | ||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Benefits and claims and movement in unallocated surplus of with-profits funds, net of reinsurance |
B1.4 | (48,205) | (83,905) | (23,426) | ||||||||
Acquisition costs and other expenditure |
B2 | (5,481) | (7,283) | (8,527) | ||||||||
Finance costs: interest on core structural borrowings of shareholder-financed businesses |
(337) | (516) | (547) | |||||||||
Loss attaching to corporate transactions |
D1.1 | (48) | (142) | (107) | ||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total charges net of reinsurance |
B1.4 | (54,071) | (91,846) | (32,607) | ||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Share of profit from joint ventures and associates, net of related tax |
D6.3 | 517 | 397 | 319 | ||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Profit before tax (being tax attributable to shareholders' and policyholders' returns)note |
2,419 | 2,287 | 3,557 | |||||||||
Remove tax charge attributable to policyholders' returns |
(271) | (365) | (107) | |||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Profit before tax attributable to shareholders' returns |
B1.1 | 2,148 | 1,922 | 3,450 | ||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total tax charge attributable to shareholders' and policyholders' returns |
B3.1 | (234) | (334) | (676) | ||||||||
Remove tax charge attributable to policyholders' returns |
271 | 365 | 107 | |||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Tax credit (charge) attributable to shareholders' returns |
B3.1 | 37 | 31 | (569) | ||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Profit from continuing operations |
2,185 | 1,953 | 2,881 | |||||||||
(Loss) profit from discontinued UK and Europe operations |
D1.3 | | (1,161) | 1,142 | ||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Profit for the year |
2,185 | 792 | 4,023 | |||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Attributable to: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||
Equity holders of the Company |
||||||||||||
From continuing operations |
2,118 | 1,944 | 2,877 | |||||||||
From discontinued operations |
| (1,161) | 1,142 | |||||||||
Non-controlling interests from continuing operations |
67 | 9 | 4 | |||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Profit for the year |
2,185 | 792 | 4,023 | |||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Earnings per share (in cents) |
Note | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | ||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Based on profit attributable to equity holders of the Company: |
B4 | |||||||||||
Basic |
||||||||||||
Based on profit from continuing operations |
81.6¢ | 75.1¢ | 111.7¢ | |||||||||
Based on loss from discontinued operations |
| (44.8)¢ | 44.3¢ | |||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total |
81.6¢ | 30.3¢ | 156.0¢ | |||||||||
Diluted |
||||||||||||
Based on profit from continuing operations |
81.6¢ | 75.1¢ | 111.7¢ | |||||||||
Based on loss from discontinued operations |
| (44.8)¢ | 44.3¢ | |||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total |
81.6¢ | 30.3¢ | 156.0¢ | |||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Note
This measure is the formal profit before tax measure under IFRS Standards. It is not the result attributable to shareholders principally because total corporate tax of the Group includes those on the income of consolidated with-profits and unit-linked funds that, through adjustments to benefits, are borne by policyholders. These amounts are required to be included in the tax charge of the Company under IAS 12. Consequently, the IFRS profit before tax measure is not representative of pre-tax profit attributable to shareholders as it is determined after deducting the cost of policyholder benefits and movements in the liability for unallocated surplus of with-profits funds after adjusting for tax borne by policyholders.
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements
225
Prudential plc and subsidiaries
Consolidated statements of comprehensive income
Years ended 31 December
|
Note | 2020 $m | 2019 $m | 2018 $m | ||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Continuing operations: |
||||||||||||
Profit for the year |
2,185 | 1,953 | 2,881 | |||||||||
Other comprehensive income (loss): |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||
Items that may be reclassified subsequently to profit or loss |
||||||||||||
Exchange movements on foreign operations and net investment hedges: |
||||||||||||
Exchange movements arising during the year |
233 | 152 | (39) | |||||||||
Related tax |
| (15) | 7 | |||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
233 | 137 | (32) | |||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Valuation movements on available-for-sale debt securities: |
||||||||||||
Unrealised gains arising in the year: |
||||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net unrealised gains (losses) on holdings arising during the year |
3,271 | 4,208 | (2,144) | |||||||||
Deduct net gains included in the income statement on disposal and impairment |
(554) | (185) | (15) | |||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
2,717 | 4,023 | (2,159) | |||||||||
Related change in amortisation of deferred acquisition costs |
C4.2 | (41) | (631) | 328 | ||||||||
Related tax |
(581) | (713) | 385 | |||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
2,095 | 2,679 | (1,446) | |||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Impact of Jackson's reinsurance transaction with Athene: |
||||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Gains recycled to the income statement on transfer of debt securities to Athene |
(2,817) | | | |||||||||
Related change in amortisation of deferred acquisition costs |
C4.2 | 535 | | | ||||||||
Related tax |
479 | | | |||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
(1,803) | | | |||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total valuation movements on available-for-sale debt securities |
292 | 2,679 | (1,446) | |||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total items that may be reclassified subsequently to profit or loss |
525 | 2,816 | (1,478) | |||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Items that will not be reclassified to profit or loss |
||||||||||||
Shareholders' share of actuarial gains and losses on defined benefit pension schemes: |
||||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net actuarial (losses) gains on defined benefit pension schemes |
| (108) | 26 | |||||||||
Related tax |
| 19 | (5) | |||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total items that will not be reclassified to profit or loss |
| (89) | 21 | |||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total other comprehensive income (loss) |
525 | 2,727 | (1,457) | |||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total comprehensive income for the year from continuing operations |
2,710 | 4,680 | 1,424 | |||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total comprehensive income from discontinued UK and Europe operations |
D1.3 | | 1,710 | 537 | ||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total comprehensive income for the year |
2,710 | 6,390 | 1,961 | |||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Attributable to: |
||||||||||||
Equity holders of the Company |
||||||||||||
From continuing operations |
2,657 | 4,669 | 1,419 | |||||||||
From discontinued operations |
| 1,710 | 537 | |||||||||
Non-controlling interests from continuing operations |
53 | 11 | 5 | |||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total comprehensive income for the year |
2,710 | 6,390 | 1,961 | |||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements
226
Prudential plc and subsidiaries
Consolidated statement of changes in equity
Year ended 31 Dec 2020 $m
|
||||||||||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Note |
Share
capital |
Share
premium |
Retained
earnings |
Translation
reserve |
Available
-for-sale securities reserves |
Shareholders'
equity |
Non-
controlling interests |
Total
equity |
||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Reserves | ||||||||||||||||||
Profit for the year | | | 2,118 | | | 2,118 | 67 | 2,185 | ||||||||||
Other comprehensive income (loss) | ||||||||||||||||||
Exchange movements on foreign operations and net investment hedges net of related tax |
| | | 239 | | 239 | (6) | 233 | ||||||||||
Net unrealised valuation movements net of related change in amortisation of deferred acquisition costs and related tax |
|
|
|
|
300 |
300 |
(8) |
292 |
||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total other comprehensive income for the year | | | 2,118 | 239 | 300 | 2,657 | 53 | 2,710 | ||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Dividends | B5 | | | (814) | | | (814) | (18) | (832) | |||||||||
Reserve movements in respect of share-based payments | | | 89 | | | 89 | | 89 | ||||||||||
Effect of transactions relating to non-controlling interests | D1.2 | | | (484) | | | (484) | 1,014 | 530 | |||||||||
Share capital and share premium |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
New share capital subscribed | C8 | 1 | 12 | | | | 13 | | 13 | |||||||||
Treasury shares |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Movement in own shares in respect of share-based payment plans | | | (60) | | | (60) | | (60) | ||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net increase in equity | 1 | 12 | 849 | 239 | 300 | 1,401 | 1,049 | 2,450 | ||||||||||
Balance at 1 Jan | 172 | 2,625 | 13,575 | 893 | 2,212 | 19,477 | 192 | 19,669 | ||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Balance at 31 Dec | 173 | 2,637 | 14,424 | 1,132 | 2,512 | 20,878 | 1,241 | 22,119 | ||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements
227
Prudential plc and subsidiaries
Consolidated statement of changes in equity (continued)
Year ended 31 Dec 2019 $m
|
||||||||||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Note |
Share
capital |
Share
premium |
Retained
earnings |
Translation
reserve* |
Available
-for-sale securities reserves |
Shareholders'
equity |
Non-
controlling interests |
Total
equity |
||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Reserves | ||||||||||||||||||
Profit from continuing operations | | | 1,944 | | | 1,944 | 9 | 1,953 | ||||||||||
Other comprehensive income (loss) from continuing operations: | ||||||||||||||||||
Exchange movements on foreign operations and net investment hedges net of related tax |
| | | 135 | | 135 | 2 | 137 | ||||||||||
Net unrealised valuation movements net of related change in amortisation of deferred acquisition costs and related tax |
|
|
|
|
2,679 |
2,679 |
|
2,679 |
||||||||||
Shareholders' share of actuarial gains and losses on defined benefit pension schemes net of related tax |
|
|
(89) |
|
|
(89) |
|
(89) |
||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total other comprehensive income (loss) from continuing operations | | | (89) | 135 | 2,679 | 2,725 | 2 | 2,727 | ||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total comprehensive income from continuing operations | | | 1,855 | 135 | 2,679 | 4,669 | 11 | 4,680 | ||||||||||
Total comprehensive income from discontinued operations* | | | (1,098) | 2,808 | | 1,710 | | 1,710 | ||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total comprehensive income for the year | | | 757 | 2,943 | 2,679 | 6,379 | 11 | 6,390 | ||||||||||
Demerger dividend in specie of M&G plc |
|
B5 |
|
|
|
|
|
(7,379) |
|
|
|
|
|
(7,379) |
|
|
|
(7,379) |
Other dividends | B5 | | | (1,634) | | | (1,634) | | (1,634) | |||||||||
Reserve movements in respect of share-based payments | | | 64 | | | 64 | | 64 | ||||||||||
Effect of transactions relating to non-controlling interests | | | (143) | | | (143) | 158 | 15 | ||||||||||
Share capital and share premium |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
New share capital subscribed | C8 | | 22 | | | | 22 | | 22 | |||||||||
Impact of change in presentation currency in relation to share capital and share premium | C8 | 6 | 101 | | | | 107 | | 107 | |||||||||
Treasury shares |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Movement in own shares in respect of share-based payment plans | | | 38 | | | 38 | | 38 | ||||||||||
Movement in Prudential plc shares purchased by unit trusts consolidated under IFRS | | | 55 | | | 55 | | 55 | ||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net increase (decrease) in equity | 6 | 123 | (8,242) | 2,943 | 2,679 | (2,491) | 169 | (2,322) | ||||||||||
Balance at 1 Jan | 166 | 2,502 | 21,817 | (2,050) | (467) | 21,968 | 23 | 21,991 | ||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Balance at 31 Dec | 172 | 2,625 | 13,575 | 893 | 2,212 | 19,477 | 192 | 19,669 | ||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements
228
Prudential plc and subsidiaries
Consolidated statement of changes in equity (continued)
Year ended 31 Dec 2018 $m
|
||||||||||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Note |
Share
capital |
Share
premium |
Retained
earnings |
Translation
reserve |
Available
-for-sale securities reserves |
Shareholders'
equity |
Non-
controlling interests |
Total
equity |
||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Reserves | ||||||||||||||||||
Profit from continuing operations | | | 2,877 | | | 2,877 | 4 | 2,881 | ||||||||||
Other comprehensive income (loss) from continuing operations: | ||||||||||||||||||
Exchange movements on foreign operations and net investment hedges net of related tax |
| | | (33) | | (33) | 1 | (32) | ||||||||||
Net unrealised valuation movements net of related change in amortisation of deferred acquisition costs and related tax |
|
|
|
|
(1,446) |
(1,446) |
|
(1,446) |
||||||||||
Shareholders' share of actuarial gains and losses on defined benefit pension schemes net of related tax |
|
|
21 |
|
|
21 |
|
21 |
||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total other comprehensive income (loss) from continuing operations | | | 21 | (33) | (1,446) | (1,458) | 1 | (1,457) | ||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total comprehensive income (loss) from continuing operations | | | 2,898 | (33) | (1,446) | 1,419 | 5 | 1,424 | ||||||||||
Total comprehensive income from discontinued operations | D1.3 | | | 1,218 | (681) | | 537 | | 537 | |||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total comprehensive income (loss) for the year | | | 4,116 | (714) | (1,446) | 1,956 | 5 | 1,961 | ||||||||||
Dividends | | | (1,662) | | | (1,662) | | (1,662) | ||||||||||
Reserve movements in respect of share-based payments |
|
C10 |
|
|
|
|
|
92 |
|
|
|
|
|
92 |
|
|
|
92 |
Change in non-controlling interests | | | | | | | 9 | 9 | ||||||||||
Movements in respect of option to acquire non-controlling interests | | | (146) | | | (146) | | (146) | ||||||||||
Share capital and share premium |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
New share capital subscribed | 1 | 22 | | | | 23 | | 23 | ||||||||||
Impact of change in presentation currency in relation to share capital and share premium | (10) | (155) | | | | (165) | | (165) | ||||||||||
Treasury shares |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Movement in own shares in respect of share-based payment plans | | | 39 | | | 39 | | 39 | ||||||||||
Movement in Prudential plc shares purchased by unit trusts consolidated under IFRS | | | 69 | | | 69 | | 69 | ||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net increase (decrease) in equity | (9) | (133) | 2,508 | (714) | (1,446) | 206 | 14 | 220 | ||||||||||
Balance at 1 Jan | 175 | 2,635 | 19,309 | (1,336) | 979 | 21,762 | 9 | 21,771 | ||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Balance at 31 Dec | 166 | 2,502 | 21,817 | (2,050) | (467) | 21,968 | 23 | 21,991 | ||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements
229
Prudential plc and subsidiaries
Consolidated statements of financial position
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Note | | 31 Dec 2020 $m | |
31 Dec 2019 $m
|
| |||
| | | | | | | | ||
Assets | | | | | |||||
Goodwill | | C4.1 | | 961 | | 969 | | ||
Deferred acquisition costs and other intangible assets | | C4.2 | | 20,345 | | 17,476 | | ||
Property, plant and equipment | | C11 | | 893 | | 1,065 | | ||
Reinsurers' share of insurance contract liabilitiesnote(i) | | C3.1 | | 46,595 | | 13,856 | | ||
Deferred tax assets | | C7.2 | | 4,858 | | 4,075 | | ||
Current tax recoverable | | C7.1 | | 444 | | 492 | | ||
Accrued investment income | | | 1,427 | | 1,641 | | |||
Other debtors | | | 3,171 | | 2,054 | | |||
Investment properties | | | 23 | | 25 | | |||
Investments in joint ventures and associates accounted for using the equity method | | | 1,962 | | 1,500 | | |||
Loans | | | 14,588 | | 16,583 | | |||
Equity securities and holdings in collective investment schemesnote(ii) | | | 278,635 | | 247,281 | | |||
Debt securitiesnote(ii) | | | 125,829 | | 134,570 | | |||
Derivative assets | | | 2,599 | | 1,745 | | |||
Other investmentsnote(ii) | | | 1,867 | | 1,302 | | |||
Deposits | | | 3,882 | | 2,615 | | |||
Cash and cash equivalents | | | 8,018 | | 6,965 | | |||
| | | | | | | | ||
Total assets | | C1 | | 516,097 | | 454,214 | | ||
| | | | | | | | ||
Equity |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Shareholders' equity |
|
|
|
20,878 |
|
19,477 |
|
||
Non-controlling interests | | D1.2 | | 1,241 | | 192 | | ||
| | | | | | | | ||
Total equity | | C1 | | 22,119 | | 19,669 | | ||
| | | | | | | | ||
Liabilities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Insurance contract liabilities |
|
C3.1 |
|
436,787 |
|
380,143 |
|
||
Investment contract liabilities with discretionary participation features | | C3.1 | | 479 | | 633 | | ||
Investment contract liabilities without discretionary participation features | | C3.1 | | 3,980 | | 4,902 | | ||
Unallocated surplus of with-profits funds | | C3.1 | | 5,217 | | 4,750 | | ||
Core structural borrowings of shareholder-financed businesses | | C5.1 | | 6,633 | | 5,594 | | ||
Operational borrowings | | C5.2 | | 2,444 | | 2,645 | | ||
Obligations under funding, securities lending and sale and repurchase agreements | | | 9,768 | | 8,901 | | |||
Net asset value attributable to unit holders of consolidated investment funds | | | 5,975 | | 5,998 | | |||
Deferred tax liabilities | | C7.2 | | 6,075 | | 5,237 | | ||
Current tax liabilities | | | 280 | | 396 | | |||
Accruals, deferred income and other creditors | | | 15,508 | | 14,488 | | |||
Provisions | | C9 | | 350 | | 466 | | ||
Derivative liabilities | | | 482 | | 392 | | |||
| | | | | | | | ||
Total liabilities | | C1 | | 493,978 | | 434,545 | | ||
| | | | | | | | ||
Total equity and liabilities | | C1 | | 516,097 | | 454,214 | | ||
| | | | | | | |
Notes
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements
230
Prudential plc and subsidiaries
Consolidated statements of cash flows
|
Note | 2020 $m | 2019 $m | 2018 $m | ||||
| | | | | | | | |
Continuing operations: |
||||||||
Cash flows from operating activities |
||||||||
Profit before tax (being tax attributable to shareholders' and policyholders' returns) |
2,419 | 2,287 | 3,557 | |||||
Adjustments to profit before tax for non-cash movements in operating assets and liabilities: |
||||||||
Investments |
(19,875) | (60,812) | 2,236 | |||||
Other non-investment and non-cash assets |
(35,633) | (2,487) | (1,996) | |||||
Policyholder liabilities (including unallocated surplus of with-profits funds) |
53,593 | 56,067 | (1,641) | |||||
Other liabilities (including operational borrowings) |
1,372 | 5,234 | 860 | |||||
Investment income and interest payments included in profit before tax |
(5,059) | (4,803) | (4,148) | |||||
Operating cash items: |
||||||||
Interest receipts and payments |
4,191 | 4,277 | 3,912 | |||||
Dividend receipts |
1,297 | 978 | 744 | |||||
Tax paid |
(555) | (717) | (477) | |||||
Other non-cash items |
216 | (96) | 308 | |||||
| | | | | | | | |
Net cash flows from operating activitiesnote(i) |
1,966 | (72) | 3,355 | |||||
| | | | | | | | |
Cash flows from investing activities |
||||||||
Purchases of property, plant and equipment |
C11 | (59) | (64) | (134) | ||||
Proceeds from disposal of property, plant and equipment |
6 | | | |||||
Acquisition of business and intangiblesnote(ii) |
(1,142) | (635) | (442) | |||||
Disposal of businesses |
| 375 | | |||||
| | | | | | | | |
Net cash flows from investing activities |
(1,195) | (324) | (576) | |||||
| | | | | | | | |
Cash flows from financing activities |
||||||||
Structural borrowings of shareholder-financed operations:note(iii) |
C5.1 | |||||||
Issuance of debt, net of costs |
983 | 367 | 2,079 | |||||
Redemption of subordinated debt |
| (504) | (553) | |||||
Fees paid to modify terms and conditions of debt issued by the Group |
| (182) | (44) | |||||
Interest paid |
(314) | (526) | (502) | |||||
Payment of principal portion of lease liabilities |
(138) | (137) | | |||||
Equity capital: |
||||||||
Issues of ordinary share capital |
13 | 22 | 23 | |||||
Non-controlling equity investment by Athene into the US business |
D1.2 | 500 | | | ||||
External dividends: |
||||||||
Dividends paid to the Company's shareholders |
B5 | (814) | (1,634) | (1,662) | ||||
Dividends paid to non-controlling interests |
(18) | | | |||||
| | | | | | | | |
Net cash flows from financing activities |
212 | (2,594) | (659) | |||||
| | | | | | | | |
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents from continuing operations |
983 | (2,990) | 2,120 | |||||
Net cash flows from discontinued operationsnote(iv) |
D1.3 | | (5,690) | (610) | ||||
Cash and cash equivalents at 1 Jan |
6,965 | 15,442 | 14,461 | |||||
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalentsnote(iv) |
70 | 203 | (529) | |||||
| | | | | | | | |
Cash and cash equivalents at 31 Dec |
8,018 | 6,965 | 15,442 | |||||
| | | | | | | | |
Notes
|
Cash movements $m |
Non-cash movements $m
|
|||||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
Balance at
1 Jan |
Issue
of debt |
Redemption
of debt |
Foreign
exchange movement |
Demerger of
UK and Europe operations |
Other
movements |
Balance at
31 Dec |
||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
2020 |
5,594 | 983 | | 42 | | 14 | 6,633 | ||||||||
2019 |
9,761 | 367 | (504) | 116 | (4,161) | 15 | 5,594 | ||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements
231
NOTES ON THE GROUP IFRS FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
232
Prudential plc and subsidiaries
Notes to the consolidated financial statements
31 December 2020
A Basis of preparation and accounting policies
A1 Basis of preparation and exchange rates
Prudential plc ('the Company') together with its subsidiaries (collectively, 'the Group' or 'Prudential') is an Asia-led portfolio of businesses focused on structural growth markets. The Group currently has businesses in Asia, Africa and the US and head office functions in London and Hong Kong. The Group helps individuals get the most out of life through life and health insurance, and retirement and asset management solutions.
Basis of preparation
These consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with IFRS Standards as issued by the IASB, the international accounting standards in conformity with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 and in accordance with international financial reporting standards adopted pursuant to Regulation (EC) No 1606/2002 as it applies in the European Union. At 31 December 2020, there were no differences between IFRS Standards as issued by the IASB, the international accounting standards as required by the Companies Act 2006 and international financial reporting standards adopted pursuant to Regulation (EC) No 1606/2002 as it applies in the European Union.
The Group accounting policies are the same as those applied for the year ended 31 December 2019 with the exception of the adoption of the new and amended IFRS Standards as described in note A2.
Going concern basis of accounting
The Directors have made an assessment of going concern covering a period of at least 12 months from the date that these financial statements are approved. In making this assessment, the Directors have considered both the Group's current performance, solvency and liquidity and the Group's business plan taking into account the Group's principal risks and the mitigations available to it which are described in the Group Risk Framework. The assessment also includes the consideration of the results of a number of stress and scenario testing over the business plan covering scenarios that reflect the possible impacts of Covid-19. The stress tests included the assessment of the potential impact of up or down interest rate movements combined with corporate credit spread widening, a rating level downgrade on part of the credit asset portfolio, falling equity values and insurance stresses (such as changes in policyholder behaviour, including lapses, and increased morbidity in Asia).
Based on the above, the Directors have a reasonable expectation that the Company and the Group have adequate resources to continue their operations for a period of at least 12 months from the date that these financial statements are approved. No material uncertainties that may cast significant doubt on the ability of the Group to continue as a going concern have been identified. The Directors therefore consider it appropriate to continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting in preparing these financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2020.
Exchange rates
The exchange rates applied for balances and transactions in currencies other than the presentation currency of the Group, US dollars (USD) were:
233
Foreign exchange translation
In order to present the consolidated financial statements in USD, the results and financial position of entities not using USD as functional currency (ie the currency of the primary economic environment in which the entity operates) must be translated into USD. The general principle for converting foreign currency transactions is to translate at the functional currency spot rate prevailing at the date of the transactions. From 2020, Prudential determines and declares its dividend in USD. All assets and liabilities of entities not operating in USD are converted at closing exchange rates while all income and expenses are converted at average exchange rates where this is a reasonable approximation of the rates prevailing on transaction dates. The impact of these currency translations is recorded as a separate component in the statement of comprehensive income.
Certain notes to the financial statements present comparative information at constant exchange rates (CER), in addition to the reporting at actual exchange rates (AER) used throughout the consolidated financial statements. AER are actual historical exchange rates for the specific accounting year, being the average rates over the year for the income statement and the closing rates at the balance sheet date for the statement of financial position. CER results are calculated by translating prior year results using the current year foreign exchange rate, ie current year average rates for the income statement and current year closing rates for the statement of financial position.
The effect of foreign exchange movements from continuing operations arising during the years shown recognised in other comprehensive income is:
|
2020 $m
|
2019 $m
|
2018 $m
|
|||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| | | | | | | | | | |
Asia operations |
235 | 194 | (206) | |||||||
Unallocated to a segment |
(2) | (42) | 167 | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
|
233 | 152 | (39) | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
The consolidated financial statements do not represent Prudential's statutory accounts for the purposes of the UK Companies Act. These financial statements are based on the prescribed formats. The Group's external auditors have reported on the 2020, 2019 and 2018 statutory accounts. Statutory accounts for 2019 and 2018 have been delivered to the UK Registrar of Companies and those for 2020 will be delivered following the Company's Annual General Meeting. The auditor's reports were (i) unqualified, (ii) did not include a reference to any matters to which the auditors drew attention by way of emphasis without qualifying their report and (iii) did not contain a statement under Section 498(2) or (3) of the UK Companies Act 2006.
A2 New accounting pronouncements in 2020
The IASB has issued the following new accounting pronouncements to be effective from 1 January 2020:
The adoption of these pronouncements have had no significant impact on the Group financial statements.
Note A3.1 presents the critical accounting policies, estimates and judgements applied in preparing the Group's consolidated financial statements. Other accounting policies, where significant, are presented in the relevant individual notes. All accounting policies are applied consistently for both years presented and normally are not subject to changes unless new accounting standards, interpretations or amendments are introduced by the IASB.
A3.1 Critical accounting policies, estimates and judgements
The preparation of these financial statements requires Prudential to make accounting estimates and judgements about the amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, which are both recognised and unrecognised (eg contingent liabilities) in the financial statements. Prudential evaluates its critical accounting estimates, including those related to long-term business provisioning and the fair value of assets as required. The notes below set out those critical accounting policies, the application of which requires the Group to make critical estimates and judgements. Also set out are further critical accounting policies affecting the presentation of the Group's results and other items that require the application of critical estimates and judgements.
234
235
236
237
238
|
|
|
Deferred acquisition costs (DAC) for insurance contracts
|
||
---|---|---|
| | |
|
Assumptions for the long-term investment return for the separate accounts;
Assumptions for future hedge costs; and
Other expected assessments and credits. Jackson uses a mean reversion methodology that sets the projected level of return for each of the next five years such that these returns in combination with the actual rates of return for the preceding three years (including the current year) average the assumed long-term annual return (gross of asset management fees and other charges to policyholders, but net of external fund management fees) over the eight-year period. Projected returns after the mean reversion period revert back to the long-term investment return. For further details on current balances, assumptions and sensitivity, refer to note C4.2. To ensure that the methodology in extreme market movements produces future expected returns that are realistic, the mean reversion technique has a cap and floor feature whereby the projected returns in each of the next five years can be no more than 15 per cent per annum and no less than zero per cent per annum (both gross of asset management fees and other charges to policyholders, but net of external fund management fees) in each year. Jackson makes certain adjustments to the DAC assets which are recognised directly in other comprehensive income ('shadow accounting') to match the recognition of unrealised gains or losses on available-for-sale securities causing the adjustments. More precisely, shadow DAC adjustments reflect the change in DAC that would have arisen if the assets held in the statement of financial position had been sold, crystallising unrealised gains or losses, and the proceeds reinvested at the yields currently available in the market. |
239
240
241
A3.2 New accounting pronouncements not yet effective
The following standards, interpretations and amendments have been issued by the IASB but are not yet effective in 2020. For 2021 and beyond, the Group will prepare financial statements in accordance with UK-adopted international accounting standards and will be reliant on the UK adoption for the new accounting pronouncements that have not been endorsed by the EU by 31 December 2020.
This is not intended to be a complete list as only those standards, interpretations and amendments that could have a material impact on the Group's financial statements are discussed.
IFRS 9 'Financial instruments: Classification and measurement'
IFRS 9 became mandatorily effective for the annual periods beginning on or after 1 January 2018, with early application permitted and transitional rules apply.
The Group met the eligibility criteria for temporary exemption under the Amendments to IFRS 4 from applying IFRS 9 and has accordingly deferred the adoption of IFRS 9 until the date when IFRS 17 'Insurance Contracts' is expected to be adopted upon its current mandatory effective date. The Group is eligible as its activities are predominantly to issue insurance contracts based on the criteria as set out in the amendments to IFRS 4. The required disclosure of the fair value of the Group's financial assets, showing the amounts for instruments that meet the 'Solely for Payment of Principal and Interest' (SPPI) criteria but do not meet the definition of held for trading and are not managed and evaluated on a fair value basis separately from all other financial assets, is provided below.
When adopted IFRS 9 replaces the existing IAS 39 'Financial Instruments Recognition and Measurement' and will affect the following three areas:
The classification and the measurement of financial assets and liabilities
IFRS 9 redefines the classification of financial assets. Based on the way in which the assets are managed in order to generate cash flows and their contractual cash flow characteristics (whether the cash flows represent 'solely payments of principal and interest'), financial assets are classified into one of the following categories: amortised cost, fair value through other comprehensive income (FVOCI) and fair value through profit or loss (FVTPL). An option is also available at initial recognition to irrevocably designate a financial asset as at FVTPL if doing so eliminates or significantly reduces accounting mismatches.
Under IAS 39, 88 per cent of the Group's investments are valued at FVTPL and the Group's current expectation is that a significant proportion of its investments will continue to be designated as such under IFRS 9. The Group is currently evaluating whether some of the assets held at amortised cost today should be designated at FVTPL in conjunction with the required changes in classification to the relevant underlying liabilities upon adoption of IFRS 17.
The existing IAS 39 amortised cost measurement for financial liabilities is largely maintained under IFRS 9. For financial liabilities designated at FVTPL IFRS 9 requires changes in fair value due to changes in entity's own credit risk to be recognised in other comprehensive income.
The calculation of the impairment charge relevant for financial assets held at amortised cost or FVOCI
A new impairment model based on an expected credit loss approach replaces the existing IAS 39 incurred loss impairment model, resulting in earlier recognition of credit losses compared to IAS 39. This aspect is the most complex area of IFRS 9 to implement and will involve significant judgements and estimation processes. The Group is currently assessing the scope of assets to which these requirements will apply but as noted above it is currently expected that the majority of assets will be held at FVTPL to which these requirements will not apply.
The hedge accounting requirements which are more closely aligned with the risk management activities of the Company
No significant change to the Group's hedge accounting is currently anticipated, but this remains under review.
The Group is assessing the impact of IFRS 9 and implementing this standard in conjunction with IFRS 17 as permitted. Further details on IFRS 17 are provided below.
The Parent Company and a number of intermediate holding companies in the UK and non-insurance subsidiaries in Asia adopted IFRS 9 in 2018 in their individual or separate financial statements where these statements are prepared in accordance with IFRS, including the UK Financial Reporting Standard 101 'Reduced Disclosure Framework'. The public availability of the financial statements for these entities varies according to the local laws and regulations of each jurisdiction. The results for these entities continue to be accounted for on an IAS 39 basis in these consolidated financial statements.
242
The fair value of the Group's directly held financial assets at 31 December 2020 and 2019 are shown below. Financial assets with contractual terms that give rise on specified dates to cash flows that are solely payments of principal and interest (SPPI) as defined by IFRS 9 are shown separately. This excludes financial assets that meet the definition of held for trading or are managed and evaluated on a fair value basis.
|
Financial assets that pass the SPPI test | All other financial assets, net of derivative liabilities | ||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Financial assets, net of derivative liabilities
|
Fair value at
31 Dec 2020 |
Movement in
the fair value during 2020 |
Fair value at
31 Dec 2020 |
Movement in
the fair value during 2020 |
||||
|
$m
|
$m
|
$m
|
$m
|
||||
| | | | | | | | |
Accrued investment income | 1,428 | | | | ||||
Other debtors | 3,248 | | | | ||||
Loansnote(1) | 11,302 | 154 | 3,905 | 3 | ||||
Equity securities and holdings in collective investment schemes | | | 278,635 | 33,515 | ||||
Debt securitiesnote(2) | 32,991 | 3,194 | 92,837 | 6,817 | ||||
Derivative assets, net of derivative liabilities | | | 2,117 | (3,683) | ||||
Other investments | | | 1,866 | (36) | ||||
Deposits | 3,882 | | | | ||||
Cash and cash equivalents | 8,018 | | | | ||||
| | | | | | | | |
Total financial assets, net of derivative liabilities | 60,869 | 3,348 | 379,360 | 36,616 | ||||
| | | | | | | | |
|
Financial assets that pass the SPPI test | All other financial assets, net of derivative liabilities | ||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Financial assets, net of derivative liabilities
|
Fair value at
31 Dec 2019 |
Movement in
the fair value during 2019 |
Fair value at
31 Dec 2019 |
Movement in
the fair value during 2019 |
||||
|
$m
|
$m
|
$m
|
$m
|
||||
| | | | | | | | |
Accrued investment income | 1,641 | | | |||||
Other debtors | 2,054 | | | | ||||
Loansnote(1) | 13,484 | 517 | 3,614 | 2 | ||||
Equity securities and holdings in collective investment schemes | | | 247,281 | 44,250 | ||||
Debt securitiesnote(2) | 56,365 | 4,114 | 78,205 | 5,594 | ||||
Derivative assets, net of derivative liabilities | | | 1,353 | (5,825) | ||||
Other investments | | | 1,302 | 44 | ||||
Deposits | 2,615 | | | | ||||
Cash and cash equivalents | 6,965 | | | | ||||
| | | | | | | | |
Total financial assets, net of derivative liabilities | 83,124 | 4,631 | 331,755 | 44,065 | ||||
| | | | | | | | |
Notes
Available-for-sale debt securities that pass the SPPI test
|
31 Dec 2020
$m |
31 Dec 2019
$m |
|||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
| | | | | |
AAA | 1,058 | 1,117 | |||
AA+ to AA- | 6,830 | 11,328 | |||
A+ to A- | 6,904 | 15,140 | |||
BBB+ to BBB- | 9,812 | 17,972 | |||
Below BBB- and unrated | 8,387 | 10,808 | |||
| | | | | |
Total fair value | 32,991 | 56,365 | |||
| | | | | |
The underlying financial assets of the Group's joint ventures and associates accounted for using the equity method are analysed below into those which meet the SPPI condition of IFRS 9, excluding any financial assets that meet the definition of held for trading or are managed and evaluated on a fair value basis, and all other financial assets. Fair value information for joint ventures and associates is also set out in the table below:
243
|
Financial assets that pass
the SPPI test |
All other financial assets, net of
derivative liabilities |
||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Financial assets, net of derivative liabilities,
held by the Group's joint ventures and associates accounted for using the equity method |
Fair value at
31 Dec 2020 |
Movement in
the fair value during 2020 |
Fair value at
31 Dec 2020 |
Movement in
the fair value during 2020 |
||||
|
$m
|
$m
|
$m
|
$m
|
||||
| | | | | | | | |
Accrued investment income | 156 | | | | ||||
Other debtors | 310 | | | | ||||
Loans | 269 | | | | ||||
Equity securities and holdings in collective investment schemes | | | 7,949 | 1,032 | ||||
Debt securities | | | 7,741 | 102 | ||||
Deposits | 777 | | | | ||||
Cash and cash equivalents | 582 | | | | ||||
| | | | | | | | |
Total financial assets, net of derivative liabilities | 2,094 | | 15,690 | 1,134 | ||||
| | | | | | | | |
|
Financial assets that pass
the SPPI test |
All other financial assets, net of
derivative liabilities |
||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Financial assets, net of derivative liabilities,
held by the Group's joint ventures and associates accounted for using the equity method |
Fair value at
31 Dec 2019 |
Movement in
the fair value during 2019 |
Fair value at
31 Dec 2019 |
Movement in
the fair value during 2019 |
||||
|
$m
|
$m
|
$m
|
$m
|
||||
| | | | | | | | |
Accrued investment income | 161 | | | | ||||
Other debtors | 329 | | | | ||||
Loans | 197 | | | | ||||
Equity securities and holdings in collective investment schemes | | | 5,999 | 444 | ||||
Debt securities | | | 6,080 | 86 | ||||
Deposits | 521 | | | | ||||
Cash and cash equivalents | 513 | | | | ||||
| | | | | | | | |
Total financial assets, net of derivative liabilities | 1,721 | | 12,079 | 530 | ||||
| | | | | | | | |
IFRS 17 'Insurance Contracts'
In May 2017, the IASB issued IFRS 17 'Insurance Contracts' to replace the existing IFRS 4 'Insurance Contracts'. In June 2020, the IASB issued amendments to IFRS 17, including delaying the effective date to reporting periods on or after 1 January 2023. The standard is subject to endorsement in the UK via the UK Endorsement Board which is currently being established. The Group intends to adopt the new standard on its mandatory effective date, alongside the adoption of IFRS 9.
IFRS 4 permitted insurers to continue to use the statutory basis of accounting for insurance assets and liabilities that existed in their jurisdictions prior to January 2005. IFRS 17 replaces this with a new measurement model for all insurance contracts.
IFRS 17 requires liabilities for insurance contracts to be recognised as the present value of future cash flows, incorporating an explicit risk adjustment, which is updated at each reporting date to reflect current conditions, and a contractual service margin (CSM) that is initially set equal and opposite to any day-one gain arising on initial recognition. Losses are recognised directly into the income statement. For measurement purposes, contracts are grouped together into contracts of similar risk, profitability profile and issue year, with further divisions for contracts that are managed separately.
Profit for insurance contracts under IFRS 17 is represented by the recognition of the services provided to policyholders in the period (release of the CSM), release from non-economic risk (release of risk adjustment) and investment profit.
The CSM is released as profit over the coverage period of the insurance contract, reflecting the delivery of services to the policyholder. For certain contracts with participating features (where a substantial share of the fair value of the related investments and other underlying items is paid to policyholders), the CSM reflects the variable fee to shareholders. For these contracts, the CSM is adjusted to reflect the changes in economic experience and assumptions. For all other contracts the CSM is only adjusted for non-economic assumptions.
244
IFRS 17 introduces a new measure of insurance revenue, based on the delivery of services to policyholders and excluding any premiums related to the investment elements of policies, which will be significantly different from existing premium revenue measures, currently reported in the income statement.
In order to transition to IFRS 17, the amount of deferred profit, being the CSM at transition date, needs to be determined. IFRS 17 requires this CSM to be calculated as if the standard had applied retrospectively. However, if this is not practical an entity is required to choose either a modified retrospective approach or to determine the CSM by reference to the fair value of the liabilities at the transition date. The approach for determining the CSM will have a significant impact on both shareholders' equity and on the amount of profits on in-force business in future reporting periods.
IFRS 17 implementation programme
IFRS 17 is expected to have a significant impact as the requirements of the new standard are complex and requires a fundamental change to accounting for insurance contracts as well as the application of significant judgement and new estimation techniques. The effect of changes required to the Group's accounting policies as a result of implementing these standards, that are expected to alter the timing of IFRS profit recognition, are currently uncertain, particularly as amendments were issued by the IASB in June 2020 to IFRS 17. The implementation of this standard will involve significant enhancements to IT, actuarial and finance systems of the Group.
The Group has a Group-wide implementation programme to implement IFRS 17 and IFRS 9. The programme is responsible for setting Group-wide accounting policies and developing application methodologies, establishing appropriate processes and controls, sourcing appropriate data and implementing actuarial and finance system changes.
A Group-wide Steering Committee, chaired by the Group Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer with participation from the Group Risk function and the Group's and business units' senior finance managers, provides oversight and strategic direction to the implementation programme. A number of sub-committees are also in place to provide governance over the technical interpretation and accounting policies selected, design and delivery of the programme. During 2020, the Group has made significant progress with the development of the accounting policies and application methodologies and the build of the actuarial and finance systems. The Group is also assessing the IASB amendments issued in June 2020 and incorporating the changes into the delivery of the programme.
Other new accounting pronouncements
In addition to the above, the following new accounting pronouncements have also been issued and are not yet effective but the Group is not expecting them to have a significant impact on the Group's financial statements:
245
B1 Analysis of performance by segment
2020 $m | 2019 $m | 2018 $m | ||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Note | note (i) | note (i) | note (i) | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Continuing operations: | ||||||||||
Asia | ||||||||||
Insurance operations | 3,384 | 2,993 | 2,646 | |||||||
Asset management | 283 | 283 | 242 | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Total Asia | 3,667 | 3,276 | 2,888 | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
US | ||||||||||
Insurance operations | 2,787 | 3,038 | 2,552 | |||||||
Asset management | 9 | 32 | 11 | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Total US | 2,796 | 3,070 | 2,563 | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Other income and expenditure: | ||||||||||
Investment return and other income |
6 | 50 | 70 | |||||||
Interest payable on core structural borrowings |
(337) | (516) | (547) | |||||||
Corporate expenditurenote(ii) |
(417) | (460) | (490) | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Total other income and expenditure | (748) | (926) | (967) | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Restructuring and IFRS 17 implementation costsnote(iii) | (208) | (110) | (75) | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Adjusted operating profit | B1.3 | 5,507 | 5,310 | 4,409 | ||||||
Short-term fluctuations in investment returns on shareholder-backed business | B1.2 | (4,841) | (3,203) | (791) | ||||||
Amortisation of acquisition accounting adjustmentsnote(iv) | (39) | (43) | (61) | |||||||
Gain (loss) attaching to corporate transactions | D1.1 | 1,521 | (142) | (107) | ||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Profit before tax attributable to shareholders | 2,148 | 1,922 | 3,450 | |||||||
Tax credit (charge) attributable to shareholders' returns | B3 | 37 | 31 | (569) | ||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Profit for the year from continuing operations | 2,185 | 1,953 | 2,881 | |||||||
Loss for the year from discontinued operations | | (1,161) | 1,142 | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Profit for the year | 2,185 | 792 | 4,023 | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Attributable to: | ||||||||||
Equity holders of the Company | ||||||||||
From continuing operations |
2,118 | 1,944 | 2,877 | |||||||
From discontinued operations |
| (1,161) | 1,142 | |||||||
Non-controlling interests from continuing operations | 67 | 9 | 4 | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
2,185 | 792 | 4,023 | ||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Basic earnings per share (in cents) | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Note | note (i) | note (i) | note (i) | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Based on adjusted operating profit, net of tax, from continuing operations | B4 | 175.5¢ | 175.0¢ | 145.2¢ | ||||||
Based on profit for the year from continuing operations | B4 | 81.6¢ | 75.1¢ | 111.7¢ | ||||||
Based on profit (loss) for the year from discontinued operations | B4 | | (44.8)¢ | 44.3¢ | ||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Notes
246
B1.2 Short-term fluctuations in investment returns on shareholder-backed business
|
2020 $m
|
2019 $m
|
2018 $m
|
|||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| | | | | | |
Asia operationsnote(i) | (607) | 657 | (684) | |||
US operationsnote(ii) | (4,262) | (3,757) | (134) | |||
Other operations | 28 | (103) | 27 | |||
| | | | | | |
Total | (4,841) | (3,203) | (791) | |||
| | | | | | |
In Asia, the short-term fluctuations reflect the net value movements on shareholders' assets and policyholder liabilities (net of reinsurance) arising from market movements in the year. In 2020, falling interest rates in certain parts of Asia led to lower discount rates on policyholder liabilities under the local reserving basis applied, which were not fully offset by unrealised bond and equity gains in the year and this led to the overall negative short-term investment fluctuations in Asia.
The short-term fluctuations in investment returns in the US are reported net of the related charge for amortisation of deferred acquisition costs (DAC) credit of $812 million as shown in note C4.2 (2019: credit of $1,248 million; 2018: debit of $(152) million) and comprise amounts in respect of the following items:
|
2020 $m
|
2019 $m
|
2018 $m
|
|||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| | | | | | |
Net equity hedge resultnote(a) | (6,334) | (4,582) | (78) | |||
Other than equity-related derivativesnote(b) | 1,682 | 678 | (85) | |||
Debt securitiesnote(c) | 474 | 156 | (42) | |||
Equity-type investments: actual less longer-term return | (40) | 18 | 51 | |||
Other items | (44) | (27) | 20 | |||
| | | | | | |
Total net of related DAC amortisation | (4,262) | (3,757) | (134) | |||
| | | | | | |
Notes
The net equity hedge result therefore includes significant accounting mismatches and other factors that do not represent the economic result. These other factors include:
The net equity hedge result can be summarised as follows:
|
2020 $m
|
2019 $m
|
2018 $m
|
||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| | | | | | | |
Fair value movements on equity hedge instruments* | (5,219) | (5,314) | 399 | ||||
Accounting value movements on the variable and fixed index annuity guarantee liabilities* | (2,030) | (22) | (1,194) | ||||
Fee assessments net of claim payments | 915 | 754 | 717 | ||||
| | | | | | | |
Total net of related DAC amortisation | (6,334) | (4,582) | (78) | ||||
| | | | | | | |
247
The free-standing, other than equity-related derivatives, are held to manage interest rate exposures and durations within the general account and the variable annuity guarantees and fixed index annuity embedded options described in note (a) above. Accounting mismatches arise because of differences between the measurement basis and presentation of the derivatives, which are fair valued with movements recorded in the income statement, and the exposures they are intended to manage.
|
2020 $m
|
2019 $m
|
2018 $m
|
||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| | | | | | | |
Credits (charges) in the year: | |||||||
Losses on sales of impaired and deteriorating bonds |
(148) | (28) | (6) | ||||
Bond write-downs |
(32) | (15) | (5) | ||||
Recoveries/reversals |
1 | 1 | 25 | ||||
| | | | | | | |
Total credits (charges) in the year |
(179) | (42) | 14 | ||||
Risk margin allowance deducted from adjusted operating profit* | 92 | 109 | 104 | ||||
| | | | | | | |
(87) | 67 | 118 | |||||
| | | | | | | |
Interest-related realised gains (losses): | |||||||
Gains (losses) arising in the year |
724 | 220 | (12) | ||||
Amortisation of gains and losses arising in current and prior years to adjusted operating profit |
(168) | (129) | (155) | ||||
| | | | | | | |
556 | 91 | (167) | |||||
| | | | | | | |
Related amortisation of DAC | 5 | (2) | 7 | ||||
| | | | | | | |
Total short-term fluctuations related to debt securities net of related DAC amortisation | 474 | 156 | (42) | ||||
| | | | | | | |
Moody's rating category (or equivalent under NAIC ratings of mortgage-backed securities)
In addition to the accounting for realised gains and losses described above for Jackson general account debt securities, included within the statement of other comprehensive income is a pre-tax net unrealised gain of $2,676 million, net of related amortisation of DAC, arising in the year (2019: $3,392 million; 2018: $(1,831) million) on debt securities classified as available-for-sale, partially offset by the recycling of $2,282 million gains, net of related amortisation of DAC, to the income statement on transfer of debt securities to Athene (see note D1.1). Temporary market value movements do not reflect defaults or impairments. Additional details of the movement in the value of the Jackson portfolio are included in note C1.1.
248
B1.3 Determining operating segments and performance measure of operating segments
Operating segments
The Group's operating segments for financial reporting purposes are defined and presented in accordance with IFRS 8 'Operating Segments' on the basis of the management reporting structure and its financial management information.
Under the Group's management and reporting structure, its chief operating decision maker is the Group Executive Committee (GEC). In the management structure, responsibility is delegated to the Chief Executive Officers of the Group's Asia and US business units for the day-to-day management of their business units (within the framework set out in the Group Governance Manual). Financial management information used by the GEC aligns with these business segments. These operating segments, Asia operations and US operations, derive revenue from both insurance and asset management activities.
Operations which do not form part of any business unit are reported as 'Unallocated to a segment'. These include head office costs in London and Hong Kong. The Group's Africa operations do not form part of any operating segment under the structure, and their assets and liabilities and profit or loss before tax are not material to the overall financial position of the Group. The Group's Africa operations are therefore also reported as 'Unallocated to a segment'.
In preparation for the planned separation of Jackson, the management information received by the GEC has been revised in 2021, leading to a change in the Group's operating segments which will be presented in the 2021 half year report as discussed in Explanation of Performance and Other Financial Measures.
Performance measure
The performance measure of operating segments utilised by the Group is adjusted IFRS operating profit based on longer-term investment returns (adjusted operating profit), as described below. This measurement basis distinguishes adjusted operating profit from other constituents of total profit or loss for the year as follows:
Determination of adjusted operating profit for investment and liability movements
For Asia's with-profits business in Hong Kong, Singapore and Malaysia, the adjusted operating profit reflects the shareholders' share in the bonuses declared to policyholders. Value movements in the underlying assets of the with-profits funds only affect the shareholder results through indirect effects of investment performance on declared policyholder bonuses and therefore, do not affect directly the determination of adjusted operating profit.
The policyholder unit liabilities are directly reflective of the underlying asset value movements. Accordingly, the adjusted operating profit reflect the current year value movements in both the unit liabilities and the backing assets.
The adjusted operating profit for Jackson included in the Group's accounts is based on information reviewed by the GEC on an IFRS basis. This will differ from the financial information that Jackson will report as part of the demerger process, which will be prepared under US GAAP and will be based on the information local management reviews in preparation for them becoming a standalone entity.
Jackson's variable and fixed index annuity business has guarantee liabilities which are measured on a combination of fair value and other US GAAP derived principles. These liabilities are subject to an extensive derivative programme to manage equity and interest rate exposures whose fair value movements pass through the income statement each year.
249
The following value movements for Jackson's variable and fixed index annuity business are excluded from adjusted operating profit. See note B1.2:
Guaranteed benefit options for the 'not for life' portion of GMWB and equity index options for the fixed index annuity business
The 'not for life' portion of GMWB guaranteed benefit option liabilities is measured under the US GAAP basis applied for IFRS in a manner consistent with IAS 39 under which the projected future growth rate of the account balance is based on the greater of US Treasury rates and current swap rates (rather than expected rates of return) with only a portion of the expected future guarantee fees included. The discount rates applied in determining the value of these liabilities is actively updated each year based on market observed rates and after allowing for Jackson's own credit risk. Reserve value movements on these liabilities are sensitive to changes to levels of equity markets, implied volatility and interest rates. The equity index option for fixed index annuity business is measured under the US GAAP basis applied for IFRS in a manner consistent with IAS 39 under which the projected future growth is based on current swap rates.
Guaranteed benefit option for variable annuity guarantee minimum income benefit
The GMIB liability, which is substantially reinsured, subject to a deductible and annual claim limits, is accounted for using 'grandfathered' US GAAP. This accounting basis substantially does not recognise the effects of market movements. The corresponding reinsurance asset is measured under the 'grandfathered' US GAAP basis applied for IFRS in a manner consistent with IAS 39 'Financial Instruments: Recognition and Measurement', and the asset is therefore recognised at fair value. As the GMIB is economically reinsured, the mark-to-market element of the reinsurance asset is included as a component of short-term fluctuations in investment returns.
Under IFRS, the degree to which the carrying values of liabilities to policyholders are sensitive to current market conditions varies between business units depending upon the nature of the 'grandfathered' measurement basis.
Movements in liabilities for some types of business do require bifurcation between the elements that relate to longer-term market condition and short-term effects to ensure that at the net level (ie after allocated investment return and charge for policyholder benefits) the adjusted operating profit reflects longer-term market returns.
For certain Asia non-participating business, for example in Hong Kong, the economic features are more akin to asset management products with policyholder liabilities reflecting asset shares over the contract term. Consequently, for these products, the charge for policyholder benefits in the adjusted operating profit reflects the asset share feature rather than volatile movements that would otherwise be reflected if the local regulatory basis (as applied for the IFRS balance sheet) was used.
For other types of Asia non-participating business, expected longer-term investment returns and interest rates are used to determine the movement in policyholder liabilities for determining adjusted operating profit. This ensures assets and liabilities are reflected on a consistent basis.
Except in the case of assets backing liabilities which are directly matched (such as unit-linked business) adjusted operating profit for assets backing shareholder-financed business is determined on the basis of expected longer-term investment returns. Longer-term investment returns comprise actual income receivable for the year (interest/dividend income) and for both debt and equity-type securities longer-term capital returns.
250
Debt securities and loans
As a general principle, for debt securities and loans, the longer-term capital returns comprise two elements:
At 31 December 2020, the level of unamortised interest-related realised gains and losses related to previously sold bonds for the Group's insurance operations in Asia and the US was a net gain of $1,725 million (31 December 2019: net gain of $916 million).
For Asia insurance operations, realised gains and losses are principally interest related. Accordingly, all realised gains and losses to date for these operations are amortised over the period to the date those securities would otherwise have matured, with no explicit risk margin reserve charge.
For US insurance operations, Jackson has used the ratings by Nationally Recognised Statistical Ratings Organisations (NRSRO) or ratings resulting from the regulatory ratings detail issued by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) to determine the average annual risk margin reserve to apply to debt securities held to back general account business. Debt securities held to back separate account and reinsurance funds withheld are not subject to risk margin reserve charge. Further details of the risk margin reserve charge, as well as the amortisation of interest-related realised gains and losses, for Jackson are shown in note B1.2.
Equity-type securities
For equity-type securities, the longer-term rates of return are estimates of the long-term trend investment returns for income and capital having regard to past performance, current trends and future expectations. Different rates apply to different categories of equity-type securities.
For Asia insurance operations, investments in equity securities held for non-linked shareholder-backed business amounted to $4,954 million as at 31 December 2020 (31 December 2019: $3,473 million). The longer-term rates of return applied in 2020 ranged from 5.1 per cent to 16.9 per cent (31 December 2019: 5.0 per cent to 17.6 per cent; 31 December 2018: 5.3 per cent to 17.6 per cent) with the rates applied varying by business unit. These rates are broadly stable from year to year but may be different between regions, reflecting, for example, differing expectations of inflation in each local business unit. The assumptions are for the returns expected to apply in equilibrium conditions. The assumed rates of return do not reflect any cyclical variability in economic performance and are not set by reference to prevailing asset valuations. The longer-term investment returns for the Asia insurance joint ventures and associates accounted for using the equity method are determined on a similar basis as the other Asia insurance operations described above.
For US insurance operations, as at 31 December 2020, the equity-type securities for non-separate account operations amounted to $2,128 million (31 December 2019: $1,481 million). For these operations, the longer-term rates of return for income and capital applied in 2020, 2019 and 2018, which reflect the combination of the average risk-free rates over the year and appropriate risk premiums are as follows:
|
2020 | 2019 | 2018 | |||
| | | | | | |
Equity-type securities such as common and preferred stock and portfolio holdings in mutual funds |
4.8% to 5.8% | 5.5% to 6.7% | 6.7% to 7.2% | |||
Other equity-type securities such as investments in limited partnerships and private equity funds |
6.8% to 7.8% | 7.5% to 8.7% | 8.7% to 9.2% | |||
| | | | | | |
Derivative value movements
Generally, derivative value movements are excluded from adjusted operating profit. The exception is where the derivative value movements broadly offset changes in the accounting value of other assets and liabilities included in adjusted operating profit. The principal example of derivatives whose value movements are excluded from adjusted operating profit arises in Jackson.
Equity-based derivatives held by Jackson are as discussed in section (c) above. Non-equity based derivatives held by Jackson are part of a broad-based hedging programme for features of Jackson's bond portfolio (for
251
which value movements are booked in the statement of other comprehensive income rather than the income statement), product liabilities (for which US GAAP accounting as 'grandfathered' under IFRS 4 does not fully reflect the economic features being hedged), and the interest rate exposure attaching to equity-based product options.
For these businesses, the determination of adjusted operating profit reflects the underlying economic substance of the arrangements. Generally, realised gains and losses are included in adjusted operating profit with temporary unrealised gains and losses being included in short-term fluctuations. In some instances, realised gains and losses on derivatives and other financial instruments are amortised to adjusted operating profit over a time period that reflects the underlying economic substance of the arrangements.
B1.4 Segmental income statement
Premiums and annuity considerations for conventional and other protection type insurance policies are recognised as revenue when due. Premiums and annuity considerations for linked policies and other investment type policies are recognised as revenue when received or, in the case of unitised or unit-linked policies, when units are issued. These amounts exclude premium taxes and similar duties where Prudential collects and settles taxes borne by the policyholder.
Policy fees charged on linked policies for mortality, morbidity, asset management and policy administration are recognised when related services are provided.
Claims paid include maturities, annuities, surrenders, deaths and other claim events. Maturity claims are recorded as charges on the policy maturity date. Annuity claims are recorded when each annuity instalment becomes due for payment. Surrenders are charged to the income statement when paid. Death and other claims are generally recorded when notified with additional contract liabilities held, where appropriate, for 'incurred but not reported' (IBNR) claims.
2020 $m
|
||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Asia | US |
Total
segment |
Unallocated
to a segment |
Group
total |
||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Gross premiums earned | 23,341 | 19,026 | 42,367 | 154 | 42,521 | |||||
Outward reinsurance premiumsnote(i) | (1,615) | (30,584) | (32,199) | (10) | (32,209) | |||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Earned premiums, net of reinsurance | 21,726 | (11,558) | 10,168 | 144 | 10,312 | |||||
Other incomenote(ii) | 609 | 55 | 664 | 6 | 670 | |||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Total external revenuenotes(iii),(iv) | 22,335 | (11,503) | 10,832 | 150 | 10,982 | |||||
Intra-group revenue | | 37 | 37 | (37) | | |||||
Interest incomenote(v) | 1,961 | 2,380 | 4,341 | 36 | 4,377 | |||||
Other investment returnnote B1.5 | 11,755 | 28,849 | 40,604 | 10 | 40,614 | |||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Total revenue, net of reinsurance | 36,051 | 19,763 | 55,814 | 159 | 55,973 | |||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Benefits and claims and movements in unallocated surplus of with-profits funds, net of reinsurancenote C3.1 | (28,488) | (19,617) | (48,105) | (100) | (48,205) | |||||
Acquisition costs and other operating expenditurenote B2 | (3,989) | (821) | (4,810) | (671) | (5,481) | |||||
Interest on core structural borrowings | | (21) | (21) | (316) | (337) | |||||
Loss attaching to corporate transactionsnote D1.1 | | (18) | (18) | (30) | (48) | |||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Total charges, net of reinsurance and loss on disposal of businesses | (32,477) | (20,477) | (52,954) | (1,117) | (54,071) | |||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Share of profit from joint ventures and associates, net of related tax | 517 | | 517 | | 517 | |||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Profit (loss) before tax (being tax attributable to shareholders' and policyholders' returns) | 4,091 | (714) | 3,377 | (958) | 2,419 | |||||
Tax charge attributable to policyholders' returns | (271) | | (271) | | (271) | |||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Profit (loss) before tax attributable to shareholders' returns | 3,820 | (714) | 3,106 | (958) | 2,148 | |||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Analysis of profit (loss) before tax attributable to shareholders' returns: | ||||||||||
Profit for the year | 3,382 | (247) | 3,135 | (950) | 2,185 | |||||
Tax attributable to shareholders | 438 | (467) | (29) | (8) | (37) | |||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Profit (loss) before tax | 3,820 | (714) | 3,106 | (958) | 2,148 | |||||
Short-term fluctuations in investment returns on shareholder-backed business | 607 | 4,262 | 4,869 | (28) | 4,841 | |||||
Amortisation of acquisition accounting adjustments | 5 | 34 | 39 | | 39 | |||||
(Gain) loss attaching to corporate transactionsnote D1.1 | (765) | (786) | (1,551) | 30 | (1,521) | |||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Adjusted operating profit (loss) | 3,667 | 2,796 | 6,463 | (956) | 5,507 | |||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
252
2019 $m
|
||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Asia | US |
Total
segment |
Unallocated
to a segment |
Group
total |
||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Gross premiums earned | 23,757 | 21,209 | 44,966 | 98 | 45,064 | |||||
Outward reinsurance premiums | (1,108) | (467) | (1,575) | (8) | (1,583) | |||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Earned premiums, net of reinsurance | 22,649 | 20,742 | 43,391 | 90 | 43,481 | |||||
Other incomenote(ii) | 548 | 61 | 609 | 91 | 700 | |||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Total external revenuenotes(iii),(iv) | 23,197 | 20,803 | 44,000 | 181 | 44,181 | |||||
Intra-group revenue | | 34 | 34 | (34) | | |||||
Interest incomenote(v) | 1,569 | 2,971 | 4,540 | 67 | 4,607 | |||||
Other investment returnnote B1.5 | 13,406 | 31,623 | 45,029 | (81) | 44,948 | |||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Total revenue, net of reinsurance | 38,172 | 55,431 | 93,603 | 133 | 93,736 | |||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Benefits and claims and movements in unallocated surplus of with-profits funds, net of reinsurancenote C3.1 | (29,119) | (54,734) | (83,853) | (52) | (83,905) | |||||
Acquisition costs and other operating expenditurenote B2 | (5,157) | (1,402) | (6,559) | (724) | (7,283) | |||||
Interest on core structural borrowings | | (20) | (20) | (496) | (516) | |||||
Gain (loss) attaching to corporate transactionsnote D1.1 | 265 | | 265 | (407) | (142) | |||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Total charges, net of reinsurance and gain on disposal of business | (34,011) | (56,156) | (90,167) | (1,679) | (91,846) | |||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Share of profit from joint ventures and associates, net of related tax | 397 | | 397 | | 397 | |||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Profit (loss) before tax (being tax attributable to shareholders' and policyholders' returns) | 4,558 | (725) | 3,833 | (1,546) | 2,287 | |||||
Tax charge attributable to policyholders' returns | (365) | | (365) | | (365) | |||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Profit (loss) before tax attributable to shareholders' returns from continuing operations | 4,193 | (725) | 3,468 | (1,546) | 1,922 | |||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Analysis of profit (loss) before tax attributable to shareholders' returns from continuing operations: | ||||||||||
Profit for the year from continuing operations | 3,725 | (380) | 3,345 | (1,392) | 1,953 | |||||
Tax attributable to shareholders | 468 | (345) | 123 | (154) | (31) | |||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Profit (loss) before tax | 4,193 | (725) | 3,468 | (1,546) | 1,922 | |||||
Short-term fluctuations in investment returns on shareholder-backed business | (657) | 3,757 | 3,100 | 103 | 3,203 | |||||
Amortisation of acquisition accounting adjustments | 5 | 38 | 43 | | 43 | |||||
(Gain) loss attaching to corporate transactionsnote D1.1 | (265) | | (265) | 407 | 142 | |||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Adjusted operating profit (loss) | 3,276 | 3,070 | 6,346 | (1,036) | 5,310 | |||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
253
2018 $m
|
||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Asia | US |
Total
segment |
Unallocated
to a segment |
Group
total |
||||||
note (vii) | ||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Gross premiums earned | 21,989 | 23,573 | 45,562 | 52 | 45,614 | |||||
Outward reinsurance premiums | (768) | (412) | (1,180) | (3) | (1,183) | |||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Earned premiums, net of reinsurance | 21,221 | 23,161 | 44,382 | 49 | 44,431 | |||||
Other incomenote(ii) | 412 | 67 | 479 | 52 | 531 | |||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Total external revenenote(iii),(iv) | 21,633 | 23,228 | 44,861 | 101 | 44,962 | |||||
Intra-group revenue | 56 | 67 | 123 | (123) | | |||||
Interest incomenote(v) | 1,450 | 2,692 | 4,142 | 68 | 4,210 | |||||
Other investment returnnote B1.5 | (4,326) | (9,085) | (13,411) | 84 | (13,327) | |||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Total revenue, net of reinsurance | 18,813 | 16,902 | 35,715 | 130 | 35,845 | |||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Benefits and claims and movements in unallocated surplus of with-profits funds, net of reinsurance | (11,664) | (11,736) | (23,400) | (26) | (23,426) | |||||
Acquisition costs and other operating expenditurenote B2 | (5,162) | (2,773) | (7,935) | (592) | (8,527) | |||||
Interest on core structural borrowings | | (20) | (20) | (527) | (547) | |||||
Loss attaching to corporate transactionsnote D1.1 | (15) | (51) | (66) | (41) | (107) | |||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Total charges, net of reinsurance and gain (loss) on disposal of businesses | (16,841) | (14,580) | (31,421) | (1,186) | (32,607) | |||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Share of profit from joint ventures and associates, net of related tax | 319 | | 319 | | 319 | |||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Profit (loss) before tax (being tax attributable to shareholders' and policyholders' returns) | 2,291 | 2,322 | 4,613 | (1,056) | 3,557 | |||||
Tax charge attributable to policyholders' returns | (107) | | (107) | | (107) | |||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Profit (loss) before tax attributable to shareholders' returns from continuing operations | 2,184 | 2,322 | 4,506 | (1,056) | 3,450 | |||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Analysis of profit (loss) before tax attributable to shareholders' returns from continuing operations: | ||||||||||
Profit for the year from continuing operations | 1,815 | 1,982 | 3,797 | (916) | 2,881 | |||||
Tax attributable to shareholders | 369 | 340 | 709 | (140) | 569 | |||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Profit (loss) before tax | 2,184 | 2,322 | 4,506 | (1,056) | 3,450 | |||||
Short-term fluctuations in investment returns on shareholder-backed business | 684 | 134 | 818 | (27) | 791 | |||||
Amortisation of acquisition accounting adjustments | 5 | 56 | 61 | | 61 | |||||
Loss attaching to corporate transactionsnote D1.1 | 15 | 51 | 66 | 41 | 107 | |||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Adjusted operating profit (loss) | 2,888 | 2,563 | 5,451 | (1,042) | 4,409 | |||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Notes
254
Investment return included in the income statement principally comprises interest income, dividends, investment appreciation and depreciation (realised and unrealised gains and losses) on investments designated as fair value through profit or loss, and realised gains and losses (including impairment losses) on items held at amortised cost and Jackson's debt securities designated as available-for-sale. Movements in unrealised appreciation or depreciation of debt securities designated as available-for-sale are recorded in other comprehensive income. Interest income is recognised as it accrues, taking into account the effective yield on investments. Dividends on equity securities are recognised on the ex-dividend date and rental income is recognised on an accrual basis.
2020 $m | 2019 $m |
2018 $m
|
||||
| | | | | | |
Realised and unrealised gains (losses) on securities at fair value through profit or loss | 40,070 | 49,809 | (14,867) | |||
Realised and unrealised (losses) gains on derivatives at fair value through profit or loss | (3,691) | (5,825) | 705 | |||
Realised gains on available-for-sale securities, including impairment previously recognised in other comprehensive income* | 3,371 | 185 | 15 | |||
Realised gains (losses) on loans | 43 | (3) | (1) | |||
Dividends | 1,249 | 1,000 | 740 | |||
Other investment (loss) income | (428) | (218) | 81 | |||
| | | | | | |
Other investment return | 40,614 | 44,948 | (13,327) | |||
| | | | | | |
Realised gains and losses on the Group's investments for 2020 recognised in the income statement amounted to a net gain of $2.8 billion (2019: a net loss of $2.0 billion; 2018: a net gain of $2.5 billion).
255
B1.6 Additional analysis of performance by segment components
(a) Asia
2020 $m | 2019 $m |
2018 $m
|
||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Insurance |
Asset
management |
Eliminations | Total | Total |
Total
|
|||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Earned premiums, net of reinsurance | 21,726 | | | 21,726 | 22,649 | 21,221 | ||||||
Other income | 192 | 417 | | 609 | 548 | 412 | ||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total external revenue | 21,918 | 417 | | 22,335 | 23,197 | 21,633 | ||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Intra-group revenue | 1 | 164 | (165) | | | 56 | ||||||
Interest income | 1,956 | 5 | | 1,961 | 1,569 | 1,450 | ||||||
Other investment return | 11,729 | 26 | | 11,755 | 13,406 | (4,326) | ||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total revenue, net of reinsurance | 35,604 | 612 | (165) | 36,051 | 38,172 | 18,813 | ||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Benefits and claims and movements in unallocated surplus of with-profits funds, net of reinsurance | (28,488) | | | (28,488) | (29,119) | (11,664) | ||||||
Acquisition costs and other expenditurenote B2 | (3,708) | (446) | 165 | (3,989) | (5,157) | (5,162) | ||||||
Gain (loss) attaching to corporate transactionsnote D1.1 | | | | | 265 | (15) | ||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total charges, net of reinsurance and gain (loss) attaching to corporate transactions | (32,196) | (446) | 165 | (32,477) | (34,011) | (16,841) | ||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Share of profit from joint ventures and associates, net of related tax | 400 | 117 | | 517 | 397 | 319 | ||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Profit before tax (being tax attributable to shareholders' and policyholders' returns) | 3,808 | 283 | | 4,091 | 4,558 | 2,291 | ||||||
Tax charge attributable to policyholders' returns | (271) | | | (271) | (365) | (107) | ||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Profit before tax attributable to shareholders' returns | 3,537 | 283 | | 3,820 | 4,193 | 2,184 | ||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Analysis of profit before tax: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Profit before tax attributable to shareholders | 3,537 | 283 | | 3,820 | 4,193 | 2,184 | ||||||
Short-term fluctuations in investment returns on shareholder-backed business | 607 | | | 607 | (657) | 684 | ||||||
Amortisation of acquisition accounting adjustments | 5 | | | 5 | 5 | 5 | ||||||
(Gain) loss attaching to corporate transactionsnote D1.1 | (765) | | | (765) | (265) | 15 | ||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Adjusted operating profit | 3,384 | 283 | | 3,667 | 3,276 | 2,888 | ||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
256
(b) US
2020 $m | 2019 $m |
2018 $m
|
||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Insurance |
Asset
management |
Eliminations | Total | Total |
Total
|
|||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Earned premiums, net of reinsurance | (11,558) | | | (11,558) | 20,742 | 23,161 | ||||||
Other income | 4 | 51 | | 55 | 61 | 67 | ||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total external revenue | (11,554) | 51 | | (11,503) | 20,803 | 23,228 | ||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Intra-group revenue | | 115 | (78) | 37 | 34 | 67 | ||||||
Interest income | 2,380 | | | 2,380 | 2,971 | 2,692 | ||||||
Other investment return | 28,848 | 1 | | 28,849 | 31,623 | (9,085) | ||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total revenue, net of reinsurance | 19,674 | 167 | (78) | 19,763 | 55,431 | 16,902 | ||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Benefits and claims net of reinsurance | (19,617) | | | (19,617) | (54,734) | (11,736) | ||||||
Acquisition costs and other operating expenditure | (741) | (158) | 78 | (821) | (1,402) | (2,773) | ||||||
Interest on core structural borrowings | (21) | | | (21) | (20) | (20) | ||||||
Loss attaching to corporate transactionsnote D1.1 | (18) | | | (18) | | (51) | ||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total charges, net of reinsurance and loss on disposal of businesses | (20,397) | (158) | 78 | (20,477) | (56,156) | (14,580) | ||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
(Loss) profit before tax | (723) | 9 | | (714) | (725) | 2,322 | ||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Analysis of profit (loss) before tax: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Profit (loss) before tax attributable to shareholders | (723) | 9 | | (714) | (725) | 2,322 | ||||||
Short-term fluctuations in investment returns on shareholder-backed business | 4,262 | | | 4,262 | 3,757 | 134 | ||||||
Amortisation of acquisition accounting adjustments | 34 | | | 34 | 38 | 56 | ||||||
(Gain) loss attaching to corporate transactionsnote D1.1 | (786) | | | (786) | | 51 | ||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Adjusted operating profit | 2,787 | 9 | | 2,796 | 3,070 | 2,563 | ||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
257
B2 Acquisition costs and other expenditure
|
2020 $m
|
2019 $m
|
2018 $m
|
|||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| | | | | | | | | | |
Acquisition costs incurred for insurance policiesnote(v) |
(3,070) | (4,177) | (4,313) | |||||||
Acquisition costs deferrednote C4.2 |
1,357 | 1,422 | 1,319 | |||||||
Amortisation of acquisition costsnotes(i),(v) |
81 | 694 | (1,260) | |||||||
Recoveries for expenses associated with Jackson's business ceded to Athenenote(ii) |
1,203 | | | |||||||
Administration costs and other expenditure (net of other reinsurance commission)notes(iii),(iv),(v) |
(4,609) | (5,019) | (3,877) | |||||||
Movements in amounts attributable to external unit holders of consolidated investment funds |
(443) | (203) | (396) | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Total acquisition costs and other expenditure |
(5,481) | (7,283) | (8,527) | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Notes
|
Other interest expense | Depreciation and amortisation | |||||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
2020 $m
|
2019 $m
|
2018 $m
|
2020 $m
|
2019 $m
|
2018 $m
|
|||||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Asia operations: |
|||||||||||||||||||
Insurance |
(12) | (13) | | (669) | (641) | (482) | |||||||||||||
Asset management |
(1) | | | (16) | (14) | (5) | |||||||||||||
US operations: |
|||||||||||||||||||
Insurance |
(220) | (264) | (212) | 346 | 901 | (1,110) | |||||||||||||
Asset management |
(1) | (2) | | (4) | (4) | (8) | |||||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total segment |
(234) | (279) | (212) | (343) | 242 | (1,605) | |||||||||||||
Unallocated to a segment (other operations) |
(18) | (27) | (38) | (40) | (30) | (3) | |||||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total continuing operations |
(252) | (306) | (250) | (383) | 212 | (1,608) | |||||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
B2.1 Staff and employment costs
The average number of staff employed by the Group, for both continuing and discontinued operations, during the years shown was:
|
2020
|
2019
|
2018
|
|||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| | | | | | | | | | |
Asia and Africa operations* |
12,949 | 14,206 | 16,520 | |||||||
US operations |
3,650 | 4,014 | 4,285 | |||||||
Head office function |
657 | 784 | 954 | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Total continuing operations |
17,256 | 19,004 | 21,759 | |||||||
Discontinued UK and Europe operations |
| 5,672 | 6,447 | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Total Group |
17,256 | 24,676 | 28,206 | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
258
The costs of employment, for both continuing and discontinued operations, were:
|
2020 $m | 2019 $m | 2018 $m | |||||||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Group
total |
Continuing
|
Discontinued
|
Group
total |
Continuing
|
Discontinued
|
Group
total |
|||||||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Wages and salaries |
1,536 | 1,435 | 573 | 2,008 | 1,517 | 694 | 2,211 | |||||||||||||||
Social security costs |
67 | 53 | 68 | 121 | 71 | 84 | 155 | |||||||||||||||
Defined benefit schemes* |
| (91) | (5) | (96) | 7 | (46) | (39) | |||||||||||||||
Defined contribution schemes |
76 | 69 | 41 | 110 | 77 | 50 | 127 | |||||||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total Group |
1,679 | 1,466 | 677 | 2,143 | 1,672 | 782 | 2,454 | |||||||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
The Group offers discretionary share awards to certain key employees and all-employee share plans in the UK and a number of Asian locations. The compensation expense charged to the income statement is primarily based upon the fair value of the awards granted, the vesting period and the vesting conditions. The Company has established trusts to facilitate the delivery of Prudential plc shares under some of these plans. The cost to the Company of acquiring these newly issued shares held in trusts is shown as a deduction from shareholders' equity.
The Group operates a number of share award plans that provides Prudential plc shares, or ADRs, to participants upon vesting. The plans in operation include the Prudential Long Term Incentive Plan, the Prudential Annual Incentive Plan, savings-related share option schemes, share purchase plans and deferred bonus plans. Where Executive Directors participate in these plans, details are provided in the Compensation and Employee section. In addition, the following information is provided.
259
The following table shows the movement in outstanding options and awards under the Group's share-based compensation plans:
|
Options outstanding under SAYE schemes |
Awards outstanding under
incentive plans |
||||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | ||||||||||||
|
Number
of options millions |
Weighted
average exercise price £ |
Number
of options millions |
Weighted
average exercise price £ |
Number
of options millions |
Weighted
average exercise price £ |
Number of awards
millions |
|||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Balance at beginning of year: |
3.8 | 12.38 | 4.9 | 12.10 | 6.4 | 11.74 | 33.0 | 32.8 | 33.6 | |||||||||
Granted |
0.4 | 9.64 | 0.6 | 11.13 | 0.3 | 13.94 | 20.2 | 13.4 | 10.7 | |||||||||
Modification |
| | 0.3 | 11.95 | | | | 4.3 | | |||||||||
Exercised |
(0.9) | 11.44 | (1.7) | 10.87 | (1.4) | 10.85 | (10.3) | (9.8) | (8.7) | |||||||||
Forfeited |
| 14.27 | | 12.87 | (0.1) | 12.25 | (1.5) | (2.5) | (2.6) | |||||||||
Cancelled |
(0.1) | 12.55 | (0.1) | 12.82 | (0.2) | 12.43 | (0.1) | (0.7) | | |||||||||
Lapsed/Expired |
(0.9) | 13.28 | (0.1) | 12.93 | (0.1) | 12.60 | (0.7) | (1.0) | (0.2) | |||||||||
M&G plc awards derecognised on demerger* |
| | (0.1) | 13.37 | | | | (3.5) | | |||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Balance at end of year |
2.3 | 11.86 | 3.8 | 12.38 | 4.9 | 12.10 | 40.6 | 33.0 | 32.8 | |||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Options immediately exercisable at end of year |
0.5 | 12.64 | 0.9 | 11.33 | 0.8 | 10.37 | ||||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
The weighted average share price of Prudential plc for 2020 was £11.64 (2019: £15.05; 2018: £17.36).
The following table provides a summary of the range of exercise prices for Prudential plc options outstanding at 31 December:
|
Outstanding | Exercisable | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
Number
outstanding (millions) |
Weighted average
remaining contractual life (years)* |
Weighted
average exercise prices £ |
Number
exercisable (millions) |
Weighted average
exercise prices £ |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2020 | 2019 |
2018
|
|||||||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Between £9 and £10 |
0.4 | | 0.3 | 4.2 | | 0.4 | 9.64 | | 9.01 | | | 0.3 | | | 9.01 | |||||||||||||||
Between £11 and £12 |
1.2 | 2.4 | 3.0 | 2.2 | 2.0 | 1.6 | 11.11 | 11.19 | 11.19 | 0.3 | 0.9 | 0.5 | 11.11 | 11.33 | 11.11 | |||||||||||||||
Between £13 and £14 |
0.3 | 0.3 | 0.3 | 2.2 | 3.2 | 4.1 | 13.94 | 13.94 | 13.94 | | | | | | | |||||||||||||||
Between £14 and £15 |
0.4 | 1.1 | 1.3 | 1.3 | 2.0 | 2.6 | 14.55 | 14.55 | 14.55 | 0.2 | | | 14.55 | | | |||||||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Weighted average |
2.3 | 3.8 | 4.9 | 2.4 | 2.1 | 2.1 | 11.86 | 12.38 | 12.10 | 0.5 | 0.9 | 0.8 | 12.64 | 11.33 | 10.37 | |||||||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
260
The fair value amounts estimated on the date of grant relating to all options and awards were determined by using the following assumptions:
|
2020 | 2019 |
2018
|
|||||||||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
SAYE options | |||||||||||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
Prudential
LTIP (TSR) |
SAYE options |
Other
awards |
Prudential
LTIP (TSR) |
Granted in
October 2019 |
Granted in
November 2019 |
Other
awards |
Prudential
LTIP (TSR) |
SAYE
options |
Other
awards |
||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Dividend yield (%) |
| 3.45 | | | 3.66 | 2.10 | | | 2.52 | | ||||||||||
Expected volatility (%) |
41.08 | 27.55 | | 22.14 | 25.58 | 23.92 | | 24.03 | 21.09 | | ||||||||||
Risk-free interest rate (%) |
0.39 | 0.27 | | 0.97 | 0.31 | 1.60 | | 1.19 | 0.97 | | ||||||||||
Expected option life (years) |
| 3.92 | | | 3.96 | 3.47 | | | 3.94 | | ||||||||||
Weighted average exercise price (£) |
| 10.74 | | | 11.12 | 11.18 | | | 13.94 | | ||||||||||
Weighted average share price at grant date (£) |
10.49 | 9.64 | | 16.07 | 13.94 | 13.77 | | 17.46 | 16.64 | | ||||||||||
Weighted average fair value at grant date (£) |
4.93 | 1.95 | 10.54 | 6.32 | 2.90 | 3.35 | 15.39 | 6.64 | 3.29 | 17.04 | ||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
The compensation costs for all awards and options are recognised in net income over the plans' respective vesting periods. The Group uses the Black-Scholes model to value all options, and financial equivalence to value all awards other than those which have TSR performance conditions attached (some Prudential LTIP and RSP awards) for which the Group uses a Monte Carlo model in order to allow for the impact of these conditions. These models are used to calculate fair values for share options and awards at the grant date based on the quoted market price of the stock at the measurement date, the amount, if any, that the employees are required to pay, the dividend yield, expected volatility, risk-free interest rates and exercise prices.
For all options and awards, the expected volatility is based on the market implied volatilities as quoted on Bloomberg. The Prudential specific at-the-money implied volatilities are adjusted to allow for the different terms and discounted exercise price on SAYE options by using information on the volatility surface of the FTSE 100.
Risk-free interest rates are taken from swap spot rates with projection terms matching the corresponding vesting periods. For awards with a TSR condition, volatilities and correlations between Prudential and a basket of 12 competitor companies is required. For grants in 2020, the average volatility for the basket of competitors was 41.40 per cent (2019: 23.10 per cent; 2018: 21.32 per cent). Correlations for the basket are calculated for each pairing from the log of daily TSR returns for the three years prior to the valuation date. Market implied volatilities are used for both Prudential and the basket of competitors. Changes to the subjective input assumptions could materially affect the fair value estimate.
Total expense recognised in 2020 in the consolidated financial statements relating to share-based compensation is $171 million (2019: $181 million; 2018: $191 million), of which $166 million is accounted for as equity-settled (2019: $181 million; 2018: $191 million).
The Group had $32 million of liabilities at 31 December 2020 (31 December 2019: nil) relating to share-based payment awards accounted for as cash settled.
261
B2.3 Key management remuneration
Key management constitutes the Directors of Prudential plc as they have authority and responsibility for planning, directing and controlling the activities of the Group and following reorganisations during 2019, key management also includes other non-director members of the Group Executive Committee from August 2019.
Total key management remuneration is analysed in the following table:
|
2020 $m | 2019 $m |
2018 $m
|
|||
| | | | | | |
Salaries and short-term benefits |
20.0 | 25.2 | 22.0 | |||
Post-employment benefits |
1.2 | 1.5 | 2.0 | |||
Share-based payments |
14.6 | 13.1 | 19.0 | |||
| | | | | | |
|
35.8 | 39.8 | 43.0 | |||
| | | | | | |
The share-based payments charge comprises $10.7 million (2019: $8.4 million; 2018: $13.0 million), which is determined in accordance with IFRS 2 'Share-based Payment' (see note B2.2) and $3.9 million (2019: $4.8 million; 2018: $6.4 million) of deferred share awards.
B2.4 Fees payable to the auditor
|
2020 $m | 2019 $m |
2018 $m
|
|||
| | | | | | |
Fees payable to the Company's auditor for the audit of the Company's annual accounts |
2.3 | 2.2 | 2.8 | |||
Fees payable to the Company's auditor and its associates for other services: |
||||||
Audit of subsidiaries pursuant to legislation |
9.2 | 9.5 | 12.3 | |||
Audit-related assurance servicesnote(1) |
3.5 | 5.7 | 6.3 | |||
Other assurance services |
0.7 | 5.7 | 1.5 | |||
Services relating to corporate finance transactions |
0.3 | 7.3 | 0.3 | |||
All other services |
| | 1.2 | |||
| | | | | | |
Total fees paid to the auditor |
16.0 | 30.4 | 24.4 | |||
| | | | | | |
Analysed into: |
||||||
Fees payable to the auditor attributable to the continuing operations: |
||||||
Non-audit services associated with the demerger of the UK and Europe operationsnote(2) |
| 11.7 | 1.0 | |||
Other audit and non-audit services |
16.0 | 15.3 | 15.1 | |||
| | | | | | |
|
16.0 | 27.0 | 16.1 | |||
Fees payable to the auditor attributable to the discontinued UK and Europe operations |
| 3.4 | 8.3 | |||
| | | | | | |
|
16.0 | 30.4 | 24.4 | |||
| | | | | | |
Notes
In addition, in 2019 there were fees incurred by pension schemes of $0.1 million (2018: $0.3 million) for audit services. These pension schemes were transferred to the discontinued UK and Europe operations (M&G plc) in 2019 as part of the demerger.
262
Prudential is subject to tax in numerous jurisdictions and the calculation of the total tax charge inherently involves a degree of estimation and judgement. Current tax expense is charged or credited based upon amounts estimated to be payable or recoverable as a result of taxable amounts for the current year and adjustments made in relation to prior years. The positions taken in tax returns where applicable tax regulation is subject to interpretation are recognised in full in the determination of the tax charge in the financial statements if the Group considers that it is probable that the taxation authority will accept those positions. Otherwise, provisions are established based on management's estimate and judgement of the likely amount of the liability, or recovery, by providing for the single best estimate of the most likely outcome or the weighted average expected value where there are multiple outcomes.
The total tax charge includes tax expense attributable to both policyholders and shareholders. The tax expense attributable to policyholders comprises the tax on the income of the consolidated with-profits and unit-linked funds. In certain jurisdictions, life insurance companies are taxed on both their shareholders' profits and on their policyholders' insurance and investment returns on certain insurance and investment products. Although both types of tax are included in the total tax charge in the Group's consolidated income statement, they are presented separately in the consolidated income statement to provide the most relevant information about tax that the Group pays on its profits.
Deferred taxes are provided under the liability method for all relevant temporary differences. IAS 12 'Income Taxes' does not require all temporary differences to be provided for, in particular, the Group does not provide for deferred tax on undistributed earnings of subsidiaries where the Group is able to control the timing of the distribution and the temporary difference created is not expected to reverse in the foreseeable future. Deferred tax assets are only recognised when it is more likely than not that future taxable profits will be available against which these losses can be utilised.
Deferred tax is measured at the tax rates that are expected to apply to the period when the asset is realised or the liability settled, based on tax rates (and laws) that have been enacted or are substantively enacted at the end of the reporting period.
B3.1 Total tax charge by nature
The total tax (charge) credit in the income statement is as follows:
|
2020 $m | 2019 $m |
2018 $m
|
|||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
|
Current
tax |
Deferred
tax |
Total | Total |
Total
|
|||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Attributable to shareholders: |
||||||||||
Asia operations |
(229) | (209) | (438) | (468) | (369) | |||||
US operations |
59 | 408 | 467 | 345 | (340) | |||||
Other operations |
8 | | 8 | 154 | 140 | |||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Tax (charge) credit attributable to shareholders' returns |
(162) | 199 | 37 | 31 | (569) | |||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Attributable to policyholders: |
||||||||||
Asia operations |
(152) | (119) | (271) | (365) | (107) | |||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Total tax (charge) credit |
(314) | 80 | (234) | (334) | (676) | |||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
The tax credit attributable to shareholders' returns of $37 million is consistent with the tax credit arising in 2019 ($31 million), reflecting the tax credit on US derivative losses largely offsetting the tax charge on Asia profits.
The reconciliation of the expected to actual tax charge attributable to shareholders is provided in B3.2 below. The tax charge attributable to policyholders of $271 million above is equal to the profit before tax attributable to policyholders of $271 million. This is the result of accounting for policyholder income after the deduction of expenses and movement on unallocated surpluses on an after-tax basis.
263
The total tax (charge) credit comprises:
|
2020 $m | 2019 $m |
2018 $m
|
|||
| | | | | | |
Current tax expense: |
||||||
Corporation tax |
(445) | (589) | (380) | |||
Adjustments in respect of prior years |
131 | 28 | 15 | |||
| | | | | | |
Total current tax charge |
(314) | (561) | (365) | |||
| | | | | | |
Deferred tax arising from: |
||||||
Origination and reversal of temporary differences |
33 | 235 | (331) | |||
Impact of changes in local statutory tax rates |
(1) | 7 | 11 | |||
Credit in respect of a previously unrecognised tax loss, tax credit or temporary difference from a prior period |
48 | (15) | 9 | |||
| | | | | | |
Total deferred tax credit (charge) |
80 | 227 | (311) | |||
| | | | | | |
Total tax charge |
(234) | (334) | (676) | |||
| | | | | | |
The $131 million of adjustments in respect of prior years primarily relates to US operations from the true up of the 2019 tax provision following finalisation and submission of the 2019 corporate income tax return during 2020 and the carry back of losses under the CARES Act.
In 2020, a tax charge of $102 million (2019: charge of $709 million; 2018: charge of $387 million) has been taken through other comprehensive income. The tax charge principally relates to an increase in the market value on securities of US insurance operations classified as available-for-sale partially offset by a tax credit arising on the recycling of gains to the income statement arising on the transaction with Athene.
264
B3.2 Reconciliation of shareholder effective tax rate
In the reconciliation below, the expected tax rates reflect the corporation tax rates that are expected to apply to the taxable profit or loss of the relevant business. Where there are profits or losses of more than one jurisdiction, the expected tax rates reflect the corporation tax rates weighted by reference to the amount of profit or loss contributing to the aggregate business result.
|
2020 | 2019 |
2018
|
|||||||||||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
Asia
operations $m |
US
operations $m |
Other
operations $m |
Total
attributable to shareholders $m |
Percentage
impact on ETR % |
Total
attributable to shareholders $m note (vii) |
Percentage
impact on ETR % |
Total
attributable to shareholders $m |
Percentage
impact on ETR % |
|||||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Adjusted operating profit (loss) |
3,667 | 2,796 | (956) | 5,507 | 5,310 | 4,409 | ||||||||||||||||
Non-operating profit (loss)* |
153 | (3,510) | (2) | (3,359) | (3,388) | (959) | ||||||||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Profit (loss) before tax |
3,820 | (714) | (958) | 2,148 | 1,922 | 3,450 | ||||||||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Expected tax rate: |
20% | 21% | 18% | 21% | ||||||||||||||||||
Tax at the expected rate |
764 | (150) | (172) | 442 | 20.6% | 393 | 20.4% | 759 | 22.0% | |||||||||||||
Effects of recurring tax reconciliation items: |
||||||||||||||||||||||
Income not taxable or taxable at concessionary ratesnote(i) |
(102) | (45) | | (147) | (6.8)% | (126) | (6.6)% | (71) | (2.1)% | |||||||||||||
Deductions not allowable for tax purposes |
32 | 11 | | 43 | 2.0% | 55 | 2.9% | 69 | 2.0% | |||||||||||||
Items related to taxation of life insurance businessesnote(ii) |
(152) | (106) | | (258) | (12.0)% | (317) | (16.5)% | (128) | (3.7)% | |||||||||||||
Deferred tax adjustments |
26 | | | 26 | 1.2% | (33) | (1.7)% | (55) | (1.6)% | |||||||||||||
Unrecognised tax lossesnote(iii) |
| | 146 | 146 | 6.8% | 46 | 2.4% | | | |||||||||||||
Effect of results of joint ventures and associatesnote(iv) |
(123) | | (6) | (129) | (6.0)% | (100) | (5.2)% | (83) | (2.4)% | |||||||||||||
Irrecoverable withholding taxes |
1 | | 34 | 35 | 1.6% | 59 | 3.1% | 63 | 1.8% | |||||||||||||
Other |
(10) | (3) | (7) | (20) | (1.0)% | 13 | 0.7% | 9 | 0.3% | |||||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total |
(328) | (143) | 167 | (304) | (14.2)% | (403) | (20.9)% | (196) | (5.7)% | |||||||||||||
Effects of non-recurring tax reconciliation items: |
||||||||||||||||||||||
Adjustments to tax charge in relation to prior yearsnote(v) |
21 | (158) | 4 | (133) | (6.2)% | (67) | (3.5)% | (4) | (0.1)% | |||||||||||||
Movements in provisions for open tax mattersnote(vi) |
(20) | | (13) | (33) | (1.5)% | (1) | (0.1)% | 10 | 0.3% | |||||||||||||
M&G demerger related activities |
| | | | 0.0% | 76 | 4.0% | | | |||||||||||||
Impact of carry back of US losses under the CARES Act |
| (16) | | (16) | (0.7)% | | | | | |||||||||||||
Impact of changes in local statutory tax rates |
1 | | | 1 | 0.0% | | | | | |||||||||||||
Adjustments in relation to business disposals and corporate transactions |
| | 6 | 6 | 0.3% | (29) | (1.5)% | | | |||||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total |
2 | (174) | (3) | (175) | (8.1)% | (21) | (1.1)% | 6 | 0.2% | |||||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total actual tax charge (credit) |
438 | (467) | (8) | (37) | (1.7)% | (31) | (1.6)% | 569 | 16.5% | |||||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Analysed into: |
||||||||||||||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Tax charge (credit) on adjusted operating profit (loss) |
495 | 313 | (8) | 800 | 773 | 666 | ||||||||||||||||
Tax credit on non-operating profit (loss)* |
(57) | (780) | | (837) | (804) | (97) | ||||||||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Actual tax rate on: |
||||||||||||||||||||||
Adjusted operating profit (loss): |
||||||||||||||||||||||
Including non-recurring tax reconciling items |
13% | 11% | 1% | 15% | 15%note(vii) | 15%note(vii) | ||||||||||||||||
Excluding non-recurring tax reconciling items |
13% | 16% | 0% | 17% | 15% | 15% | ||||||||||||||||
Total profit (loss) |
11% | 65% | 1% | (2)% | (2)%note(vii) | 16%note(vii) | ||||||||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
265
Notes
|
2020 $m
|
|
| | |
Balance at 1 Jan |
198 | |
Movements in the current year included in tax charge attributable to shareholders |
(33) | |
Provisions utilised in the year |
(34) | |
Other movements* |
(18) | |
| | |
Balance at 31 Dec |
113 | |
| | |
|
2019
|
|||||||
| | | | | | | | |
|
Asia
operations |
US
operations |
Other
operations |
Total
attributable to shareholders |
||||
| | | | | | | | |
Tax rate on adjusted operating profit (loss) |
13% | 14% | 10% | 15% | ||||
Tax rate on profit (loss) before tax |
11% | 48% | 10% | (2)% | ||||
| | | | | | | | |
|
2018
|
|||||||
| | | | | | | | |
|
Asia
operations |
US
operations |
Other
operations |
Total
attributable to shareholders |
||||
| | | | | | | | |
Tax rate on adjusted operating profit (loss) |
14% | 16% | 14% | 15% | ||||
Tax rate on profit before tax |
17% | 15% | 13% | 16% | ||||
| | | | | | | | |
266
2020
|
||||||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Before
tax $m |
Tax
$m |
Non-
controlling interests $m |
Net of tax
and non- controlling interests $m |
Basic
earnings per share cents |
Diluted
earnings per share cents |
|||||||||
Note | B1.1 | B3 | ||||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Profit for the year | 2,148 | 37 | (67) | 2,118 | 81.6¢ | 81.6¢ | ||||||||
Short-term fluctuations in investment returns on shareholder-backed business | 4,841 | (987) | (75) | 3,779 | 145.5¢ | 145.5¢ | ||||||||
Amortisation of acquisition accounting adjustments | 39 | (7) | (2) | 30 | 1.1¢ | 1.1¢ | ||||||||
(Gain) loss attaching to corporate transactions | D1.1 | (1,521) | 157 | (4) | (1,368) | (52.7)¢ | (52.7)¢ | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Adjusted operating profit | 5,507 | (800) | (148) | 4,559 | 175.5¢ | 175.5¢ | ||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
2019
|
||||||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Before
tax $m |
Tax
$m |
Non-
controlling interests $m |
Net of tax
and non- controlling interests $m |
Basic
earnings per share cents |
Diluted
earnings per share cents |
|||||||||
Note | B1.1 | B3 | ||||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Profit for the year | 783 | 30.3¢ | 30.3¢ | |||||||||||
Loss for the year from discontinued operations | 1,161 | 44.8¢ | 44.8¢ | |||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Profit for the year from continuing operations | 1,922 | 31 | (9) | 1,944 | 75.1¢ | 75.1¢ | ||||||||
Short-term fluctuations in investment returns on shareholder-backed business | 3,203 | (772) | | 2,431 | 94.0¢ | 94.0¢ | ||||||||
Amortisation of acquisition accounting adjustments | 43 | (8) | | 35 | 1.3¢ | 1.3¢ | ||||||||
Loss attaching to corporate transactions | D1.1 | 142 | (24) | | 118 | 4.6¢ | 4.6¢ | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Adjusted operating profit from continuing operations | 5,310 | (773) | (9) | 4,528 | 175.0¢ | 175.0¢ | ||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
2018
|
||||||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Before
tax $m |
Tax
$m |
Non-
controlling interests $m |
Net of tax
and non- controlling interests $m |
Basic
earnings per share cents |
Diluted
earnings per share cents |
|||||||||
Note | B1.1 | B3 | ||||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Profit for the year | 4,019 | 156.0¢ | 156.0¢ | |||||||||||
Profit for the year from discontinued operations | (1,142) | (44.3)¢ | (44.3)¢ | |||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Profit for the year from continuing operations | 3,450 | (569) | (4) | 2,877 | 111.7¢ | 111.7¢ | ||||||||
Short-term fluctuations in investment returns on shareholder-backed business | B1.2 | 791 | (70) | | 721 | 28.0¢ | 28.0¢ | |||||||
Amortisation of acquisition accounting adjustments | 61 | (11) | | 50 | 1.9¢ | 1.9¢ | ||||||||
Loss attaching to corporate transactions | D1.1 | 107 | (16) | | 91 | 3.6¢ | 3.5¢ | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Adjusted operating profit from continuing operations | 4,409 | (666) | (4) | 3,739 | 145.2¢ | 145.1¢ | ||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Basic earnings per share are calculated based on earnings attributable to ordinary shareholders, after related tax and non-controlling interests, by the weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding during the year, excluding those held in employee share trusts and consolidated investment funds, which are treated as cancelled. For diluted earnings per share, the weighted average number of shares in issue is adjusted to assume conversion of all dilutive potential ordinary shares. The Group's only class of potentially dilutive ordinary shares are those share options granted to employees where the exercise price is less than the average market price of the Company's ordinary shares during the year. No adjustment is made if the impact is anti-dilutive overall.
267
The weighted average number of shares for calculating basic and diluted earnings per share in 2020 is set out as below:
Number of shares (in millions)
|
2020
|
2019
|
2018
|
|||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| | | | | | |
Weighted average number of shares for calculation of basic earnings per share | 2,597 | 2,587 | 2,575 | |||
Shares under option at end of year | 2 | 4 | 5 | |||
Shares that would have been issued at fair value on assumed option price at end of year | (2) | (4) | (4) | |||
| | | | | | |
Weighted average number of shares for calculation of diluted earnings per share | 2,597 | 2,587 | 2,576 | |||
| | | | | | |
|
2020 | 2019 |
2018
|
||||||||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
Cents per share | $m |
Cents per
share |
$m |
Cents per
share |
$m
|
|||||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Dividends relating to reporting year: |
|||||||||||||||||||
First interim ordinary dividend |
5.37¢ | 140 | 20.29¢ | 528 | 20.55¢ | 530 | |||||||||||||
Second interim ordinary dividend |
10.73¢ | 280 | 25.97¢ | 675 | 42.89¢ | 1,108 | |||||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total |
16.10¢ | 420 | 46.26¢ | 1,203 | 63.44¢ | 1,638 | |||||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Dividends paid in reporting year: |
|||||||||||||||||||
Current year first interim ordinary dividend |
5.37¢ | 140 | 20.29¢ | 526 | 20.55¢ | 530 | |||||||||||||
Second interim ordinary dividend for prior year |
25.97¢ | 674 | 42.89¢ | 1,108 | 43.79¢ | 1,132 | |||||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total |
31.34¢ | 814 | 63.18¢ | 1,634 | 64.34¢ | 1,662 | |||||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
First and second interim dividends are recorded in the period in which they are paid. In addition to the dividends shown in the table above, on 21 October 2019, following approval by the Group's shareholders, Prudential plc demerged its UK and Europe operations (M&G plc) via a dividend in specie of $7,379 million.
Dividend per share
The 2020 first interim ordinary dividend of 5.37 cents per ordinary share was paid to eligible shareholders on 28 September 2020.
The second interim ordinary dividend for the year ended 31 December 2020 of 10.73 cents per ordinary share will be paid on 14 May 2021 to shareholders included on the UK and HK registers respectively on 26 March 2021 (Record Date) and to the Holders of US American Depositary Receipts as at 26 March 2021. The second interim ordinary dividend will be paid on or about 21 May 2021 to shareholders with shares standing to the credit of their securities accounts with The Central Depository (Pte) Limited (CDP) on the Record Date.
Shareholders holding shares on the UK or Hong Kong share registers will continue to receive their dividend payments in either GBP or HKD respectively, unless they elect otherwise. Shareholders holding shares on the UK or Hong Kong registers may elect to receive dividend payments in USD. Elections must be made through the relevant UK or Hong Kong share registrar on or before 23 April 2021. The corresponding amount per share in GBP and HKD is expected to be announced on or about 5 May 2021. The USD to GBP and HKD conversion rates will be determined by the actual rates achieved by Prudential buying those currencies prior to the subsequent announcement. Holders of American Depositary Receipts (ADRs) will continue to receive their dividend payments in USD. Shareholders holding an interest in Prudential shares through The Central Depository (Pte) Limited (CDP) in Singapore will continue to receive their dividend payments in SGD at an exchange rate determined by CDP.
Shareholders on the UK register are eligible to participate in a Dividend Reinvestment Plan.
268
C1 Group assets and liabilities by business type
The analysis below is structured to show the investments and other assets and liabilities of the Group by reference to the differing degrees of policyholder and shareholder economic interest of the different types of business.
The Group has revised its disclosures relating to the investments, other assets and liabilities of the Group in these consolidated financial statements, including combining various disclosures into a single section and giving further analysis of the categories of debt securities. The 2019 comparative information, in particular that relating to investments, has been re-presented from previously published information to conform to the current year format and the altered approach to credit ratings analysis described below.
Debt securities are analysed below according to the issuing government for sovereign debt and to credit ratings for the rest of the securities.
From half year 2020, to align more closely with the internal risk management analysis, the Group altered the compilation of its credit ratings analysis to use the middle of the Standard & Poor's, Moody's and Fitch ratings, where available. Where ratings are not available from these rating agencies, NAIC ratings (for the US), local external rating agencies' ratings and lastly internal ratings have been used. Securities with none of the ratings listed above are classified as unrated and included under the 'below BBB- and unrated' category. The total securities (excluding sovereign debt) that were unrated at 31 December 2020 were $780 million (31 December 2019: $648 million). Previously, Standard & Poor's ratings were used where available and if not, Moody's and then Fitch were used as alternatives. Additionally, government debt is shown separately from the rating breakdowns in order to provide a more focused view of the credit portfolio.
In the table below, AAA is the highest possible rating. Investment grade financial assets are classified within the range of AAA to BBB- ratings. Financial assets which fall outside this range are classified as below BBB-.
269
|
31 Dec 2020 $m | |||||||||||||||||||
|
Asia insurance | |||||||||||||||||||
|
With-
profits business |
Unit-
linked assets and liabilities |
Other
business |
Asia
Asset management |
Eliminations |
Total
Asia |
US |
Unallocated
to a segment |
Elimination
of intra-group debtors and creditors |
Group
total |
||||||||||
|
note (i) | note (ii) | ||||||||||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Debt securitiesnote(iii), note C1.1 |
||||||||||||||||||||
Sovereign debt |
||||||||||||||||||||
Indonesia |
385 | 658 | 564 | 12 | | 1,619 | | | | 1,619 | ||||||||||
Singapore |
3,939 | 551 | 979 | 117 | | 5,586 | | | | 5,586 | ||||||||||
Thailand |
| | 1,999 | 11 | | 2,010 | | | | 2,010 | ||||||||||
United Kingdom |
| 7 | | | | 7 | | | | 7 | ||||||||||
United States |
24,396 | 21 | 2,551 | | | 26,968 | 5,126 | | | 32,094 | ||||||||||
Vietnam |
| 11 | 2,881 | | | 2,892 | | | | 2,892 | ||||||||||
Other (predominantly Asia) |
1,322 | 700 | 3,508 | 19 | | 5,549 | 30 | 173 | | 5,752 | ||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Subtotal |
30,042 | 1,948 | 12,482 | 159 | | 44,631 | 5,156 | 173 | | 49,960 | ||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Other government bonds |
||||||||||||||||||||
AAA |
1,420 | 96 | 405 | | | 1,921 | 377 | | | 2,298 | ||||||||||
AA+ to AA- |
129 | 2 | 28 | | | 159 | 522 | | | 681 | ||||||||||
A+ to A- |
811 | 131 | 339 | | | 1,281 | 188 | | | 1,469 | ||||||||||
BBB+ to BBB- |
452 | 16 | 196 | | | 664 | 3 | | | 667 | ||||||||||
Below BBB- and unrated |
631 | 9 | 450 | | | 1,090 | | 1 | | 1,091 | ||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Subtotal |
3,443 | 254 | 1,418 | | | 5,115 | 1,090 | 1 | | 6,206 | ||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Corporate bonds |
||||||||||||||||||||
AAA |
1,228 | 221 | 540 | | | 1,989 | 265 | | | 2,254 | ||||||||||
AA+ to AA- |
1,943 | 476 | 1,871 | | | 4,290 | 869 | | | 5,159 | ||||||||||
A+ to A- |
7,289 | 695 | 5,194 | 1 | | 13,179 | 10,759 | | | 23,938 | ||||||||||
BBB+ to BBB- |
9,005 | 1,299 | 4,785 | | | 15,089 | 12,686 | | | 27,775 | ||||||||||
Below BBB- and unrated |
2,814 | 849 | 1,477 | 2 | | 5,142 | 1,975 | 6 | | 7,123 | ||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Subtotal |
22,279 | 3,540 | 13,867 | 3 | | 39,689 | 26,554 | 6 | | 66,249 | ||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Asset-backed securities |
||||||||||||||||||||
AAA |
74 | 9 | 24 | | | 107 | 2,110 | | | 2,217 | ||||||||||
AA+ to AA- |
2 | 1 | | | | 3 | 171 | | | 174 | ||||||||||
A+ to A- |
15 | | 16 | | | 31 | 741 | | | 772 | ||||||||||
BBB+ to BBB- |
12 | | 9 | | | 21 | 163 | | | 184 | ||||||||||
Below BBB- and unrated |
9 | 2 | 8 | | | 19 | 48 | | | 67 | ||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Subtotal |
112 | 12 | 57 | | | 181 | 3,233 | | | 3,414 | ||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total debt securities |
55,876 | 5,754 | 27,824 | 162 | | 89,616 | 36,033 | 180 | | 125,829 | ||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Loans |
||||||||||||||||||||
Mortgage loansnote C1.2 |
| | 158 | | | 158 | 7,833 | | | 7,991 | ||||||||||
Policy loans |
1,231 | | 341 | | | 1,572 | 4,507 | 10 | | 6,089 | ||||||||||
Other loans |
492 | | 16 | | | 508 | | | | 508 | ||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total loans |
1,723 | | 515 | | | 2,238 | 12,340 | 10 | | 14,588 | ||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Equity securities and holdings in collective investment schemes |
||||||||||||||||||||
Direct equities |
15,668 | 13,064 | 3,321 | 71 | | 32,124 | 253 | 4 | | 32,381 | ||||||||||
Collective investment schemes |
18,125 | 7,392 | 1,633 | 10 | | 27,160 | 25 | 7 | | 27,192 | ||||||||||
US separate account assetsnote(ii) |
| | | | | | 219,062 | | | 219,062 | ||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total equity securities and holdings in collective investment schemes |
33,793 | 20,456 | 4,954 | 81 | | 59,284 | 219,340 | 11 | | 278,635 | ||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Other financial investmentsnote(iv) |
1,566 | 405 | 2,139 | 97 | | 4,207 | 4,094 | 47 | | 8,348 | ||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total financial investmentsnote(vi) |
92,958 | 26,615 | 35,432 | 340 | | 155,345 | 271,807 | 248 | | 427,400 | ||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Investment properties |
| | 6 | | | 6 | 7 | 10 | | 23 | ||||||||||
Investments in joint ventures and associates accounted for using the equity method |
| | 1,689 | 273 | | 1,962 | | | | 1,962 | ||||||||||
Cash and cash equivalentsnote(vii) |
1,049 | 587 | 1,317 | 156 | | 3,109 | 1,621 | 3,288 | | 8,018 | ||||||||||
Reinsurers' share of insurance contract liabilitiesnote(v) |
257 | | 11,102 | | | 11,359 | 35,232 | 4 | | 46,595 | ||||||||||
Other assetsnote(viii) |
1,538 | 252 | 9,254 | 839 | (62) | 11,821 | 19,813 | 3,788 | (3,323) | 32,099 | ||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total assets |
95,802 | 27,454 | 58,800 | 1,608 | (62) | 183,602 | 328,480 | 7,338 | (3,323) | 516,097 | ||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Shareholders' equity |
| | 12,785 | 1,102 | | 13,887 | 8,511 | (1,520) | | 20,878 | ||||||||||
Non-controlling interests |
| | 2 | 144 | | 146 | 1,063 | 32 | | 1,241 | ||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total equity |
| | 12,787 | 1,246 | | 14,033 | 9,574 | (1,488) | | 22,119 | ||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Contract liabilities and unallocated surplus of with-profits fundsnote(ii) |
86,410 | 25,433 | 37,845 | | | 149,688 | 296,513 | 262 | | 446,463 | ||||||||||
Core structural borrowings |
| | | | | | 250 | 6,383 | | 6,633 | ||||||||||
Operational borrowings |
194 | | 99 | 23 | | 316 | 1,498 | 630 | | 2,444 | ||||||||||
Other liabilitiesnote(ix) |
9,198 | 2,021 | 8,069 | 339 | (62) | 19,565 | 20,645 | 1,551 | (3,323) | 38,438 | ||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total liabilities |
95,802 | 27,454 | 46,013 | 362 | (62) | 169,569 | 318,906 | 8,826 | (3,323) | 493,978 | ||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total equity and liabilities |
95,802 | 27,454 | 58,800 | 1,608 | (62) | 183,602 | 328,480 | 7,338 | (3,323) | 516,097 | ||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
270
|
31 Dec 2019 $m | |||||||||||||||||||
|
Asia insurance | |||||||||||||||||||
|
With-
profits business |
Unit-
linked assets and liabilities |
Other
business |
Asia
Asset management |
Eliminations |
Total
Asia |
US |
Unallocated
to a segment |
Elimination
of intra-group debtors and creditors |
Group
total |
||||||||||
|
note (i) | note (ii) | ||||||||||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Debt securitiesnote(iii), note C1.1 |
||||||||||||||||||||
Sovereign debt |
||||||||||||||||||||
Indonesia |
222 | 610 | 488 | | | 1,320 | | | | 1,320 | ||||||||||
Singapore |
3,514 | 554 | 708 | 94 | | 4,870 | | | | 4,870 | ||||||||||
Thailand |
| | 1,398 | 19 | | 1,417 | | | | 1,417 | ||||||||||
United Kingdom |
| 7 | | | | 7 | | 615 | | 622 | ||||||||||
United States |
20,479 | 113 | 2,827 | | | 23,419 | 6,160 | 597 | | 30,176 | ||||||||||
Vietnam |
1 | 15 | 2,900 | | | 2,916 | | | | 2,916 | ||||||||||
Other (predominantly Asia) |
1,745 | 665 | 2,809 | 13 | | 5,232 | 9 | 116 | | 5,357 | ||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Subtotal |
25,961 | 1,964 | 11,130 | 126 | | 39,181 | 6,169 | 1,328 | | 46,678 | ||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Other government bonds |
||||||||||||||||||||
AAA |
1,752 | 81 | 538 | | | 2,371 | 977 | | | 3,348 | ||||||||||
AA+ to AA- |
135 | 8 | 78 | | | 221 | 495 | | | 716 | ||||||||||
A+ to A- |
890 | 159 | 389 | | | 1,438 | 245 | | | 1,683 | ||||||||||
BBB+ to BBB- |
356 | 88 | 201 | | | 645 | 4 | | | 649 | ||||||||||
Below BBB- and unrated |
31 | 9 | 381 | | | 421 | | 2 | | 423 | ||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Subtotal |
3,164 | 345 | 1,587 | | | 5,096 | 1,721 | 2 | | 6,819 | ||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Corporate bonds |
||||||||||||||||||||
AAA |
732 | 384 | 516 | | | 1,632 | 341 | | | 1,973 | ||||||||||
AA+ to AA- |
1,574 | 441 | 1,908 | | | 3,923 | 1,566 | | | 5,489 | ||||||||||
A+ to A- |
5,428 | 542 | 5,063 | | | 11,033 | 17,784 | | | 28,817 | ||||||||||
BBB+ to BBB- |
5,443 | 883 | 3,497 | | | 9,823 | 22,775 | | | 32,598 | ||||||||||
Below BBB- and unrated |
2,111 | 569 | 781 | 3 | | 3,464 | 2,157 | 2 | | 5,623 | ||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Subtotal |
15,288 | 2,819 | 11,765 | 3 | | 29,875 | 44,623 | 2 | | 74,500 | ||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Asset-backed securities |
||||||||||||||||||||
AAA |
236 | 19 | 104 | | | 359 | 3,658 | | | 4,017 | ||||||||||
AA+ to AA- |
132 | 6 | 46 | | | 184 | 780 | | | 964 | ||||||||||
A+ to A- |
1 | | 14 | | | 15 | 1,006 | | | 1,021 | ||||||||||
BBB+ to BBB- |
| | | | | | 359 | | | 359 | ||||||||||
Below BBB- and unrated |
| | | | | | 212 | | | 212 | ||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Subtotal |
369 | 25 | 164 | | | 558 | 6,015 | | | 6,573 | ||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total debt securities |
44,782 | 5,153 | 24,646 | 129 | | 74,710 | 58,528 | 1,332 | | 134,570 | ||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Loans |
||||||||||||||||||||
Mortgage loansnote C1.2 |
| | 165 | | | 165 | 9,904 | | | 10,069 | ||||||||||
Policy loans |
1,089 | | 316 | | | 1,405 | 4,707 | 9 | | 6,121 | ||||||||||
Other loans |
374 | | 19 | | | 393 | | | | 393 | ||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total loans |
1,463 | | 500 | | | 1,963 | 14,611 | 9 | | 16,583 | ||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Equity securities and holdings in collective investment schemes |
||||||||||||||||||||
Direct equities |
14,143 | 12,440 | 1,793 | 59 | | 28,435 | 150 | 4 | | 28,589 | ||||||||||
Collective investment schemes |
15,230 | 6,652 | 1,680 | 14 | | 23,576 | 40 | 6 | | 23,622 | ||||||||||
US separate account assetsnote(ii) |
| | | | | | 195,070 | | | 195,070 | ||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total equity securities and holdings in collective investment schemes |
29,373 | 19,092 | 3,473 | 73 | | 52,011 | 195,260 | 10 | | 247,281 | ||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Other financial investmentsnote(iv) |
963 | 383 | 1,363 | 106 | | 2,815 | 2,791 | 56 | | 5,662 | ||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total financial investmentsnote(vi) |
76,581 | 24,628 | 29,982 | 308 | | 131,499 | 271,190 | 1,407 | | 404,096 | ||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Investment properties |
| | 7 | | | 7 | 7 | 11 | | 25 | ||||||||||
Investments in joint ventures and associates accounted for using the equity method |
| | 1,263 | 237 | | 1,500 | | | | 1,500 | ||||||||||
Cash and cash equivalentsnote(vii) |
963 | 356 | 1,015 | 156 | | 2,490 | 1,960 | 2,515 | | 6,965 | ||||||||||
Reinsurers' share of insurance contract liabilitiesnote(v) |
152 | | 5,306 | | | 5,458 | 8,394 | 4 | | 13,856 | ||||||||||
Other assetsnote(viii) |
1,277 | 237 | 6,983 | 826 | (35) | 9,288 | 17,696 | 3,440 | (2,652) | 27,772 | ||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total assets |
78,973 | 25,221 | 44,556 | 1,527 | (35) | 150,242 | 299,247 | 7,377 | (2,652) | 454,214 | ||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Shareholders' equity |
| | 9,801 | 1,065 | | 10,866 | 8,929 | (318) | | 19,477 | ||||||||||
Non-controlling interests |
| | 2 | 153 | | 155 | | 37 | | 192 | ||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total equity |
| | 9,803 | 1,218 | | 11,021 | 8,929 | (281) | | 19,669 | ||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Contract liabilities and unallocated surplus of with-profits fundsnote(ii) |
70,308 | 23,571 | 26,814 | | | 120,693 | 269,549 | 186 | | 390,428 | ||||||||||
Core structural borrowings |
| | | | | | 250 | 5,344 | | 5,594 | ||||||||||
Operational borrowings |
303 | 21 | 122 | 27 | | 473 | 1,501 | 671 | | 2,645 | ||||||||||
Other liabilitiesnote(ix) |
8,362 | 1,629 | 7,817 | 282 | (35) | 18,055 | 19,018 | 1,457 | (2,652) | 35,878 | ||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total liabilities |
78,973 | 25,221 | 34,753 | 309 | (35) | 139,221 | 290,318 | 7,658 | (2,652) | 434,545 | ||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total equity and liabilities |
78,973 | 25,221 | 44,556 | 1,527 | (35) | 150,242 | 299,247 | 7,377 | (2,652) | 454,214 | ||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
271
31 Dec 2020 $m |
31 Dec 2019 $m
|
|||||||
| | | | | | | | |
Insurance |
Asset
management |
Total |
Total
|
|||||
| | | | | | | | |
Shareholders' equity | 8,506 | 5 | 8,511 | 8,929 | ||||
| | | | | | | | |
The US separate account assets comprise investments in mutual funds attaching to the variable annuity business that are held in the separate account. The related liabilities are reported in contract liabilities at an amount equal to the separate account assets.
|
31 Dec 2020 $m
|
31 Dec 2019 $m
|
|||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
| | | | | |
Cash | 2,492 | 2,071 | |||
Cash equivalents | 5,526 | 4,894 | |||
| | | | | |
Total cash and cash equivalents* | 8,018 | 6,965 | |||
| | | | | |
Analysed as: | |||||
Held by the Group's holding and non-regulated entities and available for general use |
3,250 | 2,491 | |||
Other funds not available for general use by the Group, including funds held for the benefit of policyholders |
4,768 | 4,474 | |||
| | | | | |
Total cash and cash equivalents |
8,018 | 6,965 | |||
| | | | | |
|
31 Dec 2020 $m
|
31 Dec 2019 $m
|
|||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
| | | | | |
Interest receivable | 1,008 | 1,064 | |||
Other accrued income | 419 | 577 | |||
| | | | | |
Total accrued investment income | 1,427 | 1,641 | |||
| | | | | |
Amounts receivable due from: | |||||
Policyholders |
757 | 574 | |||
Intermediaries |
2 | 4 | |||
Reinsurers |
920 | 216 | |||
Other sundry debtors | 1,492 | 1,260 | |||
| | | | | |
Total other debtors | 3,171 | 2,054 | |||
| | | | | |
Total accrued investment income and other debtors | 4,598 | 3,695 | |||
| | | | | |
Analysed as: | |||||
Expected to be settled within one year |
4,151 | 3,191 | |||
Expected to be settled beyond one year |
447 | 504 | |||
| | | | | |
4,598 | 3,695 | ||||
| | | | | |
272
|
31 Dec 2020 $m
|
31 Dec 2019 $m
|
|||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
| | | | | |
Accruals and deferred income | 702 | 582 | |||
Creditors arising from direct insurance and reinsurance operations | 2,296 | 2,831 | |||
Interest payable | 74 | 68 | |||
Funds withheld under reinsurance agreements | 4,628 | 3,760 | |||
Other creditors | 7,808 | 7,247 | |||
| | | | | |
Total accruals, deferred income and other creditors | 15,508 | 14,488 | |||
| | | | | |
C1.1 Additional analysis of debt securities
This note provides additional analysis of the Group's debt securities. With the exception of certain debt securities classified as 'available-for-sale' under IAS 39, which primarily relate to US insurance operations as disclosed below, the Group's debt securities are carried at fair value through profit or loss.
Of the $125,829 million of Group's debt securities at 31 December 2020 (31 December 2019: $134,570 million), the following amounts were held by consolidated investment funds:
|
31 Dec 2020 $m
|
31 Dec 2019 $m
|
||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| | | | | | | | |
|
Asia
|
US
|
Total
|
Total
|
||||
| | | | | | | | |
Debt securities held by consolidated investment funds | 15,928 | 1,145 | 17,073 | 22,113 | ||||
| | | | | | | | |
Debt securities for US operations included in the statement of financial position comprise:
|
31 Dec 2020 $m
|
31 Dec 2019 $m
|
||
---|---|---|---|---|
| | | | |
Available-for-sale |
34,650 | 57,091 | ||
Fair value through profit and loss |
1,383 | 1,437 | ||
| | | | |
Total US debt securities |
36,033 | 58,528 | ||
| | | | |
The corporate bonds held by the US insurance operations comprise:
|
31 Dec 2020 $m
|
31 Dec 2019 $m
|
||
---|---|---|---|---|
| | | | |
Publicly traded and SEC Rule 144A securities* |
17,870 | 34,781 | ||
Non-SEC Rule 144A securities |
8,684 | 9,842 | ||
| | | | |
Total US corporate bonds |
26,554 | 44,623 | ||
| | | | |
273
The movement in the statement of financial position value for debt securities classified as available-for-sale from a net unrealised gain of $3,496 million at 31 December 2019 to a net unrealised gain of $3,396 million at 31 December 2020 is analysed in the table below.
|
|
Changes in unrealised appreciation
(depreciation) reflected in other comprehensive income |
|
|||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| | | | | | | | |
|
31 Dec 2020 $m
|
Gains recycled to
income statement on transfer of debt securities to Athene note D1.1 |
Unrealised
gains (losses) arising in the year |
31 Dec 2019 $m
|
||||
| | | | | | | | |
Assets fair valued at below book value |
||||||||
Book value |
5,111 | 3,121 | ||||||
Unrealised loss |
(144) | (117) | (27) | |||||
| | | | | | | | |
Fair value (as included in statement of financial position) |
4,967 | 3,094 | ||||||
| | | | | | | | |
Assets fair valued at or above book value |
||||||||
Book value |
26,143 | 50,474 | ||||||
Unrealised gain |
3,540 | (2,817) | 2,834 | 3,523 | ||||
| | | | | | | | |
Fair value (as included in statement of financial position) |
29,683 | 53,997 | ||||||
| | | | | | | | |
Total |
||||||||
Book value |
31,254 | 53,595 | ||||||
Net unrealised gain (loss) |
3,396 | (2,817) | 2,717 | 3,496 | ||||
| | | | | | | | |
Fair value (as included in the statement of financial position) |
34,650 | 57,091 | ||||||
| | | | | | | | |
Book value represents cost or amortised cost of the debt securities. Jackson available-for-sale debt securities fair valued at below book value (in an unrealised loss position) is analysed further below.
The following table shows the fair value of the Jackson available-for-sale debt securities in a gross unrealised loss position for various percentages of book value:
31 Dec 2020 $m | 31 Dec 2019 $m | |||||||
| | | | | | | | |
Fair
value |
Unrealised
loss |
Fair
value |
Unrealised
loss |
|||||
| | | | | | | | |
Between 90% and 100% | 4,902 | (128) | 3,083 | (25) | ||||
Between 80% and 90% | 13 | (2) | 11 | (2) | ||||
Below 80% | 52 | (14) | | | ||||
| | | | | | | | |
Total | 4,967 | (144) | 3,094 | (27) | ||||
| | | | | | | | |
|
31 Dec 2020 $m | 31 Dec 2019 $m | ||
| | | | |
1 year to 5 years |
(12) | (1) | ||
5 years to 10 years |
(15) | (12) | ||
More than 10 years |
(115) | (7) | ||
Mortgage-backed and other debt securities |
(2) | (7) | ||
| | | | |
Total |
(144) | (27) | ||
| | | | |
274
The following table shows the age analysis of all the unrealised losses in the portfolio by reference to the length of time the securities have been in an unrealised loss position:
|
31 Dec 2020 $m | 31 Dec 2019 $m | ||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Age analysis |
Non-
investment grade |
Investment
grade* |
Total |
Non
investment grade |
Investment
grade* |
Total | ||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Less than 6 months |
(15) | (118) | (133) | (1) | (20) | (21) | ||||||
6 months to 1 year |
(4) | (7) | (11) | (1) | (1) | (2) | ||||||
1 year to 2 years |
| | | | (1) | (1) | ||||||
2 years to 3 years |
| | | | (1) | (1) | ||||||
More than 3 years |
| | | | (2) | (2) | ||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total |
(19) | (125) | (144) | (2) | (25) | (27) | ||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Further, the following table shows the age analysis of the securities at 31 December 2020 whose fair values were below 80 per cent of the book value by reference to the length of time the securities have been in an unrealised loss position (31 December 2019: nil):
|
31 Dec 2020 $m
|
|||
| | | | |
Age analysis |
Fair value |
Unrealised loss
|
||
| | | | |
Less than 3 months |
| | ||
3 months to 6 months |
51 | (14) | ||
More than 6 months |
1 | | ||
| | | | |
Total below 80% |
52 | (14) | ||
| | | | |
The Group's holdings in asset-backed securities (ABS) comprise residential mortgage-backed securities (RMBS), commercial mortgage-backed securities (CMBS), collateralised debt obligations (CDO) funds and other asset-backed securities.
The US operations' exposure to asset-backed securities comprises:
The Group exposures held by the shareholder-backed business and with-profits funds in bank debt securities are analysed below. The table excludes assets held to cover linked liabilities and those of the consolidated investment funds.
275
Exposure to bank debt securities
|
31 Dec 2020 $m |
31 Dec 2019 $m
|
||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
Senior debt | Subordinated debt | ||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Shareholder-backed business |
Total | Tier 1 | Tier 2 | Total | Group total |
Group total
|
||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Asia |
902 | 175 | 242 | 417 | 1,319 | 993 | ||||||
Eurozone |
223 | 4 | 12 | 16 | 239 | 337 | ||||||
United Kingdom |
360 | 6 | 79 | 85 | 445 | 723 | ||||||
United States |
1,464 | 7 | 81 | 88 | 1,552 | 3,134 | ||||||
Other |
189 | 2 | 41 | 43 | 232 | 647 | ||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total |
3,138 | 194 | 455 | 649 | 3,787 | 5,834 | ||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
With-profits funds |
||||||||||||
Asia |
402 | 557 | 437 | 994 | 1,396 | 1,130 | ||||||
Eurozone |
41 | 21 | 10 | 31 | 72 | 131 | ||||||
United Kingdom |
198 | 11 | 106 | 117 | 315 | 155 | ||||||
United States |
1,028 | 14 | 82 | 96 | 1,124 | 34 | ||||||
Other |
186 | 8 | 204 | 212 | 398 | 284 | ||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total |
1,855 | 611 | 839 | 1,450 | 3,305 | 1,734 | ||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
In accordance with the Group's accounting policy set out in note A3.1, impairment reviews were performed for available-for-sale securities and loans and receivables.
During the year ended 31 December 2020, a charge for impairment net of recoveries of $62 million (2019: charge of $17 million; 2018: a credit of $19 million) was recognised for available-for-sale securities and loans and receivables held by Jackson.
Jackson, with the support of internal credit analysts, regularly monitors and reports on the credit quality of its holdings of debt securities.
In addition, there is a periodic review of its investments on a case-by-case basis to determine whether any decline in fair value represents an impairment. Investments in structured securities are subject to a review of their future estimated cash flows, including expected and stress case scenarios, to identify potential shortfalls in contractual payments (both interest and principal). Impairment charges are recorded on structured securities when the Company forecasts a contractual payment shortfall. Situations where such a shortfall would not lead to a recognition of a loss are rare. The impairment loss reflects the difference between the fair value and book value.
In 2020, the Group realised gross losses on sales of available-for-sale securities of $193 million (2019: $70 million; 2018: $55 million) with 69 per cent (2019: 51 per cent; 2018: 49 per cent) of these losses related to the disposal of fixed maturity securities of the top 10 individual issuers, which were disposed of to limit future credit loss exposure. Of the $193 million (2019: $70 million; 2018: $55 million), $148 million (2019: $28 million; 2018: $6 million) relates to losses on sales of impaired and deteriorating securities.
The effect of changes in the key assumptions that underpin the assessment of whether impairment has taken place depends on the factors described in note A3.1. A key indicator of whether such impairment may arise in future, and the potential amounts at risk, is the profile of gross unrealised losses for fixed maturity securities accounted for on an available-for-sale basis by reference to the time periods by which the securities have been held continuously in an unrealised loss position and by reference to the maturity date of the securities concerned.
For 2020, the amount of gross unrealised losses for fixed maturity securities classified as available-for-sale under IFRS in an unrealised loss position was $144 million (2019: $27 million; 2018: $1,178 million). Note B1.2 provides further details on the impairment charges and unrealised losses of Jackson's available-for-sale securities.
276
C1.2 Additional analysis of US mortgage loans
In the US, mortgage loans of $7,833 million at 31 December 2020 (31 December 2019: $9,904 million) are all commercial mortgage loans that are secured by the following property types: industrial, multi-family residential, suburban office, retail or hotel. The average loan size is $18.5 million (31 December 2019: $19.3 million). The portfolio has a current estimated average loan to value of 54 per cent (31 December 2019: 54 per cent).
At 31 December 2020, Jackson had mortgage loans with a carrying value of $493 million (31 December 2019: nil) where the contractual terms of the agreements had been restructured to grant forbearance for a period of six to fourteen months. Under IAS 39, restructured loans are reviewed for impairment with an impairment recorded if the expected cash flows under the newly restructured terms discounted at the original yield (the pre-structured interest rate) are below the carrying value of the loan. No impairment is recorded for these loans in 2020 as the expected cash flows and interest rate did not materially change under the restructured terms.
The Group holds financial investments in accordance with IAS 39, whereby subject to specific criteria, financial instruments are required to be accounted for under one of the following categories:
The Group uses the trade date method to account for regular purchases and sales of financial assets.
C2.1 Determination of fair value
The fair values of the financial instruments for which fair valuation is required under IFRS Standards are determined by the use of current market bid prices for exchange-quoted investments, or by using quotations from independent third parties, such as brokers and pricing services or by using appropriate valuation techniques.
The estimated fair value of derivative financial instruments reflects the estimated amount the Group would receive or pay in an arm's-length transaction. This amount is determined using quoted prices if exchange listed, quotations from independent third parties or valued internally using standard market practices.
Other than the loans which have been designated at fair value through profit or loss, the carrying value of loans and receivables is presented net of provisions for impairment. The fair value of loans is estimated from discounted cash flows expected to be received. The discount rate used is updated for the market rate of interest where applicable.
The fair value of the subordinated and senior debt issued by the Parent Company is determined using quoted prices from independent third parties.
277
The fair value of financial liabilities (other than subordinated debt, senior debt and derivative financial instruments) is determined using discounted cash flows of the amounts expected to be paid.
Valuation approach for level 2 fair valued assets and liabilities
A significant proportion of the Group's level 2 assets are corporate bonds, structured securities and other non-national government debt securities. These assets, in line with market practice, are generally valued using a designated independent pricing service or quote from third-party brokers. These valuations are subject to a number of monitoring controls, such as comparison to multiple pricing sources where available, monthly price variances, stale price reviews and variance analysis on prices achieved on subsequent trades.
When prices are not available from pricing services, quotes are sourced directly from brokers. Prudential seeks to obtain a number of quotes from different brokers so as to obtain the most comprehensive information available on their executability. Where quotes are sourced directly from brokers, the price used in the valuation is normally selected from one of the quotes based on a number of factors, including the timeliness and regularity of the quotes and the accuracy of the quotes considering the spreads provided. The selected quote is the one which best represents an executable quote for the security at the measurement date.
Generally, no adjustment is made to the prices obtained from independent third parties. Adjustment is made in only limited circumstances, where it is determined that the third-party valuations obtained do not reflect fair value (eg either because the value is stale and/or the values are extremely diverse in range). These are usually securities which are distressed or that could be subject to a debt restructure or where reliable market prices are no longer available due to an inactive market or market dislocation. In these instances, prices are derived using internal valuation techniques including those as described below in this note with the objective of arriving at a fair value measurement that reflects the price at which an orderly transaction would take place between market participants on the measurement date. The techniques used require a number of assumptions relating to variables such as credit risk and interest rates. Examples of such variables include an average credit spread based on the corporate bond universe and the relevant duration of the asset being valued. Prudential determines the input assumptions based on the best available information at the measurement dates. Securities valued in such manner are classified as level 3 where these significant inputs are not based on observable market data.
Valuation approach for level 3 fair valued assets and liabilities
Investments valued using valuation techniques include financial investments which by their nature do not have an externally quoted price based on regular trades, and financial investments for which markets are no longer active as a result of market conditions, eg market illiquidity. The valuation techniques used include comparison to recent arm's-length transactions, reference to other instruments that are substantially the same, discounted cash flow analysis, option-adjusted spread models and, if applicable, enterprise valuation.
The Group's valuation policies, procedures and analyses for instruments categorised as level 3 are overseen by Business Unit committees as part of the Group's wider financial reporting governance processes. The procedures undertaken include approval of valuation methodologies, verification processes, and resolution of significant or complex valuation issues. In undertaking these activities, the Group makes use of the extensive expertise of its asset management functions. In addition, the Group has minimum standards for independent price verification to ensure valuation accuracy is regularly independently verified. Adherence to this policy is monitored across the business units.
C2.2 Fair value measurement hierarchy of Group assets and liabilities
(i) Assets and liabilities carried at fair value on the statement of financial position
The table below shows the assets and liabilities carried at fair value analysed by level of the IFRS 13 'Fair Value Measurement' defined fair value hierarchy. This hierarchy is based on the inputs to the fair value measurement and reflects the lowest level input that is significant to that measurement.
All assets and liabilities held at fair value are classified as fair value through profit or loss, except for $34,650 million (31 December 2019: $58,302 million) of debt securities classified as available-for-sale, principally in the US operations. All assets and liabilities held at fair value are measured on a recurring basis. As of 31 December 2020, the Group did not have any financial instruments that are measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis.
278
Financial instruments at fair value
|
31 Dec 2020 $m | |||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 |
|
||||
|
Quoted prices
(unadjusted) in active markets |
Valuation based
on significant observable market inputs note (i) |
Valuation based
on significant unobservable market inputs note (ii) |
Total
|
||||
| | | | | | | | |
Loans | | 416 | 3,461 | 3,877 | ||||
Equity securities and holdings in collective investment schemes | 272,863 | 5,224 | 548 | 278,635 | ||||
Debt securities | 75,998 | 49,769 | 62 | 125,829 | ||||
Other investments (including derivative assets) | 123 | 2,477 | 1,866 | 4,466 | ||||
Derivative liabilities | (298) | (184) | | (482) | ||||
| | | | | | | | |
Total financial investments, net of derivative liabilities | 348,686 | 57,702 | 5,937 | 412,325 | ||||
Investment contract liabilities without discretionary participation features held at fair value | | (792) | | (792) | ||||
Net asset value attributable to unit holders of consolidated investment funds | (5,464) | (17) | (494) | (5,975) | ||||
Other financial liabilities held at fair value | | | (3,589) | (3,589) | ||||
| | | | | | | | |
Total financial instruments at fair value | 343,222 | 56,893 | 1,854 | 401,969 | ||||
Percentage of total (%) | 86% | 14% | 0% | 100% | ||||
| | | | | | | | |
Analysed by business type: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Financial investments, net of derivative liabilities at fair value: | ||||||||
With-profits |
78,203 | 11,481 | 395 | 90,079 | ||||
Unit-linked and variable annuity separate account |
244,206 | 1,075 | | 245,281 | ||||
Non-linked shareholder-backed business |
26,277 | 45,146 | 5,542 | 76,965 | ||||
| | | | | | | | |
Total financial investments, net of derivative liabilities at fair value | 348,686 | 57,702 | 5,937 | 412,325 | ||||
Other financial liabilities at fair value | (5,464) | (809) | (4,083) | (10,356) | ||||
| | | | | | | | |
Group total financial instruments at fair value | 343,222 | 56,893 | 1,854 | 401,969 | ||||
| | | | | | | | |
|
31 Dec 2019 $m | |||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 |
|
||||
|
Quoted prices
(unadjusted) in active markets |
Valuation based
on significant observable market inputs note (i) |
Valuation based
on significant unobservable market inputs note (ii) |
Total
|
||||
| | | | | | | | |
Loans | | | 3,587 | 3,587 | ||||
Equity securities and holdings in collective investment schemes | 243,285 | 3,720 | 276 | 247,281 | ||||
Debt securities | 67,927 | 66,637 | 6 | 134,570 | ||||
Other investments (including derivative assets) | 70 | 1,676 | 1,301 | 3,047 | ||||
Derivative liabilities | (185) | (207) | | (392) | ||||
| | | | | | | | |
Total financial investments, net of derivative liabilities | 311,097 | 71,826 | 5,170 | 388,093 | ||||
Investment contract liabilities without discretionary participation features held at fair value | | (1,011) | | (1,011) | ||||
Net asset value attributable to unit holders of consolidated investment funds | (5,973) | (23) | (2) | (5,998) | ||||
Other financial liabilities held at fair value | | | (3,760) | (3,760) | ||||
| | | | | | | | |
Total financial instruments at fair value | 305,124 | 70,792 | 1,408 | 377,324 | ||||
Percentage of total (%) | 81% | 19% | 0% | 100% | ||||
| | | | | | | | |
Analysed by business type: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Financial investments, net of derivative liabilities at fair value: | ||||||||
With-profits |
66,061 | 7,762 | 260 | 74,083 | ||||
Unit-linked and variable annuity separate account |
217,838 | 1,486 | | 219,324 | ||||
Non-linked shareholder-backed business |
27,198 | 62,578 | 4,910 | 94,686 | ||||
| | | | | | | | |
Total financial investments, net of derivative liabilities at fair value | 311,097 | 71,826 | 5,170 | 388,093 | ||||
Other financial liabilities at fair value | (5,973) | (1,034) | (3,762) | (10,769) | ||||
| | | | | | | | |
Group total financial instruments at fair value | 305,124 | 70,792 | 1,408 | 377,324 | ||||
| | | | | | | | |
279
Notes
Inclued
within these net assets and liabilities are policy loans of $3,455 million (31 December 2019: $3,587 million) measured as the loan outstanding balance, plus accrued
investment income, attached to acquired REALIC business and held to back the liabilities for funds withheld under reinsurance arrangements. The funds withheld liability of $3,609 million
(31 December 2019: $3,760 million) is also classified within level 3. The fair value of the liabilities is equal to the fair value of the underlying assets held as collateral,
which primarily consist of policy loans and debt securities. The assets and liabilities offset and therefore their movements have no impact on shareholders' profit and equity.
Excluding the loans and funds withheld liability under Jackson's REALIC reinsurance arrangements as described above, which amounted to a net liability of $(154) million (31 December 2019: $(173) million), the level 3 fair valued financial assets net of financial liabilities were a net asset of $2,008 million (31 December 2019: $1,581 million). Of this amount, equity securities of $3 million (31 December 2019: nil) are internally valued, representing less than 0.2 per cent of the total fair valued financial assets net of financial liabilities. Internal valuations are inherently more subjective than external valuations. The $2,008 million referred to above includes the following items:
Of the net assets of $2,008 million (31 December 2019: $1,581 million) referred to above:
(ii) Transfers into and out of levels
The Group's policy is to recognise transfers into and out of levels as of the end of each reporting period except for material transfers which are recognised as of the date of the event or change in circumstances that caused the transfer. Transfers are deemed to have occurred when there is a material change in the observed valuation inputs or a change in the level of trading activities of the securities.
During 2020, the transfers between levels within the Group's portfolio, were primarily transfers from level 1 to level 2 of $3,927 million (2019: $678 million) and transfers from level 2 to level 1 of $1,631 million (2019: $1,121 million). These transfers which relate to equity securities and debt securities arose to reflect the change in the observed valuation inputs and in certain cases, the change in the level of trading activities of the securities. There were transfers into level 3 of $53 million in the year (2019: nil).
Reconciliation of movements in level 3 assets and liabilities measured at fair value
The following table reconciles the value of level 3 fair valued assets and liabilities at 1 January 2020 to that presented at 31 December 2020.
Total investment return recorded in the income statement represents interest and dividend income, realised gains and losses, unrealised gains and losses on the assets classified at fair value through profit and loss and foreign exchange movements on an individual entity's overseas investments.
280
Total gains and losses recorded in other comprehensive income includes unrealised gains and losses on debt securities held as available-for-sale principally within Jackson and foreign exchange movements arising from the retranslation of the Group's overseas subsidiaries and branches.
|
2020 $m | |||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Reconciliation of movements in level 3 assets and
liabilities measured at fair value |
Loans
|
Equity
securities and holdings in collective investment schemes |
Debt
securities |
Other
investments (including derivative assets) |
Net asset
value attributable to unit holders of consolidated investment funds |
Other
financial liabilities |
Total
|
|||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Balance at 1 Jan | 3,587 | 276 | 6 | 1,301 | (2) | (3,760) | 1,408 | |||||||
Total gains (losses) in income statementnote | (2) | 4 | (5) | (37) | 15 | (1) | (26) | |||||||
Total gains (losses) recorded in other comprehensive income | | 9 | | | (1) | (1) | 7 | |||||||
Purchases and other additions | | 428 | 10 | 700 | (520) | | 618 | |||||||
Sales | | (169) | (2) | (98) | 14 | | (255) | |||||||
Issues | 277 | | | | | (475) | (198) | |||||||
Settlements | (401) | | | | | 648 | 247 | |||||||
Transfers into level 3 | | | 53 | | | | 53 | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Balance at 31 Dec | 3,461 | 548 | 62 | 1,866 | (494) | (3,589) | 1,854 | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
2019 $m | |||||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Reconciliation of movements in level 3 assets and
liabilities measured at fair value |
Loans
|
Equity
securities and holdings in collective investment schemes |
Debt
securities |
Other
investments (including derivative assets) |
Derivative
liabilities |
Borrowings
attributable to with- profits businesses |
Net asset
value attributable to unit holders of consolidated investment funds |
Other
financial liabilities |
Total
|
|||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Balance at 1 Jan | 6,054 | 656 | 1,505 | 6,714 | (539) | (2,045) | (1,258) | (4,335) | 6,752 | |||||||||
Removal of discontinued UK and Europe operations | (2,509) | (440) | (1,498) | (5,513) | | 2,045 | 1,258 | 451 | (6,206) | |||||||||
Total gains (losses) in income statementnote | 1 | (11) | 6 | 30 | 539 | | | (28) | 537 | |||||||||
Total gains (losses) recorded in other comprehensive income | | 3 | | (6) | | | | (11) | (14) | |||||||||
Purchases | | 69 | | 269 | | | (2) | | 336 | |||||||||
Sales | | (1) | (7) | (193) | | | | | (201) | |||||||||
Issues | 275 | | | | | | | (143) | 132 | |||||||||
Settlements | (234) | | | | | | | 306 | 72 | |||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Balance at 31 Dec | 3,587 | 276 | 6 | 1,301 | | | (2) | (3,760) | 1,408 | |||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Note
Of the total net gains and (losses) in the income statement of $(26) million in 2020 (2019: $537 million), $(46) million (2019: $19 million) relates to net unrealised gains and losses of financial instruments still held at the end of the year, which can be analysed as follows:
|
2020 $m
|
2019 $m
|
|||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
| | | | | |
Equity securities and holdings in collective investment schemes | (34) | (11) | |||
Debt securities | 1 | | |||
Other investments | (26) | 34 | |||
Net asset value attributable to unit holders of consolidated investment funds | 13 | | |||
Other financial liabilities | | (4) | |||
| | | | | |
Total | (46) | 19 | |||
| | | | | |
281
The table below shows the financial assets and liabilities carried at amortised cost on the statement of financial position and their fair value. Cash deposits, accrued income, other debtors, accruals, deferred income and other liabilities are excluded from the analysis below, as these are carried at amortised cost which approximates fair value.
|
31 Dec 2020 $m | 31 Dec 2019 $m | ||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Level 2 | Level 3 |
|
|
Level 2 | Level 3 |
|
|
||||||||
|
Valuation
based on significant observable market inputs |
Valuation
based on significant unobservable market inputs |
Fair
value |
Carrying
value |
Valuation
based on significant observable market inputs |
Valuation
based on significant unobservable market inputs |
Fair
value |
Carrying
value |
||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Assets | ||||||||||||||||
Loans | 2,027 | 9,303 | 11,330 | 10,711 | 1,865 | 11,646 | 13,511 | 12,996 | ||||||||
Liabilities | | | | | ||||||||||||
Investment contract liabilities without discretionary participation features | | (3,218) | (3,218) | (3,188) | | (3,957) | (3,957) | (3,891) | ||||||||
Core structural borrowings of shareholder-financed businesses | (7,518) | | (7,518) | (6,633) | (6,227) | | (6,227) | (5,594) | ||||||||
Operational borrowings (excluding lease liabilities) | (1,948) | | (1,948) | (1,948) | (2,015) | | (2,015) | (2,015) | ||||||||
Obligations under funding, securities lending and sale and repurchase agreements | (1,344) | (8,702) | (10,046) | (9,768) | (48) | (9,087) | (9,135) | (8,901) | ||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total | (8,783) | (2,617) | (11,400) | (10,826) | (6,425) | (1,398) | (7,823) | (7,405) | ||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
The fair value of the assets and liabilities in the table above, with the exception of the subordinated and senior debt issued by the Parent Company, has been estimated from the discounted cash flows expected to be received or paid. Where appropriate, the observable market interest rate has been used and the assets and liabilities are classified within level 2. Otherwise, they are included as level 3 assets or liabilities. The fair value included for the subordinated and senior debt issued by the Parent Company is determined using quoted prices from independent third parties. These are presented as level 2 liabilities.
282
C2.3 Additional information on financial instruments
(i) Financial risk
Liquidity analysis
Contractual maturities of financial liabilities on an undiscounted cash flow basis
The following table sets out the contractual maturities for applicable classes of financial liabilities, excluding derivative liabilities and investment contracts that are separately presented. The financial liabilities are included in the column relating to the contractual maturities of the undiscounted cash flows (including contractual interest payments) due to be paid assuming conditions are consistent with those of year end.
|
31 Dec 2020 $m | |||||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Contractual maturity profile for financial liabilities | ||||||||||||||||
|
Total
carrying value |
1 year
or less |
After 1
year to 5 years |
After 5
years to 10 years |
After 10
years to 15 years |
After 15
years to 20 years |
Over
20 years |
No stated
maturity |
Total
undiscounted cash flows |
|||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Financial liabilities | ||||||||||||||||||
Core structural borrowings of shareholder-financed businessesC5.1 | 6,633 | 139 | 1,261 | 2,000 | 631 | | | 3,725 | 7,756 | |||||||||
Lease liabilities under IFRS 16 | 496 | 142 | 317 | 84 | 20 | | 1 | | 564 | |||||||||
Other operational borrowings | 1,948 | 909 | 108 | 473 | 691 | | | | 2,181 | |||||||||
Obligations under funding, securities lending and sale and repurchase agreements | 9,768 | 3,983 | 4,461 | 1,764 | 147 | | | | 10,355 | |||||||||
Accruals, deferred income and other liabilities | 15,508 | 9,877 | 290 | 36 | 218 | | | 5,087 | 15,508 | |||||||||
Net asset value attributable to unit holders of consolidated unit trusts and similar funds | 5,975 | 5,975 | | | | | | | 5,975 | |||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total | 40,328 | 21,025 | 6,437 | 4,357 | 1,707 | | 1 | 8,812 | 42,339 | |||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
31 Dec 2019 $m | |||||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Contractual maturity profile for financial liabilities | ||||||||||||||||
|
Total
carrying value |
1 year
or less |
After 1
year to 5 years |
After 5
years to 10 years |
After 10
years to 15 years |
After 15
years to 20 years |
Over
20 years |
No stated
maturity |
Total
undiscounted cash flows |
|||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Financial liabilities | ||||||||||||||||||
Core structural borrowings of shareholder-financed businessesC5.1 | 5,594 | 105 | 1,146 | 888 | 648 | | | 3,725 | 6,512 | |||||||||
Lease liabilities under IFRS 16 | 630 | 145 | 388 | 113 | 37 | 18 | 1 | | 702 | |||||||||
Operational borrowings | 2,015 | 941 | 188 | 232 | 1,132 | 2 | | | 2,495 | |||||||||
Obligations under funding, securities lending and sale and repurchase agreements | 8,901 | 2,067 | 5,476 | 1,902 | 278 | | | | 9,723 | |||||||||
Accruals, deferred income and other liabilities | 14,488 | 9,172 | 636 | 1 | | 248 | | 4,431 | 14,488 | |||||||||
Net asset value attributable to unit holders of consolidated unit trusts and similar funds | 5,998 | 5,998 | | | | | | | 5,998 | |||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total | 37,626 | 18,428 | 7,834 | 3,136 | 2,095 | 268 | 1 | 8,156 | 39,918 | |||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Maturity analysis of derivatives
The following table shows the carrying value of the gross and net derivative positions.
|
Carrying value of net derivatives $m | |||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Derivative
assets |
Derivative
liabilities |
Net derivative
position |
|||
| | | | | | |
31 Dec 2020 |
2,599 | (482) | 2,117 | |||
31 Dec 2019 |
1,745 | (392) | 1,353 | |||
| | | | | | |
All net derivatives of $2,117 million (31 December 2019: $1,353 million) have been included at fair value due within one year or less, representing the basis on which they are managed (ie to manage principally asset or liability value exposures). The Group has no cash flow hedges and, in general, contractual maturities are not considered essential for an understanding of the timing of the cash flows for these instruments.
283
Maturity analysis of investment contracts
The table below shows the maturity profile for investment contracts based on undiscounted cash flow projections of expected benefit payments.
|
Maturity profile for investment contracts $m | |||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Total
carrying value |
1 year
or less |
After 1
year to 5 years |
After 5
years to 10 years |
After 10
years to 15 years |
After 15
years to 20 years |
Over
20 years |
Total
undiscounted cash flows |
||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
31 Dec 2020 | 3,658 | 519 | 1,713 | 215 | 575 | 710 | 17 | 3,749 | ||||||||
31 Dec 2019 | 4,366 | 600 | 2,015 | 534 | 350 | 961 | 12 | 4,472 | ||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
The undiscounted cash flows in the maturity profile shown above excludes contracts which have no stated maturity but which are repayable on demand. 2019 cash flows have been adjusted to show them on a consistent basis.
Most investment contracts have options to surrender early, often subject to surrender or other penalties. Therefore, most contracts can be said to have a contractual maturity of less than one year, but the additional charges and term of the contracts mean these are unlikely to be exercised in practice and the more useful information is to present information on expected payment.
The vast majority of the Group's financial assets are held to back the Group's policyholder liabilities. Although asset/liability matching is an important component of managing policyholder liabilities (both those classified as insurance and those classified as investments), this profile is mainly relevant for managing market risk rather than liquidity risk. Within each business unit, this asset/liability matching is performed on a portfolio-by-portfolio basis.
In terms of liquidity risk, a large proportion of the policyholder liabilities contain discretionary surrender values or surrender charges, meaning that many of the Group's liabilities are expected to be held for the long term. Much of the Group's investment portfolios are in marketable securities, which can therefore be converted quickly to liquid assets.
For the reasons provided above, an analysis of the Group's assets by contractual maturity is not considered meaningful to evaluate the nature and extent of the Group's liquidity risk.
Credit risk
The Group's maximum exposure to credit risk of financial instruments before any allowance for collateral or allocation of losses to policyholders is represented by the carrying value of financial instruments on the balance sheet that have exposures to credit risk comprising cash and cash equivalents, deposits, debt securities, loans and derivative assets, accrued investment income and other debtors, the carrying value of which are disclosed at the start of this note and note (ii) below for derivative assets. The collateral in place in relation to derivatives is described in note (iii) below. Note C1.2 describes the security for the loans held by the Group. The Group's exposure to credit risk is further discussed in note C6 below.
Of the total loans and receivables held, $8 million (31 December 2019: $7 million) are past their due date but are not impaired. Of the total past due but not impaired, $1 million are less than one year past their due date (31 December 2019: $1 million). The Group expects full recovery of these loans and receivables.
There are no financial assets that would have been past due or impaired had the terms not been renegotiated in both years.
In addition, the Group did not take possession of any other collateral held as security in both years.
Further details of collateral in place in relation to derivatives, securities lending, repurchase agreements and other transactions are provided in note (iii) below.
Foreign exchange risk
As at 31 December 2020, the Group held 9 per cent (31 December 2019: 8 per cent) of its financial assets and 30 per cent (31 December 2019: 25 per cent) of its financial liabilities in currencies, mainly USD, other than the functional currency of the relevant business units or the currency to which the functional currency is pegged (eg financial assets and liabilities of USD denominated business in Hong Kong). The exchange risks inherent in these exposures are mitigated through the use of derivatives, mainly forward currency contracts and currency swaps as described in note (ii) below.
284
The amount of exchange loss recognised in the income statement in 2020, except for those arising on financial instruments measured at fair value through profit or loss, is $33 million (2019: $72 million; 2018: $88 million).
Derivative financial instruments are used to reduce or manage investment, interest rate and currency exposures, to facilitate efficient portfolio management and for investment purposes.
The Group does not regularly seek to apply fair value or cash flow hedging treatment under IAS 39. The Group has no fair value and cash flows hedges under IAS 39 at 31 December 2020 and 2019. All derivatives that are not designated as hedging instruments are carried at fair value, with movements in fair value being recorded in the income statement.
Embedded derivatives are embedded within other non-derivative host financial instruments and insurance contracts to create hybrid instruments. Embedded derivatives meeting the definition of an insurance contract are accounted for under IFRS 4. Where economic characteristics and risks of the embedded derivatives are not closely related to the economic characteristics and risks of the host instrument, and where the hybrid instrument is not measured at fair value with the changes in fair value recognised in the income statement, the embedded derivative is bifurcated and carried at fair value as a derivative measured in accordance with IAS 39.
In addition, the Group applies the option under IFRS 4 to not separate and fair value surrender options embedded in host contracts and with-profits investment contracts whose strike price is either a fixed amount or a fixed amount plus interest.
Derivatives held and their purpose
The Group enters into a variety of exchange traded and over-the-counter derivative financial instruments, including futures, options, forward contracts, swaps and swaptions.
All over-the-counter derivative transactions, with the exception of transactions in some Asia operations, are conducted under standardised ISDA (International Swaps and Derivatives Association Inc) master agreements and the Group has collateral agreements between the individual Group entities and relevant counterparties in place under each of these market master agreements.
The majority of the Group's derivatives are held by Jackson. Derivatives are used for efficient portfolio management to obtain cost effective and management of exposure to various markets in accordance with the Group's investment strategies and to manage exposure to interest rate, currency, credit and other business risks. The Group also uses interest rate derivatives to reduce exposure to interest rate volatility. In particular:
Additional information on Jackson derivative programme
Jackson enters into financial derivative transactions, including those noted below, to reduce and manage business risks. These transactions manage the risk of a change in the value, yield, price, cash flows or quantity of, or a degree of exposure, with respect to assets, liabilities or future cash flows, which Jackson has acquired or incurred.
Jackson uses free-standing derivative instruments for hedging purposes. Additionally, certain liabilities, primarily trust instruments supported by funding agreements, fixed index annuities, certain variable annuity guaranteed benefit features and reinsured Guaranteed Minimum Income Benefit variable annuity features are similar to derivatives. Jackson does not account for such items as either fair value or cash flow hedges as might be permitted if the specific hedge documentation requirements of IAS 39 were followed. Financial derivatives are carried at fair value, including derivatives embedded in certain host liabilities where these are required to be valued separately.
285
The principal types of derivatives used by Jackson and their purpose are as follows:
Derivative
|
Purpose
|
|
---|---|---|
| | |
Interest rate swaps | These generally involve the exchange of fixed and floating payments over the period for which Jackson holds the instrument without an exchange of the underlying principal amount. These agreements are used to hedge Jackson's exposure to movements in interest rates. | |
| | |
Swaption contracts | These contracts provide the purchaser with the right, but not the obligation, to require the writer to pay the present value of a long-duration interest rate swap at future exercise dates. Jackson both purchases and writes swaptions in order to hedge against significant movements in interest rates. | |
| | |
Treasury futures contracts | These derivatives are used to hedge Jackson's exposure to movements in interest rates. | |
| | |
Equity index futures contracts and equity index options | These derivatives (including various call and put options and options contingent on interest rates and currency exchange rates) are used to hedge Jackson's obligations associated with its issuance of certain VA guarantees. Some of these annuities and guarantees contain embedded options that are fair valued for financial reporting purposes. | |
| | |
Cross-currency swaps | Cross-currency swaps, which embody spot and forward currency swaps and additionally, in some cases, interest rate swaps and equity index swaps, are entered into for the purpose of hedging Jackson's foreign currency denominated funding agreements supporting trust instrument obligations. | |
| | |
Credit default swaps | These swaps represent agreements under which the buyer has purchased default protection on certain underlying corporate bonds held in its portfolio. These contracts allow Jackson to sell the protected bonds at par value to the counterparty if a default event occurs in exchange for periodic payments made by Jackson for the life of the agreement. | |
| | |
Hedging
Up to 31 December 2019, the Group had designated perpetual subordinated capital securities totalling $3.7 billion as a net investment hedge under IAS 39 to hedge the currency risks related to the net investment in Jackson. This net investment hedge was 100 per cent effective in 2019. The Group had no net investment, cash flow or fair value hedges in place during 2020.
Derecognition of financial assets and liabilities
The Group's policy is to derecognise financial assets when it is deemed that substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership have been transferred.
The Group derecognises financial liabilities only when the obligation specified in the contract is discharged, cancelled or has expired.
Reverse repurchase agreements
The Group is party to various reverse repurchase agreements under which securities are purchased from third parties with an obligation to resell the securities. The securities are not recognised as investments in the statement of financial position but the right to receive the cash paid is recognised as deposits.
The Group has entered into reverse repurchase transactions under which it purchased securities and had taken on the obligation to resell the securities. At 31 December 2020, the fair value of the collateral held in respect of these transactions, which is represented by the purchased securities, was $603 million (31 December 2019: $1,011 million).
Securities lending and repurchase agreements
The Group is also party to various securities lending agreements (including repurchase agreements) under which securities are loaned to third parties on a short-term basis. The loaned securities are not derecognised; rather, they continue to be recognised within the appropriate investment classification. To the extent cash collateral is received it is recognised on the statement of financial position with the obligation to repay the cash paid recognised as a liability. Other collateral is not recognised.
At 31 December 2020, the Group had $2,007 million (31 December 2019: $90 million) of lent securities and assets subject to repurchase agreements. The cash and securities collateral held or pledged under such agreements were $2,047 million (31 December 2019: $95 million).
286
Collateral and pledges under derivative transactions
At 31 December 2020, the Group had pledged $2,422 million (31 December 2019: $1,301 million) for liabilities and held collateral of $2,306 million (31 December 2019: $1,883 million) in respect of over-the-counter derivative transactions. These transactions are conducted under terms that are usual and customary to collateralised transactions including, where relevant, standard securities lending and repurchase agreements.
The Group has entered into collateral arrangements in relation to over-the-counter derivative transactions, which permit sale or re-pledging of underlying collateral. The Group has not sold any collateral held or re-pledged any collateral. All over-the-counter derivative transactions, with the exception of transactions in some Asia operations, are conducted under standardised International Swaps and Derivatives Association (ISDA) master agreements. The collateral management for these transactions is conducted under the usual and customary terms and conditions set out in the Credit Support Annex to the ISDA master agreement.
Other collateral
At 31 December 2020, the Group had pledged collateral of $2,614 million (31 December 2019: $3,299 million) in respect of other transactions. This principally arises from Jackson's membership of the Federal Home Loan Bank of Indianapolis (FHLBI) primarily for the purpose of participating in the bank's collateralised loan advance programme with short-term and long-term funding facilities. The membership requires Jackson to purchase and hold a minimum amount of FHLBI capital stock, plus additional stock based on outstanding advances in the form of either short-term or long-term notes or funding agreements issued to FHLBI.
Offsetting assets and liabilities
The Group's derivative instruments, repurchase agreements and securities lending agreements are subject to master netting arrangements and collateral arrangements. A master netting arrangement with a counterparty creates a right of offset for amounts due to and due from that same counterparty that is enforceable in the event of a default or bankruptcy. The Group recognises amounts subject to master netting arrangements on a gross basis within the consolidated balance sheets.
The following tables present the gross and net information about the Group's financial instruments subject to master netting arrangements:
|
31 Dec 2020 $m | |||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Related amounts not offset in the
balance sheet |
|
|||||||
|
Gross amount
included in the balance sheet note (i) |
Financial
instruments note (ii) |
Cash
collateral |
Securities
collateral note (iii) |
Net amount
note (iv) |
|||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Financial assets: |
||||||||||
Derivative assets |
2,523 | (122) | (1,249) | (890) | 262 | |||||
Reverse repurchase agreements |
588 | | | (588) | | |||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Total financial assets |
3,111 | (122) | (1,249) | (1,478) | 262 | |||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Financial liabilities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
Derivative liabilities |
(203) | 122 | 69 | | (12) | |||||
Securities lending and repurchase agreements |
(1,384) | | 244 | 1,140 | | |||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Total financial liabilities |
(1,587) | 122 | 313 | 1,140 | (12) | |||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
287
|
31 Dec 2019 $m | |||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Related amounts not offset in the
balance sheet |
|
|||||||
|
Gross amount
included in the balance sheet note (i) |
Financial
instruments note (ii) |
Cash
collateral |
Securities
collateral note (iii) |
Net amount
note (iv) |
|||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Financial assets: |
||||||||||
Derivative assets |
1,708 | (115) | (901) | (618) | 74 | |||||
Reverse repurchase agreements |
953 | | | (953) | | |||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Total financial assets |
2,661 | (115) | (901) | (1,571) | 74 | |||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Financial liabilities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
Derivative liabilities |
(216) | 115 | 86 | | (15) | |||||
Securities lending and repurchase agreements |
(48) | | 48 | | | |||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Total financial liabilities |
(264) | 115 | 134 | | (15) | |||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Notes
288
C3 Policyholder liabilities and unallocated surplus
Asia
$m |
US
$m |
Discontinued
UK and Europe operations $m |
Total
$m |
|||||||||
note C3.2 | note C3.3 | |||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Balance at 1 Jan 2019note(a) | 105,408 | 236,380 | 210,002 | 551,790 | ||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Comprising:note(b) | ||||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Policyholder liabilities on the consolidated statement of financial position (excludes $50 million classified as unallocated to a segment) |
91,836 | 236,380 | 193,020 | 521,236 | ||||||||
Unallocated surplus of with-profits funds on the consolidated statement of financial position |
3,198 | | 16,982 | 20,180 | ||||||||
Group's share of policyholder liabilities of joint ventures and associatesnote(c) |
10,374 | | | 10,374 | ||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Removal of discontinued UK and Europe operations | | | (210,002) | (210,002) | ||||||||
Net flows:note(d) | ||||||||||||
Premiums |
20,094 | 20,976 | | 41,070 | ||||||||
Surrenders |
(4,156) | (17,342) | | (21,498) | ||||||||
Maturities/deaths/other claim events |
(2,800) | (3,387) | | (6,187) | ||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net flows | 13,138 | 247 | | 13,385 | ||||||||
Shareholders' transfers post-tax | (99) | | | (99) | ||||||||
Investment-related items and other movements | 12,824 | 32,922 | | 45,746 | ||||||||
Foreign exchange translation differences | 1,299 | | | 1,299 | ||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Balance at 31 Dec 2019/1 Jan 2020 | 132,570 | 269,549 | | 402,119 | ||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Comprising: | ||||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Policyholder liabilities on the consolidated statement of financial position (excludes $186 million classified as unallocated to a segment) |
115,943 | 269,549 | | 385,492 | ||||||||
Unallocated surplus of with-profits funds on the consolidated statement of financial position |
4,750 | | | 4,750 | ||||||||
Group's share of policyholder liabilities of joint ventures and associatesnote(c) |
11,877 | | | 11,877 | ||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net flows:note(d) | ||||||||||||
Premiums |
20,760 | 18,671 | | 39,431 | ||||||||
Surrenders |
(4,730) | (15,832) | | (20,562) | ||||||||
Maturities/deaths/other claim events |
(2,565) | (3,708) | | (6,273) | ||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net flows | 13,465 | (869) | | 12,596 | ||||||||
Shareholders' transfers post-tax | (116) | | | (116) | ||||||||
Investment-related items and other movements | 17,269 | 27,833 | | 45,102 | ||||||||
Foreign exchange translation differences | 2,105 | | | 2,105 | ||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Balance at 31 Dec 2020 | 165,293 | 296,513 | | 461,806 | ||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Comprising: | ||||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Policyholder liabilities on the consolidated statement of financial position (excludes $262 million classified as unallocated to a segment) |
144,471 | 296,513 | | 440,984 | ||||||||
Unallocated surplus of with-profits funds on the consolidated statement of financial position |
5,217 | | | 5,217 | ||||||||
Group's share of policyholder liabilities of joint ventures and associatesnote(c) |
15,605 | | | 15,605 | ||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Average policyholder liability balancesnote(e) | ||||||||||||
2020 |
143,948 | 283,031 | | 426,979 | ||||||||
2019 |
115,015 | 252,965 | | 367,980 | ||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
289
Notes
|
|
Asia
$m |
US
$m |
Discontinued
UK and Europe operations $m |
Total
$m |
|||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
Balance at 1 Jan 2019 |
51,705 | 236,380 | 51,911 | 339,996 | |||||||
|
Removal of discontinued UK and Europe operations |
| | (51,911) | (51,911) | |||||||
|
Net flows: |
|||||||||||
|
Premiums |
10,372 | 20,976 | | 31,348 | |||||||
|
Surrenders |
(3,610) | (17,342) | | (20,952) | |||||||
|
Maturities/deaths/other claim events |
(1,168) | (3,387) | | (4,555) | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
Net flowsnote |
5,594 | 247 | | 5,841 | |||||||
|
Investment-related items and other movements |
4,186 | 32,922 | | 37,108 | |||||||
|
Foreign exchange translation differences |
777 | | | 777 | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
Balance at 31 Dec 2019/1 Jan 2020 |
62,262 | 269,549 | | 331,811 | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
Comprising: |
|||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
Policyholder liabilities on the consolidated statement of financial position (excludes $186 million classified as unallocated to a segment) |
50,385 | 269,549 | | 319,934 | |||||||
|
Group's share of policyholder liabilities relating to joint ventures and associates |
11,877 | | | 11,877 | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
Net flows: |
|||||||||||
|
Premiums |
11,028 | 18,671 | | 29,699 | |||||||
|
Surrenders |
(3,933) | (15,832) | | (19,765) | |||||||
|
Maturities/deaths/other claim events |
(970) | (3,708) | | (4,678) | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
Net flowsnote |
6,125 | (869) | | 5,256 | |||||||
|
Investment-related items and other movements |
9,143 | 27,833 | | 36,976 | |||||||
|
Foreign exchange translation differences |
1,353 | | | 1,353 | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
Balance at 31 Dec 2020 |
78,883 | 296,513 | | 375,396 | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
Comprising: |
|||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
Policyholder liabilities on the consolidated statement of financial position (excludes $262 million classified as unallocated to a segment) |
63,278 | 296,513 | | 359,791 | |||||||
|
Group's share of policyholder liabilities relating to joint ventures and associates |
15,605 | | | 15,605 | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Note
Including net flows of the Group's insurance joint ventures and associates.
290
(iii) Movement in insurance contract liabilities and unallocated surplus of with-profits funds
Further analysis of the movement in the year of the Group's gross contract liabilities, reinsurer's share of insurance contract liabilities and unallocated surplus of with-profits funds (excluding those held by joint ventures and associates) is provided below:
|
Gross
insurance contract liabilities $m note (e) |
Reinsurer's
share of insurance contract liabilities $m note (a),(e) |
Investment
contract liabilities $m note (b) |
Unallocated
surplus of with-profits funds $m |
||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| | | | | | | | |
Balance at 1 Jan 2019 | (410,947) | 14,193 | (110,339) | (20,180) | ||||
Removal of discontinued UK and Europe operations | 87,824 | (2,169) | 105,196 | 16,982 | ||||
Income and expense included in the income statement for continuing operationsnote(c) | (55,579) | 1,795 | (311) | (1,415) | ||||
Other movementsnote(d) | | | (63) | (112) | ||||
Foreign exchange translation differences | (1,441) | 37 | (18) | (25) | ||||
| | | | | | | | |
Balance at 31 Dec 2019/1 Jan 2020 | (380,143) | 13,856 | (5,535) | (4,750) | ||||
Income and expense included in the income statementnote(c) | (55,034) | 32,723 | 349 | (438) | ||||
Other movementsnote(d) | | | 765 | | ||||
Foreign exchange translation differences | (1,610) | 16 | (38) | (29) | ||||
| | | | | | | | |
Balance at 31 Dec 2020 | (436,787) | 46,595 | (4,459) | (5,217) | ||||
| | | | | | | | |
Notes
291
(iv) Reinsurers' share of insurance contract liabilities
The measurement of reinsurance assets is consistent with the measurement of the underlying direct insurance contracts. The treatment of any gains or losses arising on the purchase of reinsurance contracts is dependent on the underlying accounting basis of the entity concerned.
31 Dec 2020 $m |
31 Dec 2019 $m
|
|||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Asia
note (b) |
US
note (c) |
Unallocated to
a segment |
Total | Total | ||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Insurance contract liabilitiesnote(a) | 11,186 | 33,881 | 1 | 45,068 | 12,762 | |||||
Claims outstanding | 173 | 1,351 | 3 | 1,527 | 1,094 | |||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Total | 11,359 | 35,232 | 4 | 46,595 | 13,856 | |||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Notes
The Group cedes certain business to other insurance companies. Although the ceding of insurance does not relieve the Group from its liability to its policyholders, the Group participates in such agreements largely for the purpose of managing its loss exposure. The Group evaluates the financial condition of its reinsurers and monitors concentration of credit risk from similar geographic regions, activities or economic characteristics of the reinsurers to minimise its exposure from reinsurer insolvencies. Of the reinsurers' share of insurance contract liabilities balance of $46,595 million at 31 December 2020 (31 December 2019: $13,856 million), 99 per cent (31 December 2019: 97 per cent) was from reinsurers with rating A- and above by Standard & Poor's or other external rating agencies.
During 2020, net commissions received on ceded business for Asia totalled $1,005 million (2019: $355 million) and claims incurred ceded to external reinsurers totalled $432 million (2019: $552 million). The 2020 net commissions received includes $770 million in respect of the reinsurance transaction entered into by the Hong Kong business as discussed in note D1.1. There was $1 million (2019: nil) of deferred gains in the year.
Net commissions received on ceded business for Jackson totalled $1,223 million (2019: $20 million) and claims incurred ceded to external reinsurers totalled $1,663 million (2019: $630 million). The 2020 net commissions received includes $1,203 million in respect of the Athene reinsurance transaction entered into by Jackson as discussed in note D1.1. There was no deferred gains in the year (2019: nil).
292
C3.2 Asia insurance operations
(i) Analysis of movements in policyholder liabilities and unallocated surplus of with-profits funds
Shareholder-backed business | ||||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
With-profits
business $m |
Unit-linked
liabilities $m |
Other
business $m |
Total
$m |
|||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Balance at 1 Jan 2019 | 53,703 | 25,704 | 26,001 | 105,408 | ||||||||
Comprising: | ||||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Policyholder liabilities on the consolidated statement of financial position |
50,505 | 20,846 | 20,485 | 91,836 | ||||||||
Unallocated surplus of with-profits funds on the consolidated statement of financial position |
3,198 | | | 3,198 | ||||||||
Group's share of policyholder liabilities relating to joint ventures and associatesnote(a) |
| 4,858 | 5,516 | 10,374 | ||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Premiums | ||||||||||||
|
New business |
1,611 | 1,837 | 2,419 | 5,867 | |||||||
|
In-force |
8,111 | 2,361 | 3,755 | 14,227 | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
9,722 | 4,198 | 6,174 | 20,094 | |||||||||
Surrendersnote(b) | (546) | (2,929) | (681) | (4,156) | ||||||||
Maturities/deaths/other claim events | (1,632) | (149) | (1,019) | (2,800) | ||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net flows | 7,544 | 1,120 | 4,474 | 13,138 | ||||||||
Shareholders' transfers post-tax | (99) | | | (99) | ||||||||
Investment-related items and other movements | 8,638 | 1,663 | 2,523 | 12,824 | ||||||||
Foreign exchange translation differencesnote(d) | 522 | 363 | 414 | 1,299 | ||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Balance at 31 Dec 2019/1 Jan 2020 | 70,308 | 28,850 | 33,412 | 132,570 | ||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Comprising: | ||||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Policyholder liabilities on the consolidated statement of financial position |
65,558 | 23,571 | 26,814 | 115,943 | ||||||||
Unallocated surplus of with-profits funds on the consolidated statement of financial position |
4,750 | | | 4,750 | ||||||||
Group's share of policyholder liabilities relating to joint ventures and associatesnote(a) |
| 5,279 | 6,598 | 11,877 | ||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Premiums | ||||||||||||
|
New business |
1,338 | 1,851 | 2,063 | 5,252 | |||||||
|
In-force |
8,393 | 2,358 | 4,757 | 15,508 | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
9,731 | 4,209 | 6,820 | 20,760 | |||||||||
Surrendersnote(b) | (797) | (2,982) | (951) | (4,730) | ||||||||
Maturities/deaths/other claim events | (1,595) | (196) | (774) | (2,565) | ||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net flows | 7,339 | 1,031 | 5,095 | 13,465 | ||||||||
Shareholders' transfers post-tax | (116) | | | (116) | ||||||||
Investment-related items and other movementsnote(c) | 8,127 | 2,107 | 7,035 | 17,269 | ||||||||
Foreign exchange translation differencesnote(d) | 752 | 518 | 835 | 2,105 | ||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Balance at 31 Dec 2020 | 86,410 | 32,506 | 46,377 | 165,293 | ||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Comprising: | ||||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Policyholder liabilities on the consolidated statement of financial position |
81,193 | 25,433 | 37,845 | 144,471 | ||||||||
Unallocated surplus of with-profits funds on the consolidated statement of financial position |
5,217 | | | 5,217 | ||||||||
Group's share of policyholder liabilities relating to joint ventures and associatesnote(a) |
| 7,073 | 8,532 | 15,605 | ||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Average policyholder liability balancesnote(e) | ||||||||||||
|
2020 |
73,375 | 30,678 | 39,895 | 143,948 | |||||||
|
2019 |
58,032 | 27,277 | 29,706 | 115,015 | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Notes
293
(ii) Duration of policyholder liabilities
The table below shows the carrying value of policyholder liabilities and the maturity profile of the cash flows on a discounted basis, taking account of expected future premiums and investment returns:
|
31 Dec 2020 $m
|
31 Dec 2019 $m
|
||
---|---|---|---|---|
| | | | |
Policyholder liabilities | 144,471 | 115,943 | ||
| | | | |
Expected maturity: | 31 Dec 2020 % | 31 Dec 2019 % | ||
| | | | |
0 to 5 years | 20 | 18 | ||
5 to 10 years | 19 | 18 | ||
10 to 15 years | 15 | 15 | ||
15 to 20 years | 12 | 13 | ||
20 to 25 years | 10 | 11 | ||
Over 25 years | 24 | 25 | ||
| | | | |
(iii) Policyholder liabilities and unallocated surplus by business unit
The table below shows the policyholder liabilities and unallocated surplus, excluding joint ventures and associates and net of external reinsurance by business unit:
|
31 Dec 2020 $m
|
31 Dec 2019 $m
|
||
---|---|---|---|---|
| | | | |
Hong Kong | 73,338 | 58,800 | ||
Indonesia | 4,617 | 4,933 | ||
Malaysia | 8,756 | 7,725 | ||
Singapore | 32,264 | 27,427 | ||
Taiwan | 8,178 | 6,801 | ||
Other Asia insurance operations | 11,176 | 9,549 | ||
| | | | |
Total Asia | 138,329 | 115,235 | ||
| | | | |
Variable
annuity separate account liabilities $m |
General
account and other business $m |
Total
$m |
||||
| | | | | | |
Balance at 1 Jan 2019 | 163,301 | 73,079 | 236,380 | |||
Premiums | 12,776 | 8,200 | 20,976 | |||
Surrenders | (12,767) | (4,575) | (17,342) | |||
Maturities/deaths/other claim events | (1,564) | (1,823) | (3,387) | |||
| | | | | | |
Net flowsnote(a) | (1,555) | 1,802 | 247 | |||
Transfers from general to separate account | 951 | (951) | | |||
Investment-related items and other movementsnote(b) | 32,373 | 549 | 32,922 | |||
| | | | | | |
Balance at 31 Dec 2019/1 Jan 2020 | 195,070 | 74,479 | 269,549 | |||
Premiums | 14,990 | 3,681 | 18,671 | |||
Surrenders | (11,300) | (4,532) | (15,832) | |||
Maturities/deaths/other claim events | (1,854) | (1,854) | (3,708) | |||
| | | | | | |
Net flowsnote(a) | 1,836 | (2,705) | (869) | |||
Transfers from separate to general account | (2,190) | 2,190 | | |||
Investment-related items and other movementsnote(b) | 24,346 | 3,487 | 27,833 | |||
| | | | | | |
Balance at 31 Dec 2020 | 219,062 | 77,451 | 296,513 | |||
| | | | | | |
Average policyholder liability balancesnote(c) | ||||||
2020 | 207,066 | 75,965 | 283,031 | |||
2019 | 179,186 | 73,779 | 252,965 | |||
| | | | | | |
294
Notes
The table below shows the carrying value of policyholder liabilities and maturity profile of the cash flows on a discounted basis at the balance sheet date:
|
31 Dec 2020 |
31 Dec 2019
|
||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
Variable
annuity separate account liabilities $m |
General
account and other business $m |
Total
$m |
Variable
annuity separate account liabilities $m |
General
account and other business $m |
Total
$m |
||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Policyholder liabilities |
219,062 | 77,451 | 296,513 | 195,070 | 74,479 | 269,549 | ||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Expected maturity: |
% |
% |
% |
% |
% |
% |
||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
0 to 5 years |
39 | 36 | 39 | 41 | 45 | 42 | ||||||
5 to 10 years |
27 | 22 | 26 | 27 | 27 | 27 | ||||||
10 to 15 years |
16 | 17 | 16 | 16 | 13 | 15 | ||||||
15 to 20 years |
9 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 8 | 9 | ||||||
20 to 25 years |
5 | 6 | 5 | 4 | 4 | 4 | ||||||
Over 25 years |
4 | 8 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 3 | ||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
(iii) Aggregate account values
The table below shows the distribution of account values for fixed annuities (fixed interest rate and fixed index), the fixed account portion of variable annuities, and interest-sensitive life business within the range of minimum guaranteed interest rates as described in note C3.4(b). The table below excludes, in 2020, the liabilities that were fully reinsured to Athene in June 2020. As at 31 December 2020, approximately 90 per cent (31 December 2019: 87 per cent) of Jackson's fixed annuities, variable annuity fixed account options and interest-sensitive life business account values have a current crediting rate that is at the lowest level allowed for under the terms of the policy.
|
Fixed annuities and the fixed account
portion of variable annuities |
Interest-sensitive life business
|
||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Minimum guaranteed interest rate |
31 Dec 2020*
$m |
31 Dec 2019
$m |
31 Dec 2020
$m |
31 Dec 2019
$m |
||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
> 0% 1.0% |
6,758 | 6,952 | | | ||||||||
> 1.0% 2.0% |
302 | 12,994 | | | ||||||||
> 2.0% 3.0% |
4,709 | 13,701 | 270 | 270 | ||||||||
> 3.0% 4.0% |
623 | 1,561 | 2,819 | 3,018 | ||||||||
> 4.0% 5.0% |
280 | 2,236 | 2,488 | 2,597 | ||||||||
> 5.0% 6.0% |
73 | 278 | 2,045 | 2,031 | ||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total |
12,745 | 37,722 | 7,622 | 7,916 | ||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
295
C3.4 Products and determining contract liabilities
|
Insurance business units
|
Insurance contracts and
investment contracts with discretionary participation features |
Investment contracts
without discretionary participation features |
|||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| | | | | | |
Asia |
With-profits contracts
Unit-linked policies
Health and protection policies
Non-participating term contracts
Whole life contracts |
Minor amounts for a number of small categories of business |
||||
| | | | | | |
US |
Variable annuity contracts
Fixed annuity contracts
Fixed index annuity contracts
Group pay-out annuity contracts
Life insurance contracts |
Guaranteed investment contracts (GICs)
Minor amounts of 'annuity certain' contracts |
||||
| | | | | | |
296
C3.4(a) Asia
Contract type
|
Description and material features
|
Determination of liabilities
|
|||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
| | ||||
With-profits and participating contracts |
Provides savings and/or protection where the basic sum assured can be enhanced by a profit share (or bonus) from the underlying fund as determined at the discretion of the local business unit.
Participating products often offer a guaranteed maturity or surrender value. Declared regular bonuses are guaranteed once vested. Future bonus rates and cash dividends are not guaranteed. Market value adjustments and surrender penalties are used for certain products where the law permits such adjustments. Guarantees are predominantly supported by the segregated funds and their estates. |
As explained in note A3.1, with-profits contracts are predominantly sold in Hong Kong, Malaysia and Singapore. The total value of the with-profits funds is driven by the underlying asset valuation with movements reflected principally in the accounting value of policyholder liabilities and unallocated surplus. | |||
| | ||||
Unit-linked | Combines savings with protection, the cash value of the policy primarily depends on the value of the underlying unitised funds. | The attaching liabilities largely reflect the unit value obligation driven by the value of the investments of the unit fund. Additional contract liabilities are held for guaranteed benefits beyond the unit fund value, generally using a gross premium valuation method, as discussed below for health and protection business. These additional provisions are recognised as a component of other business liabilities. | |||
| | ||||
Health and protection | Health and protection features are offered as supplements to the products listed above or sold as standalone products. Protection covers mortality and/or morbidity benefits including health, disability, critical illness and accident coverage. |
The approach to determine the contract liabilities is generally driven by the local solvency basis. The discount rates used to determine the contract liabilities are derived in line with the measurement basis applied in each local business unit and
are generally based on the risk-free rates applicable to the underlying contacts, including appropriate margins.
A gross premium valuation (GPV) method is typically used in those local businesses where a risk-based capital framework is adopted for local solvency. Under the GPV method, all cash flows are valued explicitly using best estimate assumptions with a suitable margin for prudence. This is achieved either through adding an explicit allowance above best estimate to the assumptions, or by applying an overlay constraint such that on day one no negative reserves (ie where future premium inflows are expected to exceed future claims and outflows) are derived at an individual policyholder level, or at a product/fund level, or a combination of both. The margin for prudence is released to profit over the life of the contract. |
297
Contract type
|
Description and material features
|
Determination of liabilities
|
|||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
| |||||
The Hong Kong business unit applies a net premium valuation method (NPV) to determine the future policyholder benefit provisions, subject to minimum floors at the policyholder's asset share or guaranteed cash surrender value as appropriate.
For India and Taiwan, US GAAP is applied for measuring insurance liabilities. For these businesses, the future policyholder benefit provisions for non-linked business are determined using the net level premium method, with an allowance for surrenders, maintenance and claims expenses. In Vietnam, an estimation basis to determine the contract liabilities is aligned substantially to that used by the local business units applying the GPV method. |
|||||
| | ||||
Non-participating term contracts, whole life and endowment assurance | Non-participating savings and/or protection where the benefits are guaranteed, determined by a set of defined market-related parameters, or determined at the discretion of the local business unit. These products often offer a guaranteed maturity and/or surrender value. It is common in Asia for regulations or market-driven demand and competition to provide some form of capital value protection and minimum crediting interest rate guarantees. This is reflected within the guaranteed maturity and surrender values. Guarantees are supported by shareholders. | The approach to determining the contract liabilities is generally driven by the local solvency basis, as discussed for health and protection business above. | |||
| |
298
C3.4(b) US
Contract type
|
Description and material features
|
Determination of liabilities
|
||
---|---|---|---|---|
| ||||
Variable annuities
At 31 December 2020, variable annuities accounted for 80 per cent (31 December 2019: 78 per cent) of Jackson's policy and contract liabilities. |
Variable annuities are deferred annuity products that are used for asset accumulation in retirement planning and for providing income in retirement, and have certain tax advantages.
The rate of return depends upon the performance of the selected fund portfolio. Policyholders may allocate their investment to either the fixed account or a selection of variable accounts. Most variable annuities are subject to early surrender charges for up to the first nine years of the contract. Jackson offers some fully liquid variable annuity products that have no surrender charges. Subject to benefit guarantees, investment risk on the variable account is borne by the policyholder, while investment risk on the fixed account is borne by Jackson through guaranteed minimum fixed rates of interest. At 31 December 2020, 5 per cent (31 December 2019: 4 per cent) of variable annuity funds were in fixed accounts, with an average guaranteed rate of 1.7 percent (31 December 2019: 2.2 per cent). Jackson offers a choice of guaranteed benefit options within its variable annuity product portfolio, which can be elected for additional fees. These guaranteed benefits might be expressed as the return of either: (a) total deposits made to the contract adjusted for any partial withdrawals, (b) total deposits made to the contract adjusted for any partial withdrawals, plus a minimum return, or (c) the highest contract value on a specified anniversary date adjusted for any withdrawals following that contract anniversary. |
As explained in note A3.1, all of Jackson's insurance liabilities are based on US GAAP.
Capitalised acquisition costs and deferred income for these contracts are amortised over the life of the book of contracts, are also explained in note A3.1. For the variable annuities business, the policyholder liabilities are based on the value of the separate account (which is directly reflective of the underlying asset value movements), the value of the fixed account and provision for benefit guarantees in the general account which are measured on a combination of fair value and other US GAAP derived principles. For the fixed account allocations, the principles for fixed annuity and fixed index annuity below also apply to variable annuities. The benefit guarantee types are further set out below: Benefits that are payable in the event of death (guaranteed minimum death benefit (GMDB)) The liability for GMDBs is determined by estimating the expected value of benefits in excess of the projected account balance and recognising the excess rateably over the life of the contract based on total expected assessments. At 31 December 2020, these liabilities were valued using a series of stochastic investment performance scenarios, a mean investment return of 7.15 per cent (31 December 2019: 7.4 per cent) net of external fund management fees, and assumptions for policyholder behaviour, mortality and expense. Benefits that are payable upon the depletion of funds (guaranteed minimum withdrawal benefit (GMWB)) The liability for the GMWB 'for life' portion is determined similarly to GMDB above. Provisions for benefits under GMWB 'not for life' features are recognised at fair value under US GAAP. Non-performance risk is incorporated into the fair value calculation through the use of discount rates that allow for estimates of Jackson's own credit risk based on observable market data. The value of future fees to offset payments made under the guarantees are established so that no gain arises on day one. |
299
Contract type
|
Description and material features
|
Determination of liabilities
|
||
---|---|---|---|---|
| ||||
Benefits that are payable at annuitisation (guaranteed minimum income benefit (GMIB))
This feature is no longer offered and existing coverage is substantially reinsured, subject to deductibles and annual claim limits. Benefits that are payable at the end of a specified period (guaranteed minimum accumulation benefit (GMAB)) This feature is no longer offered. Provisions for GMAB are recognised at fair value under US GAAP. Volatility and non-performance risk is considered as per GMWB above. |
||||
| ||||
Fixed interest rate and fixed index annuities
At 31 December 2020, fixed interest rate and fixed index annuities accounted for 10 per cent (31 December 2019: 11 per cent) of Jackson's policy and contract liabilities. Following the reinsurance transaction with Athene Life Re Ltd in June 2020, these contracts are substantially fully reinsured as at 31 December 2020. |
Fixed interest rate and fixed index annuities are primarily deferred annuity products that are used for asset accumulation in retirement planning and for providing income in retirement.
Under a fixed interest rate annuity contract, the policyholder's account is periodically credited with a certain interest rate, generally set at Jackson's discretion subject to a guaranteed minimum in line with state regulations. When the annuity matures, Jackson either pays the contract holder the account value or a series of payments in the form of an immediate annuity product. Fixed index annuities vary in structure and generally enable policyholders to obtain a portion of an equity-linked return (based on participation rates, caps and spreads), and provide a guaranteed minimum return. Jackson offers an optional lifetime income rider, which can be elected for an additional fee. Jackson also offers fixed interest accounts on some fixed index annuity products. |
With minor exceptions, the following is applied to most of Jackson's contracts. Contracts are accounted for as investment contracts as defined for US GAAP purposes by applying a retrospective deposit method to determine the liability for
policyholder benefits.
This is then augmented by:
Any amounts that have been assessed to compensate the insurer for services to be performed over future periods (ie deferred income);
Any amounts previously assessed against policyholders that are refundable on termination of the contract; and
Any probable future loss on the contract (ie premium deficiency). The liability for policyholder benefits that represent the guaranteed minimum return is determined similarly to the general principles for the liabilities of the variable annuities above. The interest guarantees are not explicitly valued but are reflected as they are earned in the current account liability value. The equity-linked return option within the fixed index annuity contract is treated as an embedded derivative liability under US GAAP and therefore this element of the liability is recognised at fair value. The liability for the lifetime income rider on the fixed index annuity contract is determined each period end by estimating the expected value of benefits in excess of the projected account balance and recognising the excess on a prorated basis over the life of the contract, based on total expected assessments. |
||
|
300
Contract type
|
Description and material features
|
Determination of liabilities
|
||
---|---|---|---|---|
| ||||
Group pay-out annuities
At 31 December 2020, group pay-out annuities accounted for 2 per cent (31 December 2019: 2 per cent) of Jackson's policy and contract liabilities. |
Group pay-out annuities consist of a block of defined benefit annuity plans assumed from John Hancock USA and John Hancock New York. A single premium payment from an employer (contract holder) funds the pension benefits for its employees (participants). The contracts provide annuity payments that meet the requirements of the specific pension plan being covered, including pre-retirement death and/or withdrawal benefits, pre-retirement surviving spouse benefits, and/or subsidised early retirement benefits in some cases. This is a closed block of business from two standpoints: (1) John Hancock USA and John Hancock New York are no longer selling new contracts, and (2) contract holders (companies) are no longer adding additional participants to these defined benefit pension plans. | The liability for future benefits is determined under US GAAP methodology for limited-payment contracts, using assumptions at the acquisition date for mortality and expense, plus provisions for adverse deviation. | ||
| ||||
Life insurance
At 31 December 2020, life insurance products accounted for 6 per cent (31 December 2019: 7 per cent) of Jackson's policy and contract liabilities. |
Jackson discontinued new sales of life insurance products in 2012.
Life products include term life, traditional life and interest-sensitive life (universal life and variable universal life).
Term life provides protection for a defined period and a benefit that is payable to a designated beneficiary upon death of the insured.
Traditional life provides protection for either a defined period or until a stated age and includes a predetermined cash value.
Universal life provides permanent individual life insurance for the life of the insured and includes a savings element.
Variable universal life is a type of life insurance policy that combines death benefit protection with the ability for the policyholder to be invested in separate account funds. Excluding the business that is subject to the retrocession treaties at 31 December 2020, Jackson had interest-sensitive life business in force with total account value of $7.6 billion (31 December 2019: $7.9 billion), with a 4.7 per cent average guaranteed rate (31 December 2019: 4.7 per cent). |
For term and traditional life insurance contracts, provisions for future policy benefits are determined under US GAAP using the net level premium method and assumptions at the issue or acquisition date for mortality, interest, policy lapses and
expenses, plus provisions for adverse deviation.
For universal life and variable universal life a retrospective deposit method is used to determine the liability for policyholder benefits. This is then augmented by additional liabilities to account for no-lapse guarantees, profits followed by losses, contract features such as persistency bonuses, and cost of interest rate guarantees. |
||
|
301
Contract type
|
Description and material features
|
Determination of liabilities
|
||
---|---|---|---|---|
| ||||
Institutional products
At 31 December 2020, institutional products accounted for 1 per cent (31 December 2019: 1 per cent) of Jackson's policy and contract liabilities. |
Institutional products are: guaranteed investment contracts (GICs), funding agreements (including agreements issued in conjunction with Jackson's participation in the US Federal Home Loan Bank programme) and Medium Term Note funding agreements.
GICs feature a lump sum policyholder deposit on which interest is paid at a rate fixed at inception. Market value adjustments are made to the value of any early withdrawals. Funding agreements feature either lump sum or periodic policyholder deposits. Interest is paid at a fixed or index linked rate. Funding agreements have a duration of between one and 30 years. In 2020 and 2019, there were no funding agreements terminable by the policyholder with less than 90 days' notice. |
Institutional products are classified as investment contracts, and are accounted for as financial liabilities at amortised cost. The currency risk on contracts that represent currency obligations other than USD are hedged using cross-currency swaps. | ||
|
C4 Intangible assets
Business combination
Business acquisitions are accounted for by applying the purchase method of accounting, which adjusts the net assets of the acquired company to fair value at the date of purchase. The excess of the acquisition consideration over the fair value of the assets and liabilities of the acquired business is recorded as goodwill. The Group chooses the full goodwill method or the partial goodwill method to calculate goodwill on an acquisition by acquisition basis. Expenses related to acquiring new subsidiaries are charged to the income statement in the period in which they are incurred and not included in goodwill. Income and expenses of acquired businesses are included in the income statement from the date of acquisition.
Where the Group writes a put option, which if exercised triggers the purchase of, non-controlling interests as part of its business acquisition, the put option is recognised as a financial liability at the acquisition date. Where risks and rewards remain with the non-controlling interests, a corresponding amount is deducted from equity. Any subsequent changes to the carrying amount of the put option liability are also recognised within equity.
Goodwill
Goodwill is capitalised and carried on the Group consolidated statement of financial position as an intangible asset at initial value less any accumulated impairment losses. Goodwill impairment testing is conducted annually and when there is an indication of impairment.
Goodwill shown on the consolidated statement of financial position represents amounts attributable to shareholders and are allocated to businesses in Asia and Africa in respect of both acquired asset management and life businesses. There has been no impairment as at 31 December 2020 and 2019.
|
2020 $m
|
2019 $m
|
||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| | | | | | |
Carrying value at 1 Jan | 969 | 2,365 | ||||
Removal of discontinued UK and Europe operations | | (1,731) | ||||
Additions in the year | | 299 | ||||
Exchange differences | (8) | 36 | ||||
| | | | | | |
Carrying value at 31 Dec | 961 | 969 | ||||
| | | | | | |
302
Impairment testing
Goodwill does not generate cash flows independently of other groups of assets and thus is assigned to cash-generating units for the purposes of impairment testing. These cash-generating units (CGUs) are based upon how management monitors the business and represent the lowest level to which goodwill can be allocated on a reasonable basis. Of the carrying value at 31 December 2020, $513 million relates to asset management business in Thailand. Other goodwill amounts are allocated across CGUs in Asia and Africa operations, which are not individually material.
Goodwill is tested for impairment by comparing the CGU's carrying amount, including any goodwill, with its recoverable amount. The Group's methodology of assessing whether goodwill may be impaired for acquired life and asset management operations is discussed below.
For acquired life businesses, the Group routinely compares the aggregate of net asset value and acquired goodwill on an IFRS basis of the acquired life business with the value of the current in-force business as determined using the EEV methodology. Any excess of IFRS value over EEV carrying value is then compared with EEV basis value of current and projected future new business to determine whether there is any indication that the goodwill in the IFRS statement of financial position may be impaired. The methodology and assumptions underpinning the Group's EEV basis of reporting are included in the EEV basis supplementary information in this Annual Report.
The goodwill in respect of asset management businesses comprises mainly the goodwill arising from the acquisition of Thanachart Fund Management Co., Ltd (TFund) in 2019 and TMB Asset Management Co., Ltd (TMBAM) in Thailand in 2018. At 31 December 2020, the recoverable amount of these businesses has been determined by calculating the value in use of combined business given the business units are planned to be merged and future forecasts prepared by management assume the combination has been completed, and hence have been prepared as a single CGU. The value in use for Thailand asset management businesses has been calculated using a discounted cash flow valuation.
For the combined Thailand asset management business, the valuation is based on a number of key assumptions as follows:
Management believes that any reasonable change in the key assumptions would not cause the recoverable amount of the asset management businesses acquired to fall below its carrying amount.
Intangible assets acquired on the purchase of a subsidiary or portfolio of contracts are measured at fair value on acquisition. DAC are accounted for as described in note A3.1(c). Other intangible assets, such as distribution rights and software, are valued initially at the price paid to acquire them and are subsequently carried at cost less amortisation and any accumulated impairment losses. For intangibles other than DAC, amortisation follows the pattern in which the future economic benefits are expected to be consumed. If the pattern cannot be determined reliably, a straight-line method is applied. For software, the amortisation generally represents the licence period of the software acquired. Amortisation of intangible assets is charged to the 'acquisition costs and other expenditure' line in the consolidated income statement. Impairment testing is conducted when there is an indication of impairment.
|
31 Dec 2020 $m
|
31 Dec 2019 $m
|
||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| | | | | | |
DAC and other intangible assets attributable to shareholders | 20,275 | 17,409 | ||||
Other intangible assets, including computer software, attributable to with-profits funds | 70 | 67 | ||||
| | | | | | |
Total of DAC and other intangible assets | 20,345 | 17,476 | ||||
| | | | | | |
303
(i) DAC and other intangible assets attributable to shareholders
The DAC and other intangible assets attributable to shareholders comprise:
|
31 Dec 2020 $m
|
31 Dec 2019 $m
|
||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| | | | | | |
DAC related to insurance contracts as classified under IFRS 4 | 16,182 | 14,206 | ||||
DAC related to investment management contracts, including life assurance contracts classified as financial instruments and investment management contracts under IFRS 4 | 34 | 33 | ||||
| | | | | | |
DAC related to insurance and investment contractsnote(ii) | 16,216 | 14,239 | ||||
| | | | | | |
Present value of acquired in-force policies for insurance contracts as classified under IFRS 4 (PVIF) | 34 | 38 | ||||
Distribution rights and other intangibles | 4,025 | 3,132 | ||||
| | | | | | |
Present value of acquired in-force (PVIF) and other intangibles attributable to shareholdersnote(iii) | 4,059 | 3,170 | ||||
| | | | | | |
Total of DAC and other intangible assetsnote(a) | 20,275 | 17,409 | ||||
| | | | | | |
Notes
304
|
31 Dec 2020 $m
|
31 Dec 2019 $m
|
||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| | | | | | |
Variable annuity and other business | 14,064 | 12,935 | ||||
Cumulative shadow DAC (for unrealised gains/losses booked in other comprehensive income)* | (201) | (695) | ||||
| | | | | | |
Total DAC for US operations | 13,863 | 12,240 | ||||
| | | | | | |
(c) Sensitivity of US DAC amortisation charge
The amortisation charge to the income statement in respect of the US DAC asset is reflected in both adjusted operating profit and short-term fluctuations in investment returns. The amortisation charge to adjusted operating profit in a reporting period generally comprises:
In periods where the cap and floor features of the mean reversion technique (which is used for moderating the effect of short-term volatility in investment returns) are not relevant, the technique operates to dampen the second element above. Nevertheless, extreme market movements can cause material acceleration or deceleration of amortisation in spite of this dampening effect. It is currently estimated that DAC amortisation will accelerate (decelerate) by $17 million for every 1 per cent under (over) the mean reversion rate (set using the calculation described below to give an average over an 8-year period of 7.15 per cent (2019: 7.4 per cent)) the actual separate account growth rate differs by.
Furthermore, in those periods where the cap or floor is relevant, the mean reversion technique provides no further dampening and additional volatility may result.
In 2020, the DAC amortisation charge for adjusted operating profit was determined after including a credit for decelerated amortisation of $330 million (2019: credit for deceleration: $280 million). DAC amortisation for variable annuities is sensitive to separate account performance. The deceleration arising in 2020 reflected a mechanical decrease in the projected separate account return for the next five years under the mean-reversion technique. Under this technique, the projected level of return for each of the next five years is adjusted so that in combination with the actual rates of return for the preceding three years (including the current year) the assumed long-term annual separate account return of 7.15 per cent is realised on average over the entire eight-year period.
The application of the mean reversion formula (described in note A3.1) has the effect of dampening the impact of equity market movements on DAC amortisation while the mean reversion assumption lies within the corridor. At 31 December 2020, it would take approximate movements in separate account values of more than either negative 40 per cent or positive 19 per cent for mean reversion assumption to move outside the corridor.
Changes to the assumed long-term separate account return will also impact the calculation of the DAC balance and could increase or decrease the DAC amortisation charge in a given period. If the assumption for the long-term separate account investment returns (net of external fund management fees) was reduced by 0.5 per cent from 7.15 per cent to 6.65 per cent at 31 December 2020, the 2020 amortisation charge for adjusted operating profit would have increased by around $70 million with a corresponding reduction in the DAC balance at 31 December 2020. In addition, pre-tax short-term fluctuations in investment returns would reduce by circa $64 million following changes to the policyholder liabilities valued using longer-term equity assumptions under SOP03-1, resulting in a total impact on profit before tax of $134 million.
(ii) DAC related to insurance and investment contracts
The movements in DAC relating to insurance and investment contracts are as follows:
2020 $m |
2019 $m
|
|||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
Insurance
contracts |
Investment
contracts |
Insurance
contracts |
Investment
contracts |
||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Balance at 1 Jan | 14,206 | 33 | 12,758 | 99 | ||||||||
Removal of discontinued UK and Europe operations | | | (62) | (72) | ||||||||
Additions | 1,354 | 3 | 1,411 | 11 | ||||||||
Amortisation | 85 | (4) | 699 | (5) | ||||||||
Exchange differences | 43 | 2 | 31 | | ||||||||
Change in shadow DAC related to movement in unrealised appreciation of debt securities classified as available-for-sale | 494 | | (631) | | ||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Balance at 31 Dec | 16,182 | 34 | 14,206 | 33 | ||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
305
Note
All of the additions for investment contracts are through internal development. The carrying amount of the DAC balance comprises the following gross and accumulated amortisation amounts:
|
31 Dec 2020 $m
|
31 Dec 2019 $m
|
||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| | | | | | |
Gross amount |
39 | 34 | ||||
Accumulated amortisation |
(5) | (1) | ||||
| | | | | | |
Carrying amount |
34 | 33 | ||||
| | | | | | |
(iii) PVIF and other intangibles attributable to shareholders
2020 $m |
2019 $m
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
PVIF |
Distribution
rights |
Other
intangibles (including software) |
Total | PVIF |
Distribution
rights |
Other
intangibles (including software) |
Total | |||||||||||||||||
note (a) | note (b) | note (a) | note (b) | |||||||||||||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Balance at 1 Jan | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Cost | 175 | 3,783 | 379 | 4,337 | 295 | 2,546 | 399 | 3,240 | ||||||||||||||||
Accumulated amortisation | (137) | (812) | (218) | (1,167) | (252) | (587) | (250) | (1,089) | ||||||||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
38 | 2,971 | 161 | 3,170 | 43 | 1,959 | 149 | 2,151 | |||||||||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Removal of discontinued UK and Europe operations | | | | | (1) | | (8) | (9) | ||||||||||||||||
Additions | | 1,047 | 67 | 1,114 | | 1,110 | 69 | 1,179 | ||||||||||||||||
Amortisation charge | (5) | (180) | (45) | (230) | (5) | (196) | (42) | (243) | ||||||||||||||||
Disposals and transfers | | | (12) | (12) | | | (11) | (11) | ||||||||||||||||
Exchange differences and other movements | 1 | 13 | 3 | 17 | 1 | 98 | 4 | 103 | ||||||||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Balance at 31 Dec | 34 | 3,851 | 174 | 4,059 | 38 | 2,971 | 161 | 3,170 | ||||||||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Comprising: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Cost |
177 | 4,845 | 424 | 5,446 | 175 | 3,783 | 379 | 4,337 | ||||||||||||||||
Accumulated amortisation |
(143) | (994) | (250) | (1,387) | (137) | (812) | (218) | (1,167) | ||||||||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
34 | 3,851 | 174 | 4,059 | 38 | 2,971 | 161 | 3,170 | |||||||||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Notes
306
C5 Borrowings
Although initially recognised at fair value (net of transaction costs), borrowings are subsequently accounted for on an amortised cost basis using the effective interest method, with the exception of liabilities of consolidated collateralised debt obligations which continue to be carried at fair value. Under the effective interest method, the difference between the redemption value of the borrowing and the initial proceeds (net of related issue costs) is amortised through the income statement to the date of maturity or for hybrid debt, over the expected life of the instrument.
C5.1 Core structural borrowings of shareholder-financed businesses
|
31 Dec 2020 $m
|
31 Dec 2019 $m
|
||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| | | | | | |
Central operations: |
||||||
Subordinated debt: |
||||||
US$250m 6.75% Notesnote(i) |
250 | 250 | ||||
US$300m 6.5% Notesnote(i) |
300 | 300 | ||||
US$700m 5.25% Notes |
700 | 700 | ||||
US$1,000m 5.25% Notes |
999 | 996 | ||||
US$725m 4.375% Notes |
723 | 721 | ||||
US$750m 4.875% Notes |
746 | 744 | ||||
€20m Medium Term Notes 2023 |
24 | 22 | ||||
£435m 6.125% Notes 2031 |
590 | 571 | ||||
Senior debt:note(ii) |
||||||
£300m 6.875% Notes 2023 |
406 | 392 | ||||
£250m 5.875% Notes 2029 |
312 | 298 | ||||
$1,000m 3.125% Notes 2030note(iii) |
983 | | ||||
$350m Loan 2024note(iv) |
350 | 350 | ||||
| | | | | | |
Total central operations |
6,383 | 5,344 | ||||
Jackson US$250m 8.15% Surplus Notes 2027note(v) |
250 | 250 | ||||
| | | | | | |
Total core structural borrowings of shareholder-financed businesses |
6,633 | 5,594 | ||||
| | | | | | |
Notes
C5.2 Operational borrowings
31 Dec 2020 $m |
31 Dec 2019 $m
|
|||
| | | | |
Borrowings in respect of short-term fixed income securities programmes commercial paper | 501 | 520 | ||
Lease liabilities under IFRS 16 | 302 | 371 | ||
Non-recourse borrowings of consolidated investment fundsnote(a) | 994 | 1,045 | ||
Bank loans and overdrafts | | 29 | ||
Other borrowingsnote(b) | 453 | 377 | ||
| | | | |
Operational borrowings attributable to shareholder-financed businesses | 2,250 | 2,342 | ||
| | | | |
Lease liabilities under IFRS 16 | 194 | 259 | ||
Other borrowings | | 44 | ||
| | | | |
Operational borrowings attributable to with-profits businesses | 194 | 303 | ||
| | | | |
Total operational borrowings | 2,444 | 2,645 | ||
| | | | |
Notes
307
C6 Risk and sensitivity analysis
C6.1 Group overview
The Group's risk framework and the management of risks, including those attached to the Group's financial statements including financial assets, financial liabilities and insurance liabilities, together with the inter-relationship with the management of capital, have been included in the audited sections of the Group Risk Framework.
The financial and insurance assets and liabilities on the Group's statement of financial position are, to varying degrees, subject to market and insurance risk and other changes of experience assumptions that may have a material effect on IFRS basis profit or loss and shareholders' equity. The market and insurance risks and also ESG-related risks, including how they affect Group's operations and how these are managed are discussed in the Group Risk Framework. The ESG-related risks discussed in the Group Risk Framework include in particular the potential long-term impact of environmental risks associated with climate change (including physical and transition risks) on the Group's investments.
The most significant items that the IFRS shareholders' profit or loss and shareholders' equity for the Group's life assurance business are sensitive to, are shown in the following tables. The distinction between direct and indirect exposure is not intended to indicate the relative size of the sensitivity.
The profit for the year of asset management operations is sensitive to the level of assets under management, as this significantly affects the value of management fees earned by the business in the current and future periods. Assets under management will rise and fall as market conditions change, with a consequential impact on profitability. Other than this, there is limited sensitivity to market risks since the Group's asset management and other operations do not hold significant financial investments. At 31 December 2020, the financial investments of the other operations are principally short-term investments held by the Group's treasury function for liquidity purposes and so there is limited sensitivity to interest rate movements.
308
Sensitivity analyses of IFRS shareholders' equity to key market and other risks by business unit are provided below. The sensitivity analyses provided show the effect on shareholders' equity to changes in the relevant risk variables, all of which are considered to be reasonably possible at the relevant balance sheet date.
The sensitivities reflect all consequential impacts from market movements at the valuation date. The sensitivities below only allow for limited management actions such as changes to policyholder bonuses, where applicable. If the economic conditions set out in the sensitivities persisted, the financial impacts may differ to the instantaneous impacts. Given the continuous risk management processes in place, management could take additional actions to help mitigate the impact of these stresses, including (but not limited to) rebalancing investment portfolios, further market risk hedging, increased use of reinsurance, repricing of in-force benefits, changes to new business pricing and the mix of new business being sold.
Other limitations of the sensitivities include: the use of hypothetical market movements that cannot be predicted with any certainty to demonstrate potential risk, which only represent Prudential's view of reasonably possible near-term market changes; the assumption that interest rates in all countries move identically; and the lack of consideration of the inter-relation of interest rates, equity markets and foreign currency exchange rates.
The Group benefits from diversification benefits achieved through the geographical spread of the Group's operations and, within those operations, through a broad mix of product types. These benefits are not reflected in the simplified sensitivities below. Relevant correlation factors include:
The geographical diversity of the Group's business means that it has some exposure to the risk of foreign exchange rate fluctuations. The Group has no exposure to currency fluctuation from business units that operate in USD, or currencies pegged to the USD (such as HKD), and reduced exposure to currencies partially managed to the USD within a basket of currencies (such as SGD). Sensitivities to exchange rate movements in the Group's key markets are therefore expected to be limited.
C6.2 Sensitivity to interest rate risk
The sensitivities shown below are for movements in risk-free rates (based on local government bond yields at the valuation date) in isolation and are subject to a floor of zero. They do not include movements in credit risk that may affect credit spreads and hence the valuation of debt securities and policyholder liabilities. A one-letter credit downgrade in isolation (ie ignoring any consequential change in valuation) would not have a material impact on IFRS profit or shareholders' equity.
To reflect the substantial fall and current level of low interest rates in 2020, the estimated sensitivity to a decrease in interest rates at 31 December 2020 has been updated to a decrease of 0.5 per cent. This compares to a 1 per cent change at 31 December 2019. The estimated sensitivity to a decrease and increase in interest rates at 31 December 2020 is as follows:
31 December 2020
|
Asia insurance $m
|
US insurance $m
|
||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| | | | | | | | |
Decrease
of 0.5% |
Increase
of 1% |
Decrease
of 0.5% |
Increase
of 1% |
|||||
| | | | | | | | |
Net effect on shareholders' equity* | (1,274) | (318) | (594) | (68) | ||||
| | | | | | | | |
309
The estimated sensitivity to a decrease and increase in interest rates at 31 December 2019 was as follows:
31 December 2019
|
Asia insurance $m
|
US insurance $m
|
||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| | | | | | | | |
Decrease
of 1% |
Increase
of 1% |
Decrease
of 1% |
Increase
of 1% |
|||||
| | | | | | | | |
Net effect on shareholders' equity* | (702) | (718) | 20 | (553) | ||||
| | | | | | | | |
Asia insurance operations
The degree of sensitivity of the results of the non-linked shareholder-backed business of the Asia operations to movements in interest rates depends upon the degree to which the liabilities under the 'grandfathered' IFRS 4 measurement basis reflects market interest rates from year to year. This varies by local business unit.
For example:
The sensitivity of the Asia operations presented as a whole at a given point in time will also be affected by a change in the relative size of the individual businesses.
For many operations the sensitivities are dominated by the impact of interest rate movements on the value of government and corporate bond investments, which are expected to increase in value as interest rates fall to a greater extent than the offsetting increase in liabilities (and vice versa if rates rise). This arises because the discount rate in some operations does not fluctuate in line with interest rate movements. At higher levels of interest rates the liabilities become less sensitive to interest rate movements and the effects on assets becomes more dominant. This pattern is evident in the 'increase of 1 per cent' sensitivity at 31 December 2020.
The 'decrease of 0.5%' sensitivities reflects that some local business units' liabilities become more sensitive at lower interest rates and the fluctuations in liabilities begin to exceed asset gains. The liability movements also reflect the prudent nature of some of the regulatory regimes which leads to duration of liabilities that are longer than would be expected on a more economic basis and hence results in a mismatch with the assets that are managed on a more realistic basis. Following the substantial fall in interest rates over 2020, at 31 December 2020, the 'decrease of 0.5 per cent' sensitivity is dominated by the impact of interest rate movements on some local business units' policyholder liabilities, which are expected to increase more than the offsetting increase in the value of government and corporate bond investments, if interest rates were to fall further from the historically low levels seen at 31 December 2020. As noted above, the results only allow for limited management actions, and if such economic conditions persisted management could take additional actions to help mitigate the impact of these stresses, including (but not limited to) rebalancing investment portfolios, increased use of reinsurance, changes to new business pricing and the mix of new business being sold.
US insurance operations
The GMWB features attached to variable annuity business (other than 'for life' components) are accounted for under US GAAP at fair value and, therefore, will be sensitive to changes in interest rates. Debt securities and related derivatives are marked to fair value. Value movements on derivatives, net of related changes to amortisation of DAC and deferred tax, are recorded within the income statement. Fair value movements on debt securities, net of related changes to amortisation of DAC and deferred tax, are recorded within other comprehensive income.
As at 1 June 2020, the interest rate risks relating to Jackson's fixed and fixed index annuity products have been substantially transferred as part of the reinsurance transaction with Athene described in note D1.1,
310
leaving only a limited exposure from residual policies and new policies written post 1 June 2020. Jackson is exposed primarily to the following interest rate risks:
A prolonged low interest rate environment may result in a lengthening of maturities of the general account annuity and interest-sensitive life contract holder liabilities from initial estimates, primarily due to lower policy lapses. As interest rates remain at low levels, Jackson may also have to reinvest the cash it receives as interest or proceeds from investments that have matured or that have been sold at lower yields, reducing its investment margins. Moreover, borrowers may prepay or redeem the securities in their investment portfolios with greater frequency in order to borrow at lower market rates, which exacerbates this risk. The majority of Jackson's general account business was designed with contractual provisions that allow crediting rates to be re-set annually, subject to minimum crediting rate guarantees.
The sensitivity movements provided in the table above are at a point in time and reflect the hedging programme in place on the balance sheet date, while the actual impact on financial results would vary contingent upon a number of factors. Jackson's hedging programme is primarily focused on managing the economic risks in the business and protecting statutory solvency under larger market movements, and does not explicitly aim to hedge the IFRS accounting results. The magnitude of the impact of the sensitivities on profit after tax at 31 December 2020 is larger than the impact at 31 December 2019, reflecting the liabilities being more sensitive to further interest rate movements at the current low interest rate levels (after taking into account the impact of interest rate movements on derivatives). In determining the value of liabilities, assumed future separate account return is based on risk-free rates under 'grandfathered' US GAAP. The reduction in the magnitude of the impact of the sensitivities on other comprehensive income, and hence shareholders' equity, reflects the impact of the Athene reinsurance transaction described in note D1.1 on the profile of Jackson's general account liabilities and the consequential reduction in available-for-sale debt securities.
C6.3 Sensitivity to equity and property price risk
In the equity risk sensitivity analysis shown, the Group has considered the impact of an instantaneous 20 per cent fall in equity markets. If equity markets were to fall by more than 20 per cent, the Group believes that this would not be an instantaneous fall but rather would be expected to occur over a longer period of time, during which the hedge positions within Jackson, where the underlying equity risk is greatest, would be rebalanced. The equity risk sensitivity analysis provided assumes that all equity indices fall by the same percentage.
Asia insurance operations
The estimated sensitivity to a 10 per cent increase and 20 per cent decrease in equity and property prices is as follows:
31 Dec 2020 $m |
31 Dec 2019 $m
|
|||||||
| | | | | | | | |
Decrease
of 20% |
Increase
of 10% |
Decrease
of 20% |
Increase
of 10% |
|||||
| | | | | | | | |
Net effect on shareholders' equity* | (848) | 410 | (816) | 408 | ||||
| | | | | | | | |
Generally, changes in equity and property investment values are not directly offset by movements in non-linked policyholder liabilities. Movements in equities backing with-profits and unit-linked business have been excluded as they are generally matched by an equal movement in insurance liabilities (including unallocated surplus of with-profits funds). The impact on changes to future profitability as a result of changes to the asset values within unit-linked or with-profits funds have not been included in the instantaneous sensitivity above. The estimated sensitivities shown above include equity and property investments held by the Group's joint venture and associate businesses.
311
US insurance operations
At December 31, 2020 and 2019, the Company provided variable annuity contracts with guarantees, for which the net amount at risk ("NAR") is defined as the amount of guaranteed benefit in excess of current account value, as follows (dollars in millions):
31 Dec 2020 $m |
31 Dec 2019 $m
|
|||||||
| | | | | | | | |
Account
value |
Net
amount at risk |
Account
value |
Net
amount at risk |
|||||
| | | | | | | | |
Return of net deposits plus a minimum return | ||||||||
GMDB |
170,510 | 2,340 | 150,576 | 2,477 | ||||
GMWB premium only |
2,858 | 12 | 2,753 | 16 | ||||
GMWB |
248 | 11 | 257 | 14 | ||||
GMAB premium only |
39 | | 37 | | ||||
Highest specified anniversary account value minus withdrawals post-anniversary | | | ||||||
GMDB |
13,512 | 86 | 12,547 | 69 | ||||
GMWB highest anniversary only |
3,459 | 41 | 3,232 | 51 | ||||
GMWB |
646 | 55 | 698 | 52 | ||||
Combination net deposits plus minimum return, highest specified anniversary account value minus withdrawals post-anniversary | | | ||||||
GMDB |
8,891 | 615 | 8,159 | 687 | ||||
GMIB |
1,675 | 556 | 1,688 | 616 | ||||
GMWB |
159,857 | 5,656 | 140,529 | 7,160 | ||||
| | | | | | | | |
Jackson is primarily exposed to equity risk through the guarantees included in certain variable annuity benefits. This risk is managed using an equity hedging programme to minimise the risk of a significant economic impact as a result of increases or decreases in equity market levels. Jackson purchases futures and options that hedge the risks inherent in these products, while also considering the impact of rising and falling guaranteed benefit fees.
Due to the nature of valuation under IFRS of the free-standing derivatives and certain of the variable annuity guarantee features, this hedge, while effective on an economic basis, would not automatically offset within the financial statements as the impact of equity market movements resets the free-standing derivatives immediately while the hedged liabilities reset more slowly and fees are recognised prospectively in the year in which they are earned. Jackson's hedging programme is focused on managing the economic risks in the business and protecting statutory solvency in the circumstances of large market movements. The hedging programme does not aim to hedge IFRS accounting results, which can lead to volatility in the IFRS results in a period of significant market movements, as was seen in 2020.
In addition to the exposure explained above, Jackson is also exposed to equity risk from its holding of equity securities, partnerships in investment pools and other financial derivatives.
The estimated sensitivity to a 10 per cent increase and 20 per cent decrease in equity and property prices is shown below.
31 Dec 2020 $m |
31 Dec 2019 $m
|
|||||||
| | | | | | | | |
Decrease
of 20% |
Increase
of 10% |
Decrease
of 20% |
Increase
of 10% |
|||||
| | | | | | | | |
Net effect on shareholders' equity* | 744 | 299 | 762 | 608 | ||||
| | | | | | | | |
The table above excludes the impact of instantaneous equity movements on future separate account fee income.
The above sensitivities assume instantaneous market movements while the actual impact on financial results would vary contingent upon the volume of new product sales and lapses, changes to the derivative portfolio, correlation of market returns and various other factors including volatility, interest rates and elapsed time.
312
The directional movements in the sensitivities reflect the hedging programme in place at 31 December 2020 and 2019 respectively. The nature of Jackson's dynamic hedging programme means that the portfolio, and hence the results of these sensitivities, will change on an ongoing basis. The impacts shown under an increase or a decrease in equity markets reflect the factors discussed above.
Jackson had variable annuity contracts with guarantees. Account balances of contracts with guarantees were invested in variable separate accounts as follows:
C6.4 Sensitivity to insurance risk
Asia insurance operations
In Asia, adverse persistency experience can impact the IFRS profitability of certain types of business written in the region. This risk is managed at a local business unit level through regular monitoring of experience and the implementation of management actions as necessary. These actions could include product enhancements, increased management focus on premium collection, as well as other customer retention efforts. The potential financial impact of lapses is often mitigated through the specific features of the products, eg surrender charges, or through the availability of premium holiday or partial withdrawal policy features. The reserving basis in Asia is generally such that a change in lapse assumptions has an immaterial effect on immediate profitability.
Many of the business units in Asia are exposed to mortality and morbidity risk and a provision is made within policyholder liabilities to cover the potential exposure. If all these assumptions were strengthened by 5 per cent then it is estimated that post-tax profit and shareholders' equity would decrease by approximately $77 million (2019: $77 million). Weakening these assumptions by 5 per cent would have a similar opposite impact.
US insurance operations
Jackson is sensitive to mortality risk, lapse risk and other types of policyholder behaviour, such as the utilisation of its GMWB product features. Jackson's persistency assumptions reflect a combination of recent experience for each relevant line of business and expert judgement, especially where a lack of relevant and credible experience data exists. These assumptions vary by relevant factors, such as product, policy duration, attained age and for variable annuity lapse assumptions, the extent to which guaranteed benefits are 'in the money' relative to policy account values. Changes in these assumptions, which are assessed on an annual basis after considering recent experience, could have a material impact on policyholder liabilities and therefore on profit before tax. Any changes in these assumptions are recorded within short-term fluctuations in investment returns in the Group's supplementary analysis of profit (see note B1.2).
In addition, in the absence of hedging, equity and interest rate movements can both cause a direct loss or increase the future sensitivity to policyholder behaviour. Jackson has an extensive derivative programme that seeks to manage the exposure to such altered equity markets and interest rates.
Note A3.1 describes the methodology applied by Jackson to amortise DAC. The amount of amortisation charged in any one period is sensitive to separate account investment returns. The sensitivity of DAC amortisation charge is discussed in note C4.2.
C7 Tax assets and liabilities
Accounting policies on deferred tax are included in note B3.
C7.1 Current tax
At 31 December 2020, of the $444 million (31 December 2019: $492 million) current tax recoverable, the majority is expected to be recovered more than 12 months after the reporting period.
At 31 December 2020, the current tax liability of $280 million (31 December 2019: $396 million) includes $113 million (31 December 2019: $198 million) of provisions for uncertain tax matters. Further detail is provided in note B3.2.
313
C7.2 Deferred tax
The statement of financial position contains the following deferred tax assets and liabilities in relation to:
|
2020 $m | ||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Balance
at 1 Jan |
Movement in
income statement |
Movement
through other comprehensive income and equity |
Other
movements including foreign currency movements |
Balance
at 31 Dec |
||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Deferred tax assets | |||||||||||||||
Unrealised losses or gains on investments | | | | | | ||||||||||
Balances relating to investment and insurance contracts | 32 | 55 | | | 87 | ||||||||||
Short-term temporary differences | 3,889 | 765 | | 8 | 4,662 | ||||||||||
Unused tax losses | 154 | (50) | | 5 | 109 | ||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total | 4,075 | 770 | | 13 | 4,858 | ||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Deferred tax liabilities | |||||||||||||||
Unrealised losses or gains on investments | (877) | (78) | (102) | (6) | (1,063) | ||||||||||
Balances relating to investment and insurance contracts | (1,507) | (235) | | (23) | (1,765) | ||||||||||
Short-term temporary differences | (2,853) | (377) | | (17) | (3,247) | ||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total | (5,237) | (690) | (102) | (46) | (6,075) | ||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
2019 $m | |||||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Balance
at 1 Jan |
Demerger
of UK and Europe operations |
Movement in
income statement |
Movement
through other comprehensive income and equity |
Other
movements including foreign currency movements |
Balance
at 31 Dec |
||||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Deferred tax assets | ||||||||||||||||||
Unrealised losses or gains on investments | 144 | | (16) | | (128) | | ||||||||||||
Balances relating to investment and insurance contracts | 1 | | 60 | | (29) | 32 | ||||||||||||
Short-term temporary differences | 2,998 | (160) | 1,066 | (15) | | 3,889 | ||||||||||||
Unused tax losses | 162 | | 8 | | (16) | 154 | ||||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total | 3,305 | (160) | 1,118 | (15) | (173) | 4,075 | ||||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Deferred tax liabilities | ||||||||||||||||||
Unrealised losses or gains on investments | (1,104) | 1,053 | (231) | (713) | 118 | (877) | ||||||||||||
Balances relating to investment and insurance contracts | (1,276) | | (246) | | 15 | (1,507) | ||||||||||||
Short-term temporary differences | (2,742) | 298 | (414) | 19 | (14) | (2,853) | ||||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total | (5,122) | 1,351 | (891) | (694) | 119 | (5,237) | ||||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Of the short-term temporary differences of $4,662 million relating to deferred tax assets, $3,274 million for US insurance operations is expected to be recovered in line with the run off of the in-force book, and the majority of the remaining balances are expected to be recovered within five years.
314
The deferred tax balances are further analysed as follows:
|
Deferred tax assets | Deferred tax liabilities | ||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
31 Dec
2020 $m |
31 Dec
2019 $m |
31 Dec
2020 $m |
31 Dec
2019 $m |
||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Asia operations |
316 | 270 | (2,552) | (2,146) | ||||||||
US operations |
4,542 | 3,804 | (3,523) | (3,091) | ||||||||
Other operations |
| 1 | | | ||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total Group |
4,858 | 4,075 | (6,075) | (5,237) | ||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
The taxation regimes applicable across the Group often apply separate rules to trading and capital profits and losses. The distinction between temporary differences that arise from items of either a trading or capital nature may affect the recognition of deferred tax assets. The following tax benefits and losses have not been recognised for the years shown:
|
31 Dec 2020 $m |
31 Dec 2019 $m
|
||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
Tax benefits | Losses | Tax benefits | Losses | ||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Trading losses |
191 | 991 | 36 | 175 | ||||||||
Capital losses |
2 | 7 | 1 | 5 | ||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Of the benefit from unrecognised trading losses, $26 million will expire within the next 10 years and the rest have no expiry date.
Some of the Group's businesses are located in jurisdictions in which a withholding tax charge is incurred upon the distribution of earnings. At 31 December 2020, deferred tax liabilities of $323 million (31 December 2019: $247 million) have not been recognised in respect of such withholding taxes as the Group is able to control the timing of the distributions and it is probable that the timing differences will not reverse in the foreseeable future.
C8 Share capital, share premium and own shares
Shares are classified as equity when their terms do not create an obligation to transfer assets. Amounts recorded in share capital represent the nominal value of the shares issued. The difference between the proceeds received on issue of the shares, net of share issue costs, and the nominal value of the shares issued, is credited to share premium. Where the Company purchases shares for the purposes of employee incentive plans, the consideration paid, net of issue costs, is deducted from retained earnings. Upon issue or sale any consideration received is credited to retained earnings net of related costs.
|
2020 | 2019 | |||||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Issued shares of 5p
each fully paid |
Number of
ordinary shares |
Share
capital $m |
Share
premium $m |
Number of
ordinary shares |
Share
capital $m |
Share
premium $m |
|||||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Balance at 1 Jan |
2,601,159,949 | 172 | 2,625 | 2,593,044,409 | 166 | 2,502 | |||||||||||||
Shares issued under share-based schemes |
8,329,753 | 1 | 12 | 8,115,540 | | 22 | |||||||||||||
Impact of change in presentation currency |
| | | | 6 | 101 | |||||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Balance at 31 Dec |
2,609,489,702 | 173 | 2,637 | 2,601,159,949 | 172 | 2,625 | |||||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Options outstanding under save as you earn schemes to subscribe for shares at each year end shown below are as follows:
|
|
Share price
range |
|
||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Number of shares to subscribe for
|
Exercisable
by year |
|||||||||||
|
from
|
to
|
|||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
31 Dec 2020 |
2,320,320 | 964p | 1,455p | 2026 | |||||||||
31 Dec 2019 |
3,805,447 | 1,104p | 1,455p | 2025 | |||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
315
Transactions by Prudential plc and its subsidiaries in Prudential plc shares
The Group buys and sells Prudential plc shares ('own shares') either in relation to its employee share schemes or, up until the demerger of its UK and Europe operations (M&G plc) in October 2019, via transactions undertaken by authorised investment funds that the Group is deemed to control. The cost of own shares of $243 million at 31 December 2020 (31 December 2019: $183 million) is deducted from retained earnings. The Company has established trusts to facilitate the delivery of shares under employee incentive plans. At 31 December 2020, 11.2 million (31 December 2019: 8.4 million) Prudential plc shares with a market value of $205 million (31 December 2019: $161 million) were held in such trusts, all of which are for employee incentive plans. The maximum number of shares held during the year was 11.5 million which was in June 2020.
Within the trusts, shares are notionally allocated by business unit reflecting the employees to which the awards were made.
The Company purchased the following number of shares in respect of employee incentive plans:
|
2020 | 2019 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Share price |
|
|
Share price |
|
|||||||||||||||||||
|
Number of
shares |
|
Number of shares
|
|
|||||||||||||||||||||
|
Low
|
High
|
Cost*
|
Low
|
High
|
Cost*
|
|||||||||||||||||||
|
|
£
|
£
|
$
|
|
£
|
£
|
$
|
|||||||||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
January |
62,395 | 14.42 | 14.68 | 1,195,275 | 75,165 | 14.25 | 14.29 | 1,384,926 | |||||||||||||||||
February |
62,680 | 14.57 | 14.60 | 1,183,717 | 71,044 | 15.00 | 15.18 | 1,390,865 | |||||||||||||||||
March |
79,057 | 11.18 | 11.40 | 1,110,374 | 68,497 | 15.20 | 16.32 | 1,385,182 | |||||||||||||||||
April |
5,363,563 | 10.21 | 10.48 | 68,010,967 | 2,638,429 | 15.65 | 16.73 | 54,052,710 | |||||||||||||||||
May |
81,377 | 11.16 | 11.30 | 1,117,783 | 73,417 | 16.35 | 16.45 | 1,550,109 | |||||||||||||||||
June |
167,724 | 11.86 | 12.67 | 2,540,749 | 217,800 | 16.20 | 16.36 | 4,484,773 | |||||||||||||||||
July |
87,239 | 12.30 | 12.51 | 1,365,109 | 60,514 | 17.47 | 17.71 | 1,321,427 | |||||||||||||||||
August |
72,287 | 12.21 | 12.33 | 1,167,008 | 72,671 | 14.86 | 15.21 | 1,318,593 | |||||||||||||||||
September |
75,368 | 11.61 | 11.68 | 1,138,447 | 73,284 | 14.14 | 14.76 | 1,318,767 | |||||||||||||||||
October |
116,802 | 11.49 | 11.71 | 1,764,694 | 178,359 | 13.78 | 14.24 | 3,148,811 | |||||||||||||||||
November |
74,178 | 10.62 | 12.76 | 1,233,127 | 75,904 | 13.38 | 13.85 | 1,309,146 | |||||||||||||||||
December |
70,814 | 12.78 | 12.83 | 1,217,842 | 68,573 | 13.07 | 13.13 | 1,178,206 | |||||||||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total |
6,313,484 | 83,045,092 | 3,673,657 | 73,843,515 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Up until the demerger of M&G plc in October 2019, the Group consolidated a number of authorised investment funds managed by M&G plc that held shares in Prudential plc. The cost of acquiring these shares was included in the cost of own shares in 2019.
All share transactions were made on an exchange other than the Stock Exchange of Hong Kong.
Other than set out above, the Group did not purchase, sell or redeem any Prudential plc listed securities during 2020 or 2019.
316
|
31 Dec 2020 $m
|
31 Dec 2019 $m
|
|||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| | | | | | | |
Staff benefits provisionsnote(i) |
328 | 408 | |||||
Other provisions |
22 | 58 | |||||
| | | | | | | |
Total provisionsnote(ii) |
350 | 466 | |||||
| | | | | | | |
|
Notes
|
2020 $m
|
2019 $m
|
|||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| | | | | | | |
Balance at 1 Jan |
466 | 1,373 | |||||
Removal of discontinued UK and Europe operations |
| (946) | |||||
Charged (credited) to income statement: |
|||||||
Additional provisions |
128 | 188 | |||||
Unused amounts released |
(13) | (7) | |||||
Utilisation during the year |
(241) | (154) | |||||
Exchange differences |
10 | 12 | |||||
| | | | | | | |
Balance at 31 Dec |
350 | 466 | |||||
| | | | | | | |
C10.1 Group objectives, policies and processes for managing capital
The Group manages its Group LCSM capital resources as its measure of capital. At 31 December 2020, estimated Group shareholder LCSM capital resources is $15.8 billion (31 December 2019: $14.0 billion).
The Hong Kong Insurance Authority (IA) assumed the role of the group-wide supervisor for the Prudential Group following the demerger of M&G plc in October 2019. Ultimately, Prudential plc will become subject to the Group-wide Supervision (GWS) Framework. The primary legislation was enacted in July 2020 and will come into operation on 29 March 2021. The relevant subsidiary legislation, including the Insurance (Group Capital) Rules, were tabled before the Legislative Council on 6 January 2021 and will also come into operation on 29 March 2021. The GWS Framework is expected to be effective for Prudential upon designation by the Hong Kong IA in the second quarter of 2021, subject to transitional arrangements.
Until Hong Kong's GWS Framework comes into force, Prudential applies the local capital summation method (LCSM) that has been agreed with the Hong Kong IA to determine Group regulatory capital requirements (both minimum and prescribed levels). The GWS Framework is expected to be largely consistent with that applied under LCSM with the exception of the treatment of debt instruments which will be subject to transitional arrangements under the GWS Framework. Prudential's initial analysis indicates that all debt instruments (senior and subordinated) issued by Prudential will meet the transitional conditions set by the Hong Kong IA and will be included as eligible Group capital resources, although this will be subject to approval by the Hong Kong IA. The LCSM surplus represents the summation of capital resources across local solvency regimes for regulated entities of the Group and IFRS net assets (with some adjustments) for non-regulated entities less the summation of local statutory capital requirements across the Group, with no allowance for diversification between business operations.
The Group minimum capital requirement has been met during 2020.
As well as holding sufficient capital to meet LCSM requirements at Group level, the Group also closely manages the cash it holds within its central holding companies so that it can:
Reserve adequacy testing under a range of scenarios and dynamic solvency testing is carried out, including under certain scenarios mandated by the Asia and US regulators.
317
The Group manages its assets, liabilities and capital locally, in accordance with local regulatory requirements and reflecting the different types of liabilities in each business unit. As a result of the diversity of products offered by Prudential and the different regulatory regimes under which it operates, the Group employs differing methods of asset/liability and capital management, depending on the business concerned.
The sensitivity of liabilities and other components of total capital vary depending upon the type of business concerned and this conditions the approach to asset/liability management.
C10.2 Local capital regulations
The local valuation basis for the assets, liabilities and capital requirements of significant operations in Asia are:
China JV
A risk-based capital, risk management and governance framework, known as the China Risk Oriented Solvency System (C-ROSS), applies in China. Under C-ROSS, insurers are required to maintain a core solvency ratio (core capital over minimum capital) and a comprehensive solvency ratio (capital resources over minimum capital) of not lower than 50 per cent and 100 per cent, respectively. The review of C-ROSS by the China Banking Insurance Regulatory Commission (CBIRC) has resulted in elevating the relevant principles of C-ROSS into regulatory requirements.
The actual capital is the difference between the admitted assets and admitted liabilities with trading and available-for-sale assets marked-to-market and other assets at book value. Policyholder liabilities are based on a gross premium valuation method using best estimate assumptions with a separate risk margin.
Hong Kong
The capital requirements set out in the regulations vary by underlying risk type and duration of liabilities, but are generally determined as a percentage of mathematical reserves and capital at risk.
Mathematical reserves are based on a net premium valuation method using assumptions which include a suitable margin for prudence. The valuation interest rate used to value long-term liabilities reflects a blend between the prudent assessment of the portfolio yield and the reinvestment yield subject to a maximum of the prudent portfolio yield. The approach used to determine the reinvestment yield for reserving allows for average yields thus the impact of movements in interest rates are reflected in the valuation interest rate over time. The basis of calculation was updated in 2020 in line with a circular issued by the Hong Kong IA. The capital resources are based on assets that are marked-to-market. The nature of the current regulatory regime means that the duration of statutory liabilities is longer than would be expected on an economic basis and hence there is an inherent mismatch with the assets that are managed on a more realistic basis. The Hong Kong IA is in the process of developing a risk-based capital framework with several quantitative impact studies performed over the past few years, implementation of this framework is targeted by 2024 but the exact timing is uncertain.
Indonesia
Solvency capital is determined using a risk-based capital approach. The capital resources are based on assets that are marked-to-market, with policyholder liabilities based on a gross premium valuation method using best estimate assumptions with a suitable margin for prudence. Liabilities are zeroised at a policy level (ie negative liabilities are not permitted at a policy level). For unit-linked policies an unearned premium reserve is established.
Malaysia
A risk-based capital framework applies in Malaysia. The local regulator, Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM), has set a Supervisory Target Capital Level of 130 per cent below which supervisory actions of increasing intensity will be taken. Each insurer is also required to set its own Individual Target Capital Level to reflect its own risk profile and this is expected to be higher than the Supervisory Target Capital Level.
The capital resources are based on assets that are marked-to-market, with policyholder liabilities based on a gross premium valuation method using best estimate assumptions with a suitable margin for prudence. Liabilities are zeroised at a fund level (ie negative liabilities are not permitted at a fund level). The BNM has initiated a review of its RBC framework. An exposure draft on Valuation of Insurance and Takaful Liabilities was issued on 24 December 2019 to gather industry feedback by 15 April 2020. The exact timing of implementation of potential revisions remains uncertain.
318
Market liberalisation measures were introduced by BNM in April 2009, which increases the limit from 49 per cent to 70 per cent on foreign equity ownership for insurance companies and Takaful operators in Malaysia. A higher foreign equity limit beyond 70 per cent for insurance companies will be considered by BNM on a case by case basis, for example, for companies who support expansion of providing insurance coverage to the most vulnerable in Malaysian society.
Singapore
A risk-based capital framework applies in Singapore. The regulator also has the authority to direct that the insurer satisfies additional capital adequacy requirements in addition to those set forth under the Singapore Insurance Act if it considers such additional requirements appropriate. The capital resources are based on assets that are marked-to-market, with policyholder liabilities based on a gross premium valuation method using best estimate assumptions with a suitable margin for prudence. The updated risk-based capital framework (RBC2) came into effect on 31 March 2020 and this permits the recognition of a prudent allowance for negative reserves in the capital resources.
The regulatory framework for Jackson is governed by the requirements of the US NAIC-approved Risk-Based Capital standards. Under these requirements life insurance companies report using a formula-based capital standard, which includes components calculated by applying after-tax factors to various asset, premium and reserve items and a separate model-based component for market risk and interest rate risk associated primarily with variable annuity products.
Certain asset management subsidiaries of the Group are subject to local regulatory requirements. The movement in the year of the estimated surplus regulatory capital position of those subsidiaries, combined with the movement in the IFRS basis shareholders' equity for unregulated asset management operations, is as follows:
|
2020 $m | 2019 $m | |||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Regulatory and other surplus
|
Eastspring
|
US
|
Total asset
management |
Total asset
management |
|||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Balance at 1 Jan |
376 | 6 | 382 | 1,271 | |||||||||
Removal of discontinued UK and Europe operations |
| | | (846) | |||||||||
Gains (losses) during the year |
223 | (1) | 222 | 238 | |||||||||
Movement in capital requirement |
48 | | 48 | (32) | |||||||||
Capital injection |
65 | | 65 | (10) | |||||||||
Distributions made to the Parent Company |
(204) | | (204) | (213) | |||||||||
Exchange and other movements |
(49) | | (49) | (26) | |||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Balance at 31 Dec |
459 | 5 | 464 | 382 | |||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
C10.3 Transferability of capital resources
For Asia, the amounts retained within the insurance companies are at levels that provide an appropriate level of capital strength in excess of the local regulatory minimum. The businesses in Asia may, in general, remit dividends to parent entities, provided the statutory insurance fund meets the local regulatory solvency requirements and there are sufficient statutory accounting profits. For with-profits funds, the excess of assets over liabilities is retained within the funds, with distribution to shareholders tied to the shareholders' share of declared bonuses.
Jackson can pay dividends on its capital stock only out of earned surplus unless prior regulatory approval is obtained. Furthermore, dividends that exceed the greater of statutory net gain from operations less net realised investments losses for the prior year or 10 per cent of Jackson's prior year end statutory surplus, excluding any increase arising from the application of permitted practices, require prior regulatory approval.
Capital resources of the non-insurance business units is transferable after taking account of an appropriate level of operating capital, based on local regulatory solvency requirements, where relevant.
319
C11 Property, plant and equipment
Property, plant and equipment comprise Group occupied properties and tangible assets. Property, plant and equipment also includes right-of-use assets for operating leases of properties occupied by the Group and leases of equipment and other tangible assets. All property, plant and equipment, including the right-of-use assets under operating leases, are held at cost less cumulative depreciation, calculated using the straight-line method, and impairment charge.
The Group does not have any right-of-use assets that would meet the definition of investment property. As at 31 December 2020, total right-of-use assets comprised $429 million (31 December 2019: $569 million) of property and $13 million (31 December 2019: $24 million) of non-property assets. Of the $442 million (31 December 2019: $593 million) total right-of-use assets, $182 million (31 December 2019: $253 million) were held by the Group's with-profits businesses.
Extension and termination options are included in a number of property and equipment leases across the Group. These are used to maximise operational flexibility in terms of managing the assets used in the Group's operations. The majority of extension and termination options held are exercisable only by the Group and not by the respective lessor. The Group assesses at lease commencement whether it is reasonably certain to exercise the option. This assertion is revisited if there is a material change in circumstances. As at 31 December 2020, the undiscounted value of lease payments beyond the break period not recognised in the lease liabilities is $179 million (31 December 2019: $185 million).
A reconciliation of the carrying amount of the Group's property, plant and equipment from the beginning to the end of the years shown is as follows:
|
2020 $m | 2019 $m | |||||||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Group
occupied property |
Tangible
assets |
Right-of-
use assets |
Total
|
Group
occupied property |
Tangible
assets |
Right-of-
use assets |
Total
|
|||||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Balance at 1 Jan |
|||||||||||||||||||||
Cost |
351 | 687 | 734 | 1,772 | 525 | 2,089 | | 2,614 | |||||||||||||
Accumulated depreciation |
(76) | (490) | (141) | (707) | (105) | (714) | | (819) | |||||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Opening net book amount |
275 | 197 | 593 | 1,065 | 420 | 1,375 | | 1,795 | |||||||||||||
Removal of discontinued UK and Europe operations |
| | | | (143) | (1,170) | | (1,313) | |||||||||||||
Recognition of right-of-use asset on initial application of IFRS 16 |
| | | | | | 527 | 527 | |||||||||||||
Arising on acquisitions of subsidiaries |
| | | | 6 | 13 | 1 | 20 | |||||||||||||
Additions |
3 | 56 | 21 | 80 | 1 | 63 | 196 | 260 | |||||||||||||
Depreciation and impairment charge |
(9) | (64) | (145) | (218) | (9) | (77) | (141) | (227) | |||||||||||||
Disposals and transfers |
(3) | (13) | (25) | (41) | | (11) | 1 | (10) | |||||||||||||
Effect of movements in exchange rates |
1 | 8 | (2) | 7 | | 4 | 9 | 13 | |||||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Balance at 31 Dec |
267 | 184 | 442 | 893 | 275 | 197 | 593 | 1,065 | |||||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Representing: |
|||||||||||||||||||||
Cost |
355 | 707 | 710 | 1,772 | 351 | 687 | 734 | 1,772 | |||||||||||||
Accumulated depreciation |
(88) | (523) | (268) | (879) | (76) | (490) | (141) | (707) | |||||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Closing net book amount |
267 | 184 | 442 | 893 | 275 | 197 | 593 | 1,065 | |||||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
The Group has non-cancellable property subleases which have been classified as operating leases under IFRS 16. The sublease rental income received in 2020 for the leases is $10.8 million (2019: $11 million from continuing operations).
Tangible assets
At 31 December 2020, of the $184 million (31 December 2019: $197 million) tangible assets, $72 million (31 December 2019: $83 million) were held by the Group's with-profits businesses.
Capital expenditure: property, plant and equipment by segment
The capital expenditure in 2020 of $59 million (2019: $64 million) arose as follows: $30 million (2019: $44 million) in Asia and $2 million (2019: $5 million) in the US, with the remaining balance of $27 million (2019: $15 million) arising from corporate expenditure unallocated to a segment.
320
D1.1 Gain (loss) attaching to corporate transactions
Where there is a disposal, income and expenses of entities sold during the year are included in the income statement up to the date of disposal. The gain or loss on disposal is calculated as the difference between sale proceeds net of selling costs, less the net assets of the entity at the date of disposal, adjusted for foreign exchange movements attaching to the sold entity that are required to be recycled to the income statement under IAS 21.
|
2020 $m
|
2019 $m
|
2018 $m
|
|||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| | | | | | |
Gain on disposalsnote(i) |
| 265 | | |||
Other transactionsnote(ii) |
(48) | (407) | (107) | |||
| | | | | | |
Total gain (loss) attaching to corporate transactions as shown separately on the consolidated income statement |
(48) | (142) | (107) | |||
Gain arising on reinsurance of Jackson's in-force fixed and fixed index annuity businessnote(iii) |
804 | | | |||
Gain arising on reinsurance transaction undertaken by the Hong Kong businessnote(iv) |
765 | | | |||
| | | | | | |
Total gain (loss) attaching to corporate transactions |
1,521 | (142) | (107) | |||
| | | | | | |
Notes
D1.2 Equity investment by Athene into the US business
In 2020, all of the $1,014 million effect of transactions relating to non-controlling interests recognised in the consolidated statement of changes in equity relates to the equity investment by Athene Life Re Ltd ('Athene') into the US business completed on 17 July 2020. Under the transaction, Athene invested $500 million in Prudential's US business in return for an 11.1 per cent economic interest for which the voting interest is 9.9 per cent. Athene's investment is in the form of a cash subscription for the issuance of new common equity in the holding company containing Prudential's US businesses, including Jackson National Life Insurance Company and PPM America.
The following is summarised financial information for non-controlling interest in Prudential's US operations currently held by Athene since July 2020:
Analysis of assets and liabilities of the US operations is included in note C1 segmental balance sheet. Profit or loss of the US operations is included in note B1.4 segmental income statement. Total net decrease in cash and cash equivalents for the US operations during the year is shown below:
|
2020 $m
|
||
---|---|---|---|
| | | |
Cash flows from operating activities | (807) | ||
Cash flows from investing activities | (2) | ||
Cash flows from financing activities | 470 | ||
| | | |
Net cash flows in the year | (339) | ||
| | | |
No dividends were paid to Athene during the year.
321
D1.3 Discontinued UK and Europe operations
On 21 October 2019, the Group completed the demerger of its UK and Europe operations (M&G plc), which were classified as discontinued operations in the comparatives included within these consolidated financial statements in accordance with IFRS 5 'Non-current assets held for sale and discontinued operations'.
The results and cash flows for the discontinued UK and Europe operations presented in the consolidated financial statements for the period of ownership up to the demerger are analysed below. The profit and other comprehensive income for the period from the discontinued UK and Europe operations were wholly attributable to the equity holders of the Company.
Total comprehensive income
|
2019 $m
|
2018 $m
|
||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| | | | | | |
Total revenue, net of reinsurance | 33,212 | (2,487) | ||||
Total charges, net of reinsurance | (31,118) | 3,349 | ||||
| | | | | | |
Profit before tax | 2,094 | 862 | ||||
Re-measurement on demerger | 188 | | ||||
Cumulative exchange loss recycled from other comprehensive income | (2,668) | | ||||
| | | | | | |
Total (loss) profit before tax | (386) | 862 | ||||
Tax (charge) credit | (775) | 280 | ||||
| | | | | | |
(Loss) profit for the year | (1,161) | 1,142 | ||||
| | | | | | |
Other comprehensive income: | ||||||
Cumulative exchange loss recycled through profit or loss | 2,668 | | ||||
Other items, net of related tax | 203 | (605) | ||||
| | | | | | |
Other comprehensive income (loss) for the year, net of related tax | 2,871 | (605) | ||||
| | | | | | |
Total comprehensive income for the year | 1,710 | 537 | ||||
| | | | | | |
Cash flows
|
2019 $m
|
2018 $m
|
||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| | | | | | |
Cash flows from operating activities | 2,375 | 5 | ||||
Cash flows from investing activities | (454) | (478) | ||||
Cash flows from financing activities | | (137) | ||||
Cash and cash equivalents divested on demerger | (7,611) | | ||||
| | | | | | |
Net cash flows in the year | (5,690) | (610) | ||||
Net cash flows between discontinued and continuing operations* | (436) | (842) | ||||
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year | 6,048 | 7,857 | ||||
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents | 78 | (357) | ||||
| | | | | | |
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year | | 6,048 | ||||
| | | | | | |
D2 Contingencies and related obligations
Litigation and regulatory matters
The Group is involved in various litigation and regulatory proceedings. These may from time to time include class actions involving Jackson. While the outcome of such litigation and regulatory issues cannot be predicted with certainty, the Group believes that their ultimate outcome will not have a material adverse effect on the Group's financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.
Guarantees
Guarantee funds in the US and certain markets in Asia provide for payments to be made to policyholders on behalf of insolvent life insurance companies and are financed by payments assessed on solvent insurance companies based on location, volume and type of business. The estimated reserve for future guarantee fund assessments is not significant. For the majority of the markets in Asia, the insurance company's obligation is limited to the amount paid based on a fixed percentage of premiums. The Directors believe that sufficient provision has been made on the balance sheet for all anticipated payments.
322
The Group has provided other guarantees and commitments to third parties entered into in the normal course of business but the Group does not consider that the amounts involved are significant.
Intra-group capital support arrangements
Prudential has put in place intra-group arrangements to formalise undertakings by Prudential to the regulators of the Hong Kong subsidiaries regarding their solvency levels.
Dividends
The 2020 second interim ordinary dividend approved by the Board of Directors after 31 December 2020 is as described in note B5.
Intention to demerge the Group's US operations in the second quarter of 2021
In January 2021, the Board announced that it had decided to pursue the separation of its US operations (Jackson) from the Group through a demerger, whereby shares in Jackson would be distributed to Prudential shareholders.
Subject to shareholder and regulatory approvals, the planned demerger is expected to complete in the second quarter of 2021 and would lead to a significantly earlier separation of Jackson from the Group than would have been possible through a minority IPO and future sell-downs, which from market precedent may have lasted until 2023. At the point of demerger, Prudential is planning to retain a 19.9 per cent non-controlling interest in Jackson, which will be reported within the consolidated financial position as a financial investment at fair value. Subject to market conditions, the Group intends to monetise a portion of this investment to support investment in Asia within 12 months of the planned demerger, such that the Group will own less than 10 per cent at the end of such period.
Following this decision in January 2021, the US operations (equivalent to the US segment disclosed in these financial statements) are considered to meet the held for distribution criteria in accordance with IFRS 5 'Non-current assets held for sale and discontinued operations'. It is not practicable to quantify the potential financial effect of the planned demerger and the retained non-controlling interest at this stage.
Transactions between the Company and its subsidiaries are eliminated on consolidation.
The Company has transactions and outstanding balances with collective investment schemes, collateralised debt obligations and similar entities that are not consolidated and where a Group company acts as manager, which are regarded as related parties for the purposes of IAS 24. The balances are included in the Group's statement of financial position at fair value or amortised cost in accordance with IAS 39 classifications with the corresponding amounts included in the income statement. The transactions include amounts paid on issue of shares or units, amounts received on cancellation of shares or units and amounts paid in respect of the periodic charge and administration fee.
In addition, there are no material transactions between the Group's joint ventures and associates, which are accounted for on an equity method basis, and other Group companies.
Key management personnel of the Company, as described in note B2.3, may from time to time purchase insurance, asset management or annuity products marketed by Group companies in the ordinary course of business on substantially the same terms as those prevailing at the time for comparable transactions with other persons.
In 2020, 2019 and 2018, other transactions with key management personnel were not deemed to be significant both by virtue of their size and in the context of the individuals' financial positions. All of these transactions were on terms broadly equivalent to those that prevailed in arm's-length transactions.
Additional details on the Directors' interests in shares, transactions or arrangements are given in Compensation and Employees. Key management remuneration is disclosed in note B2.3.
323
The Group has provided, from time to time, certain guarantees and commitments to third parties.
At 31 December 2020, Asia operations had $1,913 million unfunded commitments (31 December 2019: $2,013 million) primarily related to investments in infrastructure funds and alternative investment funds. At 31 December 2020, Jackson had unfunded commitments of $831 million (31 December 2019: $889 million) related to investments in limited partnerships and $185 million (31 December 2019: $796 million) related to commercial mortgage loans and other fixed income securities. These commitments were entered into in the normal course of business and a material adverse impact on the operations is not expected to arise from them.
D6 Investments in subsidiary undertakings, joint ventures and associates
The Group consolidates those investees it is deemed to control. The Group has control over an investee if all three of the following are met: (1) it has power over an investee; (2) it is exposed to, or has rights to, variable returns from its involvement with the investee; and (3) it has ability to use its power over the investee to affect its own returns.
(i) Subsidiaries
Subsidiaries are those investees that the Group controls. The majority of the Group's subsidiaries are corporate entities, but the Group's insurance operations also invest in a number of limited partnerships.
The Group performs a re-assessment of consolidation whenever there is a change in the substance of the relationship between the Group and an investee. Where the Group is deemed to control an entity it is treated as a subsidiary and its results, assets and liabilities are consolidated. Where the Group holds a minority share in an entity, with no control over the entity, the investments are carried at fair value through profit or loss within financial investments in the consolidated statement of financial position.
(ii) Joint ventures and associates
Joint ventures are joint arrangements arising from a contractual agreement whereby the Group and other investors have joint control of the net assets of the arrangement. In a number of these arrangements, the Group's share of the underlying net assets may be less than 50 per cent but the terms of the relevant agreement make it clear that control is jointly exercised between the Group and the third party. Associates are entities over which the Group has significant influence, but it does not control. Generally it is presumed that the Group has significant influence if it holds between 20 per cent and 50 per cent voting rights of the entity.
With the exception of those referred to below, the Group accounts for its investments in joint ventures and associates by using the equity method of accounting. The Group's share of profit or loss of its joint ventures and associates is recognised in the income statement and its share of movements in other comprehensive income is recognised in other comprehensive income. The equity method of accounting does not apply to investments in associates and joint ventures held by the Group's insurance or investment funds. This includes venture capital business, mutual funds and unit trusts and which, as allowed by IAS 28, 'Investments in Associates and Joint Ventures', are carried at fair value through profit or loss.
(iii) Structured entities
Structured entities are those that have been designed so that voting or similar rights are not the dominant factor in deciding who controls the entity. Voting rights relate to administrative tasks. Relevant activities are directed by means of contractual arrangements. The Group invests in structured entities such as:
324
Collective investment schemes
The Group invests in collective investment schemes, which invest mainly in equities, bonds, cash and cash equivalents, and properties. The Group's percentage ownership in these entities can fluctuate on a daily basis according to the participation of the Group and other investors in them.
Where the Group is deemed to control these entities, they are treated as a subsidiary and are consolidated, with the interests of investors other than the Group being classified as liabilities, and appear as net asset value attributable to unit holders of consolidated investment funds.
Where the Group does not control these entities (as it is deemed to be acting as an agent) and they do not meet the definition of associates, they are carried at fair value through profit or loss within financial investments in the consolidated statement of financial position.
Where the Group's asset manager sets up investment funds as part of asset management operations, the Group's interest is limited to the administration fees charged to manage the assets of such entities. With no participation in these entities, the Group does not retain risks associated with investment funds. For these investment funds, the Group is not deemed to control the entities but to be acting as an agent.
The Group generates returns and retains the ownership risks in investment vehicles commensurate to its participation and does not have any further exposure to the residual risks of these investment vehicles.
Jackson's separate account assets
These are investment vehicles that invest contract holders' premiums in equity, fixed income, bonds and money market mutual funds. The contract holder retains the underlying returns and the ownership risks related to the underlying investments. The shareholder's economic interest in separate accounts is limited to the administrative fees charged. The separate accounts are set up as separate regulated entities governed by a Board of Governors or trustees for which the majority of the members are independent of Jackson or any affiliated entity. The independent members are responsible for any decision making that impacts contract holders' interest and govern the operational activities of the entities' advisers, including asset managers. Accordingly, the Group does not control these vehicles. These investments are carried at fair value through profit or loss within financial investments in the consolidated statement of financial position.
Limited partnerships
The Group's insurance operations invest in a number of limited partnerships, either directly or through unit trusts, through a mix of capital and loans. These limited partnerships are managed by general partners, in which the Group holds equity. Such interest in general partners and limited partnerships provide the Group with voting and similar rights to participate in the governance framework of the relevant activities in which limited partnerships are engaged in. Accounting for the limited partnerships as subsidiaries, joint ventures, associates or other financial investments depends on the terms of each partnership agreement and the shareholdings in the general partners.
325
Other structured entities
The Group holds investments in mortgage-backed securities, collateralised debt obligations and similar asset-backed securities, the majority of which are actively traded in a liquid market.
The Group consolidates the vehicles that hold the investments where the Group is deemed to control the vehicles. When assessing control over the vehicles, the factors considered include the purpose and design of the vehicle, the Group's exposure to the variability of returns and the scope of the Group's ability to direct the relevant activities of the vehicle including any kick-out or removal rights that are held by third parties. The outcome of the control assessment is dependent on the terms and conditions of the respective individual arrangements.
The majority of such vehicles are not consolidated. In these cases, the Group is not the sponsor of the vehicles in which it holds investments and has no administrative rights over the vehicles' activities. The Group generates returns and retains the ownership risks commensurate to its holding and its exposure to the investments and does not have any further exposure to the residual risks or losses of the investments or the vehicles in which it holds investments. Accordingly, the Group does not have power over the relevant activities of such vehicles and all are carried at fair value through profit or loss within financial investments in the consolidated statement of financial position.
The table below provides aggregate carrying amounts of the investments in unconsolidated structured entities reported in the Group's statement of financial position:
31 Dec 2020 $m |
31 Dec 2019 $m
|
|||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Statement of financial position line
items |
Investment
funds |
Separate
account assets |
Other
structured entities |
Investment
funds |
Separate
account assets |
Other
structured entities |
||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Equity securities and holdings in collective investment schemes | 27,192 | 219,062 | | 23,622 | 195,070 | | ||||||
Debt securities | | | 3,414 | | | 6,573 | ||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total | 27,192 | 219,062 | 3,414 | 23,622 | 195,070 | 6,573 | ||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
As at 31 December 2020 and 2019, the Group does not have an agreement, contractual or otherwise, or intention to provide financial support to structured entities that could expose the Group to a loss.
D6.2 Dividend restrictions and minimum capital requirements
Certain Group subsidiaries and joint ventures are subject to restrictions on the amount of funds they may transfer in the form of cash dividends or otherwise to the Parent Company.
Under UK company law, UK companies can only declare dividends if they have sufficient distributable reserves.
Jackson is subject to state laws that limit the dividends payable to its Parent Company based on statutory capital, surplus and prior year earnings. Dividends in excess of these limitations require prior regulatory approval.
The Group's subsidiaries, joint ventures and associates in Asia may remit dividends to the Group, in general, provided the statutory insurance fund meets the capital adequacy standard required under local statutory regulations and has sufficient distributable reserves. For further details on local capital regulations in Asia please refer to note C10.2.
326
D6.3 Investments in joint ventures and associates
The Group has shareholder-backed joint venture insurance and asset management businesses in China with CITIC Group and a joint venture asset management business in India with ICICI Bank. In addition, there is an asset management joint venture in Hong Kong with Bank of China International Holdings Limited (BOCI) and Takaful insurance joint venture in Malaysia.
For the Group's joint ventures that are accounted for by using the equity method, the net of tax results of these operations are included in the Group's profit before tax.
The Group's associates, which are also accounted for under the equity method, include the Indian insurance entity (with the majority shareholder being ICICI Bank). In addition, the Group has investments in collective investment schemes, funds holding collateralised debt obligations, property funds where the Group has significant influence. As allowed under IAS 28, these investments are accounted for on a fair value through profit or loss basis. The aggregate fair value of associates accounted for at fair value through profit or loss, where there are published price quotations, is approximately $0.7 billion at 31 December 2020 (31 December 2019: $0.7 billion).
For joint ventures and associates accounted for using the equity method, the 12 months financial information of these investments for the years ended 31 December 2020 and 2019 (covering the same period as that of the Group) has been used in these consolidated financial statements.
The Group's share of the profits for shareholder-backed business (including short-term fluctuations in investment returns), net of related tax, in joint ventures and associates, which are equity accounted as shown in the consolidated income statement at 31 December 2020, comprises the following:
Share of profits from joint ventures and associates, net of related tax
|
2020 $m
|
2019 $m
|
2018 $m
|
||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| | | | | | | | | |
Asia insurance operations | 400 | 291 | 238 | ||||||
Asia asset management operations | 117 | 106 | 81 | ||||||
| | | | | | | | | |
Total segment and Group total | 517 | 397 | 319 | ||||||
| | | | | | | | | |
There is no other comprehensive income in the joint ventures and associates. There has been no unrecognised share of losses of a joint venture or associate that the Group has stopped recognising in total comprehensive income.
The Group's interest in joint ventures gives rise to no contingent liabilities or capital commitments that are material to the Group.
In accordance with Section 409 of the Companies Act 2006, a list of Prudential Group's subsidiaries, joint ventures, associates and significant holdings (being holdings of more than 20 per cent) is disclosed below, along with the classes of shares held, the registered office address and the effective percentage of equity owned at 31 December 2020.
The definitions of a subsidiary undertaking, joint venture and associate in accordance with the Companies Act 2006 are different from the definition under IFRS Standards. As a result, the related undertakings included within the list below may not be the same as the undertakings consolidated in the Group IFRS financial statements. The Group's consolidation policy is described in note D6.1. The Group also operates through branches. At 31 December 2020, there was no significant branch outside the UK.
327
Direct subsidiary undertakings of the Parent Company, Prudential plc (shares held directly or via nominees)
Key to share classes:
Other subsidiaries, joint ventures, associates and significant holdings of the Group no shares held directly by the Parent Company, Prudential plc or its nominees
The table below represents the list of entities within the Group excluding the entities within the US business, which are shown in a separate table below.
328
329
330
331
332
333
334
335
336
The table below represents the list of entities within the Group's US business. On 17 July 2020, the Group completed the equity investment transaction by Athene, under which Athene invested $500 million in the Group's US business in return for an 11.1 per cent economic interest for which the voting interest is 9.9 per cent. The proportion held shown in the table below represents the Prudential's effective percentage of voting interest owned.
337
338
Index to the Condensed Financial Information of Registrant Prudential plc
339
Schedule II
Condensed Financial Information of Registrant Prudential plc
Profit and Loss Accounts (FRS 101 Basis)
Years ended 31 Dec |
2020 $m | 2019 $m |
2018 $m
|
||||||
| | | | | | | | | |
Investment income, including dividends received from subsidiary undertakings |
539 | 9,707 | 2,143 | ||||||
Investment expenses and charges |
(320) | (515) | (549) | ||||||
Gain on revaluation of M&G plc |
| 3,649 | | ||||||
Other charges: |
|||||||||
Corporate expenditure |
(266) | (713) | (346) | ||||||
Foreign currency exchange (losses) gains |
(19) | (18) | 7 | ||||||
| | | | | | | | | |
(Loss) Profit on ordinary activities before tax |
(66) | 12,110 | 1,255 | ||||||
Tax (charge) credit on profit on ordinary activities |
(19) | 145 | 135 | ||||||
| | | | | | | | | |
(Loss) profit for the financial year |
(85) | 12,255 | 1,390 | ||||||
| | | | | | | | | |
Other comprehensive income: |
|
|
|
||||||
Items that may be reclassified subsequently to profit or loss |
|||||||||
Exchange movements arising during the year |
| 393 | (428) | ||||||
Items that will not be reclassified to profit or loss |
|||||||||
Actuarial (losses) gains recognised in respect of the defined benefit pension scheme |
| (91) | 25 | ||||||
Related tax |
| 16 | (4) | ||||||
| | | | | | | | | |
|
| 318 | (407) | ||||||
| | | | | | | | | |
Total comprehensive (loss) income for the year |
(85) | 12,573 | 983 | ||||||
| | | | | | | | | |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of this condensed financial information
340
Schedule II
Condensed Financial Information of Registrant Prudential plc
Statements of Financial Position (FRS 101 Basis)
|
31 Dec 2020 $m |
31 Dec 2019 $m
|
||||
| | | | | | |
Non-current assets |
||||||
Investments in subsidiary undertakings |
12,682 | 10,444 | ||||
Amounts owed by subsidiary undertakings |
| 2,000 | ||||
| | | | | | |
|
12,682 | 12,444 | ||||
Current assets |
||||||
Amounts owed by subsidiary undertakings |
6,722 | 6,352 | ||||
Tax recoverable |
| 66 | ||||
Other debtors |
5 | 4 | ||||
Cash at bank and in hand |
5 | 54 | ||||
| | | | | | |
|
6,732 | 6,476 | ||||
| | | | | | |
Liabilities: amounts falling due within one year |
||||||
Commercial paper |
(501) | (520) | ||||
Amounts owed to subsidiary undertakings |
(149) | (141) | ||||
Tax payable |
(16) | (14) | ||||
Accruals and deferred income |
(79) | (78) | ||||
| | | | | | |
|
(745) | (753) | ||||
| | | | | | |
Net current assets |
5,987 | 5,723 | ||||
| | | | | | |
Total assets less current liabilities |
18,669 | 18,167 | ||||
| | | | | | |
Liabilities: amounts falling due after more than one year |
||||||
Subordinated liabilities |
(4,332) | (4,304) | ||||
Debenture loans |
(1,701) | (690) | ||||
Other borrowings |
(350) | | ||||
| | | | | | |
|
(6,383) | (4,994) | ||||
| | | | | | |
Total net assets |
12,286 | 13,173 | ||||
| | | | | | |
Capital and reserves |
||||||
Share capital |
173 | 172 | ||||
Share premium |
2,637 | 2,625 | ||||
Profit and loss account |
9,476 | 10,376 | ||||
| | | | | | |
Shareholders' funds |
12,286 | 13,173 | ||||
| | | | | | |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of this condensed financial information
341
Schedule II
Condensed Financial Information of Registrant Prudential plc
Statements of Changes in Equity (FRS 101 basis)
|
Share
capital $m |
Share
premium $m |
Profit and
loss account $m |
Total
shareholders' funds $m |
||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| | | | | | | | |
Balance at 1 Jan 2018 | 175 | 2,635 | 7,511 | 10,321 | ||||
Impact of initial application of IFRS 9 | | | (12) | (12) | ||||
Total comprehensive income for the year |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Profit for the year | | | 1,390 | 1,390 | ||||
Actuarial gains recognised in respect of the defined benefit pension scheme | | | 21 | 21 | ||||
Foreign exchange translation differences due to change in presentation currency at 31 Dec 2018 | | | (428) | (428) | ||||
| | | | | | | | |
Total comprehensive income for the year | | | 983 | 983 | ||||
Transactions with owners, recorded directly in equity |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
New share capital subscribed | 1 | 22 | | 23 | ||||
Dividends | | | (1,662) | (1,662) | ||||
Foreign exchange translation differences due to change in presentation currency at 31 Dec 2018 | (10) | (155) | | (165) | ||||
| | | | | | | | |
Total contributions by and distributions to owners | (9) | (133) | (1,662) | (1,804) | ||||
Balance at 31 Dec 2018 | 166 | 2,502 | 6,820 | 9,488 | ||||
| | | | | | | | |
Balance at 1 Jan 2019 |
|
166 |
|
2,502 |
|
6,820 |
|
9,488 |
Total comprehensive income for the year |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Profit for the year | | | 12,255 | 12,255 | ||||
Actuarial loss recognised in respect of the defined benefit pension scheme | | | (75) | (75) | ||||
Foreign exchange translation differences due to change in presentation currency at 31 Dec 2019 | | | 393 | 393 | ||||
| | | | | | | | |
Total comprehensive income for the year | | | 12,573 | 12,573 | ||||
Transactions with owners, recorded directly in equity |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
New share capital subscribed | | 22 | | 22 | ||||
Share based payment transactions | | | (4) | (4) | ||||
Dividend in specie of M&G plc | | | (7,379) | (7,379) | ||||
Other dividends | | | (1,634) | (1,634) | ||||
Foreign exchange translation differences due to change in presentation currency at 31 Dec 2019 | 6 | 101 | | 107 | ||||
| | | | | | | | |
Total contributions by and distributions to owners | 6 | 123 | (9,017) | (8,888) | ||||
| | | | | | | | |
Balance at 31 Dec 2019 | 172 | 2,625 | 10,376 | 13,173 | ||||
| | | | | | | | |
Balance at 1 Jan 2020 |
|
172 |
|
2,625 |
|
10,376 |
|
13,173 |
Total comprehensive loss for the year |
|
|
|
|
|
(85) |
|
(85) |
Transactions with owners, recorded directly in equity |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
New share capital subscribed | 1 | 12 | | 13 | ||||
Share based payment transactions | | | (1) | (1) | ||||
Dividends | | | (814) | (814) | ||||
| | | | | | | | |
Total contributions by and distributions to owners | 1 | 12 | (815) | (802) | ||||
| | | | | | | | |
Balance at 31 Dec 2020 | 173 | 2,637 | 9,476 | 12,286 | ||||
| | | | | | | | |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of this condensed financial information
342
Schedule II
Condensed Financial Information of Registrant Prudential plc
Statements of Cash Flows (FRS 101 Basis)
Years ended 31 December
|
2020 $m
|
2019 $m
|
2018 $m
|
|||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| | | | | | |
Operating: | ||||||
Net cash inflow from operating activities before interest and tax | 273 | 6,015 | 1,868 | |||
Interest paid | (320) | (500) | (537) | |||
Taxes received | 93 | 117 | 130 | |||
Dividends paid | (814) | (1,634) | (1,662) | |||
| | | | | | |
Net cash (outflow) inflow before financing | (768) | 3,998 | (201) | |||
| | | | | | |
Financing: | ||||||
Issue of ordinary share capital | 13 | 22 | 23 | |||
Issue of borrowings | 983 | 367 | 2,132 | |||
Repayment of borrowings | | (863) | (1,381) | |||
Transfer of debt to M&G plc prior to demerger of UK and Europe operations | | (4,161) | | |||
Movement in commercial paper and other borrowings to support a short-term fixed income securities program | (19) | (81) | (19) | |||
Investment in subsidiary undertakings | 112 | 118 | (117) | |||
Movement in net amount owed by subsidiary undertakings | (370) | 626 | (600) | |||
| | | | | | |
Net cash inflow (outflow) from financing | 719 | (3,972) | 38 | |||
| | | | | | |
Net cash (outflow) inflow for the year | (49) | 26 | (163) | |||
| | | | | | |
Reconciliation of profit on ordinary activities before tax to net cash inflow from operating activities | ||||||
(Loss) profit on ordinary activities before tax | (66) | 12,110 | 1,255 | |||
Add back: interest charged | 320 | 515 | 558 | |||
Adjustments for non-cash items: | ||||||
Fair value adjustments on derivatives |
| 77 | (28) | |||
Pension scheme |
| (21) | 28 | |||
Non-cash dividends received |
| (2,960) | | |||
Revaluation of M&G plc on distribution |
| (3,649) | | |||
Foreign currency exchange and other movements | 8 | (8) | 26 | |||
(Increase) decrease in debtors | (1) | 2 | | |||
Increase (decrease) in creditors | 12 | (51) | 29 | |||
| | | | | | |
Net cash inflow from operating activities | 273 | 6,015 | 1,868 | |||
| | | | | | |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of this condensed financial information
343
Schedule II
Condensed Financial Information of Registrant Prudential plc
Notes to the Condensed Financial Statement Schedule
31 December 2020
1 Basis of preparation
The financial statements of the parent company are prepared in accordance with UK Generally Accepted Accounting Practice, including Financial Reporting Standard 101 Reduced Disclosure Framework ('FRS 101'). In preparing these financial statements, the Company applies the recognition and measurement requirements in International Financial Reporting Standards ('IFRS') as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board ('IASB') and endorsed by the EU but makes amendments where necessary in order to comply with the Companies Act 2006.
2 Significant accounting policies
Investments in subsidiary undertakings
Investments in subsidiary undertakings are shown at cost, less impairment. Investments are assessed for impairment by comparing the net assets of the subsidiary undertakings with the carrying value of the investment.
Amounts owed by subsidiary undertakings
Amounts owed by subsidiary undertakings are shown at cost, less provisions. Provisions are determined using the expected credit loss approach under IFRS 9.
Financial Instruments
Under IFRS 9, except for derivative instruments (where applicable) that are mandatorily classified as fair value through profit or loss, all of the financial assets and liabilities of the Company are held at amortised cost. The Company assesses impairment on its loans and receivables using the expected credit loss approach. The expected credit loss on the Company's loans and receivables, the majority of which represent loans to its subsidiaries, have been assessed by taking into account the probability of default on those loans. In all cases, the subsidiaries are expected to have sufficient resources to repay the loan either now or over time based on projected earnings. For loans recallable on demand, the expected credit loss has been limited to the impact of discounting the value of the loan between the balance sheet date and the anticipated recovery date. For loans with a fixed maturity date the expected credit loss has been determined with reference to the historic experience of loans with equivalent credit characteristics.
Borrowings
Borrowings are initially recognised at fair value, net of transaction costs, and subsequently accounted for on an amortised cost basis using the effective interest method. Under the effective interest method, the difference between the redemption value of the borrowing and the initial proceeds, net of transaction costs, is amortised through the profit and loss account to the date of maturity or, for subordinated debt, over the expected life of the instrument. Where modifications to borrowings do not result in a substantial difference to the terms of the instrument, any costs or fees incurred adjust the carrying amount of the liability and are amortised over the remaining expected life of the modified instrument. Where modifications to borrowings do result in a substantial difference to the terms of the instrument, the instrument is treated as if it had been extinguished and replaced by a new instrument which is initially recognised at fair value and subsequently accounted for on an amortised cost basis using the effective interest method. Any costs or fees arising from such a modification are recognised as an expense when incurred.
Dividends
Interim dividends are recorded in the period in which they are paid.
Share premium
The difference between the proceeds received on issue of shares and the nominal value of the shares issued is credited to the share premium account.
344
Foreign currency translation
Transactions not denominated in the Company's functional currency, US dollars, are initially recorded at the functional rate of currency prevailing on the date of the transaction. Monetary assets and liabilities not denominated in the Company's functional currency are translated to the Company's functional currency at year end spot rates. The impact of these currency translations is recorded within the profit and loss account for the year.
Tax
Current tax expense is charged or credited to operations based upon amounts estimated to be payable or recoverable as a result of taxable amounts for the current year. To the extent that losses of an individual UK company are not offset, they can be carried back for one year or carried forward indefinitely to be offset, subject to restrictions based on future taxable profits, against profits arising from the same company or other companies in the same UK tax group.
Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognised in accordance with the provisions of IAS 12 'Income Taxes'. Deferred tax assets are recognised to the extent that it is regarded as more likely than not that future taxable profits will be available against which these losses can be utilised. 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.
Following the demerger of M&G plc, it is unlikely that the UK tax group will have future taxable income which would enable a current tax credit or deferred tax asset to be recognised.
Share-based payments
The Group offers share award and option plans for certain key employees and a Save As You Earn ('SAYE') plan for all UK and certain overseas employees. The share-based payment plans operated by the Group are mainly equity-settled.
Under IFRS 2 'Share-based payment', where the Company, as the parent company, has the obligation to settle the options or awards of its equity instruments to employees of its subsidiary undertakings, and such share-based payments are accounted for as equity-settled in the Group financial statements, the Company records an increase in the investment in subsidiary undertakings for the value of the share options and awards granted with a corresponding credit entry recognised directly in equity. The value of the share options and awards granted is based upon the fair value of the options and awards at the grant date, the vesting period and the vesting conditions. Cash receipts from business units in respect of newly issued share schemes are treated as returns of capital within investments in subsidiaries.
3 Dividends received from subsidiary undertakings
The parent company received dividends totalling $406 million from its consolidated subsidiary undertakings in 2020 (2019: $9,599 million; 2018: $1,996 million).
4 Reconciliation from the FRS 101 parent company results to the IFRS Group results
The parent company financial statements are prepared in accordance with FRS 101 and the Group financial statements are prepared in accordance with IFRS Standards as issued by the IASB, the international accounting standards as required by the Companies Act 2006 and international financial reporting standards adopted pursuant to Regulation (EC) No 1606/2002 as it applies in the European Union.
The tables below provide a reconciliation between the FRS 101 parent company results and the IFRS Group results.
|
2020 $m
|
2019 $m
|
2018 $m
|
||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| | | | | | | | | |
Profit after tax |
|||||||||
(Loss)/profit for the financial year of the Company in accordance with FRS 101note(i) |
(85) | 12,255 | 1,390 | ||||||
Accounting policy differencenote(ii) |
(18) | 15 | 7 | ||||||
Share in the IFRS result of the Group, net of distributions to the Companynote(iii) |
2,221 | (11,487) | 2,622 | ||||||
| | | | | | | | | |
Profit after tax of the Group attributable to equity holders in accordance with IFRS |
2,118 | 783 | 4,019 | ||||||
| | | | | | | | | |
345
|
31 Dec 2020 $m
|
31 Dec 2019 $m
|
|
|||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| | | | | | |
Shareholders' equity |
||||||
Shareholders' funds of the Company in accordance with FRS 101 |
12,286 | 13,173 | ||||
Accounting policy differencenote(ii) |
15 | 33 | ||||
Share in the IFRS net equity of the Groupnote(iii) |
8,577 | 6,271 | ||||
| | | | | | |
Shareholders' equity of the Group in accordance with IFRS |
20,878 | 19,477 | ||||
| | | | | | |
Notes
The (loss) profit for the year of the parent company in accordance with IFRS includes dividends received from subsidiary undertakings (note 3). This debt instrument was settled in June 2020, in exchange for an issue of equity shares from an immediate subsidiary of the Company.
5 Guarantees provided by the parent company
In certain instances the parent company has guaranteed that its subsidiaries will meet their obligations when they fall due for payment.
6 Post balance sheet events
Dividends
The second interim ordinary dividend for the year ended 31 December 2020, which was approved by the Board of Directors after 31 December 2020, is described in note B5 of the Group IFRS financial statements.
Intention to demerge the Group's US operations in the second quarter of 2021
In January 2021, the Board announced that it had decided to pursue the separation of its US operations (Jackson) from the Group through a demerger, whereby shares in Jackson would be distributed to Prudential shareholders.
Subject to shareholder and regulatory approvals, the planned demerger is expected to complete in the second quarter of 2021 and would lead to a significantly earlier separation of Jackson from the Group than would have been possible through a minority IPO and future sell-downs, which from market precedent may have lasted until 2023. At the point of demerger, Prudential is planning to retain a 19.9 per cent non-controlling interest in Jackson, which will be reported within the consolidated financial position as a financial investment at fair value. Subject to market conditions, the Group intends to monetise a portion of this investment to support investment in Asia within 12 months of the planned demerger, such that the Group will own less than 10 per cent at the end of such period.
346
Additional unaudited financial information
347
I Additional financial information
I(i) Group capital position
Overview
Prudential plc applies the local capital summation method (LCSM) that has been agreed with the Hong Kong Insurance Authority (IA) to determine group regulatory capital requirements (both minimum and prescribed levels). Ultimately, Prudential will become subject to the Group-wide Supervision (GWS) Framework. The primary legislation was enacted in July 2020 and will come into operation on 29 March 2021. The relevant subsidiary legislation, including the Insurance (Group Capital) Rules, was tabled before the Legislative Council on 6 January 2021 and will also come into operation on 29 March 2021. The GWS Framework is expected to be effective for Prudential upon designation by the Hong Kong IA in the second quarter of 2021, subject to transitional arrangements.
The GWS methodology is expected to be largely consistent with that applied under LCSM with the exception of the treatment of debt instruments which will be subject to transitional arrangements under the GWS Framework. As agreed with the Hong Kong IA, only specific bonds (being those subordinated debt instruments issued by Prudential plc at the date of demerger of M&G plc) are currently included as eligible Group LCSM capital resources for the purposes of satisfying group minimum and prescribed capital requirements. Senior debt instruments issued by Prudential plc have not been included as part of the Group capital resources and are treated as a liability in the LCSM results. Under the GWS Framework, Prudential's initial analysis indicates that all debt instruments (senior and subordinated) issued by Prudential plc will meet the transitional conditions set by the Hong Kong IA and will be included as eligible Group capital resources. If this were to be the case, the 31 December 2020 Group shareholder LCSM coverage ratio (over GMCR) presented below would increase by 35 percentage points to 363 per cent. This is subject to final approval by the Hong Kong IA.
Further detail on the LCSM is included in the basis of preparation section below.
For regulated insurance entities, the capital resources and required capital included in the LCSM measure for Hong Kong IA Group regulatory purposes are based on the local solvency regime applicable in each jurisdiction. At 31 December 2020, the Prudential Group's total surplus of capital resources over the regulatory Group Minimum Capital Requirement (GMCR), calculated using this LCSM was $26.4 billion, before allowing for the payment of the 2020 second interim ordinary dividend, equating to a coverage ratio of 329%.
The Group holds material participating business in Hong Kong, Singapore and Malaysia. If the capital resources and minimum capital requirement attributed to this policyholder business are excluded, then the Prudential Group shareholder LCSM surplus of capital resources over the regulatory GMCR at 31 December 2020 was $11.0 billion, before allowing for the payment of the 2020 second interim ordinary dividend, equating to a coverage ratio of 328%.
Estimated Group LCSM capital position based on Group Minimum Capital Requirement (GMCR)
|
31 Dec 2020 |
31 Dec 2019
|
||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Amounts attributable to Prudential plc |
Total |
Less
policyholder |
Shareholder | Total |
Less
policyholder |
Shareholder
|
||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Capital resources ($bn) |
37.9 | (22.1) | 15.8 | 33.1 | (19.1) | 14.0 | ||||||
Group Minimum Capital Requirement ($bn) |
11.5 | (6.7) | 4.8 | 9.5 | (5.0) | 4.5 | ||||||
LCSM surplus (over GMCR) ($bn) |
26.4 | (15.4) | 11.0 | 23.6 | (14.1) | 9.5 | ||||||
LCSM ratio (over GMCR) (%) |
329% | 328% | 348% | 309% | ||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
The shareholder LCSM capital position by segment is presented below at 31 December 2020 and 31 December 2019 for comparison:
Amounts attributable to Prudential plc |
Shareholder
|
|||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
31 Dec 2020 ($bn) |
Total Asia |
Less
policyholder |
Asia | US |
Unallocated
to a segment |
Group total
|
||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Capital resources |
33.7 | (22.1) | 11.6 | 4.6 | (0.4) | 15.8 | ||||||
Group Minimum Capital Requirement |
10.1 | (6.7) | 3.4 | 1.4 | | 4.8 | ||||||
LCSM surplus (over GMCR) |
23.6 | (15.4) | 8.2 | 3.2 | (0.4) | 11.0 | ||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
348
Amounts attributable to Prudential plc |
Shareholder
|
|||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
31 Dec 2019 ($bn) |
Total Asia |
Less
policyholder |
Asia | US |
Unallocated
to a segment |
Group total
|
||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Capital resources |
26.8 | (19.1) | 7.7 | 5.3 | 1.0 | 14.0 | ||||||
Group Minimum Capital Requirement |
8.0 | (5.0) | 3.0 | 1.5 | | 4.5 | ||||||
LCSM surplus (over GMCR) |
18.8 | (14.1) | 4.7 | 3.8 | 1.0 | 9.5 | ||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
All the amounts above are presented excluding amounts attributable to non-controlling interests. For example, the US amounts relate solely to Prudential's 88.9 per cent economic interest in Jackson Financial Inc.
Sensitivity analysis
The estimated sensitivity of the Group shareholder LCSM capital position (based on GMCR) to significant changes in market conditions is as follows:
|
31 Dec 2020 |
31 Dec 2019
|
||||||
| | | | | | | | |
Impact of market sensitivitiesnote(1) |
LCSM surplus
($bn) |
LCSM ratio
(%) |
LCSM surplus
($bn) |
LCSM ratio
(%) |
||||
| | | | | | | | |
Base position |
11.0 | 328% | 9.5 | 309% | ||||
Impact of: |
||||||||
10% instantaneous increase in equity markets |
0.3 | 15% | n/a | n/a | ||||
20% instantaneous fall in equity markets |
0.6 | (13)% | 1.5 | (9)% | ||||
40% fall in equity marketsnote(2) |
(0.2) | (23)% | (0.2) | (39)% | ||||
50 basis points reduction in interest rates |
(1.2) | (39)% | (0.2) | (17)% | ||||
100 basis points increase in interest rates |
(1.0) | 11% | (1.3) | (19)% | ||||
100 basis points increase in credit spreadsnote(3) |
0.1 | 14% | (1.6) | (36)% | ||||
| | | | | | | | |
Notes
The sensitivity results above assume instantaneous market movements and reflect all consequential impacts as at the valuation dates. An exception to the instantaneous market movements assumed is the -40 per cent equity sensitivity where for Jackson an instantaneous 20 per cent market fall is assumed to be followed by a further market fall of 20 per cent over a four-week period with dynamic hedges assumed to be rebalanced over the period. Aside from this assumed dynamic hedge rebalancing for Jackson in the -40 per cent equity sensitivity, the sensitivity results only allow for limited management actions such as changes to future policyholder bonuses. If such economic conditions persisted, the financial impacts may differ to the instantaneous impacts shown above. In this case management could also take additional actions to help mitigate the impact of these stresses. These actions include, but are not limited to, rebalancing investment portfolios, further market risk hedging, increased use of reinsurance, repricing of in-force benefits, changes to new business pricing and the mix of new business being sold.
349
Analysis of movement in Group shareholder LCSM surplus
A summary of the estimated movement in the Group shareholder LCSM surplus (based on GMCR) from $9.5 billion at 31 December 2019 to $11.0 billion at 31 December 2020 is set out in the table below.
|
2020
($bn) |
2019
($bn) |
||
---|---|---|---|---|
| | | | |
Balance at 1 Jan |
9.5 | 9.7 | ||
Operating: |
||||
Operating capital generation from the in-force business |
2.2 | 2.5 | ||
Investment in new business |
(0.2) | (0.6) | ||
| | | | |
Operating capital generation |
2.0 | 1.9 | ||
| | | | |
Non-operating and other capital movements: |
||||
Non-operating experience (including market movements) |
(2.0) | (0.6) | ||
Regulatory changes |
2.2 | 0.1 | ||
Reinsurance of US fixed and fixed indexed annuity in-force portfolio to Athene |
0.8 | | ||
Athene US equity investment |
(0.2) | | ||
US hedge modelling revision |
(0.4) | | ||
Other corporate activities |
(0.1) | (0.8) | ||
M&G Demerger costs |
| (0.4) | ||
Subordinated debt redemption |
| (0.5) | ||
M&G Demerger related impacts |
| 1.0 | ||
| | | | |
Non-operating results |
0.3 | (1.2) | ||
| | | | |
Remittances from discontinued operations (M&G plc) |
| 0.7 | ||
External dividends |
(0.8) | (1.6) | ||
| | | | |
Net dividend impact |
(0.8) | (0.9) | ||
| | | | |
Net movement in LCSM surplus |
1.5 | (0.2) | ||
| | | | |
Balance at 31 Dec |
11.0 | 9.5 | ||
| | | | |
The estimated movement in the Group shareholder LCSM surplus over 2020 is driven by:
350
Reconciliation of Group IFRS shareholders' equity to shareholder LCSM capital resources position
|
31 Dec 2020
$bn |
31 Dec 2019
$bn |
||
---|---|---|---|---|
| | | | |
Group IFRS shareholders' equity |
20.9 | 19.5 | ||
Remove DAC, goodwill and intangibles recognised on the IFRS statement of financial position |
(21.1) | (18.2) | ||
Add subordinated debt at IFRS book valuenote(1) |
4.6 | 4.6 | ||
Valuation differencesnote(2) |
11.3 | 8.6 | ||
Othernote(3) |
0.1 | (0.5) | ||
| | | | |
Estimated Group shareholder LCSM capital resources |
15.8 | 14.0 | ||
| | | | |
Notes
Basis of preparation
In advance of the GWS Framework coming into force, Prudential applies the local capital summation method (LCSM) that has been agreed with the Hong Kong IA to determine group regulatory capital requirements (both minimum and prescribed levels). The summation of local statutory capital requirements across the Group is used to determine group regulatory capital requirements, with no allowance for diversification between business operations. The Group capital resources is determined by the summation of capital resources across local solvency regimes for regulated entities and IFRS net assets (with adjustments described below) for non-regulated entities.
In determining the LCSM capital resources and required capital the following principles have been applied:
351
I(ii) Funds under management
For Prudential's asset management businesses, funds managed on behalf of third parties are not recorded on the statement of financial position. They are, however, a driver of profitability. Prudential therefore analyses the movement in the funds under management each year, focusing on those which are external to the Group and those primarily held by the Group's insurance businesses. The table below analyses, by segment, the funds of the Group held in the statement of financial position and the external funds that are managed by Prudential's asset management businesses.
|
31 Dec 2020
$bn |
31 Dec 2019
$bn |
||
---|---|---|---|---|
| | | | |
Asia operations: |
||||
Internal funds |
171.4 | 141.9 | ||
Eastspring Investments external funds, including M&G plc* (as analysed in note I(v)) |
109.6 | 124.7 | ||
| | | | |
|
281.0 | 266.6 | ||
US operations internal funds |
273.7 | 273.4 | ||
Other operations |
3.6 | 3.9 | ||
| | | | |
Total Group funds under management |
558.3 | 543.9 | ||
| | | | |
Note
Total Group funds under management comprise:
|
31 Dec 2020
$bn |
31 Dec 2019
$bn |
|||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
| | | | | |
Total investments and cash and cash equivalents on the consolidated statement of financial position |
437.4 | 412.6 | |||
External funds of Eastspring Investments, including M&G plc |
109.6 | 124.7 | |||
Internally managed funds held in joint ventures and associate, excluding assets attributable to external unit holders of the consolidated collective investment schemes and other adjustments |
11.3 | 6.6 | |||
| | | | | |
Total Group funds under management |
558.3 | 543.9 | |||
| | | | | |
I(iii) Analysis of adjusted operating profit by driver
This schedule classifies the Group's adjusted operating profit from continuing operations into the underlying drivers using the following categories:
352
(a) Margin analysis
The following analysis expresses certain of the Group's sources of adjusted operating profit as a margin of policyholder liabilities or other relevant drivers.
The reconciliation for the adjusted operating profit by segment to profit before tax attributable to shareholders is provided in the 'Basis of performance measures' section. The 2019 and 2018 comparative information has been presented at both AER and CER to eliminate the impact of exchange translation. The 2019 CER results are calculated by translating prior year results using the current year foreign exchange rates. All CER profit figures have been translated at current year average rates. For Asia, CER average liabilities have been translated using the corresponding current year opening and closing or quarter-end closing exchange rates. The 2018 CER results shown were as published in the 2019 20-F and were calculated by translating the 2018 results using the 2019 foreign exchange rates.
|
2020
|
|||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| | | | | | | | | | |
|
Asia
|
US
|
Group
total |
Average
liability |
Margin
|
|||||
|
$m | $m | $m | $m | bps | |||||
|
note (b) | note (c) | ||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Spread income |
296 | 521 | 817 | 86,596 | 94 | |||||
Fee income |
282 | 3,386 | 3,668 | 217,863 | 168 | |||||
With-profits |
117 | | 117 | 73,375 | 16 | |||||
Insurance margin |
2,648 | 1,298 | 3,946 | |||||||
Margin on revenues |
2,936 | | 2,936 | |||||||
Expenses: |
||||||||||
Acquisition costs* |
(1,904) | (991) | (2,895) | 5,619 | (52)% | |||||
Administration expenses |
(1,539) | (1,744) | (3,283) | 312,215 | (105) | |||||
DAC adjustments |
382 | 317 | 699 | |||||||
Expected return on shareholder assets |
212 | | 212 | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
|
3,430 | 2,787 | 6,217 | |||||||
Share of related tax charges from joint ventures and associates |
(46) | | (46) | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Adjusted operating profit from long-term business |
3,384 | 2,787 | 6,171 | |||||||
Adjusted operating profit from asset management |
283 | 9 | 292 | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Total segment adjusted operating profit |
3,667 | 2,796 | 6,463 | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
|
2019 AER
|
|||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| | | | | | | | | | |
|
Asia
|
US
|
Group
total |
Average
liability |
Margin
|
|||||
|
$m | $m | $m | $m | bps | |||||
|
note (b) | note (c) | ||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Spread income |
321 | 642 | 963 | 86,887 | 111 | |||||
Fee income |
286 | 3,292 | 3,578 | 208,353 | 172 | |||||
With-profits |
107 | | 107 | 58,032 | 18 | |||||
Insurance margin |
2,244 | 1,317 | 3,561 | |||||||
Margin on revenues |
3,035 | | 3,035 | |||||||
Expenses: |
||||||||||
Acquisition costs* |
(2,156) | (1,074) | (3,230) | 7,384 | (44)% | |||||
Administration expenses |
(1,437) | (1,675) | (3,112) | 303,339 | (103) | |||||
DAC adjustments |
430 | 510 | 940 | |||||||
Expected return on shareholder assets |
194 | 26 | 220 | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
|
3,024 | 3,038 | 6,062 | |||||||
Share of related tax charges from joint ventures and associates |
(31) | | (31) | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Adjusted operating profit from long-term business |
2,993 | 3,038 | 6,031 | |||||||
Adjusted operating profit from asset management |
283 | 32 | 315 | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Total segment adjusted operating profit |
3,276 | 3,070 | 6,346 | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
353
|
2019 CER
|
|||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| | | | | | | | | | |
|
Asia
|
US
|
Group
total |
Average
liability |
Margin
|
|||||
|
$m | $m | $m | $m | bps | |||||
|
note (b) | note (c) | ||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Spread income |
319 | 642 | 961 | 87,413 | 110 | |||||
Fee income |
283 | 3,292 | 3,575 | 208,095 | 172 | |||||
With-profits |
107 | | 107 | 58,492 | 18 | |||||
Insurance margin |
2,234 | 1,317 | 3,551 | |||||||
Margin on revenues |
3,032 | | 3,032 | |||||||
Expenses: |
||||||||||
Acquisition costs* |
(2,156) | (1,074) | (3,230) | 7,391 | (44)% | |||||
Administration expenses |
(1,430) | (1,675) | (3,105) | 303,607 | (102) | |||||
DAC adjustments |
426 | 510 | 936 | |||||||
Expected return on shareholder assets |
193 | 26 | 219 | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
|
3,008 | 3,038 | 6,046 | |||||||
Share of related tax charges from joint ventures and associates |
(30) | | (30) | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Adjusted operating profit from long-term business |
2,978 | 3,038 | 6,016 | |||||||
Adjusted operating profit from asset management |
278 | 32 | 310 | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Total segment adjusted operating profit |
3,256 | 3,070 | 6,326 | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
|
2018 AER
|
|||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| | | | | | | | | | |
|
Asia
|
US
|
Group
total |
Average
liability |
Margin
|
|||||
|
$m | $m | $m | $m | bps | |||||
|
note (b) | note (c) | ||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Spread income |
310 | 778 | 1,088 | 74,803 | 145 | |||||
Fee income |
280 | 3,265 | 3,545 | 204,445 | 173 | |||||
With-profits |
95 | | 95 | 47,548 | 20 | |||||
Insurance margin |
1,978 | 1,267 | 3,245 | |||||||
Margin on revenues |
2,810 | | 2,810 | |||||||
Expenses: |
||||||||||
Acquisition costs* |
(2,007) | (1,013) | (3,020) | 7,058 | (43)% | |||||
Administration expenses |
(1,374) | (1,607) | (2,981) | 284,974 | (105) | |||||
DAC adjustments |
435 | (152) | 283 | |||||||
Expected return on shareholder assets |
172 | 14 | 186 | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
|
2,699 | 2,552 | 5,251 | |||||||
Share of related tax charges from joint ventures and associate |
(53) | | (53) | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Adjusted operating profit from long-term business |
2,646 | 2,552 | 5,198 | |||||||
Adjusted operating profit from asset management |
242 | 11 | 253 | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Total segment profit from continuing operations |
2,888 | 2,563 | 5,451 | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
354
|
2018 CER
|
|||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| | | | | | | | | | |
|
Asia
|
US
|
Group
total |
Average
liability |
Margin
|
|||||
|
$m | $m | $m | $m | bps | |||||
|
note (b) | note (c) | ||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Spread income |
305 | 778 | 1,083 | 74,690 | 145 | |||||
Fee income |
277 | 3,265 | 3,542 | 204,156 | 173 | |||||
With-profits |
94 | 94 | 47,580 | 20 | ||||||
Insurance margin |
1,966 | 1,267 | 3,233 | |||||||
Margin on revenues |
2,790 | 2,790 | ||||||||
Expenses: |
||||||||||
Acquisition costs* |
(1,991) | (1,013) | (3,004) | 7,018 | (43)% | |||||
Administration expenses |
(1,359) | (1,607) | (2,966) | 284,572 | (104) | |||||
DAC adjustments |
430 | (152) | 278 | |||||||
Expected return on shareholder assets |
172 | 14 | 186 | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
|
2,684 | 2,552 | 5,236 | |||||||
Share of related tax charges from joint ventures and associate |
(51) | (51) | ||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Adjusted operating profit from long-term business |
2,633 | 2,552 | 5,185 | |||||||
Adjusted operating profit from asset management |
239 | 11 | 250 | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Total segment profit from continuing operations |
2,872 | 2,563 | 5,435 | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
(b) Margin analysis Asia
|
2020 | 2019 AER |
2019 CER
|
|||||||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
Profit |
Average
liability |
Margin | Profit |
Average
liability |
Margin | Profit |
Average
liability |
Margin | |||||||||
|
$m | $m | $m | $m | $m | $m | ||||||||||||
|
note (1) | note (2) | note (1) | note (2) | note (1) |
note (2)
|
||||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Spread income |
296 | 39,895 | 74 | 321 | 29,706 | 108 | 319 | 30,232 | 106 | |||||||||
Fee income |
282 | 28,014 | 101 | 286 | 27,413 | 104 | 283 | 27,155 | 104 | |||||||||
With-profits |
117 | 73,375 | 16 | 107 | 58,032 | 18 | 107 | 58,492 | 18 | |||||||||
Insurance margin |
2,648 | 2,244 | 2,234 | |||||||||||||||
Margin on revenues |
2,936 | 3,035 | 3,032 | |||||||||||||||
Expenses: |
||||||||||||||||||
Acquisition costsnote(3) |
(1,904) | 3,696 | (52)% | (2,156) | 5,161 | (42)% | (2,156) | 5,168 | (42)% | |||||||||
Administration expenses |
(1,539) | 67,909 | (227) | (1,437) | 57,119 | (252) | (1,430) | 57,387 | (249) | |||||||||
DAC adjustmentsnote(4) |
382 | 430 | 426 | |||||||||||||||
Expected return on shareholder assets |
212 | 194 | 193 | |||||||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
3,430 | 3,024 | 3,008 | |||||||||||||||
Share of related tax charges from joint ventures and associatesnote(5) |
(46) | (31) | (30) | |||||||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Adjusted operating profit from long-term business |
3,384 | 2,993 | 2,978 | |||||||||||||||
Adjusted operating profit from asset management (Eastspring Investments) |
283 | 283 | 278 | |||||||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total Asia adjusted operating profit |
3,667 | 3,276 | 3,256 | |||||||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
355
|
2018 AER |
2018 CER
|
||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
Profit
$m |
Average
liability $m |
Margin
bps |
Profit
$m |
Average
liability $m |
Margin
bps |
||||||
Long-term business |
note (1) | note (2) | note (1) |
note (2)
|
||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Spread income |
310 | 24,752 | 125 | 305 | 24,639 | 124 | ||||||
Fee income |
280 | 26,387 | 106 | 277 | 26,098 | 106 | ||||||
With-profits |
95 | 47,548 | 20 | 94 | 47,580 | 20 | ||||||
Insurance margin |
1,978 | 1,966 | ||||||||||
Margin on revenues |
2,810 | 2,790 | ||||||||||
Expenses: |
||||||||||||
Acquisition costs |
(2,007) | 4,999 | (40)% | (1,991) | 4,959 | (40)% | ||||||
Administration expenses |
(1,374) | 51,139 | (269) | (1,359) | 50,737 | (268) | ||||||
DAC adjustments |
435 | 430 | ||||||||||
Expected return on shareholder assets |
172 | 172 | ||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
2,699 | 2,684 | ||||||||||
Share of related tax charge from joint ventures and associates |
(53) | (51) | ||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Adjusted operating profit from long-term business |
2,646 | 2,633 | ||||||||||
Adjusted operating profit from asset management (Eastspring Investments) |
242 | 239 | ||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total Asia adjusted operating profit |
2,888 | 2,872 | ||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Notes
356
(c) Margin analysis US
2020 | 2019 |
2018
|
||||||||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Profit
$m |
Average
liability $m |
Margin
bps |
Profit
$m |
Average
liability $m |
Margin
bps |
Profit
$m |
Average
liability $m |
Margin
bps |
||||||||||
note (1) | note (2) | note (1) | note (2) | note (1) | note (2) | |||||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Spread income | 521 | 46,701 | 112 | 642 | 57,181 | 112 | 778 | 50,051 | 155 | |||||||||
Fee income | 3,386 | 189,849 | 178 | 3,292 | 180,940 | 182 | 3,265 | 178,058 | 183 | |||||||||
Insurance margin | 1,298 | 1,317 | 1,267 | |||||||||||||||
Expenses | ||||||||||||||||||
Acquisition costsnote(3) |
(991) | 1,923 | (52)% | (1,074) | 2,223 | (48)% | (1,013) | 2,059 | (49)% | |||||||||
Administration expenses |
(1,744) | 244,306 | (71) | (1,675) | 246,220 | (68) | (1,607) | 233,835 | (69) | |||||||||
DAC adjustments |
317 | 510 | (152) | |||||||||||||||
Expected return on shareholder assets | | 26 | 14 | |||||||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Adjusted operating profit from long-term businessnote(4) | 2,787 | 3,038 | 2,552 | |||||||||||||||
Adjusted operating profit from asset management | 9 | 32 | 11 | |||||||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total US adjusted operating profit | 2,796 | 3,070 | 2,563 | |||||||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Notes
2020 $m
|
||||||||
| | | | | | | | |
Before
acquisition costs |
Acquisition costs and
DAC adjustments |
After
acquisition costs |
||||||
| | | | | | | | |
and DAC
adjustments |
Incurred | Deferred |
and DAC
adjustments |
|||||
| | | | | | | | |
Total adjusted operating profit before acquisition costs and DAC adjustments | 3,461 | | | 3,461 | ||||
Acquisition costs | | (991) | 740 | (251) | ||||
DAC adjustments amortisation of previously deferred acquisition costs: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Normal |
| | (753) | (753) | ||||
Deceleration |
| | 330 | 330 | ||||
| | | | | | | | |
Total US adjusted operating profit long-term business | 3,461 | (991) | 317 | 2,787 | ||||
| | | | | | | | |
2019 $m
|
||||||||
| | | | | | | | |
Before
acquisition costs |
Acquisition costs and
DAC adjustments |
After
acquisition costs |
||||||
| | | | | | | | |
and DAC
adjustments |
Incurred | Deferred |
and DAC
adjustments |
|||||
| | | | | | | | |
Total adjusted operating profit before acquisition costs and DAC adjustments | 3,602 | | | 3,602 | ||||
Acquisition costs | | (1,074) | 807 | (267) | ||||
DAC adjustments amortisation of previously deferred acquisition costs: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Normal |
| | (577) | (577) | ||||
Deceleration |
| | 280 | 280 | ||||
| | | | | | | | |
Total US adjusted operating profit long-term business | 3,602 | (1,074) | 510 | 3,038 | ||||
| | | | | | | | |
2018 $m
|
||||||||
| | | | | | | | |
Before
acquisition costs |
Acquisition costs and
DAC adjustments |
After
acquisition costs |
||||||
| | | | | | | | |
and DAC
adjustments |
Incurred | Deferred |
and DAC
adjustments |
|||||
| | | | | | | | |
Total adjusted operating profit before acquisition costs and DAC adjustments | 3,717 | | | 3,717 | ||||
Acquisition costs | | (1,013) | 760 | (253) | ||||
DAC adjustments amortisation of previously deferred acquisition costs: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Normal |
| | (653) | (653) | ||||
Acceleration |
| | (259) | (259) | ||||
| | | | | | | | |
Total US adjusted operating profit long-term business | 3,717 | (1,013) | (152) | 2,552 | ||||
| | | | | | | | |
357
I(iv) Asia operations analysis of adjusted operating profit by business unit
(a) Analysis of adjusted operating profit by business unit
Adjusted operating profit for Asia operations are analysed below. The table below presents the 2019 and 2018 results on both AER and CER bases to eliminate the impact of exchange translation.
|
|
2019 $m
|
2020 vs 2019%
|
2018 $m
|
||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
2020 $m
|
AER
|
CER
|
AER
|
CER
|
AER
|
CER
|
|||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
China JV | 251 | 219 | 219 | 15% | 15% | 191 | 182 | |||||||
Hong Kong | 891 | 734 | 742 | 21% | 20% | 591 | 591 | |||||||
Indonesia | 519 | 540 | 525 | (4)% | (1)% | 555 | 559 | |||||||
Malaysia | 309 | 276 | 272 | 12% | 14% | 259 | 252 | |||||||
Philippines | 95 | 73 | 76 | 30% | 25% | 57 | 58 | |||||||
Singapore | 574 | 493 | 487 | 16% | 18% | 439 | 433 | |||||||
Taiwan | 85 | 74 | 77 | 15% | 10% | 68 | 67 | |||||||
Thailand | 210 | 170 | 169 | 24% | 24% | 151 | 157 | |||||||
Vietnam | 270 | 237 | 237 | 14% | 14% | 199 | 197 | |||||||
Other | 73 | 70 | 68 | 4% | 7% | 68 | 69 | |||||||
Non-recurrent items* | 153 | 138 | 136 | 11% | 13% | 121 | 119 | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total insurance operations | 3,430 | 3,024 | 3,008 | 13% | 14% | 2,699 | 2,684 | |||||||
Share of related tax charges from joint ventures and associate | (46) | (31) | (30) | (48)% | (53)% | (53) | (51) | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total long-term business | 3,384 | 2,993 | 2,978 | 13% | 14% | 2,646 | 2,633 | |||||||
Asset management (Eastspring Investments) | 283 | 283 | 278 | | 2% | 242 | 239 | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total Asia adjusted operating profit | 3,667 | 3,276 | 3,256 | 12% | 13% | 2,888 | 2,872 | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
(b) Analysis of Eastspring Investments adjusted operating profit
|
2020 $m | 2019 $m | 2018 $m | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Operating income before performance-related feesnote(1) |
646 | 636 | 566 | |||||||
Performance-related fees |
7 | 12 | 23 | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Operating income (net of commission)note(2) |
653 | 648 | 589 | |||||||
Operating expensenote(2) |
(336) | (329) | (311) | |||||||
Group's share of tax on joint ventures' operating profit |
(34) | (36) | (36) | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Adjusted operating profit |
283 | 283 | 242 | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
Average funds managed by Eastspring Investments |
$227.1bn |
$214.0bn |
$186.3bn |
|||||||
Margin based on operating income* |
28bps | 30bps | 30bps | |||||||
Cost/income ratio |
52% | 52% | 55% | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
Notes
Retail | Margin* | Institutional | Margin* | Total | Margin* | |||||||
$m | bps | $m | bps | $m | bps | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
2020 | 390 | 52 | 256 | 17 | 646 | 28 | ||||||
2019 | 392 | 52 | 244 | 18 | 636 | 30 | ||||||
2018 | 336 | 50 | 230 | 18 | 566 | 30 | ||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
358
(c) Eastspring Investments total funds under management
Eastspring Investments, the Group's asset management business in Asia, manages funds from external parties and also funds for the Group's insurance operations. The table below analyses the total funds managed and Eastspring Investments.
|
31 Dec 2020 $bn | 31 Dec 2019 $bn | ||||||
| | | | | | | | |
External funds under management, excluding funds managed on behalf of M&G plcnote(1) |
||||||||
| | | | | | | | |
Retail |
66.9 | 73.7 | ||||||
Institutional |
13.8 | 11.0 | ||||||
Money market funds (MMF) |
13.2 | 13.3 | ||||||
| | | | | | | | |
|
93.9 | 98.0 | ||||||
Funds managed on behalf of M&G plcnote(2) |
15.7 | 26.7 | ||||||
| | | | | | | | |
External funds under management including M&G plc |
109.6 | 124.7 | ||||||
Internal funds under management |
138.2 | 116.4 | ||||||
| | | | | | | | |
Total funds under managementnote(3) |
247.8 | 241.1 | ||||||
| | | | | | | | |
Notes
|
2020 $m
|
2019 $m
|
||
---|---|---|---|---|
| | | | |
At 1 Jan |
98,005 | 77,762 | ||
Market gross inflows |
116,743 | 282,699 | ||
Redemptions |
(126,668) | (276,215) | ||
Market and other movements |
5,783 | 13,759 | ||
| | | | |
At 31 Dec |
93,863 | 98,005 | ||
| | | | |
The analysis of movements above includes $13,198 million relating to Asia Money Market Funds at 31 December 2020 (31 December 2019: $13,337 million). Investment flows for 2020 include Eastspring Money Market Funds gross inflows of $76,317 million (2019: $236,603 million) and net inflows of $48 million (2019: net outflows of $(1,856) million).
|
2020 $m
|
|||
---|---|---|---|---|
| | | | |
At 1 Jan |
26,717 | |||
Net flows |
(10,033) | |||
Other |
(947) | |||
| | | | |
At 31 Dec |
15,737 | |||
| | | | |
31 Dec 2020 |
31 Dec 2019
|
|||||||
| | | | | | | | |
$bn | % of total | $bn | % of total | |||||
| | | | | | | | |
Equity | 103.9 | 42% | 107.0 | 44% | ||||
Fixed income | 125.7 | 51% | 116.2 | 48% | ||||
Alternatives | 2.7 | 1% | 3.4 | 2% | ||||
Money Market Funds | 15.5 | 6% | 14.5 | 6% | ||||
| | | | | | | | |
Total funds under management | 247.8 | 100% | 241.1 | 100% | ||||
| | | | | | | | |
359
II Calculation of alternative performance measures
The annual report uses alternative performance measures (APMs) to provide more relevant explanations of the Group's financial position and performance. This section sets out explanations for each APM and reconciliations to relevant IFRS balances.
II(i) Reconciliation of adjusted operating profit to profit before tax
Adjusted operating profit presents the operating performance of the business. This measurement basis adjusts for the following items within total IFRS profit before tax:
More details on how adjusted operating profit is determined are included in note B1.3 of the Group IFRS basis results. A full reconciliation to profit after tax is given in note B1.1.
II(ii) Calculation of IFRS net gearing ratio
The IFRS net gearing ratio is calculated as net core structural borrowings of shareholder-financed businesses divided by closing IFRS shareholders' equity plus net core structural borrowings.
31 Dec 2020 $m | 31 Dec 2019 $m | |||
| | | | |
Core structural borrowings of shareholder-financed businesses | 6,633 | 5,594 | ||
Less holding company cash and short-term investments | (1,463) | (2,207) | ||
| | | | |
Net core structural borrowings of shareholder-financed businesses | 5,170 | 3,387 | ||
Closing shareholders' equity | 20,878 | 19,477 | ||
| | | | |
Closing shareholders' equity plus net core structural borrowings | 26,048 | 22,864 | ||
| | | | |
IFRS net gearing ratio | 20% | 15% | ||
| | | | |
II(iii) Return on IFRS shareholders' equity
As stated in the 2019 Annual Report, the Group has introduced a new return on equity performance measure for the Group's 2020 Prudential Long-Term Incentive Plan (PLTIP) awards alongside other metrics. This measure has been calculated as adjusted operating profit after tax, and net of non-controlling interests, divided by average shareholders' equity. Accordingly, the calculation of the return on IFRS shareholders' equity has been aligned to be based on average shareholders' equity. The 2019 returns disclosed in the table below are consistent with those previously published and use profit from continuing operations and closing shareholders' equity. As supplementary information, 2019 Asia and US returns on shareholders' equity have also been presented on an average shareholders' equity basis.
A detailed reconciliation of adjusted operating profit to IFRS profit before tax for the Group is shown in note B1.1 to the Group IFRS basis results.
|
2020 $m | |||||||
| | | | | | | | |
|
Asia | US | Other | Group | ||||
| | | | | | | | |
Adjusted operating profit |
3,667 | 2,796 | (956) | 5,507 | ||||
Tax on adjusted operating profit |
(495) | (313) | 8 | (800) | ||||
Operating profit attributable to non-controlling interests |
(11) | (138) | 1 | (148) | ||||
| | | | | | | | |
Adjusted operating profit, net of tax and non-controlling interests |
3,161 | 2,345 | (947) | 4,559 | ||||
Average shareholders' equity |
12,377 | 8,720 | (919) | 20,178 | ||||
| | | | | | | | |
Operating return on average shareholders' equity (%) |
26% | 27% | n/a | 23% | ||||
| | | | | | | | |
360
2019 $m | |||||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Continuing operations | Asia | US | Other | Group |
Add back
demerger- related items* |
Adjusted
Group (excluding demerger- related items) |
|||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Adjusted operating profit | 3,276 | 3,070 | (1,036) | 5,310 | 179 | 5,489 | |||||||
Tax on adjusted operating profit | (436) | (437) | 100 | (773) | (34) | (807) | |||||||
Operating profit attributable to non-controlling interests | (6) | | (3) | (9) | | (9) | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Adjusted operating profit, net of tax and non-controlling interests | 2,834 | 2,633 | (939) | 4,528 | 145 | 4,673 | |||||||
Closing shareholders' equity | 10,866 | 8,929 | (318) | 19,477 | | 19,477 | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Operating return on closing shareholders' equity (%) | 26% | 29% | n/a | 23% | | 24% | |||||||
Supplementary information: | |||||||||||||
Average shareholders' equity | 9,521 | 8,046 | |||||||||||
Operating return on average shareholders' equity (%) | 30% | 33% | |||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Average shareholders' equity has been based on opening and closing balances as follows:
2020 $m |
2019 $m
|
||||||||||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Asia | US | Other | Group | Asia | US | ||||||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Balance at 1 Jan | 10,866 | 8,929 | (318) | 19,477 | 8,175 | 7,163 | |||||||||||||
Balance at 31 Dec | 13,887 | 8,511 | (1,520) | 20,878 | 10,866 | 8,929 | |||||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Average shareholders' equity | 12,377 | 8,720 | (919) | 20,178 | 9,521 | 8,046 | |||||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
II(iv) Calculation of IFRS shareholders' equity per share
IFRS shareholders' equity per share is calculated as closing IFRS shareholders' equity divided by the number of issued shares at 31 December 2020 of 2,609 million shares (31 December 2019: 2,601 million shares).
|
2020 | ||||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
Asia | US | Other |
Group
total |
|||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Closing IFRS shareholders' equity ($ million) |
13,887 | 8,511 | (1,520 | ) | 20,878 | ||||||||
Shareholders' equity per share (cents) |
532¢ | 326¢ | (58 | )¢ | 800¢ | ||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
2019 | ||||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
Asia | US | Other |
Group
total |
|||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Closing IFRS shareholders' equity ($ million) |
10,866 | 8,929 | (318 | ) | 19,477 | ||||||||
Shareholders' equity per share (cents) |
418¢ | 343¢ | (12 | )¢ | 749¢ | ||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
361
II(v) Calculation of asset management cost/income ratio
The asset management cost/income ratio is calculated as asset management operating expenses, adjusted for commission and joint venture contribution, divided by asset management total IFRS revenue adjusted for commission, joint venture contribution, performance-related fees and non-operating items.
Eastspring Investments
|
||||
| | | | |
2020 $m | 2019 $m | |||
| | | | |
Operating income before performance-related feesnote | 646 | 636 | ||
Share of joint venture revenue | (235) | (244) | ||
Commission | 194 | 165 | ||
Performance-related fees | 7 | 12 | ||
| | | | |
IFRS revenue | 612 | 569 | ||
| | | | |
Operating expense | 336 | 329 | ||
Share of joint venture expense | (84) | (102) | ||
Commission | 194 | 165 | ||
| | | | |
IFRS charges | 446 | 392 | ||
| | | | |
Cost/income ratio: operating expense/operating income before performance-related fees | 52% | 52% | ||
| | | | |
Note
IFRS revenue and charges for Eastspring Investments are included within the IFRS Income statement in 'other income' and 'acquisition costs and other expenditure' respectively. Operating income and expense include the Group's share of contribution from joint ventures and associates. In the consolidated income statement of the Group IFRS basis results, the net income after tax from the joint ventures and associates is shown as a single line item.
II(vi) Reconciliation of Asia renewal insurance premium to gross premiums earned
|
2019 $m
|
|||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
|
2020 $m | AER |
CER
|
|||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Asia renewal insurance premium |
20,123 | 19,007 | 19,011 | |||||||
Add: General insurance premium |
130 | 135 | 136 | |||||||
Add: IFRS gross earned premium from new regular and single premium business |
5,045 | 6,386 | 6,404 | |||||||
Less: Renewal premiums from joint ventures |
(1,957 | ) | (1,771 | ) | (1,733 | ) | ||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Asia segment IFRS gross premiums earned |
23,341 | 23,757 | 23,818 | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
362
II(vii) Reconciliation of APE new business sales to gross premiums earned
The Group reports annual premiums equivalent (APE) as a measure of new business sales, which is a key metric for the Group's management of the development and growth of the business. APE is calculated as the aggregate of regular premiums and one-tenth of single premiums on new business written during the year for all insurance products, including premiums for contracts designated as investment contracts under IFRS 4. The use of the one-tenth of single premiums is to normalise policy premiums into the equivalent of regular annual payments. This measure is commonly used in the insurance industry to allow comparisons of the amount of new business written in a period by life insurance companies, particularly when the sales contain both single premium and regular premium business.
This differs from the IFRS measure of gross premiums earned as shown below:
|
2020 $m | 2019 $m | |||||||||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
Asia | US |
Total
segment note (a) |
Asia | US |
Total
segment note (a) |
|||||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Gross premiums earned |
23,341 | 19,026 | 42,367 | 23,757 | 21,209 | 44,966 | |||||||||||||
Less: premiums from in-force renewal businessnote(b) |
(18,166 | ) | (845 | ) | (19,011 | ) | (17,236 | ) | (956 | ) | (18,192 | ) | |||||||
Adjustment to include 10% of single premiumsnote(c) |
(2,131 | ) | (17,306 | ) | (19,437 | ) | (2,606 | ) | (20,008 | ) | (22,614 | ) | |||||||
Add: deposit accounting for investment contractsnote(d) |
| 1,284 | 1,284 | 255 | 2,522 | 2,777 | |||||||||||||
Inclusion of APE Sales from joint ventures and associates on equity accounting methodnote(e) |
820 | | 820 | 899 | | 899 | |||||||||||||
Other adjustmentsnote(f) |
(168 | ) | (236 | ) | (404 | ) | 92 | (544 | ) | (452 | ) | ||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Annual premium equivalents (APE) |
3,696 | 1,923 | 5,619 | 5,161 | 2,223 | 7,384 | |||||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Notes
363
Exhibits
Documents filed as exhibits to this Form 20-F:
364
The registrant hereby certifies that it meets all of the requirements for filing on Form 20-F and that it has duly caused and authorised the undersigned to sign this annual report on its behalf.
Prudential plc | ||||
15 March 2021 |
|
By: |
|
/s/ Mike Wells |
|
|
Name: |
|
Mike Wells |
Title: |
Group Chief Executive
|
365
DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES
As at 31 December 2020, Prudential Plc (Prudential, Company, we, us, our) had five classes of securities registered under Section 12 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the Exchange Act): (i) Ordinary Shares, 5 pence par value each (the Ordinary Shares), (ii) American Depositary Shares, each representing two Ordinary Shares, (iii) 6.75% perpetual subordinated capital securities (the 2004 Securities), (iv) 6.50% perpetual subordinated capital securities (the 2005 Securities), and (v) 3.125% senior notes due 2030 (the 2020 Notes). Each of the foregoing securities are listed on the New York Stock Exchange.
The following is a summary of the terms of Prudentials share capital, including brief descriptions of provisions contained in our articles of association, as last amended on 22 March 2019 (the Articles). These summaries and descriptions are being provided for information and references purposes only and are not intended to be, and must not be taken as, the basis for any investment decision. Capitalized terms used but not defined herein have the meanings given to them in our annual report on Form 20-F for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020 of which this Exhibit 2.3 is a part.
DESCRIPTION OF ORDINARY SHARES
General
The issued share capital as at 31 December 2020 consisted of 2,609,489,702 Ordinary Shares, all fully paid up and listed on the London Stock Exchange and the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. Prudential also maintains a secondary listing of the Ordinary Shares on the Singapore Stock Exchange.
Rights and obligations
The issued share capital of Prudential is not currently divided into different classes of shares. The Companies Act 2006 abolished the requirement for a company to have an authorised share capital.
The rights and obligations attaching to the Ordinary Shares are set out in full in the Articles. There are currently no voting restrictions on the Ordinary Shares, all of which are fully paid, and each share carries one vote on a poll. If votes are cast on a show of hands, each shareholder present in person or by proxy, or in the case of a corporation, by its duly authorised corporate representatives, has one vote. The same individual may be appointed as proxy or as a corporate representative by more than one member.
Holders of Ordinary Shares have the right to participate in a distribution of profits, by way of dividend and have the right to participate in the surplus assets of the Company available for distribution in the event of a winding up or liquidation, voluntary or otherwise in proportion to the amounts paid up or credited as paid up on such Ordinary Shares.
Where, under an employee share scheme, participants are the beneficial owners of the Ordinary Shares but not the registered owners, the voting rights are normally exercisable by the trustee on behalf of the registered owner in accordance with the relevant plan rules. The trustees would not usually vote any unallocated shares held in trust but they may do so at their discretion provided it would be considered to be in the best interests of the beneficiaries of the trust and permitted under the relevant trust deed.
Transfer of shares
In accordance with English company law, Ordinary Share may be transferred by an instrument of transfer or through an electronic system (currently CREST) and no transfer is restricted except that the directors may, in certain circumstances, refuse to register transfers of shares. If the directors make use of that power, they must send the transferee notice of the refusal within two months.
Certain restrictions may be imposed from time to time by applicable laws and regulations (for example, insider trading laws) and pursuant to the Listing Rules of both the Financial Conduct Authority and the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, as well as under the rules of some of our employee share plans.
Changes in share capital and authority to issue shares
Under English law directors require authority from shareholders, other than under certain types of employee share schemes, whenever shares are issued. Newly issued Ordinary Shares must first be offered to existing shareholders pro rata to their holdings (pre-emption rights) subject to certain exemptions, for example, where Ordinary Shares are issued for non-cash consideration or in respect of certain types of employee share schemes.
We seek authority from our shareholders on an annual basis to issue Ordinary Shares up to a maximum amount of which a defined number may be issued without pre-emption rights applying. Dis-application of statutory pre-emption
procedures is also available for rights issues. The existing authorities to issue shares and dis-apply pre-emption rights are due to expire at the end of the 2021 annual general meeting of the Company when shareholder approval will be sought to renew and enhance those authorities.
Ordinary Shares may not be consolidated or sub-divided without approval by an ordinary resolution of the shareholders. Reductions in our issued share capital and share premium account must be approved by a special resolution of the shareholders and must be confirmed by an order of the court.
Subject to the Articles, if the share capital is divided into different classes of shares, the rights of any class of shares may be changed or deemed varied, only if such measure is approved by a special resolution passed at a separate meeting of the members of that class, or with the written consent of members holding at least three quarters of the shares of that class. At least two persons holding or representing by proxy at least one-third in nominal amount of the issued shares of the class must be present at such a meeting in person or by proxy to constitute a quorum.
Our board of directors may not authorise, create or increase the amount of, any shares of any class or any security convertible into shares of any class or any security which is convertible into shares of any class ranking, as regards rights to participate in the profits or assets in the company, in priority to a series or class of preference shares without the consent in writing of at least three-quarters in nominal value of, or the sanction of a special resolution of, the holders of such series or class of preference shares.
In accordance with the terms of a waiver granted by the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, we confirm that we are in compliance with the applicable law and regulation in the UK in relation to the holding of shares in treasury and with the conditions of the waiver in connection with the purchase of our own shares and any treasury shares it may hold.
Dividends
Under English law, we may pay dividends only if distributable profits are available for that purpose. Distributable profits are accumulated, realised profits not previously distributed or capitalised, less accumulated, realised losses not previously written off in a reduction or reorganisation of capital. Even if distributable profits are available, we may only pay dividends if the amount of our net assets is not less than the aggregate of our called-up share capital and undistributable reserves (including, for example, the share premium account) and the payment of the dividend does not reduce the amount of the net assets to less than that aggregate. Subject to these restrictions, our board of directors may recommend to holders of Ordinary Shares that a final dividend be declared and recommend the amount of any such dividend or determine whether to pay a distribution by way of an interim dividend, and the amount of any such interim dividend, but must take into account our financial position. Final dividends become a legal liability upon the later of the date they are declared and the date the shareholder approval expresses them to be payable. Interim dividends only become a legal liability at the point they are paid.
We or our board of directors may determine the date on which we pay dividends. We pay dividends to holders of Ordinary Shares on our share registers on the record date in proportion to the number of Ordinary Shares held by each shareholder. There are no fixed dates on which entitlements to dividends arise. Interest is not payable on dividends or on other amounts payable in respect of Ordinary Shares.
If a shareholder does not claim a dividend within 12 years of such dividend becoming due for payment, such shareholder forfeits their right to receive it. Such unclaimed amounts may be invested or otherwise used for our benefit.
We periodically undertake share forfeiture programmes. If a holder of Ordinary Shares is recorded as untraced for more than 12 years, the Ordinary Shares held by such person are deemed as forfeited and sold by us. We hold the proceeds from the sale of the forfeited Ordinary Shares for a period of six years, as required under the Articles.
A number of dividend waivers are in place and these relate to Ordinary Shares issued but not allocated under our employee share plans. These shares are primarily held by the trustees of such share plans and will, in due course, be used to satisfy requirements under our employee share plans.
DESCRIPTION OF THE AMERICAN DEPOSITARY SHARES
American Depositary Shares, which are frequently referred to as ADSs, represent ownership interests in securities that are on deposit with a depositary bank. ADSs may be represented by certificates that are commonly known as American Depositary Receipts or ADRs. We have one class of American Depositary Shares registered
under Section 12 of the Exchange Act, with each such American Depositary Share representing two Ordinary Shares.
Our ADSs are deposited pursuant to an Amended and Restated Deposit Agreement dated as of June 2000 among Prudential, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. (f/k/a Morgan Guaranty Trust Company of New York), as depositary (the Depositary), and all holders from time to time of ADRs issued thereunder (the Deposit Agreement). The following is a summary of the general terms of the Deposit Agreement. This summary does not purport to be complete. For complete information, please read the Deposit Agreement, the form of which has been filed with the SEC as Exhibit (a) to Registration Statement 333-12168.
Dividends and Distributions
An owner of an ADS generally has the right to receive the distributions, if any, that we make on the Ordinary Shares deposited with the custodian bank. Receipt of these distributions may be limited, however, by practical considerations and legal limitations. Holders will receive such distributions under the terms of the Deposit Agreement in proportion to the number of ADSs held as of a specified record date.
Distributions of Cash
Whenever the Depositary receives any cash dividend or any other cash distribution on any Ordinary Shares, the Depositary will arrange for the funds to be converted into U.S. dollars and for the distribution of the U.S. dollars to the holders in proportion to the number of ADSs held as of a specified record date, subject to the laws and regulations of England and Wales.
The conversion into U.S. dollars will take place only if practicable and if the U.S. dollars are transferable to the United States. The Depositary will apply the same method for distributing the proceeds of the sale of any property (such as undistributed rights) held by the Depositary in respect of the Ordinary Shares.
The distribution of cash will be made net of the fees, expenses, taxes and governmental charges payable by holders under the terms of the Deposit Agreement.
Distributions of Shares
If any distribution upon an Ordinary Share consists of a dividend in, or free distribution of, Ordinary Shares, the Depositary will distribute additional ADRs for an aggregate number of ADSs representing the number of Ordinary Shares received as such dividend or distribution. Holders will receive such ADRs in proportion to the number of ADSs held as of a specified record date. Fractional entitlements will be sold and the proceeds of such sale will be distributed as in the case of a cash distribution.
The distribution of additional ADRs will be made net of the fees, expenses, taxes and governmental charges payable by holders under the terms of the Deposit Agreement. In order to pay such taxes or governmental charges, the Depositary may sell all or a portion of the new Ordinary Shares so distributed.
Distribution of Rights
Whenever the Depositary receives any rights to subscribe for additional Ordinary Shares or any rights of any nature, the Depositary has the discretion to determine the appropriate procedure to make such rights available to the holders of ADSs or in disposing of such rights and distributing the net proceeds thereof, subject to the terms of the Deposit Agreement.
Other Distributions
Whenever the Depositary receives any distribution other than cash or Ordinary Shares, the Depositary will cause such securities or property to be distributed to the holders of ADSs in proportion to the number of ADSs held as of a specified record date in any manner the Depositary deems equitable and practicable. Any such distribution will be made net of the fees, expenses, taxes and governmental charges payable by holders under the terms of the Deposit Agreement.
Changes Affecting Ordinary Shares
The Ordinary Shares held on deposit for a holders ADSs may change from time to time. For example, there may be a change in nominal or par value, a split-up, cancellation, consolidation or reclassification of such Ordinary Shares or a recapitalization, reorganization, merger, consolidation or sale of assets.
If any such change were to occur, the securities received by the Depositary will become deposited securities, each ADS will automatically represent its proportionate share of the new deposited securities, and the Depositary may issue new ADSs or ask a holder to surrender such holders outstanding ADRs in exchange for new ADRs identifying the new deposited securities.
Deposit, Withdrawal and Cancellation
The Depositary will issue ADSs if Ordinary Shares have been deposited or evidence of rights to receive Ordinary Shares with the custodian has been received. Upon payment of its fees and expenses and of any taxes or charges,
the Depositary will register the appropriate number of ADSs in the names requested and will deliver the ADSs at the Depositary office facilities in the Borough of Manhattan, the City of New York, to the persons requested.
Upon written instruction, holders may request that the Ordinary Shares represented by the ADSs be withdraw. Upon payment of its fees and expenses and of any taxes or charges, the Depositary will deliver the underlying Ordinary Shares and any other deposited securities underlying the ADSs at the office of the custodian or at the holders request, any other place specified in such order.
Voting Rights
As a holder, you generally have the right under the Deposit Agreement to instruct the Depositary to exercise the voting rights for the Ordinary Shares represented by your ADSs.
As soon as practicable after receipt of notice of any meeting or solicitation of consents or proxies of holders of Ordinary Shares, the Depositary will distribute to holders of ADSs notice of the same, together with information explaining how to instruct the Depositary to exercise the voting rights of the Ordinary Shares. If the Depositary receives voting instructions from a holder of ADSs, it will endeavor to vote the Ordinary Shares represented by the holders ADSs in accordance with such voting instructions. The Depositary will not vote any Ordinary Shares except in accordance with such instructions.
Fees and Charges
As an ADS holder, you will be required to pay the following service fees to the Depositary, among others:
Service |
Fees |
|
· Delivery of Receipts against deposit of Ordinary Shares |
Up to U.S. 5¢ per ADS issued |
|
· Withdrawal of Deposited Securities against surrender of Receipts |
Up to U.S. 5¢ per ADS cancelled |
As an ADS holder you will also be responsible to pay certain fees and expenses incurred by the Depositary and certain taxes and governmental charges such as:
· fees for the transfer and registration of Ordinary Shares charged by the registrar and transfer agent for the Ordinary Shares in England (i.e., upon deposit and withdrawal of Ordinary Shares);
· expenses incurred for converting foreign currency into U.S. dollars;
· expenses for the cable, telex and fax transmissions for delivery of securities;
· taxes and duties upon the transfer of securities (i.e., when Ordinary Shares are deposited or withdrawn from deposit); and
· fees and expenses incurred in connection with the delivery or servicing of Ordinary Shares on deposit.
We have agreed to pay certain other charges and expenses of the Depositary. Note that the fees and charges you may be required to pay may vary over time and may be changed by us and by the Depositary. You will receive prior notice of such changes.
Amendments and Termination
We may agree with the Depositary to amend the Deposit Agreement and the ADSs for any reason without the consent of the holders party thereto. If the amendment adds or increases fees or charges (except for taxes and other governmental charges, transfer or registration fees or certain expenses of the Depositary), or prejudices an important right of ADS holders, it will not become effective until three months after the Depositary notifies the holders of ADSs of such amendment.
No amendment will impair a holders right request that the Ordinary Shares represented by the ADSs be withdrawn. If a governmental body adopts new laws or rules that require the Deposit Agreement or ADSs to be amended, we and the Depositary may make the necessary amendments, which could take effect before a holder receives notice thereof.
A holder of ADSs will be bound by the modifications to the Deposit Agreement if such holder continues to hold ADSs after the modifications to the Deposit Agreement become effective.
We have the right to direct the Depositary to terminate the Deposit Agreement. Similarly, the Depositary may in certain circumstances on its own initiative terminate the Deposit Agreement. In either case, the Depositary must give notice to the holders at least 30 days before termination. As soon as practicable after the expiration of six months from the date of termination of the Deposit Agreement, the Depositary will sell the Ordinary Shares and any other the securities held on deposit. The Depositary will hold the proceeds from such sale and any other funds then held for the holders of ADSs for the pro rata benefit of the holders of ADSs. At that point, the Depositary will have no further obligations to holders of ADSs other than to account for the funds then held for the holders of ADSs still outstanding.
Limitations on Obligations and Liabilities
The Deposit Agreement expressly limits our and the Depositarys obligations and liabilities. Under the Deposit Agreement, we and the Depositary:
· are only obligated to take the actions specifically set forth in the Deposit Agreement without gross negligence or bad faith;
· are not liable if either of them is prevented, forbidden, subject to civil or criminal penalty on account of, or delayed by law or circumstances beyond its control from performing its respective obligations under the Deposit Agreement;
· are not liable if either of them exercises discretion permitted under the Deposit Agreement;
· have no obligation to become involved in a lawsuit or other proceeding related to the ADSs or the Deposit Agreement on a holders behalf or on behalf of another party unless satisfactory indemnification is furnished;
· may rely upon any documents they believe to be genuine and to have been signed or presented by the proper party; and
· will not be liable for any action or inaction while relying on advice or information from legal counsel or certain other advisers, any holder or anyone else competent to give advice or information.
In addition, a holder may request the Depositary to cause its nominee to take certain actions as a shareholder on your behalf. For actions other than voting, a holder must indemnify the Depositary for any resulting losses, pay the expenses associated with such request and comply with certain other conditions. The Depositary will not, if acting in good faith, be responsible for failing to carry out instructions to vote the ADSs or for the manner in which the ADSs are voted or the effect of the vote.
Pre-Release Transactions
The Depositary may, in certain circumstances, issue ADSs before receiving a deposit of Ordinary Shares or release Ordinary Shares before receiving ADSs for cancellation. These transactions are commonly referred to as pre-release transactions. The Deposit Agreement limits the aggregate size of pre-release transactions and imposes a number of conditions on such transactions (i.e., the need to receive collateral, the type of collateral required, the representations required from brokers, etc.). The Depositary may retain the compensation received from the pre-release transactions.
Taxes
Holders of ADSs will be responsible for the taxes and other governmental charges payable on the ADSs and the securities represented by the ADSs. We, the Depositary and the custodian may deduct from any distribution the taxes and governmental charges payable by holders and may sell any and all property on deposit to pay the taxes and governmental charges payable by holders. Holders of ADSs will be liable for any deficiency if the sale proceeds do not cover the taxes that are due.
The Depositary may refuse to issue ADSs, to deliver, transfer, split and combine ADRs or to release securities on deposit until all taxes and charges are paid by the applicable holder. The Depositary and the custodian may take reasonable administrative actions to obtain tax refunds and reduced tax withholding for any distributions on a holders behalf. However, a holder may be required to provide to the Depositary and to the custodian proof of taxpayer status and residence and such other information as the Depositary and the custodian may require to fulfill legal obligations. Holders are required to indemnify us, the Depositary and the custodian for any claims with respect to taxes based on any tax benefit obtained for such holder.
DESCRIPTION OF SUBORDINATED DEBT SECURITIES
Our subordinated debt securities have been issued under and are governed by a document called a subordinate indenture, which we entered into on 6 August 2004 with Citibank, N.A., as subordinated trustee. The subordinated trustee has two main roles:
· first, the subordinated trustee can enforce the rights of holders of the subordinated debt securities issued under the indenture against us if we default, subject to certain limitations on the extent to which the subordinated trustee acts on behalf of holders of the subordinated debt securities; and
· second, the subordinated trustee performs administrative duties for us, such as sending interest payments and notices to holders of the subordinated debt securities.
As of 31 December 2020 we have issued two series of subordinated debt securities under Section 12 of the Exchange Act the 2004 Securities and the 2005 Securities (collectively, the Capital Securities). The 2004 Securities were issued pursuant to the subordinated indenture, as supplemented by the first supplemental indenture dated as of 6 August 2004. The 2005 Securities were issued pursuant to the subordinated indenture, as supplemented by the second supplemental indenture dated as of 15 July 2005.
The subordinated indenture and its associated documents, including any supplemental indenture relating to a particular series of subordinated debt securities and the subordinated debt securities themselves, contain the full text of the matters summarized herein. The following description of the subordinated debt securities is a summary
and does not purport to be complete. This description is qualified in its entirety by reference, as applicable, to the subordinated indenture as so supplemented.
Any future subordinated debt securities that we issue will be issued under an indenture dated 10 August 2020 that we entered into with Citibank, N.A., as subordinated trustee.
General
The subordinated indenture does not limit the aggregate principal amount of subordinated debt securities that we may issue thereunder. We may issue such securities under the subordinated indenture from time to time in one or more series. All subordinated debt securities of any one series need not be issued at the same time.
We issued $250,000,000 aggregate principal amount of the 2004 Securities on 6 August 2004. The 2004 Securities are perpetual securities with no maturity date and bear interest at a rate of 6.75% per annum on the outstanding principal amount. We may exchange the 2004 Securities in whole or in part on any interest payment date into one or more series of our preference shares. As of 15 March 2021, $250,000,000 aggregate principal amount of the 2004 Securities was outstanding.
We issued $300,000,000 aggregate principal amount of the 2005 Securities on 15 July 2005. The 2005 Securities are perpetual securities with no maturity date and bear interest at a rate of 6.50% per annum on the outstanding principal amount. We may exchange the 2005 Securities in whole or in part on any interest payment date into one or more series of our preference shares. As of 15 March 2021, $300,000,000 aggregate principal amount of the 2005 Securities was outstanding.
The Subordinated Trustee
Citibank, N.A. is subordinated trustee under the subordinated indenture. We and certain of our subsidiaries maintain deposit accounts and conduct other banking transactions with Citibank, N.A. in the ordinary course of our business.
Status of the Capital Securities
The Capital Securities constitute our unsecured, subordinated obligations and rank equally and ratably without any preference among themselves. The rights and claims of the Capital Securities holders are subordinated to senior creditors. The term senior creditors includes (i) any creditors who are unsubordinated creditors with claims admitted in the event of our winding up; (ii) any creditors having claims in respect of liabilities that are, or are expressed to be, subordinated, whether only in the event of a winding up or otherwise, to the claims of our unsubordinated creditors but not further or otherwise; (iii) any creditor who is a holder of capital securities other than the Capital Securities except those that rank, or are expressed to rank, equally with or junior to the Capital Securities; and (iv) all other creditors having claims, including other such creditors holding subordinated debt securities, except those that rank, or are expressed to rank, equally with or junior to the claims of any holder of the Capital Securities.
As a result of the foregoing, in the event of any bankruptcy, winding up or liquidation in England and Wales, senior creditors may recover more, ratably, than holders of the Capital Securities.
Exchange Option
Each series of Capital Securities are exchangeable, in whole or in part, at our option and in our sole discretion into preferences shares issued by us on any interest payment date upon not less than 30 nor more than 60 days notice. We may also exchange such series of Capital Securities in whole (but not in part) on upon certain other conditions being met as more fully described in the subordinated indenture, provided, however that we may not make effect any such exchange without first providing sufficient regulatory notice.
Upon exchange, we will pay any deferred interest outstanding on the series of Capital Securities being exchanged in accordance with the provisions of the subordinated indenture.
The preference shares issued in connection with a partial exchange of Capital Securities will contain the same terms and provisions as those issued in connection with any other partial exchange, except that the different issue dates will mean that certain preference shares may be redeemed earlier or later than others. Accordingly, preference shares issued on one partial exchange will constitute a separate series from preference shares issued upon a different partial exchange and will therefore not be fungible.
If we exchange any series of Capital Securities in part only, we must do so in an aggregate principal amount of at least $100 million (or multiples of $50 million above $100 million), and no partial exchange may leave less than $100 million aggregate principal amount such series of Capital Securities outstanding. The Capital Securities to be exchanged in any partial exchange will be selected in a manner deemed fair and appropriate by the subordinated trustee.
We will not exchange any Capital Securities for our preference shares unless:
· there is no accrued but unpaid interest on such Capital Securities;
· any deferred interest related to such Capital Securities has been paid in accordance with terms of the subordinated indenture;
· no Capital Security Default, Payment Event or Event of Default (each, as further defined herein) has occurred and is continuing;
· we have a sufficient number of authorized but unissued preference shares immediately prior to the exchange;
· our directors have all the necessary authority under English law to allot and issue the preference shares arising on exchange; and
· we comply with certain other conditions set forth in the subordinated indenture.
Upon an exchange, each Capital Security of $25 principal amount will be exchanged for one preference shares issued by us with a liquidation preference of $25.
If we elect to exchange some or all of our Capital Securities, we will effect an exchange by redeeming the Capital Securities being exchanged for their principal amount and immediately applying such redemption proceeds to subscribe for the applicable number of preference shares being issued to the holders.
As a consequence of the exchange provisions described above, holders of Capital Securities being exchanged will not be entitled under any circumstances to the redemption amounts payable in connection with the exchange as described above. Such holders will receive only the preference shares we will issue on the exchange date in respect of which the redemption amounts will have been applied.
The preferences shares will be issued at a nominal value of $0.01 per share and a premium of $24.99 per share, with both such amounts being subscribed and fully paid.
After an exchange in accordance with the subordinated indenture, the Capital Securities being exchanged will cease to exist for any purpose on the exchange date. From the exchange date, the person or persons entitled to receive preference shares upon an exchange will be treated as the holder or holders of those preferences shares in accordance with the subordinated indenture. Our preference shares will be represented by American Depositary Shares evidenced by American Depositary Receipts.
If we decide to exchange the Capital Securities for preferences shares, upon our giving notice of such exchange, we will use our reasonable efforts to obtain a listing on the New York Stock Exchange of the preferences shares (in the form of ADSs evidenced by ADRs).
We undertake to pay any U.K. stamp duty, stamp duty reserve tax or similar U.K. governmental charge arising in connection with the issuance of the preference shares, ADSs or ADRs to, or to the respective accounts of, the holders or beneficial owners of Capital Securities that are exchanged.
Defaults; Limitation of Remedies
There are three categories of default under our subordinated indentures: (i) Capital Security Default, (ii) Payment Events and (iii) Events of default, each as more specifically described below.
Capital Security Defaults
Generally, subject to the terms of the subordinated indenture, it shall be a Capital Security Default with respect to each applicable series of Capital Securities if we: (i) fail to pay or set aside for payment the amount due to satisfy any interest payment on a compulsory interest payment date and such failure continues for 14 days, or (ii) fail to pay or set aside a sum to provide for payment of the principal amount of such series of Capital Securities, any accrued but unpaid interest and any Deferred Interest on a capital security redemption date (as may be postponed from time to time pursuant to the terms and conditions of such series of Capital Securities) and such failure continues for 14 days.
If any Capital Security Default occurs and is continuing in respect of the applicable series of Capital Securities, the subordinated trustee may commence (i) a proceeding in England and Wales (but not elsewhere) for our winding up, or (ii) judicial proceeding for the collection of the sums so due and unpaid, provided that the subordinated trustee may not declare the principal amount of any applicable outstanding Capital Securities to be due and payable.
Payment Event
If we fail to make payment as described above and the solvency condition is not timely satisfied, such failure will not constitute a Capital Security Default but instead will constitute a Payment Event. Upon the occurrence of a Payment Event, the subordinated trustee may institute proceedings in England and Wales (but not elsewhere) for our winding up but may not pursue any other legal remedy, including a judicial proceeding for the collection of the sums due and unpaid.
Events of Default
If either a court of competent jurisdiction makes an order, which is not successfully appealed within 30 days, or an effective shareholders resolution is validly adopted, for our winding up in England and Wales, (except in the case of a winding up solely for the purpose of a reconstruction or amalgamation or substitution in our place of a successor in business in each case where the applicable series of Capital Securities remain outstanding and are assumed by such successor in business on terms previously approved in writing by the holders of not less than 75% in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding Capital Securities), that order or resolution will constitute an Event of Default with respect to the applicable Capital Securities.
If an Event of Default occurs and is continuing, the subordinated trustee or the holder or holders of at least 25% in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding series of Capital Securities may declare the entire principal amount of such series of Capital Securities to be due and payable immediately. However, after this declaration but before the subordinated trustee obtains a judgment or decree for payment of money due, the holder or holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding series of Capital Securities may rescind the declaration of acceleration and its consequences, but only if all Events of Default have been remedied and all payments due, other than those due as a result of acceleration, have been made.
General
By acceptance of the Capital Securities, each holder and the subordinated trustee, on behalf of such holders, will be deemed to have waived any right of set-off or counterclaim that such holder might otherwise have against us whether prior to or in our bankruptcy or winding up. Notwithstanding the preceding sentence, if any of the rights and claims of any holder of any series of Capital Securities are discharged by set-off, such holder will immediately pay an amount equal to the amount of such discharge to us or, if applicable, the liquidator or subordinated trustee or receiver in our bankruptcy and, until such time as payment is made, will hold a sum equal to such amount in trust for us or, if applicable, the liquidator or subordinated trustee or receiver in our bankruptcy. Accordingly, such discharge will be deemed not to have taken place.
The holder(s) of a majority, or any greater requisite amount, as the case may be, of the aggregate principal amount of any applicable series of Capital Securities may waive any past Event of Default, Capital Security Default or Payment Event with respect to such series of Capital Securities, except an Event of Default, Capital Security Default or Payment Event in respect of either (i) the payment of principal of, interest payments or deferred interest payments on, such series of Capital Securities or (ii) a covenant or provision of the subordinated indenture which cannot be modified or amended without the consent of each holder of such series of Capital Securities.
Subject to the provisions of the subordinated indenture relating to the duties of the subordinated trustee, if a Capital Security Default occurs and is continuing with respect to a series of Capital Securities, the subordinated trustee will be under no obligation to any holder or holders of such series of Capital Securities to exercise any of its rights or powers under the subordinated indenture at the request of any holder of such series of Capital Securities unless such holder shall have offered to the subordinated trustee an indemnity reasonably satisfactory to the subordinated trustee against any loss, liability or expense, and then only to the extent required by the terms of the subordinated indenture. Subject to the subordinated indenture provisions for the indemnification of the subordinated trustee, the holder(s) of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding series of Capital Securities shall have the right to direct the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to the subordinated trustee or exercising any trust or power conferred on the subordinated trustee with respect to such series of Capital Securities. However, the subordinated trustee may refuse to follow any direction that is in conflict with any rule of law or the subordinated indenture, or is unjustly prejudicial to the holder(s) of such series of Capital Securities not taking part in the direction or which would subject the subordinated trustee to personal liability. The subordinated trustee may take any other action that it deems proper which is not inconsistent with that direction.
The subordinated indenture provides that the subordinated trustee will, within 90 days after the occurrence of an Event of Default, Capital Security Default or Payment Event with respect to a particular series of Capital Securities, give to each holder of such series of Capital Securities notice of the Event of Default, Capital Security Default or Payment Event known to it, unless the Event of Default, Capital Security Default or Payment Event has been cured or waived. However, the subordinated trustee shall be protected in withholding notice if it determines in good faith that withholding notice is in the interest of the holders of such series of Capital Securities.
We are required to furnish to the subordinated trustee annually a statement as to our compliance with all conditions and covenants under the subordinated indenture.
Any money deposited with the subordinated trustee or any paying agent for a series of Capital Securities, or then held by us in trust for the payment of the principal of and interest and deferred interest, if any, on such series of Capital Securities and remaining unclaimed for two years after such principal and interest and deferred interest, if any, has become due and payable shall, unless otherwise required by mandatory provisions of applicable escheat, or abandoned or unclaimed property law, upon the giving of notice to each holder of such series of Capital Securities as provided in the subordinated indenture, be paid to us, or (if then held by us) shall be discharged from such trusts; and the holder of such series of Capital Security shall, thereafter, as an unsecured general creditor, look only to us for payment thereof, and all liability of such subordinated trustee or such paying agent with respect to such trust money, and all our liability as trustee thereof, shall thereupon cease.
Consolidation, Merger and Sale or Lease of Assets
We may, without the consent of the holders of any series of Capital Security, consolidate with or merge into or transfer or lease our properties and assets substantially as an entirety, provided, however, that any successor corporation formed by any such consolidation or merger or any such transferee or lessee of our assets is a corporation or other person organized and validly existing under the laws of a member country of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development that assumes our obligations on such series of Capital Securities and the subordinated indenture, and a number of other conditions are met.
Note that any such conditions will apply only if we wish to merge or consolidate with another entity or sell our assets substantially as an entirety to another entity. We will not need to satisfy these conditions if we enter into other types of transactions, including any transaction in which we acquire the securities or assets or another entity, any transaction that involves a change of control of Prudential but in which we do not merge or consolidate, and any transaction in which we sell less than substantially all our assets.
Modifications
Under certain circumstances, we can make changes to the subordinated indenture and the Capital Securities. The following three types of changes are possible.
Changes Requiring Approval by each Holder
The first type of change comprises changes that cannot be made without the specific approval of each holder of each affected series of Capital Securities. These include changes that:
· change the stated maturity of the principal or any interest on such series of Capital Securities;
· add a stated maturity;
· reduce the rate or amount of any interest;
· reduce the principal or any premium payable on redemption;
· change redemption dates to the detriment of any holder;
· change the place of payment;
· change the right of holders to waive an existing default by majority vote;
· impair the right to sue for payment;
· reduce the percentage of holders who must consent to a waiver or amendment of the subordinated indenture or the waiver of defaults;
· modify the provisions of the subordinated indenture with respect to the subordination of the applicable series of Capital Securities in a manner adverse to any holder; and
· make any change to the list of changes that requires the approval of each holder, including the foregoing.
Changes Requiring 50% Approval
The second type of change comprises changes that require approval by the holders of at least 50% of the aggregate principal amount of the outstanding Capital Securities of each affected series. Most changes fall into this category, except for those described under Changes Requiring Approval by each Holder above and Changes Not Requiring Approval below.
Changes Not Requiring Approval
The third type of change does not require any approval by holders of a series of Capital Securities. This type is generally limited to clarifications and other changes that would not adversely affect holders of such series of Capital Securities in any material respect.
Waivers of Certain Covenants
Our obligations to comply with certain restrictive covenants in the subordinated indenture pertaining to corporate existence and maintenance of certain agencies may be waived by holders of not less than a majority in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding Capital Securities of each affected series.
Consent to Service; Jurisdiction
Under the subordinated indenture, we have irrevocably designated Jackson National Life Insurance Company as our authorized agent for service of process in any legal action or proceeding arising out of or relating to the subordinated indenture or any Capital Securities brought in any federal or state court in The City of New York, New York and we irrevocably submit to the jurisdiction of those courts.
Legal Ownership, Form and Payments
The Capital Securities are represented by one or more global securities in registered form, without coupons attached, and has been deposited with The Depository Trust Company (DTC) and registered in the name of the DTCs nominee.
Unless and until the Capital Securities are exchanged in whole or in part for other securities that we issue or the global securities are exchanged for definitive securities, the global securities may not be transferred except as a whole by DTC to a nominee or a successor of DTC.
Beneficial interests in the global Capital Securities will be shown on, and transfers thereof will be effected only through, the book-entry records maintained by DTC and its direct and indirect participants. Owners of beneficial interests in the Capital Securities will receive payments relating to their Capital Securities in U.S. dollars.
So long as DTC, or its nominee, is the holder of a global Capital Security, DTC or its nominee will be considered the sole holder of such global Capital Security for all purposes under the subordinated indenture. Subject to certain exceptions, no participant, indirect participant or other person will be entitled to have Capital Securities registered in its name, receive or be entitled to receive physical delivery of Capital Securities in definitive form or be considered the owner or holder of the Capital Securities under the subordinated indenture. Each person having an ownership or other interest in Capital Securities must rely on the procedures of DTC and, if a person is not a participant in DTC must rely on the procedures of the participant or other securities intermediary through which that person owns its interest, to exercise any rights and obligations of a holder under the subordinated indenture or the Capital Securities.
Payments on the Global Securities
Payments of any amounts in respect of any global Capital Securities will be made by the subordinated trustee to DTC. Payments will be made to beneficial owners of Capital Securities in accordance with the rules and procedures of DTC or its direct and indirect participants, as applicable. Neither we nor the subordinated trustee nor any of our agents will have any responsibility or liability for any aspect of the records of any securities intermediary in the chain of intermediaries between DTC and any beneficial owner of an interest in a global security, or the failure of DTC or any intermediary to pass through to any beneficial owner any payments that are made to DTC.
Issuance of Definitive Securities
So long as DTC holds the global Capital Securities, such global securities will not be exchangeable for definitive securities unless: (i) DTC notifies the subordinated trustee that it is unwilling or unable to continue to hold the book-entry Capital Securities or DTC ceases to be a clearing agency registered under the Exchange Act and we do not appoint a successor to DTC which is registered under the Securities Exchange Act within 120 days; or (ii) in the event of our winding up we fail to make a payment on the Capital Securities when due.
Each person having an ownership or other interest in a Capital Security must rely exclusively on the rules or procedures of DTC and any agreement with any participant of DTC or any other securities intermediary through which that person holds its interest to receive or direct the delivery of any definitive security.
If definitive securities are issued in the limited circumstances described above, those securities may be transferred in whole or in part in denominations of any whole number of securities upon surrender of the definitive securities certificates together with the form of transfer endorsed on it, duly completed and executed at the specified office of a paying agent. If only part of a securities certificate is transferred, a new securities certificate representing the balance not transferred will be issued to the transferor within three business days after the paying agent receives the certificate. The new certificate representing the balance will be delivered to the transferor by uninsured post at the risk of the transferor, to the address of the transferor appearing in the records of the paying agent. The new certificate representing the securities that were transferred will be sent to the transferee within three business days after the paying agent receives the certificate transferred, by uninsured post at the risk of the holder entitled to the securities represented by the certificate, to the address specified in the form of transfer.
Governing Law
The Capital Securities and the subordinated indenture will be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York, except that the subordination provisions of the Capital Securities and the subordinated indenture will be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of England and Wales.
DESCRIPTION OF THE SENIOR DEBT SECURITIES
Our senior debt securities have been and will be issued under and governed by a document called a senior indenture, which we entered into on 14 April 2020 with Citibank, N.A., as senior trustee. The senior trustee has two main roles:
· first, the senior trustee can enforce the rights of holders of the senior debt securities against us if we default, subject to certain limitations on the extent to which the senior trustee acts on behalf of holders of the senior debt securities; and
· second, the senior trustee performs administrative duties for us, such as sending interest payments and notices to the holders of the senior debt securities.
As of 31 December 2020 we have issued one series of senior debt securities under Section 12 of the Exchange Act the 2020 Notes. The 2020 Notes were issued pursuant to the senior indenture, as supplemented by the first supplemental indenture dated as of 14 April 2020.
The senor indenture and its associated documents, including any supplemental indenture relating to a particular series of senior debt securities and the senior debt securities themselves, contain the full text of the matters summarized herein. The following description of the 2020 Notes is a summary and does not purport to be complete. This description is qualified in its entirety by reference, as applicable, to the senior indenture as so supplemented.
General
The senior indenture does not limit the aggregate principal amount of senior debt securities that we may issue thereunder. We may issue such securities under the senior indenture from time to time in one or more series. All senior debt securities of any one series need not be issued at the same time.
We issued $1,000,000,000 aggregate principal amount of the 2020 Notes on 14 April 2020. The 2020 Notes mature on 14 April 2030 and bear interest at a rate of 3.125% per annum. Interest on the 2020 Notes is payable semi-annually in arrears on 14 April and 14 October of each year, with such interest payments having commenced on 14 October 2020. As of 15 March 2021, $1,000,000,000 aggregate principal amount of the 2020 Notes was outstanding.
The Senior Trustee
Citibank, N.A. is senior trustee under the senior indenture. We and certain of our subsidiaries maintain deposit accounts and conduct other banking transactions with Citibank, N.A. in the ordinary course of our business.
Status of the 2020 Notes
The 2020 Notes constitute our direct unsubordinated and unsecured obligations, without any preference among themselves and will rank at least equally with all of our other unsecured and unsubordinated obligations. This ranking is subject to such exceptions as are from time to time applicable under the laws of the United Kingdom and to laws or legal procedures of general applicability relating to or affecting creditors rights.
So long as the 2020 Notes remain outstanding, we will not create or permit to exist any mortgage or charge upon the whole or any part of our undertaking or assets (other than assets representing the fund or funds we maintain in respect of long-term business (as defined in the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 of the United Kingdom)), present or future, to secure payment of any of our or our subsidiaries present or future relevant indebtedness, or to secure any guarantee or indemnity in respect thereof, without at the same time securing the 2020 Notes and all amounts payable under the senior indenture in respect thereof equally and ratably with the same security as is created or subsisting to secure any such relevant indebtedness, guarantee or indemnity, or such other security as shall be approved by the holders of at least 75% in principal amount of the outstanding 2020 Notes.
Defaults, Remedies and Waivers of Default
Defaults and Remedies
An event of default with respect to the 2020 Notes shall result if:
1. we do not pay any principal (or premium, if any) on the 2020 Notes on the due date for payment, or default is made on the payment of interest, and, in each case, such default continues for a period of 14 days from the due date for payment;
2. any covenant or warranty in the senior indenture (other than as stated above with respect to payments when due) has been breached in any material respect and that breach has not been remedied within 30 days of receipt by us of a written notice from the senior trustee, or receipt by us and the senior trustee of written notice of such breach from holders of at least 25% in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding 2020 Notes, requiring that the breach be remedied;
3. either a court of competent jurisdiction issues an order that is not successfully appealed within 30 days, or an effective shareholders resolution is validly adopted, for our winding up;
4. we stop or threaten to stop payments to creditors generally or we cease or threaten to cease to carry on our business or substantially the whole of our business (except for the purposes of, or in connection with, a reconstruction or amalgamation the terms of which have previously been approved in writing by the holders of at least 75% in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding 2020 Notes);
5. an encumbrancer takes possession or an administrative or other receiver or an administrator is appointed of the whole or any substantial part of our undertaking, property and assets, or if a distress or execution is levied or enforced upon or sued out against the whole or any substantial part of our chattels and, in the case of any of the foregoing events, is not discharged within 60 days;
6. we are unable to pay debts within the meaning of Section 123(2) of the Insolvency Act 1986 of the United Kingdom; or
7. our indebtedness for moneys borrowed (as defined below), which indebtedness in respect of any single company has an outstanding aggregate principal amount of at least £30,000,000 (or its equivalent in any other currency or currencies) is not paid on its due date as extended by any applicable grace period and following a demand therefor, or is declared to be or automatically becomes, due and payable prior to its stated maturity by reason of default or if any guarantee or indemnity in respect of indebtedness for moneys borrowed of any third party that we have given (having in respect of any single company an outstanding aggregate principal amount as aforesaid) is not honored when due and called upon and, in any such case, our liability to make payment is not being contested in good faith.
Indebtedness for moneys borrowed means the principal amount of (i) all moneys borrowed and (ii) all debentures (together in each case with any fixed or minimum premium payable on final redemption or repayment) that neither we nor any of our subsidiaries beneficially owns for the time being.
If an event of default occurs and is continuing, the senior trustee or the holders of at least 25% of the aggregate principal amount of the outstanding 2020 Notes may declare by a notice in writing to us (and to the senior trustee if given by the holders of the 2020 Notes):
· the entire principal amount of (including premium, if any, on) of all such 2020 Notes; and
· any accrued but unpaid interest payments thereon, to be due and payable immediately. This is called an acceleration of the maturity. If the maturity of the 2020 Notes has been accelerated, but a judgment for payment has not yet been obtained, the holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the 2020 Notes may, under certain circumstances, cancel the acceleration.
If an event of default occurs, the senior trustee will have certain additional duties. In that situation, the senior trustee will be obligated to use its rights and powers under the senior indenture, and to use the same degree of care and skill in its exercise of the rights and powers vested in it by the senior indenture, as a prudent person would exercise under the circumstances in the conduct of such persons own affairs.
The senior trustee will be under no obligation to exercise any of its rights or powers under the senior indenture at the request of any holder of 2020 Notes, unless such holder shall have offered to the senior trustee indemnity and/or security satisfactory to the senior trustee against any loss, liability or expense, and then only to the extent required by the terms of the senior indenture. Subject to these senior indenture provisions for the indemnification of the senior trustee, the holder(s) of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the 2020 Notes will, subject to certain limitations, have the right to direct the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding seeking any remedy available to the senior trustee.
Before holders are allowed to bypass the senior trustee and bring their own lawsuit or other formal legal action or take other steps to enforce their rights or protect their interests relating to the 2020 Notes, all of the following must generally occur:
· such holders must give the senior trustee written notice that an event of default has occurred, and the event of default must not have been cured or waived;
· holders of at least 25% of the aggregate principal amount of the 2020 Notes must make a written request that the senior trustee take action because of the event of default, and they or other holders must offer to the senior trustee indemnity and/or security satisfactory to the senior trustee against the cost and other liabilities of taking that action;
· the senior trustee must not have taken action for 60 days after the above steps have been taken; and
· during those 60 days, the holders of a majority of the aggregate principal amount of the outstanding 2020 Notes must not have given the senior trustee directions that are inconsistent with the written request of the holders of at least 25% of the aggregate principal amount of the 2020 Notes.
Notwithstanding these limitations, nothing will impair the right of a holder of the 2020 Notes to institute suit for the enforcement of payment of the principal of (and premium, if any, on) and interest, if any, on the 2020 Notes on or after its stated maturity.
The senior trustee will, within 90 days of a default with respect to the 2020 Notes, give to each holder notice of any default it knows about, unless the default has been cured or waived. However, except in the case of a default in the payment of the principal of (or premium, if any), or interest, if any, on the 2020 Notes, the senior trustee will be entitled to withhold such notice if it determines in good faith that withholding of the notice is in the interest of the holder(s) of the 2020 Notes.
We Will Give the Senior Trustee Information about Defaults Annually
We will furnish the senior trustee with an annual certificate of certain of our officers certifying, to the best of their knowledge, whether we are, or have been, in default and specifying the nature and status of any such default. In addition, we are required to provide the senior trustee with written notice within five days of our becoming aware of any event of default, or event that could mature into an event of default, under the senior indenture.
Waivers of Certain Defaults
The holders of not less than a majority in aggregate principal amount of the 2020 Notes may generally also waive any events of default. If this happens, the relevant event of default will be treated as if it had not occurred. No one, however, can waive defaults by us in the payment of the principal of (and premium, if any, on) and interest, if any, on the 2020 Notes or in respect of a covenant or a provision that under the senior indenture (together with any related amendments or supplements thereto) cannot be modified or amended without the consent of each holder of the 2020 Notes.
Consolidation, Merger and Sale or Lease of Assets
We may, without the consent of the holders of the 2020 Notes, consolidate with or merge into or transfer or lease our properties and assets substantially as an entirety, provided that any successor corporation formed by any such consolidation or merger or any such transferee or lessee of our assets is a corporation or other person organized and validly existing under the laws of a member country of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development that assumes our obligations on the 2020 Notes and the senior indenture, and a number of other conditions are met.
Note that any such conditions will apply only if we wish to merge or consolidate with another entity or sell our assets substantially as an entirety to another entity. We will not need to satisfy these conditions if we enter into other types of transactions, including any transaction in which we acquire the securities or assets or another entity, any transaction that involves a change of control of Prudential but in which we do not merge or consolidate, and any transaction in which we sell less than substantially all our assets.
Modifications
Under certain circumstances, we can make changes to the senior indenture and the 2020 Notes. The following three types of changes are possible.
Changes Requiring Approval by each Holder
The first type of change comprises changes that cannot be made without the specific approval of each holder of the 2020 Notes. These include changes that:
· change the stated maturity of the principal, any installment of principal or any interest on the 2020 Notes;
· reduce the rate or amount of any interest;
· reduce the principal or any premium payable on redemption;
· change the place of payment;
· change the right of holders to waive an existing default by majority vote;
· impair the right to sue for payment;
· reduce the percentage of holders who must consent to a waiver or amendment of the senior indenture or the waiver of defaults; and
· make any change to the list of changes that requires the approval of each holder, including the foregoing.
Changes Requiring Majority Approval
The second type of change comprises changes that require approval by the holders of more than 50% of the aggregate principal amount of the outstanding 2020 Notes. Most changes fall into this category, except for those described under Changes Requiring Approval by each Holder above and Changes Not Requiring Approval below.
Changes Not Requiring Approval
The third type of change does not require any approval by holders of the 2020 Notes. This type is limited to clarifications and other changes that would not adversely affect holders of the 2020 Notes in any material respect.
Waivers of Certain Covenants
Our obligations to comply with certain restrictive covenants in the senior indenture pertaining to corporate existence and maintenance of certain agencies or as pertain to the negative pledge covenant described above may be waived by holders of not less than a majority in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding 2020 Notes.
Notices
Notices to holders of the 2020 Notes in registered form will be given by mail to the addresses of such holders as they appear in the security register, or, in the case of the 2020 Notes held by a depositary, in accordance with the applicable procedures of the Depositary.
Consent to Service; Jurisdiction
We have appointed Jackson National Life Insurance Company at 1 Corporate Way, Lansing, Michigan 48951, as our authorized agent for service of process in any suit or proceeding to which we are party arising out of or relating
to the 2020 Notes or the senior indenture that may be instituted in any federal or state court in the Borough of Manhattan in New York City and have submitted to the jurisdiction of those courts. Notwithstanding the foregoing, actions relating to the 2020 Notes or the senior indenture may (subject to certain limitations) be instituted by the holder of the 2020 Notes in any competent court in England and Wales.
Legal Ownership and Form
The 2020 Notes are represented by one or more permanent global securities in fully registered form (the Global Notes). The Global Notes have been deposited with DTC, and registered in the name of a nominee of DTC in the form of a global certificate.
The Global Notes
DTC has advised us that pursuant to procedures established by it (i) DTC or its custodian has credited, on its internal system, the principal amount at maturity of the individual beneficial interests represented by such Global Notes to the respective accounts of persons who have accounts with such depositary and (ii) ownership of beneficial interests in the Global Notes are shown on, and the transfer of such ownership will be effected only through, records maintained by DTC or its nominee (with respect to interests of participants) and the records of participants (with respect to interests of persons other than participants). Ownership of beneficial interests in the Global Notes will be limited to persons who have accounts with DTC (participants) or persons who hold interests through participants. Holders may hold their interests in the Global Notes directly through DTC if they are participants in such system, or indirectly through organizations that are participants in such system.
So long as DTC, or its nominee, is the registered owner or holder of the 2020 Notes, DTC or such nominee, as the case may be, will be considered the sole owner or holder of the 2020 Notes represented by such Global Notes for all purposes under the senior indenture governing. No beneficial owner of an interest in the Global Notes will be able to transfer that interest except in accordance with DTCs procedures, in addition to those provided for under the senior indenture.
Payments of the principal of, premium, if any, and interest on, the Global Notes will be made to DTC or its nominee, as the case may be, as the registered owner of the Global Notes. None of we, the trustee or any paying agent under the senior indenture will have any responsibility or liability for any aspect of the records relating to or payments made on account of beneficial ownership interests in the Global Notes or for maintaining, supervising or reviewing any records relating to such beneficial ownership interest.
DTCs present practice is, upon receipt of any payment of principal, premium, if any, and interest on the Global Notes, to credit immediately participants accounts with payments in amounts proportionate to their respective beneficial interests in the principal amount of the Global Notes as shown on the records of DTC. Payments by participants to owners of beneficial interests in the Global Notes held through such participants will be governed by standing instructions and customary practice, as is now the case with securities held for the accounts of customers registered in the names of nominees for such customers. Such payments will be the responsibility of such participants.
Transfers between participants in DTC will be effected in the ordinary way through DTCs same-day funds system in accordance with DTC rules and will be settled in same-day funds. If a holder requires physical delivery of a certificated security for any reason, including to sell notes to persons in states which require physical delivery of the notes, or to pledge such securities, such holder must transfer its interest in a Global Note in accordance with the normal procedures of DTC and with the procedures set forth in the indenture governing the 2020 Notes.
DTC will take any action permitted to be taken by a holder of notes, including the presentation of notes for exchange as described below, only at the direction of one or more participants to whose account the DTC interests in the Global Notes are credited and only in respect of such portion of the aggregate principal amount of notes as to which such participant or participants has or have given such direction. However, if there is an event of default under the indenture governing the notes, DTC will exchange the Global Notes for certificated securities, which it will distribute to its participants.
Certificated Securities
A Global Note is exchangeable for certificated securities if: DTC (i) notifies us that it is unwilling or unable to continue as depositary for the Global Notes or (ii) has ceased to be a Clearing Agency registered under the Exchange Act and, in either case, a successor depositary is not appointed by us within 120 days.
In addition, beneficial interests in a Global Note may be exchanged for certificated securities upon prior written notice given to the trustee by or on behalf of DTC in accordance with the senior indenture. In all cases, certificated securities delivered in exchange for any Global Note or beneficial interests in Global Notes will be registered in the names, and issued in any approved denominations, requested by or on behalf of the depositary (in accordance with its customary procedures).
Governing Law
The senior indenture and the 2020 Notes are be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York.
Strictly Private & Confidential
[FULL NAME] [ADDRESS] [ADDRESS] [ADDRESS] |
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PRUDENTIAL PLC 1 ANGEL COURT LONDON EC2R 7AG
www.prudentialplc.com |
Dear
PRUDENTIAL PLC - LETTER OF APPOINTMENT AS CHAIR
I am delighted to confirm that the Board of Prudential plc (the Company) has agreed to appoint you as Chair and Chair of the Nomination & Governance Committee with effect from 1 January 2021. This letter supersedes your previous letter of appointment dated 21 April 2020 and sets out the main terms of your appointment. It is agreed that this is a contract for services subject to the Companys Articles of Association as amended from time to time, and does not constitute a contract of employment.
1. Appointment and Tenure
Your appointment as Non-executive Director and Chair remains subject to annual re-election by shareholders and any relevant regulatory approvals that may apply from time to time.
Continuation of your appointment will be contingent on satisfactory performance, in addition to re-election at forthcoming AGMs, and on any provisions relating to the removal of Directors, including any provisions set out in this letter and any additional provisions, both statutory and those contained in the Articles of Association.
Non-executive Directors are appointed on the understanding that they serve an initial term of three years and, subject to review by the Nomination & Governance Committee, a second term of three years. After six years of service, Non-executive Directors may be appointed for a further year, up to a maximum tenure of nine years from initial appointment, subject to annual review by the Nomination & Governance Committee. Good governance does not support the practice of serving longer than nine years on the Board as a Non-executive Director, including as Chair. Your maximum tenure and relevant milestones are as follows:
Date of
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End of first
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End of second
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End of additional
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Notice
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May 2020 |
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May 2023 |
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May 2026 |
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May 2027
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12 months |
Prudential plc, 1 Angel Court, London, EC2R 7AG.
Incorporated and registered in England and Wales. Registered Office as above. Registered number 1397169.
Prudential plc is a holding company, some of whose subsidiaries are authorised and regulated, as applicable, by the Hong Kong Insurance Authority and other regulatory authorities.
If you are not confirmed by the Nomination & Governance Committee to be a suitable candidate for re-election by shareholders, or you are not re-elected by shareholders, or you are retired from office under the Companys Articles of Association or any other statutory provisions or the terms of this letter, your appointment shall terminate automatically with immediate effect.
2. Fees, Shareholding and Dealing
2.1 Fees
You will be entitled to a fee for your services as Non-Executive Director and Chair of £765,000 per annum. No additional fees will be paid for any other duties you may perform as a Director of Prudential or any other company within the Prudential group.
This fee will be reviewed with effect from 1 July 2021 and annually thereafter. All fees are payable monthly in arrears, net of any tax and National Insurance contributions which the Company is required to deduct.
As Chair, you will not be entitled to participate in any of the Groups executive remuneration programmes or pension arrangements.
2.2 Shareholding
You are required to hold 2,500 qualification shares in Prudential plc, which must be purchased within a year of your initial election by shareholders and must be retained during the tenure of your office.
I would also like to make you aware of the Boards shareholding guidelines. As Chair, you will be required to hold shares with a value equivalent to one times your annual fee and you will be expected to attain this level of share ownership within five years of the date of your appointment as Chair.
I include details of these requirements for your reference but am aware that you currently hold shares with a value in excess of these levels.
2.3 Share Dealing
During your term in office you are a person discharging managerial responsibility under the Market Abuse Regulation, and are subject to Prudentials PDMR Dealing Rules, which can be found in the Board Reading Room on your iPad and are available from Group Secretariat on request. The rules incorporate all relevant obligations arising from the Companys listing in HK and the UK, as well as other relevant legislation. These are updated as required to reflect changes in legislation and regulations, and will provide you with the necessary guidance on the steps you need to take and other considerations relating to securities dealings.
If you have any questions on this please consult with the Company Secretary.
3. Duties, Committees and Time Commitment
3.1 Duties
Your duties as Chair will be assigned to you by the Board and will be consistent with the Terms of Reference for the role of Chair as approved by the Board. These Terms of Reference are regularly reviewed and refreshed.
As a Non-executive Chair, you shall have the same general legal responsibilities to the Company as any other Director. You are expected to perform your duties (whether statutory, fiduciary or common law) faithfully, diligently and to a standard commensurate with the functions of your role and your knowledge, skills and experience.
The Board as a whole is collectively responsible for the success of the Company. As a Director, you owe a fiduciary duty to the Company, which includes an obligation not to do anything that might bring it into disrepute. All Directors must act with integrity, lead by example and promote the culture desired by the Board.
A summary of responsibilities of Directors as applicable to the Company under current legislation is available in the Board Reading Room.
In addition to these general requirements of all Directors, the role of the Non-executive Director has the following key elements:
· Strategy. Non-executive Directors should constructively challenge, offer specialist advice and help develop proposals on strategy.
· Performance. Non-executive Directors should scrutinise and hold to account the performance of management and individual Executive Directors against agreed objectives and monitor the reporting of performance. This is achieved both at the Board and on a more individual level through the Remuneration Committee.
· Risk. Non-executive Directors should satisfy themselves of the integrity of financial information and that financial controls and systems of risk management are robust and defensible. This is achieved by escalating key issues to the Board either directly or via the Audit Committee. The Group Risk Committee also has an important role in this context.
· People. Non-executive Directors have a prime role in appointing, and where necessary removing, Executive Directors and in succession planning. In addition, they are responsible for determining appropriate levels of remuneration for Executive Directors. This business is mainly conducted via the Nomination & Governance Committee and the Remuneration Committee. Non-executive Directors also have a prime role in upholding high standards of integrity and probity and in supporting the other Directors in instilling the appropriate culture, values and behaviours in the boardroom and beyond.
Prudential plc is a holding company, some of whose subsidiaries are authorised and regulated, as applicable, by the Hong Kong Insurance Authority and other regulatory authorities. Directors are periodically briefed on their obligations arising from regulatory requirements.
3.2 Committees
With effect from 1 January 2021, you will also be appointed as Chair of the Nomination & Governance Committee. You will continue to be invited to attend meetings of the Audit, Risk and Remuneration Committees in your capacity as Chair.
3.3 Time Commitment
You will be expected to devote such time as is necessary for the proper performance of your duties. We would anticipate a time commitment of approximately three to four days per week. We currently schedule six Board meetings per year, and three of those are usually held in Hong Kong. In addition, the Board holds a two-day Board Strategy Day and visits to a major Business Unit in Asia are scheduled around at least one of the Board meetings held in Hong Kong.
You may be required to devote additional time to the Company in respect of preparation time and ad hoc matters which may arise and particularly when the Company is undergoing a period of increased activity, which could include additional meetings of the Board and Board Committees or shareholder meetings.
4. Benefits and Facilities
Please note that the arrangements and benefits described in this section are subject to periodic review by the Remuneration Committee. You will be responsible for any tax or National Insurance contributions due on the benefits provided to you.
4.1 Car and Office Facilities
The use of a chauffeur driven car will be made available to you.
You will be provided with an office and administrative support at the Companys Head Office at Angel Court as your principal place of work.
Both of these facilities will be provided on a full-time basis to cover all your commitments including those outside Prudential.
4.2 Life Assurance
The Company will provide life assurance cover of four times your annual fee plus an additional sum of four times your annual fee which would be used to purchase an annuity for any financial dependants. These benefits are subject to medical underwriting.
4.3 Medical Cover
The Company will arrange appropriate cover under the terms of its medical insurance scheme (subject to the rules of that scheme from time to time) to provide private health care for you, your spouse or cohabiting partner and any dependent children under 21 years of age. The Company reserves the right to request you to undergo a medical examination as a condition of providing cover.
5. Expenses
Directors are entitled to claim for business related expenses properly incurred by them in connection with their attendance at meetings of the Board or Committees of the Board, general meetings or otherwise in connection with the discharge of their duties. Documentary evidence of expenses incurred should be submitted to the Chair of the Remuneration Committee, for approval.
6. Induction, Evaluation and Professional Development
Following your appointment as Chair, the Company will provide you with such further induction to the role as may be appropriate.
The performance of individual Directors and the whole Board and its Committees is evaluated annually. As Chair you will lead this exercise. The evaluation of your performance as Chair will be led by me.
As a Director you are invited to appropriate educational and/or professional development programmes from time to time. The Company Secretary will consult each Director annually to ascertain their specific professional development needs. The Company has also provided you with briefings relevant to your duties as a Director when you joined the Board.
7. Conflicts of Interests, Independence and Disclosure Obligations
It is accepted and acknowledged that you have business interests other than those of the Company and we have discussed these and agreed that no conflicts of interest currently exist (other than any authorised by the Board).
In the event that you become aware of any future potential conflicts of interest, these should be disclosed to the Company Secretary as soon as apparent and also prior to accepting appointments. In certain circumstances, you may have to seek agreement from the Nomination & Governance Committee or the Board before accepting further commitments which might give rise to a conflict of interest or a conflict with any of your duties to the Company, or which might impact on the time you are able to devote to your role at the Company. In particular we would not wish our Directors to serve on the Boards of financial services competitors or for the Chair to take up an executive role or to become Chair of another public company.
The Board of the Company has determined that you were independent at the date of your appointment to the Board on 1 May 2020, according to the provisions of the UK Corporate Governance Code and Hong Kong Listing Rules, supported by your declaration of independence in relation to the Hong Kong Listing Rules, and you were identified as such in the annual report and other documentation.
The Company has an obligation to notify details of other directorships held by its Directors during the past five years to various regulators on an annual basis, together with non-statutory offices held in a professional capacity. Any changes in your external appointments, including non-statutory offices, should be notified to the Company Secretary on an ongoing basis. In particular, any changes in your directorships of other quoted companies worldwide need to be notified promptly, preferably the next business day, as the Company is required to announce this to various stock exchanges.
8. Wrongdoing
You will immediately report to the Board your own wrongdoing or the wrongdoing or proposed wrongdoing of any employee or Director of which you become aware.
9. Termination of Appointment
a. Other than as set out in paragraph (b) below, your appointment may be terminated by, and at the discretion of, either party upon twelve months written notice.
b. Notwithstanding the above paragraph (a), your appointment may be terminated with immediate effect if you:
(i) commit a material breach of your obligations under this letter; or
(ii) commit any serious or repeated breach or non-observance of your obligations to the Company (which include an obligation not to breach your duties to the Company, whether statutory, fiduciary or common-law); or
(iii) are guilty of any fraud or dishonesty or acted in a manner which, in the opinion of the Company acting reasonably, brings or is likely to bring you or the Company into disrepute or is materially adverse to the interests of the Company; or
(iv) are convicted of any arrestable criminal offence other than an offence under road traffic legislation in the UK or elsewhere for which a fine or non-custodial penalty is imposed; or
(v) are declared bankrupt or have made an arrangement with or for the benefit of your creditors; or
(vi) are disqualified from acting as a Director; or
(vii) cease to hold applicable regulatory status; or
(viii) do not comply with relevant Group policies including the Group Code of Conduct, the Anti-Money Laundering and Counter Terrorism Financing Policy, the Group Anti-Bribery and Corruption Policy, the Inside Information Policy and the PDMR Dealing Rules; or
(ix) you are not confirmed by the Nomination & Governance Committee to be a suitable candidate for re-election by shareholders; or
(x) you are not re-elected as a Director by shareholders; or
(xi) you are retired from office under the Companys Articles of Association.
On termination of your appointment you shall resign from your office as Director and Chair of the Company and of any offices you hold in any of the Companys Group companies. Upon termination you will not be entitled to any compensation, other than accrued pro-rata fees, and you shall also cease to be a member of any Committee of the Board. All records, documents, accounts, letters and papers of every description (including in particular Board and Committee agendas, minutes and papers) within your possession or control relating to the affairs and business of the Group are and will remain the property of the Company, and shall be returned to the Company forthwith on termination.
If matters arise which cause you concern about your role, you should discuss these matters with the Group Chief Executive or myself. If you have any concerns which cannot be resolved, and
you choose to resign for that, or any other reason, you should provide an appropriate written statement to the Group Chief Executive or myself for circulation to the Board.
10. Confidentiality
During your appointment you will have access to confidential information regarding the business and financial affairs of the Company and those of its subsidiaries, undertakings and affiliates. You must not, either during your appointment or afterwards, disclose to anyone or otherwise make use of this confidential information, except in the proper performance of your duties or as may be required by law or by any competent regulatory body. This does not apply, however, to any information already in the public domain.
You acknowledge the need to hold and retain Company information (in whatever format you may receive it) under appropriately secure conditions and in accordance with Company policy.
Your attention is also drawn to the requirements under both legislation and regulation as to the disclosure of price sensitive information. Consequently you should avoid making any statements that might risk a breach of these requirements without prior clearance from the Group Chief Executive or Company Secretary.
11. Data Protection
By signing this letter, you consent to the Company holding and processing information about you for legal, personnel, administrative and management purposes and in particular to the processing of any sensitive personal data (as defined in the Data Protection Act 2018, incorporating the General Data Protection Regulation) including, as appropriate:
(a) information about you that may be relevant to ensuring equality of opportunity and treatment in line with the Companys equal opportunities policy and in compliance with equal opportunities legislation; and
(b) information relating to any criminal proceedings in which you have been involved for insurance purposes and in order to comply with legal requirements and obligations to third parties.
You consent to the transfer of such personal information to other offices the Company may have or to a company in the Group or to other third parties, whether or not outside the European Economic Area, for administration purposes and other purposes in connection with your appointment, where it is necessary or desirable for the Company to do so.
You will comply at all times with the Companys data protection policy, a copy of which will be provided to you.
You will allow Group Security to carry out a security audit of your primary residence to ensure that the Companys data and property is safeguarded. The Company may cover the cost of any security equipment that it asks you to install.
12. Directors and Officers Protection
The Company has directors and officers liability insurance and it is intended to maintain such cover for the full term of your appointment.
The Company also provides you with indemnity cover for directors and officers liability within the limitations imposed by law. In addition, the Company will provide you with a limited indemnity for certain personal liabilities you may suffer in the course of your appointment, subject again to applicable statutory and other limitations, pursuant to the Companys constitutional documents or otherwise.
In addition, the Board has resolved to have a discretionary payments policy (subject to regular review), the existence of which Directors (executive and non-executive) and certain employees or members of the Prudential Group may rely on, to protect them from personal liability arising out of the bona fide performance of their duties on behalf of the Group.
13. Independent Professional Advice
Occasions may arise when you consider that you need professional advice in the furtherance of your duties as a Director, and it may be appropriate for you to seek advice from independent advisers at the Companys expense. This would normally be arranged through the Company Secretary. The Company will reimburse the full cost of expenditure incurred in accordance with the policy. Details of the agreed procedure under which Directors may obtain such independent advice will be provided to you.
14. Governing Law and Jurisdiction
This letter and any non-contractual obligations arising out of or in connection with it shall be governed by English law. The English courts have exclusive jurisdiction to settle any dispute arising in respect of it.
Yours sincerely
Senior Independent Director
For and on behalf of Prudential plc
Acknowledgement:
1. By signing this letter, I agree to its terms.
2. I acknowledge that this appointment letter does not constitute a contract of employment.
3. I confirm that by having accepted this appointment, I am able to allocate sufficient time to meet the demands of the role.
4. I confirm that I am not subject to any restrictions which prevent me from holding office as a Director.
Signed: |
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Dated: |
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EXECUTION VERSION
STOCKHOLDERS AGREEMENT
OF
JACKSON FINANCIAL INC.
dated as of July 17, 2020
TABLE OF CONTENTS
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ARTICLE I |
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DEFINITIONS |
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Section 1.1. |
Certain Defined Terms |
1 |
Section 1.2. |
Other Definitional Provisions |
8 |
Section 1.3. |
Methodology for Calculations |
8 |
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ARTICLE II |
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CORPORATE GOVERNANCE |
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Section 2.1. |
Board |
8 |
Section 2.2. |
Removal |
10 |
Section 2.3. |
Voting |
10 |
Section 2.4. |
Consent Rights |
10 |
Section 2.5. |
Financial Information |
12 |
Section 2.6. |
Termination of Rights Upon IPO |
12 |
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ARTICLE III |
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TRANSFERS |
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Section 3.1. |
Restrictions on Transfer |
13 |
Section 3.2. |
Right of First Refusal |
14 |
Section 3.3. |
Tag-Along Right |
16 |
Section 3.4. |
Drag-Along Right |
19 |
Section 3.5. |
IPO Cooperation |
21 |
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ARTICLE IV |
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EQUITY PURCHASE RIGHTS |
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Section 4.1. |
Equity Purchase Rights |
22 |
Section 4.2. |
Termination of Equity Purchase Rights |
23 |
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ARTICLE V |
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MISCELLANEOUS |
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Section 5.1. |
Certificate of Incorporation and By-Laws |
23 |
Section 5.2. |
Termination |
23 |
Section 5.3. |
Confidentiality |
23 |
Section 5.4. |
Amendments |
24 |
Section 5.5. |
Successors, Assigns and Transferees |
24 |
Section 5.6. |
Notices |
24 |
Section 5.7. |
Further Assurances |
26 |
Section 5.8. |
Entire Agreement; Third Party Beneficiaries |
26 |
Section 5.9. |
Restrictions on Other Agreements |
26 |
Section 5.10. |
Delays or Omissions |
27 |
Section 5.11. |
Governing Law; Submission to Jurisdiction; Waiver of Jury Trial |
27 |
Section 5.12. |
Specific Performance |
28 |
Section 5.13. |
Severability |
28 |
Section 5.14. |
Titles and Subtitles |
28 |
Section 5.15. |
No Recourse |
28 |
Section 5.16. |
Counterparts; Facsimile Signatures |
28 |
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ARTICLE VI |
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REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES |
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Section 6.1. |
Representations and Warranties of the Stockholders |
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THIS STOCKHOLDERS AGREEMENT (as amended, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, this Agreement) is entered as of July 17, 2020, by and among Jackson Financial Inc., a Delaware corporation (the Company), Prudential (US Holdco 1) Limited, a UK limited company (Parent), Athene Life Re Ltd., a Bermuda Class E insurer under the Bermuda Insurance Act 1978 (Kate Investor), and any Person who becomes a party hereto after the date hereof pursuant to Section 3.1(c) (each of the foregoing, excluding the Company, a Stockholder and collectively, the Stockholders).
RECITALS
WHEREAS, immediately prior to the date hereof, Parent owned all of the issued and outstanding capital stock of the Company;
WHEREAS, the Company (formerly, Brooke (Holdco1) Inc.) and Kate Investor have entered into an Investment Agreement, dated as of June 18, 2020 (as amended, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the Investment Agreement), pursuant to which the Company issued and sold to Kate Investor, and Kate Investor purchased from the Company (the Investment), eighty-seven (87) shares of the Companys Class A Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share (the Class A Common Stock) and thirteen (13) shares of the Companys Class B Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share (the Class B Common Stock);
WHEREAS, the Company and Kate Investor have entered into a Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of the date hereof (the Registration Rights Agreement), pursuant to which certain registration rights have been granted to Kate Investor, upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in the Registration Rights Agreement; and
WHEREAS, in connection with the Investment, the Company and the Stockholders desire to set forth certain terms and conditions regarding the ownership of Equity Securities, including certain restrictions on the Transfer of such securities, and the management of the Company and its Subsidiaries.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing recitals and of the mutual promises hereinafter set forth, the parties hereto agree as follows:
ARTICLE I
DEFINITIONS
SECTION 1.1. Certain Defined Terms. As used herein, the following terms shall have the following meanings:
Affiliate means, with respect to any specified Person, any other Person that, at the time of determination, directly or indirectly through one or more intermediaries, controls, is controlled by or is under common control with such specified Person; provided, that in no event shall (i) any pooled investment vehicle, fund, managed account or other client to which Apollo Global Management, Inc. or any of its respective Affiliates or Subsidiaries provides investment advice or otherwise serves in a fiduciary capacity or (ii) any portfolio company in which the
entities described in clause (i) directly or indirectly hold investments be deemed an Affiliate of Kate Investor.
Agreement has the meaning assigned to such term in the preamble.
beneficial owner or beneficially own has the meaning assigned such term in Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act, and a Persons beneficial ownership of Common Stock or other Equity Securities of the Company shall be calculated in accordance with the provisions of such Rule, but without taking into account any contractual restrictions or limitations on voting or other rights; provided, however, that for purposes of determining beneficial ownership, (i) a Person shall be deemed to be the beneficial owner of any security which may be acquired by such Person, whether within sixty (60) days or thereafter, upon the conversion, exchange or exercise of any warrants, options, rights or other securities and (ii) no Person shall be deemed to beneficially own any security solely as a result of such Persons execution of this Agreement.
Board means the Board of Directors of the Company.
Business Day means any day that is not a Saturday, Sunday or other day on which commercial banks in Lansing, Michigan or New York, New York are required or authorized by Law to remain closed.
By-Laws means the By-Laws of the Company, as amended from time to time.
CEO means the Chief Executive Officer of the Company in office from time to time.
Certificate of Incorporation means the Certificate of Incorporation of the Company, as amended from time to time.
Class A Common Stock has the meaning assigned to such term in the recitals.
Class B Common Stock has the meaning assigned to such term in the recitals.
Closing means the closing pursuant to the Investment Agreement.
Closing Date means July 17, 2020.
Code means the United States Internal Revenue Code of 1986.
Common Stock means the Companys common stock, par value $0.01 per share, including the Class A Common Stock and the Class B Common Stock.
Common Stock Equivalent means all options, warrants and other securities convertible into, or exchangeable or exercisable for (at any time or upon the occurrence of any event or contingency and without regard to any vesting or other conditions to which such securities may be subject) shares of Common Stock or other equity securities of the Company (including any notes or other debt securities convertible into or exchangeable for shares of Common Stock or other equity securities of the Company).
Company has the meaning assigned to such term in the preamble.
Competitor means the Persons listed on Schedule 1.1; provided that the Company shall be permitted to update Schedule 1.1 from time to time after the date hereof to add any Persons that the Board reasonably and in good faith determines have become competitors of the Company in the U. S. retirement product sector, in which case the updated Schedule 1.1 shall be deemed to replace the version of Schedule 1.1 then in effect with no consent or action required on behalf of any of the Stockholders.
control means, with respect to any Person, the power to direct or cause the direction of the management and policies of such Person, whether through the ownership of voting securities, by contract or otherwise. The terms controlled, controlled by, under common control with and controlling shall have correlative meanings.
DGCL means the Delaware General Corporation Law, as amended from time to time.
Director means any member of the Board.
Dragged Stockholder has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 3.4(a).
Drag-Along Notice has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 3.4(e).
Drag-Along Transaction has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 3.4(a).
Equity Securities means (i) any and all shares of Common Stock or other equity securities of the Company and (ii) any and all options, warrants and other securities convertible into, or exchangeable or exercisable for (at any time or upon the occurrence of any event or contingency and without regard to any vesting or other conditions to which such securities may be subject) such shares or other equity securities of the Company (including any notes or other debt securities convertible into or exchangeable for such shares or other equity securities of the Company).
Exchange Act means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.
Exiting Stockholder has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 3.4(a).
Fair Market Value means the fair market value of any specified securities or other assets as determined in good faith by the Board (or any committee authorized by the Board).
GAAP means generally accepted accounting principles, as in effect in the United States of America from time to time.
Governmental Body means any domestic or foreign government, including any foreign, federal, state, provincial, local, territorial or municipal government or any governmental division, agency or authority thereof, court or judicial authority, tribunal or commission.
Information means all information about the Company, any of its Subsidiaries or any Stockholder or Affiliate thereof that is or has been furnished to any Stockholder or any of its Representatives by or on behalf of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, or any of their respective Representatives, and any other information supplied by or relating to the Company, its Subsidiaries or any Stockholder in connection with the matters contemplated by the Investment Agreement or any other Transaction Agreement (in any such case, whether written or oral or in electronic or other form and whether prepared by the Company, its advisers or otherwise), together with all written or electronically stored documentation prepared by such Stockholder or its Representatives based on or reflecting, in whole or in part, such information; provided that the term Information does not include any information that (i) is or becomes generally available to the public through no action or omission by such Stockholder or its Representatives in violation of this Agreement, (ii) is or becomes available to such Stockholder on a non-confidential basis from a source, other than the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, or any of their respective Representatives, that to such Stockholders knowledge, is not prohibited from disclosing such portions to such Stockholder by a contractual, legal or fiduciary obligation, (iii) is independently developed by a Stockholder or its Representatives or Affiliates on its own behalf without use of any Information or (iv) is provided to Kate Investor or its Permitted Transferees or Affiliates in connection with the Kate Investors reinsurance agreement with Jackson National Life Insurance Company (which shall be governed by such reinsurance agreement).
Investment has the meaning assigned to such term in the recitals.
Investment Agreement has the meaning assigned to such term in the recitals.
IPO means a firm commitment underwritten public offering pursuant to an effective registration statement under the Securities Act, demerger, spin-off, split-off, direct listing, or other similar transaction that results in the public listing of any Equity Securities or any equity securities of a direct or indirect parent of the Company (other than Prudential plc).
Issuance Notice has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 4.1(b).
Kate Investment Vehicle means any investment fund, investment vehicle or holding company in which Athene Holding Ltd. or any of its Subsidiaries holds an economic interest and which investment fund, investment vehicle or holding company is primarily invested in insurance-related businesses.
Kate Investor has the meaning assigned to such term in the preamble.
Kate Observer has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 2.1(b).
Law means any foreign, federal, state or local law, statute, regulation, ordinance, rule, order, decree, judgment, consent decree or other binding directive issued, enacted, promulgated, entered into, agreed or imposed by any Governmental Body.
New Securities means any Equity Securities or any Subsidiary Equity Securities issued by the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company following the Closing, other than (i) Equity Securities or Subsidiary Equity Securities issued to employees or officers (including any Equity Securities or Subsidiary Equity Securities issued upon exercise of options) pursuant to a management incentive plan or any other stock option, employee stock purchase or similar equity-based plans (including the purchase of Common Stock by management stockholders (for the avoidance of doubt, other than Directors) following the Closing as part of a management offering made pursuant to Section 701 of the Securities Act or another exemption from registration under the Securities Act) approved by the Board, (ii) Equity Securities or Subsidiary Equity Securities issued solely as consideration for a bona fide third party acquisition, investment involving the purchase by the Company and its Subsidiaries of a ten percent (10%) or more interest in a third party, joint venture or similar transaction, in each case that is duly approved by the Board (or the applicable Subsidiarys board of directors or equivalent governing body), (iii) Equity Securities or Subsidiary Equity Securities issued pursuant to an IPO, (iv) Equity Securities or Subsidiary Equity Securities issued in connection with a pro rata stock split, stock dividend or similar transaction, (v) shares of Common Stock issued to Kate Investor or its Permitted Transferees, (vi) Equity Securities or Subsidiary Equity Securities issued upon the exercise or conversion of any Common Stock Equivalents (or the equivalent with respect to any Company Subsidiary) where such Common Stock Equivalents were the subject of an Issuance Notice under Section 4.1 and (vii) Subsidiary Equity Securities issued to the Company or another wholly owned Subsidiary of the Company.
Outstanding Capital Shares means, at any time, the total number of shares of Common Stock issued and outstanding as of such time.
Parent has the meaning assigned to such term in the preamble.
Permitted Transferee means, with respect to Kate Investor and its Permitted Transferees, (i) any Affiliate of Kate Investor and (ii) any Kate Investment Vehicle; provided that any such Transferee satisfies the conditions set forth in Section 3.1(c); provided, further, that in no event shall the Company or any of its Subsidiaries constitute a Permitted Transferee of Kate Investor or its Permitted Transferees.
Person means any natural person, partnership, limited liability company, corporation, joint stock company, trust, estate, joint venture, group, association or unincorporated organization or any other form of business or professional entity, but does not include a Governmental Body.
Preemptive Rights Recipients has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 4.1(a).
Pro Rata Portion means:
(i) for purposes of Section 3.3(c), with respect to the Tag-Along Participants in the aggregate or the Transferring Stockholder, the number of Equity Securities equal to the product of (A) the total number of Equity Securities to be Transferred to the proposed Transferee that the proposed Transferee has elected to
purchase and (B) the fraction determined by dividing (x) the total number of shares of Common Stock proposed to be Transferred by all of the Tag-Along Participants in the aggregate (up to the number of shares of Common Stock representing such Tag-Along Participants Tag-Along Percentage) or the Transferring Stockholder, as applicable, by (y) the total number of shares of Common Stock proposed to be Transferred by (1) all of the Tag-Along Participants who have delivered Tag-Along Acceptance Notices with respect to such shares of Common Stock in response to the particular Transfer Notice (up to the number of shares of Common Stock representing such Tag-Along Participants Tag-Along Percentage), (2) the Transferring Stockholder and (3) any employees of the Company or its Subsidiaries who are entitled to tag-along rights pursuant to the terms of any applicable equity award grant, management incentive plan or any management stockholder agreement with the Company, in each case that is approved by the Board, to which such employee is a party and who have elected to participate in such Transfer; and
(ii) for purposes of Section 4.1, with respect to the Preemptive Rights Recipients in the aggregate, on any date on which an allocation is made by the Company, the number of New Securities equal to the product of (A) the total number of New Securities being allocated and (B) the fraction determined by dividing (x) the number of Outstanding Capital Shares beneficially owned by all Preemptive Rights Recipients on the date on which such allocation is made by the Company by (y) the total number of Outstanding Capital Shares as of such date.
Purchase Offer has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 3.2(b).
Registration Rights Agreement has the meaning assigned to such term in the recitals.
Representatives means with respect to any Person, any of such Persons, or its Affiliates, directors, officers, employees, general partners, Affiliates, direct or indirect shareholders, members or limited partners, attorneys, accountants, financial and other advisers, and other agents and representatives.
ROFR Exercise Period has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 3.2(c).
ROFR Initiator has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 3.2(a).
ROFR Initiator Notice has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 3.2(b).
ROFR Notice has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 3.2(c).
ROFR Proposed Transfer has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 3.2(a).
SEC means the United States Securities and Exchange Commission.
Securities Act means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.
Stockholder has the meaning assigned to such term in the preamble.
Subsidiary of any Person means any corporation, general or limited partnership, joint venture, limited liability company, limited liability partnership or other Person that is a legal entity, trust or estate of which (or in which) at the time of determination (a) the issued and outstanding capital stock having ordinary voting power to elect a majority of the board of directors (or a majority of another body performing similar functions) of such corporation or other Person (irrespective of whether at the time capital stock of any other class or classes of such corporation or other Person shall or might have voting power upon the occurrence of any contingency), (b) more than fifty percent (50%) of the interest in the capital or profits of such partnership, joint venture or limited liability company or (c) more than fifty percent (50%) of the beneficial interest in such trust or estate, is directly or indirectly owned by such Person.
Subsidiary Equity Securities means (i) any and all shares of capital stock or other equity securities of any Subsidiary of the Company and (ii) any and all options, warrants and other securities convertible into, or exchangeable or exercisable for (at any time or upon the occurrence of any event or contingency and without regard to any vesting or other conditions to which such securities may be subject), such shares or other equity securities of such Subsidiary of the Company (including any notes or other debt securities convertible into or exchangeable for such shares or other equity securities of such Subsidiary of the Company).
Tag-Along Acceptance Notice has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 3.3(c).
Tag-Along Participants has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 3.3(a).
Tag-Along Percentage has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 3.3(c). Tag-Along Securities has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 3.3(b).
Tag-Along Transaction has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 3.3(a).
Third-Party Offeror has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 3.2(b).
Transaction Agreements means, collectively, this Agreement, the Investment Agreement and the Registration Rights Agreement.
Transfer means, directly or indirectly, to sell, transfer, assign, pledge, encumber, hypothecate or similarly dispose of, either voluntarily or involuntarily, or to enter into any contract, option or other arrangement or understanding with respect to the sale, transfer, assignment, pledge, encumbrance, hypothecation or similar disposition of, any shares of Equity Securities beneficially owned by a Person or any interest in any shares of Equity Securities beneficially owned by a Person. The noun Transfer has a meaning correlative to the foregoing.
Transfer Notice has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 3.3(b).
Transfer Price has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 3.2(b).
Transfer Shares has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 3.2(b).
Transferee means any Person to whom any Stockholder Transfers Equity Securities in accordance with the terms hereof.
Transferring Stockholder has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 3.3(a).
SECTION 1.2. Other Definitional Provisions. The words hereof, herein and hereunder and words of similar import when used in this Agreement shall refer to this Agreement as a whole and not to any particular provision of this Agreement, and Article and Section references are to this Agreement unless otherwise specified. The meanings given to terms defined herein shall be equally applicable to both the singular and plural forms of such terms. The use of the terms including or include shall in all cases herein mean including, without limitation or include, without limitation, respectively.
SECTION 1.3. Methodology for Calculations.
(a) Except as otherwise expressly provided herein, any Transfer or proposed Transfer of a Common Stock Equivalent shall be treated as a Transfer or proposed Transfer of the shares of Common Stock into or for which such Common Stock Equivalent can be converted, exchanged or exercised.
(b) Except as otherwise expressly provided in this Agreement, for purposes of calculating (i) the total number of Outstanding Capital Shares as of any date or (ii) the number of Outstanding Capital Shares owned by any Person hereunder as of any date, no Common Stock Equivalents shall be treated as having been converted, exchanged or exercised.
(c) In the event of any stock split, stock dividend, reverse stock split, any combination of Equity Securities or any similar event, with respect to all references in this Agreement to a Stockholder or Stockholders holding a number of Outstanding Capital Shares, the applicable amount shall be appropriately adjusted to give effect to such stock split, stock dividend, reverse stock split, any combination of the Equity Securities or similar event.
ARTICLE II
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
SECTION 2.1. Board.
(a) Board Composition. The total number of Directors constituting the full Board shall initially be nine (9). The initial composition of the Board shall be as follows:
(i) eight (8) Directors designated by the holders of Common Stock entitled to vote in the election of Directors, as a group, who initially shall be Axel André,
Bradley O. Harris, Kenneth H. Stewart, Aimee R. DeCamillo, Michael Wells, Mark FitzPatrick, James Turner and Adrian Parkes; and
(ii) the CEO, who initially shall be Michael Falcon.
(b) Observer Right. Subject to Section 2.1(c), for so long as Kate Investor (together with its Permitted Transferees) beneficially owns in the aggregate a number of Outstanding Capital Shares representing at least eight percent (8%) of the number of Outstanding Capital Shares on a fully diluted basis, Kate Investor shall have the right to designate one (1) individual (such designee or its replacement pursuant to this Article II, as applicable, the Kate Observer) to attend in person or join telephonically all meetings of the Board and the audit committee and risk committee thereof in a non-voting, observer capacity. The Kate Observer shall be given notice of all meetings of the Board, including all audit committee and risk committee meetings, in substantially the same manner and at substantially the same time as notice is sent to the members of the Board or such committee, as the case may be, and shall receive a copy of all notices, agendas and other material information distributed to all the members of the Board or such committee in substantially the same manner and at substantially the same time as sent to the members of the Board or such committee, as the case may be; provided, however, that such Kate Observer shall enter into a mutually acceptable customary confidentiality agreement with the Company with respect to all information so provided; provided further, that the Company reserves the right to withhold any information and to exclude any Kate Observer from the applicable portion of a meeting if the Companys general counsel determines in good faith that access to such information or attendance at such portion of the meeting would reasonably be expected to result in (A) a loss of an attorney-client privilege or attorney work product protection, (B) disclosure of trade secrets or competitively sensitive information relating to the Companys or a Company Subsidiarys business, or (C) a conflict of interest (including information or meetings with respect to any action to be taken, or any determination to be made, by the Board or a committee thereof regarding any dispute with Kate Investor (or any of its Permitted Transferees or Affiliates)); provided, further, that, with respect to clauses (A)-(C), the Company uses reasonable efforts, and cooperates in good faith with Kate Investor, to develop and implement reasonable alternative arrangements to provide Kate Investor with the intended benefits of this Section 2.1(b). Upon Kate Investor (together with its Permitted Transferees) ceasing to beneficially own in the aggregate a number of Outstanding Capital Shares representing at least eight percent (8%) of the number of Outstanding Capital Shares on a fully diluted basis, the Kate Observer shall immediately cease attending meetings of the Board and the audit committee and risk committee thereof, and all rights of Kate Investor and obligations of the Company and the Stockholders, in each case with respect to any Kate Observer pursuant to this Article II, shall terminate.
(c) Objection to Kate Observer. Notwithstanding the provisions of this Article II, Kate Investor shall not be entitled to designate a Kate Observer pursuant to Section 2.1(b) in the event that the Board reasonably determines that (i) such designation would cause the Company to not be in compliance with applicable Law, (ii) such designee is a director, officer, employee or Affiliate of, or an equityholder (directly or indirectly) of more than 5% of the ownership interests in, a Competitor of the Company and (iii) such designee comports himself of herself in a manner inconsistent with the reasonable standards of conduct imposed on all members of the Board. In any such case described in clause (i), (ii) or (iii) of the immediately
preceding sentence, Kate Investor shall withdraw the designation of such proposed designee and, subject to Section 2.1(b), shall be permitted to designate a replacement therefor (which replacement designee shall also be subject to the requirements of this Section 2.1(c)).
SECTION 2.2. Removal. Upon the written request of a majority-in-interest of the holders of Common Stock with respect to a Director designated by the holders of Common Stock, each Stockholder shall vote, or act by written consent with respect to, all Equity Securities beneficially owned by it that are entitled to vote in the election of Directors, and shall otherwise take or cause to be taken all actions necessary, to remove any Director designated by the holders of Common Stock pursuant to Section 2.1 and to elect any replacement Director designated.
SECTION 2.3. Voting. Subject to applicable Law, each of the Stockholders agrees to vote, or act by written consent with respect to, any Equity Securities beneficially owned by it that are entitled to vote in the election of Directors, at each annual or special meeting of stockholders of the Company at which Directors are to be elected, or to take all actions by written consent in lieu of any such meeting as are necessary, to cause any Directors designated in accordance with Section 2.1 to be elected to the Board. At each meeting of the stockholders of the Company and at every postponement or adjournment thereof, Kate Investor and its Permitted Transferees shall take such action (including by written consent) as may be required so that all of the shares of Common Stock beneficially owned, directly or indirectly, by such Person and entitled to vote at such meeting of stockholders of the Company are voted (i) in favor of each director nominated and recommended by the Board for election at any such meeting and (ii) against any stockholder nominations for director which are not approved and recommended by the Board for election. Kate Investor agrees to cause each share of Common Stock beneficially owned by it or its Permitted Transferees to be present in person or represented by proxy at all meetings (whether annual or special) of stockholders of the Company, so that all such shares of Common Stock shall be counted as present for determining the presence of a quorum at such meetings.
SECTION 2.4. Consent Rights. In addition to any vote or consent of the Board or the Stockholders required by applicable Law, the Certificate of Incorporation or the By-Laws, and notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement (but subject to Section 2.6), for so long as Kate Investor (together with its Permitted Transferees) beneficially owns at least five percent (5%) of the Outstanding Capital Shares, the Company shall not, and to the extent applicable, shall not permit any Subsidiary of the Company to, take any of the following actions (or enter into any agreement or contract to take any of the following actions), without the prior written consent of Kate Investor:
(a) amend or otherwise modify any provision of the Certificate of Incorporation or the By-Laws (whether by amendment, or through merger, recapitalization, consolidation or otherwise) in a manner that adversely and disproportionately affects Kate Investor or its Permitted Transferees;
(b) enter into any transaction or arrangement between the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, on the one hand, and any Affiliate of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries (and such Affiliate is not otherwise a Subsidiary of the Company), on the other hand, other than any transaction or arrangement that is on terms that are not materially less favorable to the
Company or such Subsidiary than those that would have been obtained in a comparable transaction entered into with an unaffiliated third party that are reasonably determined to be on an arms-length basis; provided that this Section 2.4(b) shall not apply to (1) the entering into, maintaining or performance of instruments or agreements related to or in connection with an IPO that are customary in form and substance with similar instruments or agreements entered into in connection with SEC-registered initial public offerings of U.S.-based subsidiaries by non-U.S. parent companies, and that are either (A) continuations or extensions of, or immaterial modifications to, existing instruments or agreements in effect on the date of this Agreement or (B) new instruments or agreements entered into on terms that are fair and reasonable to the Company and its Subsidiaries in all material respects, (2) the entering into, maintaining or performance of any customary transition services agreement related to or in connection with an IPO as long as the charges for any service thereunder will not be any higher than a cost plus 5% basis or (3) the transactions set forth on Schedule 2.4;
(c) make any payments (including in respect of existing debt or equity (other than Common Stock dividends in which Kate Investor and its Permitted Transferees participate on a pro rata basis)) to any Affiliate of the Company (other than the Company or any of its Subsidiaries), other than any payment that (x) is on terms that are not materially less favorable to the Company or such Subsidiary than those that would have been obtained for a comparable payment to an unaffiliated third party that are reasonably determined to be on an arms-length basis; provided that this Section 2.4(c) shall not apply to (1) payments under any instruments or agreements related to or in connection with an IPO that are customary in form and substance with similar instruments or agreements entered into in connection with SEC-registered initial public offerings of U.S.-based subsidiaries by non-U.S. parent companies, and that are either (A) continuations or extensions of, or immaterial modifications to, existing instruments or agreements in effect on the date of this Agreement or (B) new instruments or agreements entered into on terms that are fair and reasonable to the Company and its Subsidiaries in all material respects, (2) payments under any customary transition services agreement related to or in connection with an IPO as long as the charges for any service thereunder will not be any higher than a cost plus 5% basis or (3) the payments set forth on Schedule 2.4; provided, further, that in no event shall consent from Kate Investor be required under both Section 2.4(b) and this Section 2.4(c).
(d) issue any new class of securities, recapitalize or effect any similar event unless all holders of Common Stock are affected equally on a pro rata basis;
(e) issue any shares of Class B Common Stock or securities convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for shares of Class B Common Stock other than to Kate Investor or its Permitted Transferees;
(f) enter into an agreement for or consummate a merger or other business combination in which any holders of Common Stock Equivalents receive any consideration that is not shared equally and on a pro rata basis with all holders of Common Stock; or
(g) commence any plan of voluntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Company or file any voluntary petition for bankruptcy, receivership or any similar
proceeding for the Company or any Significant Subsidiary (as defined in the Debt Financing Documents).
SECTION 2.5. Financial Information. The Company shall deliver or cause to be delivered the following information to Kate Investor for so long as it and its Permitted Transferees beneficially own in the aggregate at least five percent (5%) of the Outstanding Capital Shares:
(a) Quarterly Reports. As soon as available after the end of the first, second and third quarterly accounting periods in each fiscal year of the Company, and in any event within forty-five (45) days thereafter, an unaudited consolidated balance sheet of the Company and its Subsidiaries as of the end of each such quarterly period, and the related consolidated statements of operations, stockholders equity and cash flows of the Company and its Subsidiaries for such quarterly period and for the current fiscal year to date, prepared in accordance with GAAP consistently applied (subject to normal year-end audit adjustments and the absence of notes thereto);
(b) Annual Reports. As soon as available after the end of each fiscal year of the Company, and in any event within ninety (90) days thereafter, an audited consolidated balance sheet of the Company and its Subsidiaries as of the end of such fiscal year, and the related consolidated statements of operations, stockholders equity and cash flows of the Company and its Subsidiaries for such fiscal year, prepared in accordance with GAAP consistently applied, and accompanied by the reports thereon of the Companys independent auditors;
(c) Other Requested Information. With reasonable promptness upon the reasonable request of Kate Investor, such other information and data (including such information and reports made available to any lender of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries under the Debt Financing Documents) with respect to the Company and each of its Subsidiaries as may be necessary (i) for Kate Investor or its Permitted Transferees to monitor its investment in the Company or (ii) to enable Kate Investor or its Permitted Transferees to comply with their respective reporting, regulatory or other legal requirements; provided, that notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company shall not be required to provide any such information if the Company reasonably determines in good faith, based on the advice of internal or outside counsel, that (A) such information is competitively sensitive information relating to the Companys or any Company Subsidiarys business or (B) providing such information (1) would reasonably be expected to result in a loss of an attorney-client privilege or a loss of attorney work product protection or (2) would violate any applicable Law; provided, further, that, with respect to clauses (A) and (B), the Company uses reasonable efforts, and cooperates in good faith with Kate Investor, to develop and implement reasonable alternative arrangements to provide Kate Investor with the intended benefits of this Section 2.5(c) to the fullest extent practicable under the circumstances.
SECTION 2.6. Termination of Rights Upon IPO. All rights and obligations of the Stockholders and the Company under this Article II shall terminate automatically upon the consummation of an IPO.
ARTICLE III
TRANSFERS
SECTION 3.1. Restrictions on Transfer.
(a) General. No Stockholder may Transfer any of its Equity Securities except in compliance with applicable federal (including the Securities Act) and state securities Laws and all applicable provisions of this Agreement. Any Transfer or attempted Transfer of Equity Securities in violation of any provision of this Agreement shall be null and void ab initio, and the Company shall not, and shall instruct its transfer agent and other third parties not to, record or recognize any such purported transaction on the share register or other books and records of the Company. The approval of any Transfer in any one or more instances shall not limit or waive the requirement for such approval in any other or future instance. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, neither Kate Investor nor any of its Permitted Transferees may Transfer any Equity Securities to any Competitor (other than a Transfer (i) in a Tag-Along Transaction or (ii) in a Drag-Along Transaction).
(b) Lock-Up. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, prior to the fifth (5th) anniversary of the Closing Date, neither Kate Investor nor any of its Permitted Transferees may Transfer any Equity Securities to any Person (other than a Transfer (i) to a Permitted Transferee, (ii) in a Tag-Along Transaction, (iii) in a Drag-Along Transaction or (iv) to the Company or any of its Subsidiaries (including by way of surrender, repurchase or redemption) pursuant to this Agreement).
(c) Conditions to Permitted Transfers. From and after the date of this Agreement, it shall be a condition precedent to any Transfer to any Person of any Equity Securities otherwise permitted under this Agreement (including any Transfer to a Permitted Transferee) that the Transferee (i) if not already party to this Agreement, become a party to this Agreement by executing and delivering a joinder agreement hereto, in form and substance reasonably acceptable to the Company, in which such Transferee agrees to be subject to all covenants and agreements of the Stockholder Transferring such Equity Securities under this Agreement and (ii) execute, in its capacity as a Stockholder, all other agreements in effect immediately prior to the consummation of the Transfer binding on the Company or Parent, on the one hand, and each Stockholder or its Permitted Transferees or Affiliates, in its capacity as a Stockholder, on the other hand. Such Transferee shall, upon satisfaction of such conditions to the reasonable satisfaction of the Company, and its acquisition of Equity Securities, be a Stockholder for all purposes under this Agreement.
(d) Legends; Securities Law Compliance. In the event that the Equity Securities are represented by certificates, each certificate representing the Equity Securities owned by any Stockholder shall bear the following legends:
(i) THE SECURITIES REPRESENTED BY THIS CERTIFICATE HAVE NOT BEEN REGISTERED PURSUANT TO AN EFFECTIVE REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED, AND MAY NOT BE TRANSFERRED, SOLD, PLEDGED,
HYPOTHECATED OR OTHERWISE DISPOSED OF UNLESS (X) (A) SUCH DISPOSITION IS PURSUANT TO AN EFFECTIVE REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED, (B) THE HOLDER HEREOF SHALL, IF REQUESTED BY THE COMPANY, HAVE DELIVERED TO THE COMPANY AN OPINION OF COUNSEL, WHICH OPINION AND COUNSEL SHALL BE REASONABLY SATISFACTORY TO THE COMPANY, TO THE EFFECT THAT SUCH DISPOSITION IS EXEMPT FROM THE PROVISIONS OF SECTION 5 OF SUCH ACT OR (C) A NO-ACTION LETTER FROM THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION, REASONABLY SATISFACTORY TO COUNSEL FOR THE COMPANY, SHALL HAVE BEEN OBTAINED WITH RESPECT TO SUCH DISPOSITION AND (Y) SUCH DISPOSITION IS PURSUANT TO REGISTRATION UNDER ANY APPLICABLE STATE SECURITIES LAWS OR AN EXEMPTION THEREFROM.
(ii) THE SECURITIES REPRESENTED BY THIS CERTIFICATE ARE SUBJECT TO TRANSFER, VOTING AND OTHER RESTRICTIONS SET FORTH IN A STOCKHOLDERS AGREEMENT, DATED AS OF JULY 17, 2020 (AS IT MAY BE AMENDED), AMONG THE COMPANY AND THE OTHER PARTIES THERETO, COPIES OF WHICH ARE ON FILE WITH THE COMPANY.
In addition, certificates representing Equity Securities shall bear any legends required by applicable state Law. The requirement that the legends required by this Section 3.1(d) be placed upon certificates representing Equity Securities shall cease and terminate at such time as they are no longer required for purposes of applicable securities Law; provided that the Company may condition replacement of a certificate for a certificate not bearing such legends upon the receipt of an opinion of securities counsel reasonably satisfactory to the Company. Prior to an IPO, neither Kate Investor nor any of its Permitted Transferees shall Transfer Equity Securities if such Transfer would result in the Company becoming subject to the reporting requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act (or other similar provision of non-U. S. Law) as determined by the Company in its sole and absolute discretion.
(e) Expiration Upon an IPO. The provisions of this Section 3.1 shall terminate upon the consummation of an IPO.
SECTION 3.2. Right of First Refusal.
(a) General. Subject to the terms and conditions of this Section 3.2, following the fifth (5th) anniversary of the Closing Date, the Company and Parent shall have a right of first refusal if any other Stockholder (each, a ROFR Initiator) proposes to Transfer to any Person any Equity Securities owned by it, other than (i) to Permitted Transferees, in the case of Kate Investor or its Permitted Transferees, or Affiliates, in the case of any other Stockholder, (ii) as a Tag-Along Participant pursuant to Section 3.3 or as a Dragged Stockholder pursuant to Section 3.4, (iii) to the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or Parent or (iv) in connection with an IPO as part of such registered offering (each such proposed Transfer, a ROFR Proposed Transfer).
(b) ROFR Initiation Notice. Each time a ROFR Initiator proposes to make a ROFR Proposed Transfer of any Equity Securities owned by it (the Transfer Shares), the ROFR Initiator shall give a written notice (the ROFR Initiator Notice) to the Company and Parent, specifying the number of Transfer Shares and containing an irrevocable offer to Transfer the Transfer Shares to the Company or Parent (at the Company and Parents option) at the price, and upon the other material terms and conditions, specified in the ROFR Initiator Notice (the Transfer Price). The Transfer Price shall be equal to the price offered (the Purchase Offer) to the ROFR Initiator by a bona fide third-party offeror (the Third-Party Offeror), the identity of which shall be specified in the ROFR Initiator Notice. If the Purchase Offer is contained in a written proposal, a copy of such written proposal shall be provided with the ROFR Initiator Notice. The Company and Parent shall treat as confidential the ROFR Initiator Notice, the information contained therein and any written proposal provided in connection therewith.
(c) Exercise of ROFR. Within thirty (30) Business Days after receipt of the ROFR Initiator Notice (the ROFR Exercise Period), the Company or Parent may exercise the right of first refusal under Section 3.2(a) by giving a written notice to the ROFR Initiator (a ROFR Notice), which notice shall specify that the Company or Parent, as applicable, wishes to purchase all (but not less than all) of the Transfer Shares for the Transfer Price. Any ROFR Notice shall upon delivery become binding on the Company or Parent, as applicable, and shall become irrevocable without the necessity of any acceptance thereof by the ROFR Initiator. The Company or Parents, as applicable, failure to timely deliver a valid ROFR Notice shall be deemed an election by such party not to purchase the Transfer Shares.
(d) Closing of ROFR Purchase. The closing of any purchase of the Transfer Shares by the Company or Parent, as applicable, pursuant to this Section 3.2 shall be subject to receipt of applicable regulatory approvals, if any. Such closing shall be held at a location to be designated by the Company or Parent, as applicable, on a Business Day to be chosen by the Company or Parent, as applicable, which shall not be later than sixty (60) Business Days after the delivery of the ROFR Notice pursuant to Section 3.2(c) (or as promptly as practicable thereafter if regulatory approvals are required and not obtained prior to such date). Upon the consummation of the purchase by the Company or Parent, as applicable, of the Transfer Shares pursuant to this Section 3.2 and delivery by the ROFR Initiator of the duly endorsed certificate or certificates representing the Transfer Shares (which Transfer Shares shall be delivered free and clear of any liens or encumbrances other than those existing under applicable securities Laws and pursuant to this Agreement and the Registration Rights Agreement), together with a stock power duly executed in blank, the Company or Parent, as applicable, shall remit directly to the ROFR Initiator, by wire transfer of immediately available funds, the consideration for the Transfer Shares.
(e) Permitted Sale to Third Party Offeror. If, at the end of the ROFR Exercise Period, neither the Company nor Parent has delivered to the ROFR Initiator an effective ROFR Notice, then the ROFR Initiator shall have sixty (60) Business Days after the expiration of the ROFR Exercise Period (or such longer period as may be required if regulatory approvals are required and not obtained prior to such date) during which to Transfer all (but not less than all) of the Transfer Shares to the Third-Party Offeror, at a price not lower than the Transfer Price and on terms no more favorable to the Third-Party Offeror in all material respects than those contained in the ROFR Initiator Notice (other than with respect to the addition of representations
and warranties and corresponding indemnification protection). If, at the end of such sixty (60)-Business Day period (or such longer period as may be required if regulatory approvals are required and not obtained prior to such date), the ROFR Initiator has not completed the Transfer of the Transfer Shares to the Third-Party Offeror, the ROFR Initiator shall no longer be permitted to Transfer the Transfer Shares to the Third-Party Offeror or any other Person without again complying with the requirements of this Section 3.2; provided, however, that if the ROFR Initiator determines at any time within such sixty (60)-Business Day period that the Transfer of the Transfer Shares to the Third-Party Offeror at a price not lower than the Transfer Price and on terms no more favorable to the Third-Party Offeror in all material respects than those contained in the ROFR Initiator Notice (other than with respect to the addition of representations and warranties and corresponding indemnification protection) is impractical, the ROFR Initiator may terminate all attempts to Transfer the Transfer Shares and recommence the procedures described in this Section 3.2 prior to the expiration of such sixty (60)-Business Day period by delivering a written notice thereof to the Company and Parent.
(f) Termination of ROFR. The rights set forth in this Section 3.2 shall terminate upon the consummation of an IPO.
SECTION 3.3. Tag-Along Right.
(a) General. In the event of a proposed Transfer of Equity Securities by Parent (the Transferring Stockholder) to any Person (other than Transfers (i) to Affiliates, (ii) in connection with an IPO as a part of such registered offering or (iii) pursuant to a Drag-Along Transaction), each of Kate Investor and its Permitted Transferees (each, a Tag-Along Participant) shall have the right to participate in such proposed Transfer in the manner set forth in this Section 3.3 (a Tag-Along Transaction).
(b) Required Tag-Along Notice. Prior to any such Transfer described in Section 3.3(a), the Transferring Stockholder shall deliver to the potential Tag-Along Participants and the Company written notice (the Transfer Notice), which notice shall state (i) the name of the proposed Transferee, (ii) the number and form of Equity Securities proposed to be Transferred (the Tag-Along Securities) (including a calculation of the number of shares of Common Stock underlying any Tag-Along Securities to the extent not shares of Common Stock), (iii) the proposed purchase price therefor, including a description of any non-cash consideration, and (iv) a summary of the other material terms and conditions of the proposed Transfer, including the proposed Transfer date (which date may not be less than thirty (30) days after delivery of the Transfer Notice).
(c) Exercise of Tag-Along Right. The Tag-Along Participants may, subject to the limitations set forth in this Section 3.3(c), in the aggregate Transfer to the proposed Transferee identified in the Transfer Notice up to a percentage (the Tag-Along Percentage) of the Tag-Along Participants aggregate beneficial ownership of Equity Securities equal to the percentage of the Equity Securities beneficially owned by the Transferring Stockholder represented by the number of Tag-Along Securities set forth in the Transfer Notice by giving written notice (the Tag-Along Acceptance Notice) to the Transferring Stockholder and the Company (who shall forward such notice to the other Tag-Along Participants within two (2) Business Days of the Companys receipt of such notice) within fifteen (15) Business Days after
receipt of the Transfer Notice, stating that such Tag-Along Participant elects to exercise its tag-along right under this Section 3.3 and stating the maximum number of Equity Securities sought to be Transferred by such Tag-Along Participant; provided that in the event the Tag-Along Participants in the aggregate seek to sell more Equity Securities than are permitted by this Section 3.3(c) then the amount to be sold shall be allocated among the Tag-Along Participants on a pro rata basis based upon the number of Equity Securities beneficially owned by each or in such other manner as may be mutually agreed by the participating Tag-Along Participants. Each Tag-Along Participant shall be deemed to have waived its tag-along right hereunder if it fails to give the Tag-Along Acceptance Notice within the prescribed time period. The proposed Transferee of Tag-Along Securities will not be obligated to purchase a number of Equity Securities exceeding that set forth in the Transfer Notice, and in the event such Transferee elects to purchase less than all of the additional Equity Securities sought to be Transferred by the Tag-Along Participants, the number of Equity Securities to be Transferred by the Transferring Stockholder shall be reduced to the Transferring Stockholders Pro Rata Portion and the number of Equity Securities to be Transferred by the Tag-Along Participants in the aggregate shall be reduced to the Tag-Along Participants aggregate Pro Rata Portion.
(d) Delivery of Securities. A Tag-Along Participant, in exercising its tag-along right hereunder, shall deliver to the Transferring Stockholder at the closing of the Transfer of the Transferring Stockholders Tag-Along Securities to the Transferee certificates representing the Tag-Along Securities to be Transferred by such holder (free and clear of any liens or encumbrances other than those existing under applicable securities Laws and pursuant to this Agreement and the Registration Rights Agreement), duly endorsed for transfer or accompanied by stock powers duly executed, in either case executed in blank or in favor of the applicable purchaser against payment of the aggregate purchase price therefor by wire transfer of immediately available funds. The shares of Class B Common Stock held by Kate Investor or its Permitted Transferees subject to the Tag-Along Transaction shall convert into Class A Common Stock on a 1:1 basis immediately prior to such Tag-Along Transaction.
(e) Consideration; Representations; No Liability. In connection with any Tag-Along Transaction, all Tag-Along Participants who participate in such transaction shall be obligated, if applicable, to vote (or consent in writing, as the case may be) all Equity Securities with voting rights held by them in favor of any Tag-Along Transaction and shall execute all documents, including a sale or purchase agreement, reasonably requested by the Company or the Transferring Stockholder containing the terms and conditions of the Tag-Along Transaction; provided that each Tag-Along Participant shall agree to make customary representations, and shall agree to customary covenants, indemnities and agreements so long as they are made severally and not jointly; provided, further, that (i) any general indemnity given by the Transferring Stockholder to the Transferee in connection with such sale that is applicable to liabilities not specific to the Transferring Stockholder, shall be apportioned among the Tag-Along Participants and the Transferring Stockholder on a pro rata basis, based on the consideration received by each such Stockholder in respect of its Equity Securities to be Transferred and shall not exceed such Stockholders net proceeds from the sale, (ii) any representation relating specifically to a Stockholder or its ownership of the Equity Securities to be Transferred shall be made only by such Stockholder and (iii) in no event shall any Tag-Along Participant be obligated to agree to any non-competition covenant, employee non-solicit covenant or other similar agreement restricting the business operations of such Tag-Along
Participant or its Affiliates as a condition to participating in such Tag-Along Transaction. Each Tag-Along Participant and the Transferring Stockholder shall receive consideration in the same form and per share amount (on a per Common Stock equivalent basis) after deduction of such Stockholders proportionate share of the related expenses (to the extent such expenses are not borne by the Company or the Transferee); provided, however, that if the Transferring Stockholder is given an option as to the form and amount of consideration to be received, all Tag-Along Participants will be given the same option. The proposed closing of the Tag-Along Transaction may be extended beyond the date described in the Transfer Notice to the extent necessary to obtain required governmental approvals and other required third-party approvals and the Company and the Transferring Stockholders shall use their respective reasonable best efforts to obtain such approvals. The Transferring Stockholder shall, in its sole discretion, decide whether or not to pursue, consummate, postpone or abandon any proposed Tag-Along Transaction subject to this Section 3.3 and the terms and conditions thereof. No Stockholder or Affiliate of a Stockholder shall have any liability to any other Stockholder or the Company arising from, relating to or in connection with the pursuit, consummation, postponement, abandonment or terms and conditions of any proposed Tag-Along Transaction subject to this Section 3.3 except to the extent such Stockholder shall have failed to comply with the provisions of this Section 3.3. In addition, no Tag-Along Participant participating in a Tag-Along Transaction shall exercise any rights of appraisal or dissenters rights that such Tag-Along Participant may have (whether under applicable Law or otherwise) in connection with any proposed Tag-Along Transaction.
(f) Fees and Expenses. The fees and expenses incurred in connection with a Tag-Along Transaction and for the benefit of all Stockholders (it being understood that costs incurred by or on behalf of a Stockholder for his, her or its sole benefit will not be considered to be for the benefit of all Stockholders), to the extent not paid or reimbursed by the Company or the Transferee, shall be shared by all Tag-Along Participants and the Transferring Stockholder on a pro rata basis, based on the consideration received by each such Stockholder in respect of its Equity Securities to be Transferred; provided that no such Tag-Along Participant shall be obligated to make any out-of-pocket expenditure in respect of such fees or expenses prior to the consummation of the such Tag-Along Transaction (excluding de minimis expenditures).
(g) Satisfaction of Tag-Along Obligations After Sale. Notwithstanding the foregoing requirements of this Section 3.3, the Transferring Stockholder may satisfy its obligations under this Section 3.3 by proceeding with the Transfer of the Tag-Along Securities and, after the closing of such Transfer, acquiring (or causing the proposed Transferee to acquire) the Equity Securities that each electing Tag-Along Participant was otherwise entitled to sell under this Section 3.3 on the same terms and conditions as the Transfer by the Transferring Stockholder of such Tag-Along Securities (for the avoidance of doubt, including with respect to indemnification, but for the benefit of the Transferring Stockholder, such as to put each of the Transferring Stockholder and Tag-Along Participants in substantially the same position as if the sale had been made by the Tag-Along Participants directly to the Transferee).
(h) Termination of Tag-Along Right. The rights set forth in this Section 3.3 shall terminate upon the consummation of an IPO.
SECTION 3.4. Drag-Along Right.
(a) General. If Parent (the Exiting Stockholder) proposes to Transfer all of its Outstanding Capital Shares to any Person in a transaction or series of transactions (other than Transfers (i) to Affiliates, (ii) in connection with an IPO as a part of such registered offering or (iii) pursuant to a Tag-Along Transaction), where such Outstanding Capital Shares held by the Exiting Stockholder constitutes more than fifty percent (50%) of the total number of Outstanding Capital Shares, then each other Stockholder (each, a Dragged Stockholder) shall be required to Transfer all of its Equity Securities in accordance with this Section 3.4 (a Drag-Along Transaction); provided that the proceeds and other rights received in respect of such Drag-Along Transaction shall be shared by all Dragged Stockholders and the Exiting Stockholder on a pro rata basis, based on the number of Outstanding Capital Shares Transferred by each Stockholder in such Drag-Along Transaction.
(b) Terms of Drag-Along Transaction. The terms and conditions of such Drag-Along Transaction applicable to the Dragged Stockholders shall be the same as those upon which the Exiting Stockholder sells its Equity Securities in the Drag-Along Transaction. In connection with the Drag-Along Transaction, each Dragged Stockholder shall agree to make or agree to the same customary representations, covenants, indemnities and agreements as the Exiting Stockholder, so long as they are made severally and not jointly and the liabilities thereunder are borne on a pro rata basis, based on the consideration to be received by each Stockholder in such Drag-Along Transaction; provided, however, that (i) any general indemnity given by the Exiting Stockholder to the purchaser in connection with such sale that is applicable to liabilities not specific to the Exiting Stockholder shall be apportioned among the Dragged Stockholders and the Exiting Stockholder according to the consideration received by each Dragged Stockholder and the Exiting Stockholder in such Drag-Along Transaction and shall not (together with any other indemnities to be provided by such Stockholder in such Drag-Along Transaction, including those described in clause (ii) below) exceed such Stockholders net proceeds from the sale, (ii) any representation relating specifically to a Dragged Stockholder shall be made only by that Dragged Stockholder, and any indemnity given with respect to such representation shall be given only by such Dragged Stockholder and (iii) in no event shall any Dragged Stockholder be obligated to agree to any non-competition covenant, employee non-solicit covenant or other similar agreement restricting the business operations of the Dragged Stockholder or its Affiliates.
(c) Approval of Drag-Along Transaction. In connection with any Drag-Along Transaction proposed to be completed in accordance with this Agreement, each Dragged Stockholder shall be required to vote, if such a vote is required by this Agreement or otherwise, all of its Equity Securities entitled to vote on such Drag-Along Transaction in favor of such Drag-Along Transaction at any meeting of the Stockholders called to vote on or approve such Drag-Along Transaction or to consent in writing to such Drag-Along Transaction, to use its reasonable best efforts to cause any Directors designated by such Dragged Stockholder to vote in favor of such Drag-Along Transaction at any meeting of the Board called to vote on or approve such Drag-Along Transaction or to consent in writing to such Drag-Along Transaction and raise no objection thereto, and the Dragged Stockholders and the Company shall take all other actions necessary or reasonably required to cause, and shall not interfere with, the consummation of such Drag-Along Transaction on the terms and conditions proposed by the Exiting Stockholder,
including executing, acknowledging and delivering customary consents, assignments, waivers and other documents or instruments, furnishing information and copies of documents, and filing applications, reports, returns and other documents or instruments with governmental authorities. Without limiting the foregoing, if the proposed Drag-Along Transaction is structured as a merger, consolidation or similar transaction, then each Stockholder shall vote or cause to be voted all Equity Securities that such Stockholder holds or with respect to which such Stockholder has the power to direct the voting and which are entitled to vote on such transaction in favor of such transaction and shall waive any dissenters rights, appraisal rights or similar rights which such Stockholder may have in connection therewith.
(d) Fees and Expenses. The fees and expenses, other than those payable to any Stockholder or any of their respective Affiliates, incurred in connection with a Drag-Along Transaction under this Section 3.4 and for the benefit of all Stockholders (it being understood that costs incurred by or on behalf of a Stockholder for his, her or its sole benefit will not be considered to be for the benefit of all Stockholders), to the extent not paid or reimbursed by the Company or acquiring Person, shall be shared by all the Stockholders on a pro rata basis, based on the consideration received by each Stockholder in such Drag-Along Transaction; provided, however, that no Stockholder shall be obligated to make any out-of-pocket expenditure prior to the consummation of the Drag-Along Transaction consummated pursuant to this Section 3.4(d) (excluding de minimis expenditures).
(e) Required Drag-Along Notice. The Exiting Stockholder shall provide written notice (the Drag-Along Notice) to each Dragged Stockholder of any proposed Drag-Along Transaction as soon as reasonably practicable following its exercise of the rights provided in Section 3.4(a). The Drag-Along Notice will include a summary of the material terms and conditions of the Drag-Along Transaction, including (i) the name and address of the proposed Transferee, (ii) the proposed amount and form of consideration and (iii) the proposed Transfer date, if known. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, after the Drag-Along Notice has been provided by the Exiting Stockholder to the Dragged Stockholders pursuant to this Section 3.4(e) with respect to any proposed Drag-Along Transaction, no Dragged Stockholder may Transfer any of its Equity Securities to any Person (other than a Permitted Transferee), until the earlier of (x) the delivery of a withdrawal notice by the Exiting Stockholder pursuant to Section 3.4(h) and (y) the expiration of a one-hundred and eighty (180)-day period after the delivery of the Drag-Along Notice by the Exiting Stockholder, other than as part of such Drag-Along Transaction and in accordance with this Section 3.4.
(f) Form of Consideration. If any holders of Equity Securities of any class are given an option as to the form and amount of consideration to be received, all holders of Equity Securities will be given the same option on a per Common Stock equivalent basis.
(g) Consummation of Drag-Along Transaction. At least five (5) Business Days prior to the consummation of the Drag-Along Transaction, each Dragged Stockholder shall deliver to the Company to hold in escrow pending transfer of the consideration therefor, the duly endorsed certificate or certificates representing such Equity Securities held by such Dragged Stockholder to be sold, and a stock power duly executed in blank and limited power of attorney authorizing the Company to execute all transaction agreements contemplated by the terms of this Section 3.4. In the event that a Dragged Stockholder should fail to deliver such certificates,
letters and documentation, the Company shall cause the books and records of the Company to show that such Equity Securities are bound by the provisions of this Section 3.4 and that such securities may be Transferred only to the purchaser in such Drag-Along Transaction in accordance with the terms of this Section 3.4. The shares of Class B Common Stock held by Kate Investor or its Permitted Transferees subject to the Drag-Along Transaction shall convert into Class A Common Stock on a 1:1 basis immediately prior to such Drag-Along Transaction. Upon the consummation of the Drag-Along Transaction, the acquiring Person shall remit directly to the Dragged Stockholder and the Exiting Stockholder, by wire transfer if available and if requested by the Dragged Stockholder or the Exiting Stockholder, as applicable, the consideration for the securities sold pursuant thereto.
(h) No Liability. The Exiting Stockholder shall, in its sole discretion, decide whether or not to pursue, consummate, postpone or abandon any proposed Transfer subject to this Section 3.4 and the terms and conditions hereof. Promptly following a definitive decision not to pursue or consummate a Drag-Along Transaction for which the Exiting Stockholder has previously sent a Drag-Along Notice, the Exiting Stockholder shall notify the other Stockholders of such decision and the transfer restriction set forth in the last sentence of Section 3.4(e) shall expire upon the date of such withdrawal notice. No Stockholder or Affiliate of a Stockholder shall have any liability to any other Stockholder or the Company arising from, relating to or in connection with the pursuit, consummation, postponement, abandonment or terms and conditions of any proposed Transfer subject to this Section 3.4, except to the extent such Stockholder shall have failed to comply with the provisions of this Section 3.4.
(i) Termination of Drag-Along Right. The rights set forth in this Section 3.4 shall terminate upon the consummation of an IPO.
SECTION 3.5. IPO Cooperation. Kate Investor acknowledges that the Company entered into the Investment Agreement, and the Company and Parent have entered this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby in anticipation of pursuing an IPO, the structure of which is yet to be determined. Kate Investor shall use its commercially reasonable efforts to cooperate with the Company in pursuing an IPO, shall provide any information reasonably requested by the Company in connection with any such transaction, and shall not take steps that would reasonably be expected to interfere with any such transaction. In the event that an IPO involving the Company and/or one or more of its Subsidiaries is effected other than through a listing of the Company, all of the Outstanding Capital Shares beneficially owned by Kate Investor and its Permitted Transferees shall be, and Kate Investor hereby consents and agrees to such Outstanding Capital Shares being, converted or rolled over into, or transferred or exchanged for, shares of the registrant in the IPO, such that, following such conversion, rollover, transfer or exchange, Kate Investor and its Permitted Transferees will have the same beneficial ownership and other rights in the IPO registrant as Kate Investor and its Permitted Transferees had in the Company and would have had in the resulting public company as if the Company were the issuer in such transaction (including, if the resulting public company does not own all of the businesses and assets of the Company and its Subsidiaries, Kate Investor and its Permitted Transferees retaining their respective economic interests in any such excluded businesses or assets). Kate Investor further acknowledges that between the date of this Agreement the consummation of an IPO, the Company and its Subsidiaries intend to incur third party indebtedness, the proceeds of which (in whole or in part) will be used to repay in full the
term loan facility date November 7, 2019 between the Company, Prudential plc and Standard Chartered Bank, New York Branch.
ARTICLE IV
EQUITY PURCHASE RIGHTS
SECTION 4.1. Equity Purchase Rights.
(a) General. For so long as Kate Investor (together with its Permitted Transferees) (collectively, the Preemptive Rights Recipients) beneficially owns in the aggregate a number of Outstanding Capital Shares representing at least fifty percent (50%) of the number of Outstanding Capital Shares that it beneficially owned as of the Closing, the Preemptive Rights Recipients shall have the right to participate in any issuance of New Securities by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, on the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in this Section 4.1. For the avoidance of doubt, the equity purchase right provided in this Section 4.1 shall apply at the time of issuance of any right, warrant or option or convertible or exchangeable security, and not to the conversion, exchange or exercise thereof.
(b) Notice of Issuance and Exercise. The Company shall give the Preemptive Rights Recipients written notice at least fifteen (15) Business Days prior to the effective date of any issuance of New Securities described in Section 4.1(a) (an Issuance Notice), describing the New Securities proposed to be issued, the proposed cash price per share, including a description of any non-cash consideration, and a summary of the other material terms and conditions proposed for such issuance. Subject to the succeeding sentence, the Preemptive Rights Recipients shall have ten (10) Business Days after any Issuance Notice is delivered to notify the Company in writing that they will purchase their Pro Rata Portion (or any lesser portion thereof that the Preemptive Rights Recipients elect), at the cash price (provided that, in the event that any portion of the purchase price per share to be paid by the proposed purchaser is to be paid in non-cash consideration, the value of any such non-cash consideration per share shall be the Fair Market Value) and on the terms specified in such Issuance Notice. If the Preemptive Rights Recipients in the aggregate elect to purchase more than the Pro Rata Portion, then the aggregate amount of New Securities to be purchased by the Preemptive Rights Recipients shall be equal to such Pro Rata Portion, and such amount of New Securities shall be allocated among the Preemptive Rights Recipients electing to purchase such New Securities on a pro rata basis in accordance with their respective beneficial ownership of Outstanding Capital Shares or in such manner as they may mutually agree. A Preemptive Rights Recipients failure to give written notice prior to the expiration of the ten (10) Business Day period above shall be deemed an election not to purchase any New Securities. If the Preemptive Rights Recipients have delivered written notices covering in the aggregate less than all of the New Securities proposed to be issued under the Issuance Notice, then the Company or the applicable Subsidiary of the Company may issue, or permit to be issued, any New Securities that such Preemptive Rights Recipient was offered to purchase under this Section 4.1 but did not elect to purchase, at a price no less than and on terms no more favorable as specified in the Issuance Notice.
(c) Closing of Issuance. The closing of any purchase by any Preemptive Rights Recipient shall be consummated concurrently with the consummation of the issuance
described in the applicable Issuance Notice; provided, however, that the closing of any purchase by any Preemptive Rights Recipient may be extended beyond the closing of any issuance described in the applicable Issuance Notice to the extent necessary to obtain required governmental approvals and other required approvals, and the Company and the Stockholders shall use reasonable best efforts to obtain such approvals; provided, further, that nothing herein shall preclude New Securities from being issued in advance of the Company or the applicable Subsidiary of the Company satisfying its obligations to the Preemptive Rights Recipients under this Section 4.1 if the Board reasonably determines that it is in the best interests of the Company or such Subsidiary to do so, provided that any such outstanding obligations are satisfied as soon as reasonably practicable. Upon the issuance of any New Securities in accordance with this Section 4.1, the Company or the applicable Subsidiary of the Company shall deliver the New Securities in certificated form (if the Equity Securities are certificated), and the applicable Preemptive Rights Recipient shall deliver to the Company or the applicable Subsidiary of the Company the purchase price for the New Securities purchased by it by wire transfer of immediately available funds. The Company and the Preemptive Rights Recipients shall enter into such additional agreements as may be necessary or appropriate for the issuance of the New Securities.
SECTION 4.2. Termination of Equity Purchase Rights. The rights set forth in Section 4.1 shall terminate upon the consummation of an IPO.
ARTICLE V
MISCELLANEOUS
SECTION 5.1. Certificate of Incorporation and By-Laws. The rights and obligations of the Stockholders with respect to the Company shall be determined pursuant to the DGCL, the Certificate of Incorporation, the By-Laws and this Agreement. To the extent that the rights or obligations of a Stockholder are different by reason of any provision of this Agreement than they would be in the absence of such provision, this Agreement, to the extent permitted by the DGCL, shall control.
SECTION 5.2. Termination. This Agreement shall be effective at the Closing and shall continue until terminated by the mutual written consent of the Company and each of the Stockholders; provided that, to the extent any members of management of the Company are Stockholders, the consent of such members of management shall not be required for termination. The rights and obligations of a Stockholder under this Agreement shall automatically terminate at such time as such Stockholder no longer beneficially owns any Equity Securities; provided that nothing herein shall relieve any party from any liability for the breach of any of the agreements set forth in this Agreement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the obligations of a Stockholder under Section 5.3 shall survive for a period of two (2) years from the earlier to occur of (x) the date on which such Stockholder no longer beneficially owns any Equity Securities and (y) termination of this Agreement.
SECTION 5.3. Confidentiality. Each Stockholder agrees to, and shall cause its Representatives to, keep confidential and not divulge any Information, and to use, and cause its Representatives to use, such Information only in connection with the operation of the Company
and its Subsidiaries; provided that nothing herein shall prevent any Stockholder from disclosing such Information (i) upon the order of any court or administrative agency, (ii) upon the request or demand of any regulatory agency or authority having jurisdiction over such Stockholder, (iii) to the extent required by Law or legal process or required or requested pursuant to subpoena, interrogatories or other discovery requests, (iv) to the extent required to comply with its reporting, regulatory or other legal requirements, (v) to other Stockholders, (vi) to such Stockholders Representatives that in the reasonable judgment of such party need to know such Information or (vii) to any bona fide proposed Transferee to whom such proposed Transfer would be permitted in accordance with Section 3.1 or Section 3.2(e) in connection with a proposed Transfer of Equity Securities from such Stockholder, so long as such Transferee agrees to be bound by the provisions of this Section 5.3 as if a Stockholder; provided further that, in the case of clause (i), (ii) or (iii), such party shall notify the Company of the proposed disclosure as far in advance of such disclosure as practicable and use reasonable best efforts to ensure that any Information so disclosed is accorded confidential treatment, when and if available. Each Stockholder acknowledges that in its receipt of Information, it may have access to material, non-public information, and it is aware that state and federal Laws, including United States and foreign securities Laws, impose restrictions on the dissemination of such Information and trading in securities when in possession of such Information or from communicating such Information to any other Person under circumstances in which it is reasonably foreseeable that such Person is likely to trade such securities. In addition, the parties acknowledge that Prudential plc is subject to applicable Law relating to the use and dissemination of inside information (including, as at the date of this Agreement, the EUs Market Abuse Regulation (Regulation 596/2014)) and that in particular, financial information of the Company relevant to Prudential plcs year end and interim results could constitute inside information and, in any event, must be treated with utmost confidentiality prior to Prudential plc announcing such results.
SECTION 5.4. Amendments. Except as otherwise provided herein, no modification or amendment of any provision of this Agreement shall be effective without the consent of the Board; provided that this Agreement may not be amended in any manner adversely affecting the rights or obligations of any Stockholder or class of Stockholders, which does not, by its terms, adversely affect the rights or obligations of all similarly situated Stockholders or classes of Stockholders in a substantially similar manner, without the consent of such Stockholder or a majority-in-interest of such class of Stockholders. Notwithstanding the foregoing, for the avoidance of doubt, no consent of any Stockholder shall be required for the Company to update Schedule 1.1 as provided in this Agreement.
SECTION 5.5. Successors, Assigns and Transferees. This Agreement shall bind and inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by the parties hereto and their respective successors and permitted assigns. Stockholders may assign their respective rights and obligations hereunder to any Transferees only to the extent permitted herein.
SECTION 5.6. Notices. All notices, requests, consents, claims, demands and other communications under this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be given or made (and shall be deemed to have been duly given or made upon receipt) by delivery in person, by overnight courier service, by electronic mail with receipt confirmed or by registered or certified mail (postage prepaid, return receipt requested) to the respective parties at the following
addresses, or at such other address for a party as shall be specified in a notice given in accordance with this Section 5.6:
(a) if to the Company, to:
Jackson Financial Inc.
1 Corporate Way
Lansing, MI 48951
USA
Attention: Thomas Hyatte
E-mail: thomas.hyatte@jackson.com
with a copy (which shall not constitute notice) to:
Debevoise & Plimpton LLP
919 Third Avenue
Attention: Nicholas F. Potter
Andrew L. Bab
Email: nfpotter@debevoise.com
albab@debevoise.com
(b) if to Parent, to:
Prudential (US Holdco 1) Limited
1 Angel Court
London EC2R 7AG
UK
Attention: Corporate Secretary, PUSH
Email: Secretariat@prudentialplc.com
with a copy (which shall not constitute notice) to:
Debevoise & Plimpton LLP
919 Third Avenue
Attention: Nicholas F. Potter
Andrew L. Bab
Email: nfpotter@debevoise.com
albab@debevoise.com
(c) if to Kate Investor, to:
Athene Life Re Ltd.
Chesney House
96 Pitts Bay Road
Pembroke HM08
Bermuda
Attention: Natasha Scotland Courcy
E-mail: ncourcy@athene.bm
with a copy (which shall not constitute notice) to:
Sidley Austin LLP
One South Dearborn
Chicago, Illinois 60603
USA
Attention: Perry J. Shwachman
Jeremy C. Watson
E-mail: pshwachman@sidley.com
jcwatson@sidley.com
(d) if to any other Stockholder, to the address of such other Stockholder as shown in the stock record book of the Company.
SECTION 5.7. Further Assurances. At any time or from time to time after the date hereof, the parties agree to cooperate with each other, and at the request of any other party, to execute and deliver any further instruments or documents and to take all such further action as the other party may reasonably request in order to evidence or effectuate the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby in accordance with their terms and to otherwise carry out the intent of the parties hereunder.
SECTION 5.8. Entire Agreement; Third Party Beneficiaries. Except as otherwise expressly set forth herein (or in the Investment Agreement or any other Transaction Agreement), this Agreement, together with the Investment Agreement and the other Transaction Agreements, embody the complete agreement and understanding among the parties hereto with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersedes and preempts any prior understandings, agreements or representations by or among the parties, written or oral, that may have related to the subject matter hereof in any way. This Agreement is not intended to confer in or on behalf of any Person not a party to this Agreement (and their successors and assigns) any rights, benefits, causes of action or remedies with respect to the subject matter or any provision thereof.
SECTION 5.9. Restrictions on Other Agreements. Following the date hereof, no Stockholder shall enter into or agree to be bound by any stockholder agreements or arrangements of any kind with any Person with respect to any Equity Securities (other than the Transaction Agreements or any agreement with Prudential plc or its Subsidiaries and Affiliates), to the extent that such agreement or arrangement would conflict with or violate any provision or term of this Agreement or otherwise be intended to circumvent the provisions set forth herein, except pursuant to the agreements specifically contemplated by the Investment Agreement and the Registration Rights Agreement.
SECTION 5.10. Delays or Omissions. It is agreed that no delay or omission to exercise any right, power or remedy accruing to any party, upon any breach, default or noncompliance by another party under this Agreement, shall impair any such right, power or remedy, nor shall it be construed to be a waiver of any such breach, default or noncompliance, or any acquiescence therein, or of or in any similar breach, default or noncompliance thereafter occurring. It is further agreed that any waiver, permit, consent or approval of any kind or character on the part of any party hereto of any breach, default or noncompliance under this Agreement or any waiver on such partys part of any provisions or conditions of this Agreement, must be in writing and shall be effective only to the extent specifically set forth in such writing. All remedies, either under this Agreement, by Law, or otherwise afforded to any party, shall be cumulative and not alternative.
SECTION 5.11. Governing Law; Submission to Jurisdiction; Waiver of Jury Trial.
(a) This Agreement shall be governed by, and construed and enforced in accordance with, the laws of the State of Delaware, without regard to any choice or conflict of law provision or rule (whether of the State of Delaware or any other jurisdiction) that would cause the application of the laws of any jurisdiction other than the State of Delaware. In addition, each of the parties (i) submits to the personal jurisdiction of the Delaware Court of Chancery in and for New Castle County, or in the event (but only in the event) that such Delaware Court of Chancery does not have subject matter jurisdiction over such dispute, the United States District Court for the District of Delaware, or in the event (but only in the event) that such United States District Court also does not have jurisdiction over such dispute, any Delaware State court sitting in New Castle County, in the event any dispute (whether in contract, tort or otherwise) arises out of this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby, (ii) agrees that it shall not attempt to deny or defeat such personal jurisdiction by motion or other request for leave from any such court, and (iii) agrees that it shall not bring any claim, action or proceeding relating to this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby in any court other than the Delaware Court of Chancery in and for New Castle County, or in the event (but only in the event) that such Delaware Court of Chancery does not have subject matter jurisdiction over such claim, action or proceeding, the United States District Court for the District of Delaware, or in the event (but only in the event) that such United States District Court also does not have jurisdiction over such claim, action or proceeding, any Delaware State court sitting in New Castle County. Each party agrees that service of process upon such party in any such claim, action or proceeding shall be effective if notice is given in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement.
(b) Each party hereby waives, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable Law, any right it may have to a trial by jury in respect of any suit, action or other proceeding arising out of this Agreement or any transaction contemplated hereby. Each party (i) certifies and acknowledges that no Representative, agent or attorney of any other party has represented, expressly or otherwise, that such other party would not, in the event of litigation, seek to enforce the foregoing waiver, and (ii) acknowledges that it understands and has considered the implications of this waiver and makes this waiver voluntarily, and that it and the other parties have been induced to enter into the Agreement by, among other things, the mutual waivers and certifications in this Section 5.11(b).
SECTION 5.12. Specific Performance. The parties hereto agree and acknowledge that money damages would not be an adequate remedy for any breach of the provisions of this Agreement and it is therefore agreed that in addition to and without limiting any other remedy or right it may have, each non-breaching party may in its sole discretion apply to any court of Law or equity of competent jurisdiction for, and have the right to, specific performance and/or injunctive relief (without posting a bond or other security) in order to prevent any violation of the provisions of this Agreement and enforce specifically the terms and provisions hereof, and if any action should be brought in equity to enforce any of the provisions of this Agreement none of the parties hereto shall raise the defense that there is an adequate remedy at Law.
SECTION 5.13. Severability. If any term, provision, covenant or restriction of this Agreement is held by a court of competent jurisdiction or other authority to be invalid, void or unenforceable, the remainder of the terms, provisions, covenants and restrictions of this Agreement shall remain in full force and effect and shall in no way be affected, impaired or invalidated so long as the economic or legal substance of the transactions contemplated hereby is not affected in any manner materially adverse to any party hereto. Upon such a determination, the parties shall negotiate in good faith to modify this Agreement so as to effect the original intent of the parties as closely as possible in a mutually acceptable manner in order that the transactions contemplated hereby be consummated as originally contemplated to the fullest extent possible.
SECTION 5.14. Titles and Subtitles. The titles of the sections and subsections of this Agreement are for convenience of reference only and will not affect the meaning or interpretation of this Agreement.
SECTION 5.15. No Recourse. Notwithstanding anything that may be expressed or implied in this Agreement, the Company and each Stockholder covenant, agree and acknowledge that no recourse under this Agreement or any documents or instruments delivered in connection with this Agreement shall be had against any current or future director, officer, employee, general or limited partner or member of any Stockholder or of any Affiliate or assignee thereof (other than any such Person serving as a Director and then solely to the extent in his or her capacity as such), whether by the enforcement of any assessment or by any legal or equitable proceeding, or by virtue of any statute, regulation or other applicable Law, it being expressly agreed and acknowledged that no personal liability whatsoever shall attach to, be imposed on or otherwise be incurred by any current or future officer, agent or employee of any Stockholder or any current or future member of any Stockholder or any current or future director, officer, employee, partner or member of any Stockholder or of any Affiliate or assignee thereof (other than any such Person serving as a Director and then solely to the extent in his or her capacity as such) for any obligation of any Stockholder under this Agreement or under any documents or instruments delivered in connection with this Agreement for any claim based on, in respect of or by reason of such obligations or their creation.
SECTION 5.16. Counterparts; Facsimile Signatures. This Agreement may be executed in counterparts, each of which shall constitute one and the same instrument. Signatures provided by facsimile or electronic transmission in pdf or equivalent format will be deemed to be original signatures.
ARTICLE VI
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES
SECTION 6.1. Representations and Warranties of the Stockholders. Each Stockholder, severally and not jointly, represents and warrants, solely with respect to itself, to each other and to the Company, as of the date such Stockholders becomes a party to this Agreement, as follows:
(a) Organization; Authority. If the Stockholder is a corporation, then it is duly incorporated, validly existing and in good standing under the Laws of its jurisdiction of incorporation. If the Stockholder is a partnership, trust or limited liability company, then it is duly formed, validly existing and in good standing (to the extent applicable) under the Laws of its jurisdiction of formation. Such Stockholder has all requisite power and authority to enter into this Agreement and to perform its obligations hereunder, and to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby.
(b) Due Authorization; Binding Agreement. This Agreement has been duly authorized, executed and delivered by such Stockholder and constitutes a valid and binding obligation of such Stockholder enforceable against such Stockholder in accordance with its terms, except to the extent that the enforcement thereof may be limited by applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium or similar Laws affecting the enforcement of creditors rights generally and general equitable principles, regardless of whether such enforceability is considered in a proceeding at law or in equity. If such Stockholder is a trust, no consent of any beneficiary is required for the foregoing.
(c) Non-Contravention. The Stockholder is not a party to any agreement which is inconsistent with its obligations hereunder or the rights of any party hereunder or otherwise conflicts with the provisions hereof. The execution and delivery of this Agreement by such Stockholder, the performance of its obligations hereunder, and the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby, will not violate, conflict with or result in a breach, or constitute a default (with or without notice or lapse of time or both) under any provision of its charter, bylaws or other similar organizational documents or any agreement or other instrument to which it is a party.
(d) Consents and Approvals. Other than pursuant to this Agreement, no consent, waiver, approval or authorization of, or filing, registration or qualification with, or notice to, any governmental unit or any other Person is required to be made, obtained or given by the Stockholder in connection with the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement.
(e) Investment Intent. At such time at which the Stockholder acquired the Equity Securities, (i) it acquired such Equity Securities for its own account with the intention of holding such securities for purposes of investment and (ii) it had no intention of selling such securities in a public distribution in violation of the federal securities Laws or any applicable state securities Laws.
(f) Securities Law Matters. The Stockholder is an accredited investor as defined in Rule 501(a) of Regulation D promulgated under the Securities Act.
(g) Restriction on Resale. The Stockholder understands and acknowledges that its Equity Securities have not been registered for sale under any federal or state securities Law and must be held indefinitely unless subsequently registered or an exemption from such registration is available.
(h) Due Diligence. The Stockholder (i) has performed its own due diligence and business investigations with respect to the Company, (ii) is fully familiar with the nature of the investment in the Company, the speculative and financial risks thereby assumed, and the uncertainty with respect to the timing and amounts of distributions, if any, to be made by the Company and (iii) has had the opportunity to ask questions and receive answers concerning the terms and conditions of the offering of such Equity Securities and had access to such other information concerning the Company as it requested.
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Stockholders Agreement as of the date first set forth above.
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JACKSON FINANCIAL INC. |
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Michael Falcon |
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Chief Executive Officer and President |
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PRUDENTIAL (US HOLDCO 1) LIMITED |
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ATHENE LIFE RE LTD. |
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[Signature Page to Stockholders Agreement]
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Stockholders Agreement as of the date first set forth above.
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PRUDENTIAL (US HOLDCO 1) LIMITED |
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Kieran Devlin |
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Director |
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ATHENE LIFE RE LTD. |
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Stockholders Agreement as of the date first set forth above.
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PRUDENTIAL (US HOLDCO 1) LIMITED |
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ATHENE LIFE RE LTD. |
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Adam Laing |
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[Signature Page to Stockholders Agreement]
SCHEDULE 1.1
Competitors
1. AIG
2. Allianz
3. Athene(1)
4. AXA
5. Brighthouse
6. Delaware Life
7. Fidelity & Guaranty Life
8. Forethought Life
9. Global Atlantic
10. Great American
11. Lincoln
12. MassMutual
13. Midland National
14. Nationwide
15. New York Life
16. Ohio National
17. Pacific Life
18. Protective Life
19. Security Benefit Life
20. Symetra
21. Transamerica
(1) Athene shall be considered a Competitor only with respect to Section 2.1(c) and not Section 3.1(a) of the Agreement.
SCHEDULE 2.4
Permitted Affiliate Transactions and Payments
1. Payment by Jackson Finance LLC to Prudential plc in respect of $22,490,000 of accrued interest under the 4.498% surplus note due November 6, 2059 issued by Brooke Life Insurance Company to Prudential plc on November 6, 2019 in an aggregate principal amount of $2,000,000,000, as amended by the Assignment and Assumption Agreement, dated June 17, 2020.
2. Payment by the Company to Prudential plc in respect of $4,775,312.50 of accrued interest under the $350 million term loan facility pursuant to the Term Loan Facility Agreement, dated as of November 7, 2019, among the Company, as borrower, Prudential plc, as guarantor, and Standard Chartered Bank, New York Branch, as lender, as amended and restated by the Supplemental Agreement, dated June 24, 2020.
Section 302 Certification for Group Chief Executive
I, Mike Wells, certify that:
1. I have reviewed this annual report on Form 20-F of Prudential plc;
2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;
3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the Company as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;
4. The Companys other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a- 15(f) and 15d- 15(f)) for the Company and have:
(a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the Company, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;
(b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;
(c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the Companys disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and
(d) Disclosed in this report any change in the Companys internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the period covered by the annual report that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Companys internal control over financial reporting; and
5. The Companys other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the Companys auditors and the audit committee of the Companys board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):
(a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the Companys ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
(b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the Companys internal control over financial reporting.
Date: 15 March 2021
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/s/ Mike Wells |
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Name: Mike Wells |
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Title: Group Chief Executive |
Section 302 Certification for Chief Financial Officer
I, Mark FitzPatrick, certify that:
1. I have reviewed this annual report on Form 20-F of Prudential plc;
2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;
3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the Company as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;
4. The Companys other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a- 15(f) and 15d- 15(f)) for the Company and have:
(a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the Company, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;
(b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;
(c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the Companys disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and
(d) Disclosed in this report any change in the Companys internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the period covered by the annual report that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Companys internal control over financial reporting; and
5. The Companys other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the Companys auditors and the audit committee of the Companys board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):
(a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the Companys ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
(b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the Companys internal control over financial reporting.
Date: 15 March 2021
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/s/ Mark FitzPatrick |
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Name: Mark FitzPatrick |
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Title: Group Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer |
Annual Certification
Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (subsections (a) and (b) of Section 1350, Chapter 63 of Title 18, United States Code), each of the undersigned officers of Prudential plc (the Company), does hereby certify, to such officers knowledge, that:
The Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended 31 December 2020 of the Company fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) and 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and information contained in the Form 20-F fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.
15 March 2021 |
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/s/ Mike Wells |
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Mike Wells |
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Group Chief Executive |
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15 March 2021 |
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/s/ Mark FitzPatrick |
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Mark FitzPatrick |
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Group Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer |
Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
The Board of Directors
Prudential plc:
We consent to the incorporation by reference in the registration statement (No. 333-244226) on Form F-3 and the registration statement (No. 333-213731 and 333-228081) on Form S-8 of Prudential plc of our report dated 15 March 2021, with respect to the consolidated statements of financial position of Prudential plc as of 31 December 2020 and 2019, the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, changes in equity, and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended 31 December 2020, and the related notes, and the disclosures marked audited within the Group Risk Framework section on pages 66 to 89 of the 2020 Form 20-F of Prudential plc, and the condensed financial statement Schedule II (collectively, the consolidated financial statements), and the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting as of 31 December 2020, which report appears in the 31 December 2020 annual report on Form 20-F of Prudential plc.
/s/ KPMG LLP |
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KPMG LLP |
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London, UK |
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15 March 2021 |
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15 March 2021
Securities and Exchange Commission
Washington, D.C. 20549
Ladies and Gentlemen:
We are currently principal accountants for Prudential plc and, under the date of 15 March 2021, we reported on the consolidated financial statements of Prudential plc as of and for the years ended 31 December 2020 and 2019 and the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting as of 31 December 2020. In December 2020, we were notified that the Board of Directors of Prudential plc have decided to engage Ernst & Young LLP as its principal accountant for the year ending 31 December 2023 and that the auditor-client relationship with KPMG LLP will cease upon completion of the audit of Prudential plcs consolidated financial statements as of and for the year ended 31 December 2022 and the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting as of 31 December 2022, and the issuance of our reports thereon.
We have read Prudential plcs statements included under the Change in Registrants Certifying Accountant section of its Form 20-F dated 15 March 2021, and we agree with such statements.
Very truly yours, |
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/s/ KPMG LLP |
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KPMG LLP |
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