Consolidated Financial Statements

 

Table of Contents

 

 

2023 Scotiabank Annual Report  |  139

Consolidated Financial Statements

 

MANAGEMENT’S RESPONSIBILITY FOR FINANCIAL INFORMATION

The management of The Bank of Nova Scotia (the Bank) is responsible for the integrity and fair presentation of the financial information contained in this Annual Report. The consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB). The consolidated financial statements also comply with the accounting requirements of the Bank Act.

The consolidated financial statements, where necessary, include amounts which are based on the best estimates and judgment of management. Financial information presented elsewhere in this Annual Report is consistent with that shown in the consolidated financial statements.

Management has always recognized the importance of the Bank maintaining and reinforcing the highest possible standards of conduct in all of its actions, including the preparation and dissemination of statements fairly presenting the financial condition of the Bank. In this regard, management has developed and maintains a system of accounting and reporting which provides for the necessary internal controls to ensure that transactions are properly authorized and recorded, assets are safeguarded against unauthorized use or disposition, and liabilities are recognized. The system is augmented by written policies and procedures, the careful selection and training of qualified staff, the establishment of organizational structures providing an appropriate and well-defined division of responsibilities, and the communication of policies and guidelines of Scotiabank’s Code of Conduct throughout the Bank.

Management, under the supervision of and the participation of the President and Chief Executive Officer and the Group Head and Chief Financial Officer, have a process in place to evaluate disclosure controls and procedures and internal control over financial reporting in line with Canadian and U.S. securities regulations.

The system of internal controls is further supported by a professional staff of internal auditors who conduct periodic audits of all aspects of the Bank’s operations. As well, the Bank’s Chief Auditor has full and free access to, and meets periodically with the Audit and Conduct Review Committee of the Board of Directors. In addition, the Bank’s compliance function maintains policies, procedures and programs directed at ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements, including conflict of interest rules.

The Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions Canada, which is mandated to protect the rights and interests of the depositors and creditors of the Bank, examines and enquires into the business and affairs of the Bank, as deemed necessary, to determine whether the provisions of the Bank Act are being complied with, and that the Bank is in a sound financial condition.

The Audit and Conduct Review Committee, composed entirely of outside directors, reviews the consolidated financial statements with both management and the independent auditors before such statements are approved by the Board of Directors and submitted to the shareholders of the Bank.

The Audit and Conduct Review Committee reviews and reports its findings to the Board of Directors on all related party transactions that may have a material impact on the Bank.

KPMG LLP, the independent auditors appointed by the shareholders of the Bank, have audited the consolidated financial position of the Bank as at October 31, 2023 and October 31, 2022 and its consolidated financial performance and its consolidated cash flows for each of the years in the two-year period ended October 31, 2023 prepared in accordance with IFRS as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB) in accordance with Canadian generally accepted auditing standards and the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) and the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting and have expressed their opinions upon completion of such audits in the reports to the shareholders. The Shareholders’ Auditors have full and free access to, and meet periodically with, the Audit and Conduct Review Committee to discuss their audits, including any findings as to the integrity of the Bank’s accounting, financial reporting and related matters.

 

 

 

Toronto, Canada

November 28, 2023

 

140  |  2023 Scotiabank Annual Report

(This page intentionally left blank)

 

 

 

2023 Scotiabank Annual Report  |  141

(This page intentionally left blank)

 

 

 

142  |  2023 Scotiabank Annual Report

(This page intentionally left blank)

 

 

 

2023 Scotiabank Annual Report  |  143

Consolidated Financial Statements

 

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

To the Shareholders and the Board of Directors of The Bank of Nova Scotia

Opinion on the Consolidated Financial Statements

We have audited the accompanying consolidated statements of financial position of The Bank of Nova Scotia (the Bank) as of October 31, 2023 and 2022, the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, changes in equity and cash flows for the years then ended, and the related notes (collectively, the consolidated financial statements). In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Bank as of October 31, 2023 and 2022, and its financial performance and its cash flows for each of the years then ended, in conformity with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB).

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), the Bank’s internal control over financial reporting as of October 31, 2023, based on criteria established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission, and our report dated November 28, 2023 expressed an unqualified opinion on the effectiveness of the Bank’s internal control over financial reporting.

Basis for Opinion

These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Bank’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Bank 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 audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. Our audits 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. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

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 and Conduct Review 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 judgments. 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.

(i) Assessment of Allowance for Credit Losses on Financial Assets (ACL)

Refer to Notes 3 and 13 to the consolidated financial statements.

The Bank’s ACL was $6,372 million as at October 31, 2023. The Bank applies a three-stage approach to measure the ACL, using an expected credit loss (ECL) approach as required under IFRS 9 Financial Instruments. The Bank’s ACL calculations are outputs of a set of complex models. The ACL calculation reflects a probability-weighted outcome that considers multiple scenarios based on the Bank’s view of forecasts of future events and economic conditions. The probability of default (PD), loss given default (LGD) and exposure at default (EAD) inputs used to estimate ACL are modeled based on macroeconomic variables that are closely related with credit losses in the relevant portfolio. The Bank assesses when there has been a significant increase in credit risk subsequent to origination or where the financial asset is in default. If there has been a significant increase in credit risk or the financial asset is in default, lifetime ACL is recorded; otherwise, ACL equal to 12 month expected credit losses is recorded. The estimation of ECL for each stage and the assessment of significant increases in credit risk consider information about past events and current conditions as well as forecasts of future events and economic conditions. The estimation and application of forward-looking information requires significant judgment. Qualitative adjustments or overlays may also be recorded as temporary adjustments using expert credit judgment where the inputs, assumptions and/or models do not capture all relevant risk factors. The use of management overlays requires significant judgment that may impact the amount of ACL recognized.

We identified the assessment of the ACL as a critical audit matter. Significant auditor judgment was required because there was a high degree of measurement uncertainty due to the significant management judgments inherent in certain of the Bank’s key modeled inputs and methodologies. These management judgments impact certain inputs, assumptions, qualitative adjustments or overlays, and the determination of when there has been a significant increase in credit risk. The assessment of the ACL also required significant auditor attention and complex auditor judgment to apply and evaluate the results of audit procedures. Further, specialized skills and knowledge, including experience in the industry, were required to apply audit procedures and evaluate the results of those procedures.

The following are the primary procedures we performed to address this critical audit matter. With the involvement of our credit risk and economics professionals with specialized skills, industry knowledge and relevant experience, we evaluated the design and tested the operating effectiveness of certain internal controls related to the Bank’s ACL process. This included internal controls related to: (1) initial and periodic validation and performance monitoring of models used to derive key modeled inputs into the ACL calculation being PD, LGD and EAD; (2) benchmarking of certain macroeconomic variables, model validation associated with the derivation of the remaining variables and the alternative scenarios and review of probability weights used in the ACL models; (3) the methodology to determine whether there has been a significant increase in credit risk; and (4) the methodology and assumptions used in the determination of qualitative adjustments or overlays. Additionally, for non-retail loans, we tested certain internal controls related to loan reviews over the determination of loan risk grades. We involved credit risk and economics professionals with specialized skills, industry knowledge and relevant experience who assisted in: (1) evaluating the methodology and models used to derive key modeled inputs into the ACL calculation being PD, LGD and EAD and the determination of whether there has been a significant increase in credit risk; (2) assessing the appropriateness of certain underlying macroeconomic variables against external economic data, evaluating the model used to derive other macroeconomic variables and evaluating the assumptions associated with the alternative economic scenarios and the related probabilities; and (3) assessing the qualitative adjustments or overlays by applying our knowledge of the industry and credit judgment

 

144  |  2023 Scotiabank Annual Report

Consolidated Financial Statements

 

to evaluate the appropriateness of the Bank’s underlying methodology and assumptions. Additionally, for a selection of non-retail loans, we evaluated the Bank’s assigned loan risk grades against the Bank’s borrower risk rating scale.

(ii) Assessment of the Measurement of Fair Value of Certain Financial Instruments

Refer to Notes 3 and 7 to the consolidated financial statements.

The Bank measures $256,398 million of financial assets and $121,842 million of financial liabilities as at October 31, 2023 at fair value on a recurring basis. Where financial instruments trade in inactive markets or when using internal models where observable parameters do not exist, significant management judgment is required for valuation methodologies and model inputs. The valuation techniques used in determining the fair value of financial instruments include internal models and net asset valuations. The significant unobservable inputs used in the Bank’s valuation techniques include General Partner valuations per financial statements (NAVs), interest rate volatility, equity volatility and correlation.

We identified the assessment of the measurement of fair value for certain financial instruments as a critical audit matter. Significant auditor judgment was required because there was a high degree of measurement uncertainty due to significant judgments inherent in the Bank’s valuation methodologies and significant unobservable inputs used to develop the fair value of certain financial assets and financial liabilities. The assessment of the fair value also required significant auditor attention and complex auditor judgment to apply and evaluate the results of audit procedures. Further, specialized skills and knowledge, including experience in the industry, were required to apply audit procedures and evaluate the results of those procedures.

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 related to the Bank’s processes to determine the fair value of certain financial instruments with the involvement of valuation and information technology professionals with specialized skills, industry knowledge and relevant experience. This included internal controls related to: (1) model validation at inception and periodically; (2) review of NAVs; (3) independent price verification, including assessment of rate sources; and (4) segregation of duties and access controls. With the involvement of valuation professionals with specialized skills, industry knowledge and relevant experience, we tested the fair value of a selection of certain financial instruments. Depending on the nature of the financial instruments, we did this by comparing the NAVs to external information or by developing an independent estimate of fair value and comparing it to the fair value determined by the Bank.

(iii) Assessment of Uncertain Tax Provisions

Refer to Notes 3 and 27 to the consolidated financial statements.

The Bank maintains provisions for uncertain tax positions that it believes appropriately reflect the risk of tax positions under discussion, audit, dispute, or appeal with tax authorities, or which are otherwise considered to involve uncertainty. These provisions are made using the Bank’s best estimate of the amount expected to be paid based on an assessment of all relevant factors, which are reviewed at the end of each reporting period.

We identified the assessment of uncertain tax provisions as a critical audit matter. Significant auditor judgment was required because there was a high degree of measurement uncertainty due to the significant judgments inherent in the Bank’s interpretation of tax law and its best estimate of the ultimate resolution of tax positions. This required significant auditor attention and complex auditor judgment to evaluate the results of audit procedures. Further, specialized skills, industry knowledge, and relevant experience were required to apply audit procedures and evaluate the results of those audit procedures.

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 related to the Bank’s income tax uncertainties process with the involvement of taxation professionals with specialized skills, industry knowledge and relevant experience. This included internal controls related to the (1) identification of tax uncertainties, including the interpretation of tax law and (2) determination of the best estimate of the provision required to settle these tax uncertainties. We involved tax professionals with specialized skills and knowledge, who assisted in (1) evaluating the Bank’s interpretations of tax laws by developing an independent assessment based on our understanding and interpretation of tax laws and considering its impact on the measurement, if applicable, of the uncertain tax provisions; (2) reading and evaluating advice obtained by the Bank from external specialists, and considering its impact on the measurement, if applicable, of the uncertain tax provisions; and (3) inspecting correspondence and settlement documents with applicable taxation authorities, including assessment of the impact of statutes of limitations.

 

 

Chartered Professional Accountants, Licensed Public Accountants

We have served as the Bank’s auditor since 2006 and as joint auditor for 14 years prior to that.

Toronto, Canada

November 28, 2023

 

2023 Scotiabank Annual Report  |  145

Consolidated Financial Statements

 

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

To the Shareholders and the Board of Directors of The Bank of Nova Scotia

Opinion on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

We have audited The Bank of Nova Scotia’s internal control over financial reporting as of October 31, 2023, based on the criteria established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. In our opinion, The Bank of Nova Scotia (the Bank) maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of October 31, 2023, based on the criteria established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), the consolidated statements of financial position of the Bank as of October 31, 2023, and 2022, the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, changes in equity and cash flows for the years then ended, and the related notes (collectively, the consolidated financial statements) and our report dated November 28, 2023 expressed an unqualified opinion on those consolidated financial statements.

Basis for Opinion

The Bank’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the Controls and Accounting Policies section of Management’s Discussion and Analysis under the heading “Internal Control Over Financial Reporting”. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Bank’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Bank 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 audit in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. 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 audit also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

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 statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized 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.

 

 

Chartered Professional Accountants, Licensed Public Accountants

Toronto, Canada

November 28, 2023

 

146  |  2023 Scotiabank Annual Report

Consolidated Financial Statements

 

Consolidated Statement of Financial Position
As at October 31 ($ millions)		Note				2023				2022
Assets
Cash and deposits with financial institutions			6			$	90,312			$	65,895
Precious metals							937				543
Trading assets
Securities			8	(a)			107,612				103,547
Loans			8	(b)			7,544				7,811
Other							2,712				1,796
							117,868				113,154
Securities purchased under resale agreements and securities borrowed							199,325				175,313
Derivative financial instruments			10				51,340				55,699
Investment securities			12				118,237				110,008
Loans
Residential mortgages			13				344,182				349,279
Personal loans			13				104,170				99,431
Credit cards			13				17,109				14,518
Business and government			13				291,822				287,107
							757,283				750,335
Allowance for credit losses			13	(e)			6,372				5,348
							750,911				744,987
Other
Customers’ liability under acceptances, net of allowance							18,628				19,494
Property and equipment			16				5,642				5,700
Investments in associates			17				1,925				2,633
Goodwill and other intangible assets			18				17,193				16,833
Deferred tax assets			27	(c)			3,530				1,903
Other assets			19				34,941				37,256
							81,859				83,819
						$	1,410,789			$	1,349,418
Liabilities
Deposits
Personal			20			$	288,617			$	265,892
Business and government			20				612,267				597,617
Financial institutions			20				51,449				52,672
							952,333				916,181
Financial instruments designated at fair value through profit or loss			9				26,779				22,421
Other
Acceptances							18,718				19,525
Obligations related to securities sold short							36,403				40,449
Derivative financial instruments			10				58,660				65,900
Obligations related to securities sold under repurchase agreements and securities lent							160,007				139,025
Subordinated debentures			21				9,693				8,469
Other liabilities			22				69,529				62,699
							353,010				336,067
							1,332,122				1,274,669
Equity
Common equity
Common shares			24	(a)			20,109				18,707
Retained earnings							55,746				53,761
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)							(6,918	)			(7,166	)
Other reserves							(84	)			(152	)
Total common equity							68,853				65,150
Preferred shares and other equity instruments			24	(b)			8,075				8,075
Total equity attributable to equity holders of the Bank							76,928				73,225
Non-controlling interests in subsidiaries			31	(b)			1,739				1,524
							78,667				74,749
						$	1,410,789			$	1,349,418

 

Aaron W. Regent		Scott Thomson
Chairman of the Board		President and Chief Executive Officer

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 

2023 Scotiabank Annual Report  |  147

Consolidated Financial Statements

 

Consolidated Statement of Income

 

For the year ended October 31 ($ millions)		Note				2023				2022
Revenue
Interest income(1)			32
Loans						$	45,043			$	29,390
Securities							6,833				2,877
Securities purchased under resale agreements and securities borrowed							1,478				459
Deposits with financial institutions							3,470				832
							56,824				33,558
Interest expense			32
Deposits							35,650				12,794
Subordinated debentures							471				270
Other							2,416				2,379
							38,537				15,443
Net interest income							18,287				18,115
Non-interest income
Card revenues							778				779
Banking services fees							1,879				1,770
Credit fees							1,861				1,647
Mutual funds							2,127				2,269
Brokerage fees							1,117				1,125
Investment management and trust							1,029				999
Underwriting and advisory fees							554				543
Non-trading foreign exchange							911				878
Trading revenues							1,580				1,791
Net gain on sale of investment securities			12	(e)			129				74
Net income from investments in associated corporations			17				153				268
Insurance underwriting income, net of claims							482				433
Other fees and commissions							1,072				650
Other							348				75
							14,020				13,301
Total revenue							32,307				31,416
Provision for credit losses			13	(e)			3,422				1,382
							28,885				30,034
Non-interest expenses
Salaries and employee benefits							9,596				8,836
Premises and technology							2,659				2,424
Depreciation and amortization							1,820				1,531
Communications							395				361
Advertising and business development							576				480
Professional							780				826
Business and capital taxes							634				541
Other							2,671				2,103
							19,131				17,102
Income before taxes							9,754				12,932
Income tax expense			27				2,226				2,758
Net income						$	7,528			$	10,174
Net income attributable to non-controlling interests in subsidiaries			31	(b)			118				258
Net income attributable to equity holders of the Bank						$	7,410			$	9,916
Preferred shareholders and other equity instrument holders							419				260
Common shareholders						$	6,991			$	9,656
Earnings per common share (in dollars)
Basic			33			$	5.84			$	8.05
Diluted			33				5.78				8.02
Dividends paid per common share (in dollars)			24	(a)			4.18				4.06

 

(1)	Includes interest income on financial assets measured at amortized cost and FVOCI, calculated using the effective interest method, of $54,824 for the year ended October 31, 2023 (October 31, 2022 – $32,573).

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 

148  |  2023 Scotiabank Annual Report

Consolidated Financial Statements

 

Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income

 

For the year ended October 31 ($ millions)		2023				2022
Net income		$	7,528			$	10,174
Other comprehensive income (loss)
Items that will be reclassified subsequently to net income
Net change in unrealized foreign currency translation gains (losses):
Net unrealized foreign currency translation gains (losses)			1,345				3,703
Net gains (losses) on hedges of net investments in foreign operations			(577	)			(1,655	)
Income tax expense (benefit):
Net unrealized foreign currency translation gains (losses)			2				28
Net gains (losses) on hedges of net investments in foreign operations			(176	)			(434	)
			942				2,454
Net change in fair value due to change in debt instruments measured at fair value through other comprehensive income:
Net gains (losses) in fair value			176				(4,333	)
Reclassification of net (gains) losses to net income			327				2,717
Income tax expense (benefit):
Net gains (losses) in fair value			19				(1,108	)
Reclassification of net (gains) losses to net income			106				704
			378				(1,212	)
Net change in gains (losses) on derivative instruments designated as cash flow hedges:
Net gains (losses) on derivative instruments designated as cash flow hedges			3,763				(10,037	)
Reclassification of net (gains) losses to net income			(3,455	)			3,880
Income tax expense (benefit):
Net gains (losses) on derivative instruments designated as cash flow hedges			1,034				(2,709	)
Reclassification of net (gains) losses to net income			(971	)			1,089
			245				(4,537	)
Other comprehensive income (loss) from investments in associates			(16	)			(344	)
Items that will not be reclassified subsequently to net income
Net change in remeasurement of employee benefit plan asset and liability:
Actuarial gains (losses) on employee benefit plans			108				955
Income tax expense (benefit)			(6	)			277
			114				678
Net change in fair value due to change in equity instruments designated at fair value through other comprehensive income:
Net gains (losses) in fair value			(253	)			(106	)
Income tax expense (benefit)			(73	)			(32	)
			(180	)			(74	)
Net change in fair value due to change in own credit risk on financial liabilities designated under the fair value option:
Change in fair value due to change in own credit risk on financial liabilities designated under the fair value option			(1,338	)			1,958
Income tax expense (benefit)			(353	)			514
			(985	)			1,444
Other comprehensive income (loss) from investments in associates			2				2
Other comprehensive income (loss)			500				(1,589	)
Comprehensive income		$	8,028			$	8,585
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to non-controlling interests			327				233
Comprehensive income attributable to equity holders of the Bank		$	7,701			$	8,352
Preferred shareholders and other equity instrument holders			419				260
Common shareholders		$	7,282			$	8,092

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 

2023 Scotiabank Annual Report  |  149

Consolidated Financial Statements

 

Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity

 

										Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
($ millions)		Common shares (Note 24)				Retained earnings(1)				Foreign currency translation				Debt instruments FVOCI				Equity instruments FVOCI				Cash flow hedges				Other(2)				Other reserves				Total common equity				Preferred shares and other equity instruments (Note 24)				Total attributable to equity holders				Non- controlling interests in subsidiaries (Note 31(b))				Total
Balance as at October 31, 2022		$	18,707			$	53,761			$	(2,478	)		$	(1,482	)		$	216			$	(4,786	)		$	1,364			$	(152	)		$	65,150			$	8,075			$	73,225			$	1,524			$	74,749
Net income			–				6,991				–				–				–				–				–				–				6,991				419				7,410				118				7,528
Other comprehensive income (loss)			–				–				766				378				(201	)			240				(892	)			–				291				–				291				209				500
Total comprehensive income		$	–			$	6,991			$	766			$	378			$	(201	)		$	240			$	(892	)		$	–			$	7,282			$	419			$	7,701			$	327			$	8,028
Shares/instruments issued			1,402				–				–				–				–				–				–				(3	)			1,399				–				1,399				–				1,399
Shares repurchased/redeemed			–				–				–				–				–				–				–				–				–				–				–				–				–
Dividends and distributions paid to equity holders			–				(5,003	)			–				–				–				–				–				–				(5,003	)			(419	)			(5,422	)			(101	)			(5,523	)
Share-based payments(3)			–				–				–				–				–				–				–				14				14				–				14				–				14
Other			–				(3	)			(43	)			–				(1	)			1				–				57				11				–				11				(11	)			–
Balance as at October 31, 2023		$	20,109			$	55,746			$	(1,755	)		$	(1,104	)		$	14			$	(4,545	)		$	472			$	(84	)		$	68,853			$	8,075			$	76,928			$	1,739			$	78,667
Balance as at October 31, 2021		$	18,507			$	51,354			$	(4,709	)		$	(270	)		$	291			$	(214	)		$	(431	)		$	222			$	64,750			$	6,052			$	70,802			$	2,090			$	72,892
Net income			–				9,656				–				–				–				–				–				–				9,656				260				9,916				258				10,174
Other comprehensive income (loss)			–				–				2,411				(1,212	)			(35	)			(4,523	)			1,795				–				(1,564	)			–				(1,564	)			(25	)			(1,589	)
Total comprehensive income		$	–			$	9,656			$	2,411			$	(1,212	)		$	(35	)		$	(4,523	)		$	1,795			$	–			$	8,092			$	260			$	8,352			$	233			$	8,585
Shares/instruments issued			706				–				–				–				–				–				–				(18	)			688				2,523				3,211				–				3,211
Shares repurchased/redeemed			(506	)			(2,367	)			–				–				–				–				–				–				(2,873	)			(500	)			(3,373	)			–				(3,373	)
Dividends and distributions paid to equity holders			–				(4,858	)			–				–				–				–				–				–				(4,858	)			(260	)			(5,118	)			(115	)			(5,233	)
Share-based payments(3)			–				–				–				–				–				–				–				10				10				–				10				–				10
Other			–				(24	)			(180	)			–				(40	)			(49	)			–				(366	)(4)			(659	)			–				(659	)			(684	)(4)			(1,343	)
Balance as at October 31, 2022		$	18,707			$	53,761			$	(2,478	)		$	(1,482	)		$	216			$	(4,786	)		$	1,364			$	(152	)		$	65,150			$	8,075			$	73,225			$	1,524			$	74,749

 

(1)	Includes undistributed retained earnings of $71 (2022 – $67) related to a foreign associated corporation, which is subject to local regulatory restriction.

(2)	Includes Share from associates, Employee benefits and Own credit risk.

(3)	Represents amounts on account of share-based payments (refer to Note 26).

(4)	Includes changes to non-controlling interests arising from business combinations and related transactions (refer to Note 36).

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 

150  |  2023 Scotiabank Annual Report

Consolidated Financial Statements

 

Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows

 

Sources (uses) of cash flows for the year ended October 31 ($ millions)		2023				2022
Cash flows from operating activities
Net income		$	7,528			$	10,174
Adjustment for:
Net interest income			(18,287	)			(18,115	)
Depreciation and amortization			1,820				1,531
Provision for credit losses			3,422				1,382
Impairment on investments in associates			185				–
Equity-settled share-based payment expense			14				10
Net gain on sale of investment securities			(129	)			(74	)
Net (gain)/loss on divestitures			(367	)			233
Net income from investments in associated corporations			(153	)			(268	)
Income tax expense			2,226				2,758
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Trading assets			(2,689	)			37,501
Securities purchased under resale agreements and securities borrowed			(18,966	)			(41,438	)
Loans			4,414				(97,161	)
Deposits			19,478				95,905
Obligations related to securities sold short			(4,616	)			(1,292	)
Obligations related to securities sold under repurchase agreements and securities lent			15,937				10,838
Net derivative financial instruments			2,080				115
Other, net			(219	)			(1,404	)
Dividends received			1,299				1,156
Interest received			55,617				31,931
Interest paid			(34,731	)			(13,336	)
Income tax paid			(2,139	)			(3,503	)
Net cash from/(used in) operating activities			31,724				16,943
Cash flows from investing activities
Interest-bearing deposits with financial institutions			(23,538	)			25,783
Purchase of investment securities			(100,919	)			(97,736	)
Proceeds from sale and maturity of investment securities			94,875				63,130
Acquisition/divestiture of subsidiaries, associated corporations or business units, net of cash acquired			895				(549	)
Property and equipment, net of disposals			(442	)			(571	)
Other, net			(911	)			(1,350	)
Net cash from/(used in) investing activities			(30,040	)			(11,293	)
Cash flows from financing activities
Proceeds from issue of subordinated debentures			1,447				3,356
Redemption of subordinated debentures			(78	)			(1,276	)
Proceeds from preferred shares and other equity instruments issued			–				2,523
Redemption of preferred shares			–				(500	)
Proceeds from common shares issued			1,402				137
Common shares purchased for cancellation			–				(2,873	)
Cash dividends and distributions paid			(5,422	)			(5,118	)
Distributions to non-controlling interests			(101	)			(115	)
Payment of lease liabilities			(325	)			(322	)
Other, net			311				(391	)
Net cash from/(used in) financing activities			(2,766	)			(4,579	)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents			190				301
Net change in cash and cash equivalents			(892	)			1,372
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year(1)			11,065				9,693
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year(1)		$	10,173			$	11,065

 

(1)	Represents cash and non-interest-bearing deposits with financial institutions (refer to Note 6).

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 

2023 Scotiabank Annual Report  |  151

Consolidated Financial Statements

 

Notes to the 2023 Consolidated Financial Statements

 

Table of Contents

 

 

152  |  2023 Scotiabank Annual Report

Consolidated Financial Statements

 

1	Reporting Entity

The Bank of Nova Scotia (the Bank) is a chartered Schedule I bank under the Bank Act (Canada) (the Bank Act) and is regulated by the Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions (OSFI). The Bank is a global financial services provider offering a diverse range of products and services, including personal, commercial, corporate and investment banking. The head office of the Bank is located at 1709 Hollis Street, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada and its executive offices are at 40 Temperance Street, Toronto, Canada. The common shares of the Bank are listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX) and the New York Stock Exchange.

 

2	Basis of Preparation

Statement of compliance

These consolidated financial statements were prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB) and accounting requirements of OSFI in accordance with Section 308 of the Bank Act. Section 308 states that, except as otherwise specified by OSFI, the financial statements are to be prepared in accordance with IFRS.

The consolidated financial statements for the year ended October 31, 2023 have been approved by the Board of Directors for issue on November 28, 2023.

Certain comparative amounts have been restated to conform with the basis of presentation in the current year.

Basis of measurement

The consolidated financial statements have been prepared on the historical cost basis except for the following material items that are measured at fair value in the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position:

 

•

Financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value through profit or loss

•

Financial assets and liabilities designated at fair value through profit or loss

•

Derivative financial instruments

•

Equity instruments designated at fair value through other comprehensive income

•

Debt instruments measured at fair value through other comprehensive income

Functional and presentation currency

These consolidated financial statements are presented in Canadian dollars, which is the Bank’s functional currency. All financial information presented in Canadian dollars has been rounded to the nearest million unless otherwise stated.

Management’s use of estimates, assumptions and judgments

The Bank’s accounting policies require estimates, assumptions and judgments that relate to matters that are inherently uncertain. The Bank has established procedures to ensure that accounting policies are applied consistently. Estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognized in the year in which the estimates are revised.

Use of estimates and assumptions

The preparation of these consolidated financial statements, in conformity with IFRS, requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amount of assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements, and other comprehensive income and income and expenses during the reporting period. Estimates made by management are based on historical experience and other factors and assumptions that are believed to be reasonable. Key areas of estimation uncertainty include those relating to the allowance for credit losses, the fair value of financial instruments (including derivatives), corporate income taxes, employee benefits, goodwill and intangible assets, the fair value of all identifiable assets and liabilities as a result of business combinations, impairment of non-financial assets and provisions. The Bank has utilized estimates, assumptions and judgments that reflect this uncertainty. While management makes its best estimates and assumptions, actual results could differ from these and other estimates.

Significant judgments

In the preparation of these consolidated financial statements, management is required to make significant judgments in the classification and presentation of transactions and instruments and accounting for the Bank’s involvement with other entities.

 

2023 Scotiabank Annual Report  |  153

Consolidated Financial Statements

 

Significant estimates, assumptions and judgments have been made in the following areas and are discussed as noted in the consolidated financial statements:

 

Allowance for credit losses		Note 3
		Note 13(e)
Fair value of financial instruments		Note 3
		Note 7
Corporate income taxes		Note 3
		Note 27
Employee benefits		Note 3
		Note 28
Goodwill and intangible assets		Note 3
		Note 18
Fair value of all identifiable assets and liabilities as a result of business combinations		Note 3
		Note 36
Impairment of investment securities		Note 3
		Note 12
Impairment of non-financial assets		Note 3
		Note 16
Structured entities		Note 3
		Note 15
De facto control of other entities		Note 3
		Note 31
Derecognition of financial assets and liabilities		Note 3
		Note 14
Provisions		Note 3
		Note 23

 

3	Significant Accounting Policies

The significant accounting policies used in the preparation of these consolidated financial statements, including any additional accounting requirements of OSFI, as set out below, have been applied consistently to all periods presented in these consolidated financial statements.

Basis of consolidation

The consolidated financial statements include the assets, liabilities, financial performance and cash flows of the Bank and all of its subsidiaries, after elimination of intercompany transactions and balances. Subsidiaries are defined as entities controlled by the Bank. The Bank’s subsidiaries can be classified as entities controlled through voting interests or structured entities. The Bank consolidates a subsidiary from the date it obtains control. For the Bank to control an entity, all three elements of control should be in existence:

 

•

power over the investee;

•

exposure, or rights, to variable returns from involvement with the investee; and

•

the ability to use power over the investee to affect the amount of the Bank’s returns.

The Bank does not control an investee when it is acting as an agent. The Bank assesses whether it is an agent by determining whether it is primarily engaged to act on behalf of and for the benefit of another party or parties. The Bank reassesses whether it controls an investee if facts and circumstances indicate that one or more of the elements of control has changed.

Voting-interest subsidiaries

Control is presumed with an ownership interest of more than 50% of the voting rights in an entity unless there are other factors that indicate that the Bank does not control the entity despite having more than 50% of voting rights.

The Bank may consolidate an entity when it owns less than 50% of the voting rights when it has one or more other attributes of power:

 

•

by virtue of an agreement, over more than half of the voting rights;

•

to govern the financial and operating policies of the entity under a statute or an agreement;

•

to appoint or remove the majority of the members of the board of directors or equivalent governing body and control of the entity is by that board or body; or

•

to govern the financial and operating policies of the entity through the size of its holding of voting rights relative to the size and dispersion of holding of the other vote holders and voting patterns at shareholder meetings (i.e., de facto control).

Non-controlling interests are presented within equity in the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position separate from equity attributable to equity holders of the Bank. The net income attributable to non-controlling interests is presented separately in the Consolidated Statement of Income. Partial sales and incremental purchases of interests in subsidiaries that do not result in a change of control are accounted for as equity transactions with non-controlling interest holders. Any difference between the carrying amount of the interest and the transaction amount is recorded as an adjustment to retained earnings.

Structured entities

Structured entities are designed to accomplish certain well-defined objectives and for which voting or similar rights are not the dominant factor in deciding who controls the entity. The Bank controls an entity when it is exposed, or has rights, to variable returns from its involvement with the investee and has the ability to affect those returns through its power over the investee.

The Bank consolidates all structured entities that it controls.

 

154  |  2023 Scotiabank Annual Report

Consolidated Financial Statements

 

Investments in associates

An associate is an entity in which the Bank has significant influence, but not control, over the operating and financial policies of the entity.

Investments in associates are recognized initially at cost, which includes the purchase price and other costs directly attributable to the purchase. Associates are accounted for using the equity method which reflects the Bank’s share of the increase or decrease of the post-acquisition earnings and other movements in the associate’s equity.

Investments in associates are evaluated for impairment at the end of each financial reporting period, or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate the existence of objective evidence of impairment.

For purposes of applying the equity method for an investment that has a different reporting period from the Bank, adjustments are made for the effects of any significant events or transactions that occur between the reporting date of the investment and the reporting date of the Bank.

Joint arrangements

The Bank’s investments in joint arrangements over which the Bank has joint control are classified as either joint operations or joint ventures depending on the contractual rights and obligations of each investor, rather than the legal structure of the joint arrangement.

Similar to accounting for investment in associates, for joint ventures, investments are recognized initially at cost and accounted for using the equity method which reflects the Bank’s share of the increase or decrease of the post-acquisition earnings and other movements in the joint venture’s equity. Investments in joint ventures are evaluated for impairment at the end of each financial reporting period, or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate the existence of objective evidence of impairment.

For joint operations, the Bank recognizes its direct rights to, and its share of jointly held assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses. These have been incorporated in the consolidated financial statements under the appropriate headings.

Translation of foreign currencies

The financial statements of each of the Bank’s foreign operations are measured using its functional currency, being the currency of the primary economic environment of the foreign operation.

Translation gains and losses related to the Bank’s monetary items are recognized in non-interest income in the Consolidated Statement of Income. Revenues and expenses denominated in foreign currencies are translated using average exchange rates. Foreign currency non-monetary items that are measured at historical cost are translated into the functional currency at historical rates. Foreign currency non-monetary items measured at fair value are translated into functional currency using the rate of exchange at the date the fair value was determined. Foreign currency gains and losses on non-monetary items are recognized in the Consolidated Statement of Income or Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income consistent with the gain or loss on the non-monetary item.

Unrealized gains and losses arising upon translation of foreign operations, together with any gains or losses arising from hedges of those net investment positions to the extent effective, are credited or charged to net change in unrealized foreign currency translation gains/losses in other comprehensive income in the Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income. On disposal or meeting the definition of partial disposal of a foreign operation, an appropriate portion of the translation differences previously recognized in other comprehensive income are recognized in the Consolidated Statement of Income.

Financial assets and liabilities

Recognition and initial measurement

The Bank, on the date of origination or purchase, recognizes loans, debt and equity securities, deposits and subordinated debentures at the fair value of the consideration paid or received. Regular-way purchases and sales of financial assets are recognized on the settlement date. All other financial assets and liabilities, including derivatives, are initially recognized on the trade date at which the Bank becomes a party to the contractual provisions of the instrument.

The initial measurement of a financial asset or liability is at fair value plus transaction costs that are directly attributable to its purchase or issuance. For instruments measured at fair value through profit or loss, transaction costs are recognized immediately in profit or loss.

Classification and measurement, derecognition, and impairment of financial instruments

Classification and measurement

Classification and measurement of financial assets

Financial assets include both debt and equity instruments, are classified into one of the following measurement categories:

 

•

Amortized cost;

•

Fair value through other comprehensive income (FVOCI);

•

Fair value through profit or loss (FVTPL);

•

Elected at fair value through other comprehensive income (Equities only); or

•

Designated at FVTPL

Debt instruments

Debt instruments, including loans and debt securities, are classified into one of the following measurement categories:

 

•

Amortized cost;

•

Fair value through other comprehensive income (FVOCI);

•

Fair value through profit or loss (FVTPL); or

•

Designated at FVTPL

Classification of debt instruments is determined based on:

 

(i)	The business model under which the asset is held; and

(ii)	The contractual cash flow characteristics of the instrument.

 

2023 Scotiabank Annual Report  |  155

Consolidated Financial Statements

 

Business model assessment

A business model assessment involves determining how financial assets are managed to generate cash flows. The Bank’s business model assessment is based on the following categories:

 

•

Held to collect: The objective of this business model is to hold assets and collect contractual cash flows. Any sales of the asset are incidental to the objective of the model.

•

Held to collect and for sale: Both collecting contractual cash flows and sales are integral to achieving the objectives of the business model.

•

Other business model: The business model is neither held-to-collect nor held-to-collect and for sale.

The Bank assesses the business model at a portfolio level reflective of how groups of assets are managed together to achieve a particular business objective. For the assessment of a business model, the Bank takes into consideration the following factors:

 

•

How the performance of assets in a portfolio is evaluated and reported to group heads and other key decision makers within the Bank’s business lines;

•

How compensation is determined for the Bank’s business lines’ management that manages the assets;

•

How the business lines’ management is compensated for managing the Bank’s assets based on the fair value or the contractual cash flows collected;

•

Whether the assets are held for trading purposes;

•

The risks that affect the performance of assets held within a business model and how those risks are managed; and

•

The frequency and volume of sales in prior periods and expectations about future sales activity.

Contractual cash flow characteristics assessment

The contractual cash flow characteristics assessment involves assessing the contractual features of an instrument to determine if they give rise to cash flows that are consistent with a basic lending arrangement. Contractual cash flows are consistent with a basic lending arrangement if they represent cash flows that are solely payments of principal and interest on the principal amount outstanding (SPPI).

Principal is defined as the fair value of the instrument at initial recognition. Principal may change over the life of the instrument due to repayments or amortization of premium/discount.

Interest is defined as the consideration for the time value of money and the credit risk associated with the principal amount outstanding and for other basic lending risks and costs (liquidity risk and administrative costs), and a profit margin.

If the Bank identifies any contractual features that could significantly modify the cash flows of the instrument such that they are no longer consistent with a basic lending arrangement, the related financial asset is classified and measured at FVTPL.

Debt instruments measured at amortized cost

Debt instruments are measured at amortized cost if they are held within a business model whose objective is to hold for collection of contractual cash flows where those cash flows represent solely payments of principal and interest. After initial measurement, debt instruments in this category are carried at amortized cost. Interest income on these instruments is recognized in interest income using the effective interest rate method. The effective interest rate is the rate that discounts estimated future cash payments or receipts through the expected life of the financial asset to the gross carrying amount of a financial asset. Amortized cost is calculated by taking into account any discount or premium on the acquisition, transaction costs and fees that are an integral part of the effective interest rate.

Impairment on debt instruments measured at amortized cost is calculated using the expected credit loss approach. Loans and debt securities measured at amortized cost are presented net of the allowance for credit losses (ACL) in the Statement of Financial Position.

Debt instruments measured at FVOCI

Debt instruments are measured at FVOCI if they are held within a business model whose objective is to hold for collection of contractual cash flows and for selling financial assets, where the assets’ cash flows represent payments that are solely payments of principal and interest. Subsequent to initial recognition, unrealized gains and losses on debt instruments measured at FVOCI are recorded in other comprehensive income (OCI), unless the instrument is designated in a fair value hedge relationship. When designated in a fair value hedge relationship, any changes in fair value due to changes in the hedged risk are recognized in Non-interest income in the Consolidated Statement of Income, along with changes in fair value of the hedging instrument. Upon derecognition, realized gains and losses are reclassified from OCI and recorded in Non-interest income in the Consolidated Statement of Income. Foreign exchange gains and losses that relate to the amortized cost of the debt instrument are recognized in the Consolidated Statement of Income. Premiums, discounts and related transaction costs are amortized over the expected life of the instrument to Interest income in the Consolidated Statement of Income using the effective interest rate method.

Impairment on debt instruments measured at FVOCI is determined using the expected credit loss approach. The ACL on debt instruments measured at FVOCI does not reduce the carrying amount of the asset in the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position, which remains at its fair value. Instead, an amount equal to the allowance that would arise if the assets were measured at amortized cost is recognized in OCI with a corresponding charge to provision for credit losses in the Consolidated Statement of Income. The accumulated allowance recognized in OCI is recycled to the Consolidated Statement of Income upon derecognition of the debt instrument.

Debt instruments measured at FVTPL

Debt instruments are measured at FVTPL if assets:

 

(i)	are held for trading purposes;

(ii)	are held as part of a portfolio managed on a fair value basis; or

(iii)

whose cash flows do not represent payments that are solely payments of principal and interest.

These instruments are measured at fair value in the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position, with transaction costs recognized immediately in the Consolidated Statement of Income as part of Non-interest income. Realized and unrealized gains and losses are recognized as part of Non-interest income in the Consolidated Statement of Income.

Debt instruments designated at FVTPL

The Bank designates certain debt instruments at FVTPL upon initial recognition, and the designation is irrevocable. The FVTPL designation is available when a fair value is reliably estimated, and doing so eliminates or significantly reduces an accounting mismatch which would otherwise arise.

 

156  |  2023 Scotiabank Annual Report

Consolidated Financial Statements

 

Debt instruments designated at FVTPL are recorded in the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position at fair value. Changes in fair value are recognized in Non-interest income in the Consolidated Statement of Income.

Equity instruments

Equity instruments are classified into one of the following measurement categories:

 

•

Fair value through profit or loss (FVTPL); or

•

Elected at fair value through other comprehensive income (FVOCI).

Equity instruments measured at FVTPL

Equity instruments are measured at FVTPL, unless an election is made to designate them at FVOCI upon purchase, with transaction costs recognized immediately in the Consolidated Statement of Income as part of Non-interest income. Subsequent to initial recognition, the changes in fair value and dividends received are recognized in the Consolidated Statement of Income.

Equity instruments measured at FVOCI

At initial recognition, the Bank has an option to classify non-trading equity instruments at FVOCI. This election is irrevocable and is made on an instrument-by-instrument basis.

Gains and losses on these instruments, including when derecognized/sold, are recorded in OCI and are not subsequently reclassified to the Consolidated Statement of Income. As such, there is no specific impairment requirement. Dividends received are recorded in Interest income in the Consolidated Statement of Income. Any transaction costs incurred upon purchase of the security are added to the cost basis of the security and are not reclassified to the Consolidated Statement of Income on sale of the security.

Classification and measurement of financial liabilities

Financial liabilities are classified into one of the following measurement categories:

 

•

Fair value through profit or loss (FVTPL);

•

Amortized cost; or

•

Designated at FVTPL.

Financial liabilities measured at FVTPL

Financial liabilities measured at FVTPL are held principally for the purpose of repurchasing in the near term, or form part of a portfolio of identified financial instruments that are managed together and for which there is evidence of a recent actual pattern of short term profit-taking. Financial liabilities are recognized on a trade date basis and accounted for at fair value, with changes in fair value and any gains or losses recognized in the Consolidated Statement of Income as part of the non-interest income. Transaction costs are expensed as incurred.

Financial liabilities measured at amortized cost

Deposits, subordinated notes and debentures are accounted for at amortized cost. Interest on deposits, calculated using the effective interest rate method, is recognized as interest expense. Interest on subordinated notes and debentures, including capitalized transaction costs, is recognized using the effective interest rate method as interest expense.

Financial liabilities designated at FVTPL

The Bank designates certain financial liabilities at FVTPL upon initial recognition, and the designation is irrevocable. The FVTPL designation is available when a fair value is reliably estimated.

Financial liabilities are designated at FVTPL when it meets one of the following criteria:

 

•

The designation eliminates or significantly reduces an accounting mismatch which would otherwise arise; or

•

A group of financial liabilities are managed and their performance is evaluated on a fair value basis, in line with a documented risk management strategy; or

•

The financial liability contains one or more embedded derivatives which significantly modify the cash flows otherwise required.

Financial liabilities designated at FVTPL are recorded in the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position at fair value. Any changes in fair value are recognized in Non-interest income in the Consolidated Statement of Income, except for changes in fair value arising from changes in the Bank’s own credit risk which are recognized in OCI. Changes in fair value due to changes in the Bank’s own credit risk are not subsequently reclassified to the Consolidated Statement of Income upon derecognition/extinguishment of the liabilities.

Determination of fair value

The fair value of a financial asset or liability is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants in the principal, or in its absence, the most advantageous market to which the Bank has access at the measurement date.

The Bank values instruments carried at fair value using quoted market prices, where available. Fair value based on unadjusted quoted market prices for identical instruments in active markets represents a Level 1 valuation. When quoted market prices are not available, the Bank maximizes the use of observable inputs within valuation models. When a fair value is based on all significant market observable inputs, the valuation is classified as Level 2. Valuations that require the significant use of unobservable inputs are considered Level 3.

Inception gains and losses are only recognized where the valuation is dependent on observable market data; otherwise, they are deferred and amortized over the life of the related contract or until the valuation inputs become observable.

IFRS 13, Fair Value Measurement permits a measurement exception that allows an entity to determine the fair value of a group of financial assets and liabilities with offsetting risks based on the sale or transfer of its net exposure to a particular risk (or risks). The Bank has adopted this exception through an accounting policy choice. Consequently, the fair values of certain portfolios of financial instruments are determined based on the net exposure of those instruments to market, credit or funding risk.

In determining fair value for certain instruments or portfolios of instruments, valuation adjustments or reserves may be required to arrive at a more accurate representation of fair value. These adjustments include those made for credit risk, bid-offer spreads, unobservable parameters, funding costs and constraints on prices in inactive or illiquid markets.

 

2023 Scotiabank Annual Report  |  157

Consolidated Financial Statements

 

Derecognition of financial assets and liabilities

Derecognition of financial assets

A financial asset is derecognized when the contractual rights to the cash flows from the asset has expired; or the Bank transfers the contractual rights to receive the cash flows from the financial asset; or has assumed an obligation to pay those cash flows to an independent third-party; or the Bank has transferred substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership of that asset to an independent third-party. Management determines whether substantially all the risk and rewards of ownership have been transferred by quantitatively comparing the variability in cash flows before and after the transfer. If the variability in cash flows remains significantly similar subsequent to the transfer, the Bank has retained substantially all of the risks and rewards of ownership.

Where substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership of the financial asset are neither retained nor transferred, the Bank derecognizes the transferred asset only if it has lost control over that asset. Control over the asset is represented by the practical ability to sell the transferred asset. If the Bank retains control over the asset, it will continue to recognize the asset to the extent of its continuing involvement. At times such continuing involvement may be in the form of investment in senior or subordinated tranches of notes issued by non-consolidated structured entities.

On derecognition of a financial asset, the difference between the carrying amount and the sum of (i) the consideration received (including any new asset obtained less any new liability assumed) and (ii) any cumulative gain or loss that had been recognized in other comprehensive income is recognized in the Consolidated Statement of Income.

Transfers of financial assets that do not qualify for derecognition are reported as secured financings in the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position.

The derecognition criteria are applied to the transfer of part of an asset, rather than the asset as a whole, only if such part comprises specifically identified cash flows from the asset, a fully proportionate share of the cash flows from the asset, or a fully proportionate share of specifically identified cash flows from the asset.

Derecognition of financial liabilities

A financial liability is derecognized when the obligation under the liability is discharged, canceled or expires. If an existing financial liability is replaced by another from the same counterparty on substantially different terms, or the terms of the existing liability are substantially modified, such an exchange or modification is treated as a derecognition of the original liability and the recognition of a new liability at fair value. The difference in the respective carrying amount of the existing liability and the new liability is recognized as a gain/loss in the Consolidated Statement of Income.

Impairment

Scope

The Bank applies a three-stage approach to measure allowance for credit losses, using an expected credit loss approach as required under IFRS 9, for the following categories of financial instruments that are not measured at fair value through profit or loss:

 

•

Amortized cost financial assets;

•

Debt securities classified as at FVOCI;

•

Off-balance sheet loan commitments; and

•

Financial guarantee contracts.

Expected credit loss impairment model

The Bank’s allowance for credit losses calculations are outputs of models with a number of underlying assumptions regarding the choice of variable inputs and their interdependencies. The expected credit loss impairment model reflects the present value of all cash shortfalls related to default events either (i) over the following twelve months or (ii) over the expected life of a financial instrument depending on credit deterioration from inception. The allowance for credit losses reflects an unbiased, probability-weighted outcome which considers multiple scenarios based on reasonable and supportable forecasts.

This impairment model measures credit loss allowances using a three-stage approach based on the extent of credit deterioration since origination:

•

Stage 1 – Where there has not been a significant increase in credit risk (SIR) since initial recognition of a financial instrument, an amount equal to 12 months expected credit loss is recorded. The expected credit loss is computed using a probability of default occurring over the next 12 months. For those instruments with a remaining maturity of less than 12 months, a probability of default corresponding to remaining term to maturity is used.

•

Stage 2 – When a financial instrument experiences a SIR subsequent to origination but is not considered to be in default, it is included in Stage 2. This requires the computation of expected credit loss based on the probability of default over the remaining estimated life of the financial instrument.

•

Stage 3 – Financial instruments that are considered to be in default are included in this stage. Similar to Stage 2, the allowance for credit losses captures the lifetime expected credit losses.

Measurement of expected credit loss

The probability of default (PD), exposure at default (EAD), and loss given default (LGD) inputs used to estimate expected credit losses are modelled based on macroeconomic variables that are closely related with credit losses in the relevant portfolio.

Details of these statistical parameters/inputs are as follows:

•

PD – The probability of default is an estimate of the likelihood of default over a given time horizon. A default may only happen at a certain time over the remaining estimated life if the facility has not been previously derecognized and is still in the portfolio.

•

EAD – The exposure at default is an estimate of the exposure at a future default date, considering expected changes in the exposure after the reporting date, including repayments of principal and interest, whether scheduled by contract or otherwise, expected drawdowns on committed facilities, and accrued interest from missed payments.

•

LGD – The loss given default is an estimate of the loss arising in the case where a default occurs at a given time. It is based on the difference between the contractual cash flows due and those that the lender would expect to receive, including from the realization of any collateral. It is usually expressed as a percentage of the EAD.

 

158  |  2023 Scotiabank Annual Report

Consolidated Financial Statements

 

Forward-looking information

The estimation of expected credit losses for each stage and the assessment of significant increases in credit risk consider information about past events and current conditions as well as reasonable and supportable forecasts of future events and economic conditions. The estimation and application of forward-looking information may require significant judgment.

Macroeconomic factors

In its models, the Bank relies on a broad range of forward-looking economic information as inputs, such as: GDP growth, unemployment rates, central bank interest rates, and house-price indices. The inputs and models used for calculating expected credit losses may not always capture all characteristics of the market at the date of the financial statements. Qualitative adjustments or overlays may be made as temporary adjustments using expert credit judgment.

Multiple forward-looking scenarios

The Bank determines its allowance for credit losses using four probability-weighted forward-looking scenarios. The Bank considers both internal and external sources of information and data in order to achieve unbiased projections and forecasts. The Bank prepares the scenarios using forecasts generated by Scotiabank Economics (SE). The forecasts are created using internal and external models which are modified by SE as necessary to formulate a ‘base case’ view of the most probable future direction of relevant economic variables as well as a representative range of other possible forecast scenarios. The process involves the development of three additional economic scenarios and consideration of the relative probabilities of each outcome.

The ‘base case’ represents the most likely outcome and is aligned with information used by the Bank for other purposes such as strategic planning and budgeting. The other scenarios represent more optimistic and more pessimistic outcomes. The Bank has identified and documented key drivers of credit risk and credit losses for each portfolio of financial instruments and, using an analysis of historical data, has estimated relationships between macroeconomic variables, credit risk, and credit losses.

Assessment of significant increase in credit risk (SIR)

At each reporting date, the Bank assesses whether there has been a significant increase in credit risk for exposures since initial recognition by comparing the risk of default occurring over the remaining expected life from the reporting date and the date of initial recognition. The assessment considers borrower-specific quantitative and qualitative information without consideration of collateral, and the impact of forward-looking macroeconomic factors.

The common assessments for SIR on retail and non-retail portfolios include macroeconomic outlook, management judgement, and delinquency and monitoring. Forward-looking macroeconomic factors are a key component of the macroeconomic outlook. The importance and relevance of each specific macroeconomic factor depends on the type of product, characteristics of the financial instruments and the borrower and the geographical region. Quantitative models may not always be able to capture all reasonable and supportable information that may indicate a significant increase in credit risk. Qualitative factors may be assessed to supplement the gap. Examples of situations include changes in adjudication criteria for a particular group of borrowers; changes in portfolio composition; and natural disasters impacting certain portfolios. With regards to delinquency and monitoring, there is a rebuttable presumption that the credit risk of the financial instrument has increased since initial recognition when contractual payments are more than 30 days overdue.

Retail portfolio – For retail exposures, a significant increase in credit risk cannot be assessed using forward looking information at an individual account level. Therefore, the assessment must be done at the segment level. Segment migration thresholds exist for each PD model by product which considers the proportionate change in PD as well as the absolute change in PD. The thresholds used for PD migration are reviewed and assessed at least annually unless there is a significant change in credit risk management practices in which case the review is brought forward.

Non-retail portfolio – The Bank uses a risk rating scale (IG codes) for its non-retail exposures. All non-retail exposures have an IG code assigned that reflects the probability of default of the borrower. Both borrower specific and non-borrower specific (i.e. macroeconomic) forward looking information is considered and reflected in the IG rating. Significant increase in credit risk is evaluated based on the migration of the exposures among IG codes.

Expected life

When measuring expected credit loss, the Bank considers the maximum contractual period over which the Bank is exposed to credit risk. All contractual terms are considered when determining the expected life, including prepayment, and extension and rollover options. For certain revolving credit facilities, such as credit cards, the expected life is estimated based on the period over which the Bank is exposed to credit risk and how the credit losses are mitigated by management actions.

Presentation of allowance for credit losses in the Statement of Financial Position

 

•

Financial assets measured at amortized cost: as a deduction from the gross carrying amount of the financial assets;

•

Debt instruments measured at fair value through other comprehensive income: no allowance is recognized in the Statement of Financial Position because the carrying value of these assets is their fair value. However, the allowance determined is presented in the accumulated other comprehensive income;

•

Off-balance sheet credit risks include undrawn lending commitments, letters of credit and letters of guarantee: as a provision in other liabilities.

Modified financial assets

If the terms of a financial asset are modified or an existing financial asset is replaced with a new one, an assessment is made to determine if the existing financial asset should be derecognized. Where a modification does not result in derecognition, the date of origination continues to be used to determine SIR. Where a modification results in derecognition, the new financial asset is recognized at its fair value on the modification date. The modification date is also the date of origination for this new asset.

The Bank may modify the contractual terms of loans for either commercial or credit reasons. The terms of a loan in good standing may be modified for commercial reasons to provide competitive pricing to borrowers. Loans are also modified for credit reasons where the contractual terms are modified to grant a concession to a borrower that may be experiencing financial difficulty.

 

2023 Scotiabank Annual Report  |  159

Consolidated Financial Statements

 

For all financial assets modifications of the contractual terms may result in derecognition of the original asset when the changes to the terms of the loans are considered substantial. These terms include interest rate, authorized amount, term, or type of underlying collateral. The original loan is derecognized, and the new loan is recognized at its fair value. The difference between the carrying value of the derecognized asset and the fair value of the new asset is recognized in the Consolidated Statement of Income.

For all loans, performing and credit-impaired, where the modification of terms did not result in the derecognition of the loan, the gross carrying amount of the modified loan is recalculated based on the present value of the modified cash flows discounted at the original effective interest rate and any gain or loss from the modification is recorded in the provision for credit losses line in the Consolidated Statement of Income.

Definition of default

The Bank considers a financial instrument to be in default as a result of one or more loss events that occurred after the date of initial recognition of the instrument and the loss event has a negative impact on the estimated future cash flows of the instrument that can be reliably estimated. This includes events that indicate:

 

•

significant financial difficulty of the borrower;

•

default or delinquency in interest or principal payments;

•

high probability of the borrower entering a phase of bankruptcy or a financial reorganization;

•

measurable decrease in the estimated future cash flows from the loan or the underlying assets that back the loan.

The Bank considers that default has occurred and classifies the financial asset as impaired when it is more than 90 days past due, except for credit card receivables that are treated as defaulted when 180 days past due, unless reasonable and supportable information demonstrates that a more lagging default criterion is appropriate.

Write-off policy

The Bank writes off an impaired financial asset (and the related impairment allowance), either partially or in full, when there is no realistic prospect of recovery. Where financial assets are secured, write-off is generally after receipt of any proceeds from the realization of security. In circumstances where the net realizable value of any collateral has been determined and there is no reasonable expectation of further recovery, write-off may be earlier. Credit card receivables 180 days past due are written-off. In subsequent periods, any recoveries of amounts previously written off are credited to the provision for credit losses in the Consolidated Statement of Income.

Purchased loans

All purchased loans are initially measured at fair value on the date of acquisition. As a result, no allowance for credit losses would be recorded in the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position on the date of acquisition. Purchased loans may fit into either of the two categories: Performing loans or Purchased Credit-Impaired (PCI) loans.

Purchased performing loans follow the same accounting as originated performing loans and are reflected in Stage 1 on the date of the acquisition. They will be subject to a 12-month allowance for credit losses which is recorded as a provision for credit losses in the Consolidated Statement of Income. The fair value adjustment set up for these loans on the date of acquisition is amortized into interest income over the life of these loans.

PCI loans are reflected in Stage 3 and are always subject to lifetime allowance for credit losses. Any changes in the expected cash flows since the date of acquisition are recorded as a charge/recovery in the provision for credit losses in the Consolidated Statement of Income at the end of all reporting periods subsequent to the date of acquisition.

Modification of financial instruments in the context of interest rate benchmark reform – Phase 2 amendments

When the basis for determining the contractual cash flows of a financial asset or financial liability measured at amortized cost is changed as a result of interest rate benchmark reform (IBOR reform), the Bank updates the effective interest rate of the financial asset or financial liability similar to a floating rate financial instrument and does not derecognize or adjust the carrying amount (the practical expedient). The practical expedient is applied only when the modification is required as a direct consequence of IBOR reform, and the new basis for determining the contractual cash flows is economically equivalent to the previous basis. If changes are made to a financial asset or financial liability in addition to changes to the basis for determining the contractual cash flows required by the interest rate benchmark reform, then the Bank sequentially updates the effective interest first to reflect the change required by IBOR reform and then applies its policies on modification or derecognition of financial assets and financial liabilities.

Offsetting of financial instruments

Financial assets and financial liabilities with the same counterparty are offset, with the net amount reported in the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position, only if there is a legally enforceable right to offset the recognized amounts and there is an intention to settle on a net basis, or to realize the assets and settle the liabilities simultaneously. When financial assets and financial liabilities are offset in the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position, the related income and expense items will also be offset in the Consolidated Statement of Income, unless specifically prohibited by an applicable accounting standard.

Cash and deposits with financial institutions

Cash and deposits with financial institutions comprise cash, cash equivalents, demand deposits with banks and other financial institutions, and highly liquid investments that are readily convertible to cash, subject to an insignificant risk of changes in value. These investments are those with less than three months maturity from the date of acquisition.

Precious metals

Precious metals are carried at fair value less costs to sell, and any changes in value are credited or charged to non-interest income – trading revenues in the Consolidated Statement of Income.

Securities purchased and sold under resale agreements

Securities purchased under resale agreements (reverse repurchase agreements) require the purchase of securities by the Bank from a counterparty with an agreement entered to resell the securities at a fixed price at a future date. Since the Bank is reselling the securities at a fixed price at a future date, the risks and rewards have not been transferred to the Bank. The Bank has the right to liquidate the securities purchased in the event of counterparty default.

 

160  |  2023 Scotiabank Annual Report

Consolidated Financial Statements

 

Whereas securities sold under agreements to repurchase (repurchase agreements) require the sale of securities by the Bank to a counterparty with an agreement entered simultaneously to purchase the securities back at a fixed price at a future date. Since the Bank is purchasing the securities back at a fixed price at a future date, the risks and rewards have not been transferred from the Bank. The counterparty has the right to use the collateral pledged by the Bank in the event of default.

These agreements are treated as collateralized financing arrangements and are initially recognized at amortized cost. The party disbursing the cash takes possession of the securities serving as collateral for the financing and having a market value equal to, or more than, the principal amount loaned. The securities received under reverse repurchase agreements and securities delivered under repurchase agreements are not recognized on, or derecognized from, the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position, unless the risks and rewards of ownership are obtained or relinquished. The related interest income and interest expense are recorded on an accrual basis using the effective interest rate in the Consolidated Statement of Income.

Obligations related to securities sold short

Obligations related to securities sold short arise in dealing and market-making activities where debt securities and equity shares are sold without possessing such securities.

Similarly, if securities purchased under an agreement to resell are subsequently sold to third parties, the obligation to return the securities is recorded as a short sale within obligations related to securities sold short in the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position. These trading liabilities are measured at fair value with any gains or losses included in non-interest income – trading revenues in the Consolidated Statement of Income. Interest expense accruing on debt securities sold short is recorded in the Consolidated Statement of Income.

Securities lending and borrowing

Securities lending and borrowing transactions are usually collateralized by securities or cash. The transfer of the securities to counterparties is only reflected on the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position if the risks and rewards of ownership are also transferred. For cash collateral advanced or received, the Bank presents these transactions as securities sold under a repurchase agreement or securities purchased under a reverse repurchase agreement, respectively. Interest income on cash collateral paid and interest expense on cash collateral received together with securities lending income and securities borrowing fee are reported in the Consolidated Statement of Income.

Securities borrowed are not recognized on the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position unless they are then sold to third parties, in which case the obligation to return the securities is recorded as a trading liability and measured at fair value with any gains or losses included in non-interest income – trading revenues, in the Consolidated Statement of Income.

Derivative instruments

Derivative instruments are contracts whose value is derived from interest rates, foreign exchange rates, commodity prices, equity prices or other financial variables. Most derivative instruments can be characterized as interest rate contracts, foreign exchange and gold contracts, commodity contracts, equity contracts or credit contracts. Derivative instruments are either exchange-traded contracts or negotiated over-the-counter contracts. Negotiated over-the-counter contracts include swaps, forwards and options.

The Bank enters into these derivative contracts for trading purposes, as well as to manage its risk exposures (i.e., to manage the Bank’s non-trading interest rate, foreign currency and other exposures). Trading activities are undertaken to meet the needs of the Bank’s customers, as well as for the Bank’s own account.

Derivatives embedded in other financial liabilities or host contracts are treated as separate stand-alone derivatives when the following conditions are met:

 

•

their economic characteristics and risks are not closely related to those of the host contract;

•

a separate instrument with the same terms as the embedded derivative would meet the definition of a derivative; and

•

the combined contract is not held for trading or designated at fair value through profit or loss.

Where an embedded derivative is separable from the host contract but the fair value, as at the acquisition or reporting date, cannot be reliably measured separately, the entire combined contract is measured at fair value. All embedded derivatives are presented on the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position on a combined basis with the host contracts. Changes in fair value of embedded derivatives that are separated from the host contract are recognized in non-interest income in the Consolidated Statement of Income.

All derivatives, including embedded derivatives that must be separately accounted for, are recorded at fair value in the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position. The determination of the fair value of derivatives includes consideration of credit risk, estimated funding costs and ongoing direct costs over the life of the instruments. Inception gains or losses on derivatives are only recognized where the valuation is dependent on observable market data, otherwise, they are deferred and amortized over the life of the related contract, or until the valuation inputs become observable.

The gains and losses resulting from changes in fair values of trading derivatives are included in non-interest income – trading revenues in the Consolidated Statement of Income.

Changes in the fair value of derivatives that do not qualify for hedge accounting are recorded in the Consolidated Statement of Income in non-interest income – other. Where derivative instruments are used to manage the volatility of share-based payment expense, these derivatives are carried at fair value with changes in the fair value in relation to units hedged included in non-interest expenses – salaries and employee benefits in the Consolidated Statement of Income.

Changes in the fair value of derivatives that qualify for hedge accounting are recorded as non-interest income – other in the Consolidated Statement of Income for fair value hedges and other comprehensive income in the Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income for cash flow hedges and net investment hedges.

Hedge accounting

The Bank has elected to continue to apply the hedge accounting requirements of IAS 39. Also, the Bank has implemented the additional hedge accounting disclosures that are required by the IFRS 9 related amendments to IFRS 7 Financial Instruments: Disclosures.

The Bank formally documents all hedging relationships and its risk management objective and strategy for undertaking these hedge transactions at inception. The hedge documentation includes identification of the asset, liability, firm commitment or highly probable forecasted transaction being hedged, the nature of the risk being hedged, the hedging instrument used, and the method used to assess the effectiveness of the hedge.

 

2023 Scotiabank Annual Report  |  161

Consolidated Financial Statements

 

The Bank also formally assesses, both at each hedge’s inception and on an ongoing basis, whether the hedging instruments are highly effective in offsetting changes in fair value or cash flows of the hedged items within an 80-125% range. This assessment incorporates a comparison of critical terms of the hedged and hedging item, and regression analysis, in order to determine (i) whether the hedge relationship is expected to be highly effective going forward (i.e. prospective effectiveness assessment) and (ii) whether the hedge was actually highly effective for the designated period (i.e. retrospective effectiveness assessment). In assessing prospective hedge effectiveness for a hedge relationship directly impacted by the IBOR reform, the Bank will assume that the benchmark interest rate is not altered as a result of the IBOR reform. In instances of assessing retrospective hedge effectiveness where a hedge relationship directly impacted by the IBOR reform falls outside of the 80-125% range solely as a result of the IBOR reform, the Bank will continue hedge accounting as long as other hedge accounting requirements are met.

Hedge ineffectiveness is measured and recorded in non-interest income – other in the Consolidated Statement of Income. When the basis for determining the contractual cash flows of existing hedge relationships changes as a result of the IBOR reform, the Bank updates the hedge documentation without discontinuing the hedging relationship. For cash flow hedges where the interest benchmark changes as a result of the IBOR reform, the Bank deems that the corresponding hedge reserve in OCI is based on the alternative benchmark rate to determine whether the hedged future cash flows are expected to occur. For changes that are in addition to those required by the IBOR reform, the Bank first determines whether the additional changes result in discontinuation of hedge relationships before applying the relief. In addition, when determining the hedged risk, the Bank may designate an alternative benchmark rate risk component that is not currently separately identifiable, as the Bank reasonably expects that the alternative benchmark rate will become separately identifiable within a 24-month period from its first designation.

There are three types of hedges: (i) fair value hedges, (ii) cash flow hedges and (iii) net investment hedges.

Fair value hedges

For fair value hedges, the change in fair value of the hedging instrument is offset in the Consolidated Statement of Income by the change in fair value of the hedged item attributable to the hedged risk. For hedges that are discontinued, the hedged item is no longer adjusted for changes in fair value. The cumulative fair value adjustment of the hedged item is amortized to interest income over its remaining term to maturity or written off to non-interest income directly if the hedged item ceases to exist. The Bank uses fair value hedges primarily to convert fixed rate financial instruments to floating rate financial instruments. Hedged items include debt securities, loans, deposit liabilities and subordinated debentures. Hedging instruments include single-currency interest rate swaps and cross-currency interest rate swaps.

Cash flow hedges

For cash flow hedges, the change in fair value of the hedging instrument, to the extent effective, is recorded in other comprehensive income until the corresponding gains and losses on the hedged item are recognized in income. For hedges that are discontinued, the cumulative unrealized gain or loss recognized in other comprehensive income is reclassified to interest income and/or salaries and employee benefits as the variability in the cash flows of hedged item affects income. However, if the hedged item is derecognized or the forecasted transaction is no longer expected to occur, the unrealized gain or loss is reclassified immediately to non-interest income and/or salaries and employee benefits. The Bank uses cash flow hedges primarily to hedge the variability in cash flows relating to floating rate financial instruments and highly probable forecasted revenues and expenses. Hedged items include debt securities, loans, deposit liabilities, subordinated debentures and highly probable forecasted transactions. Hedging instruments include single-currency interest rate swaps, cross-currency interest rate swaps, total return swaps, foreign currency forwards and foreign currency assets or liabilities.

For the Bank’s cash flow hedges of forecasted transactions that are directly affected by the IBOR Reform, it is assumed that the benchmark interest rate will not be altered as a result of the IBOR Reform for purposes of assessing whether the transactions are highly probable or whether the transactions are still expected to occur.

Net investment hedges

For net investment hedges, the change in fair value of the hedging instrument, to the extent effective, is recorded in other comprehensive income until the corresponding cumulative translation adjustments on the hedged net investment are recognized in income. The Bank designates foreign currency liabilities and foreign currency forwards as hedging instruments to manage the foreign currency exposure and impact on capital ratios arising from foreign operations.

Property and equipment

Land is carried at cost. Buildings (including building fittings), equipment, and leasehold improvements are carried at cost less accumulated depreciation and accumulated impairment losses, if any. Cost includes expenditures that are directly attributable to the acquisition of the asset. Depreciation is calculated using the straight-line method over the estimated useful life of the related asset less any residual value as follows: buildings – up to 40 years, building fittings – up to 15 years, equipment 3 to 10 years, and leasehold improvements – lease term determined by the Bank. Depreciation expense is included in the Consolidated Statement of Income under non-interest expenses – depreciation and amortization. Depreciation methods, useful lives and residual values are reassessed at each financial year-end and adjusted as appropriate.

When major components of building and equipment have different useful lives, they are accounted for separately and depreciated over each component’s estimated useful life.

Net gains and losses on disposal are included in non-interest income – other in the Consolidated Statement of Income in the year of disposal.

Assets held-for-sale

Non-current non-financial assets (and disposal groups) are classified as held-for-sale if their carrying amount will be recovered principally through a sale transaction rather than through continuing use. These assets meet the criteria for classification as held-for-sale if they are available for immediate sale in their present condition and their sale is considered highly probable to occur within one year.

Non-current non-financial assets classified as held-for-sale are measured at the lower of their carrying amount and fair value less costs to sell and are presented within other assets in the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position. Any subsequent write-down to fair value less costs to sell is recognized in the Consolidated Statement of Income, in non-interest income. Any subsequent increase in the fair value less costs to sell, to the extent this does not exceed the cumulative write-down, is also recognized in non-interest income, together with any realized gains or losses on disposal.

Non-financial assets acquired in exchange for loans as part of an orderly realization are recorded as assets held-for-sale or assets held-for-use. If the acquired asset does not meet the requirement to be considered held-for-sale, the asset is considered held-for-use, measured initially at cost which equals the carrying value of the loan and accounted for in the same manner as a similar asset acquired in the normal course of business.

 

162  |  2023 Scotiabank Annual Report

Consolidated Financial Statements

 

Business combinations and goodwill

The Bank follows the acquisition method of accounting for the acquisition of a business. The Bank considers the date on which control is obtained and it legally transfers the consideration for the acquired assets and assumed liabilities of the subsidiary to be the date of acquisition. The cost of an acquisition is measured at the fair value of the consideration paid. The fair value of the consideration transferred by the Bank in a business combination is calculated as the sum of the acquisition date fair value of the assets transferred by the Bank, the liabilities incurred by the Bank to former owners of the acquiree, and the equity interests, including any options, issued by the Bank. The Bank recognizes the acquisition date fair values of any previously held investment in the subsidiary and contingent consideration as part of the consideration transferred in exchange for the acquisition. A gain or loss on any previously held investments of an acquiree is recognized in non-interest income – other in the Consolidated Statement of Income.

In general, all identifiable assets acquired (including intangible assets) and liabilities assumed (including any contingent liabilities) are measured at the acquisition date fair value. The Bank records identifiable intangible assets irrespective of whether the assets have been recognized by the acquiree before the business combination. Non-controlling interests, if any, are recognized at their proportionate share of the fair value of identifiable assets and liabilities, unless otherwise indicated. Where the Bank has an obligation to purchase a non-controlling interest for cash or another financial asset, a financial liability is recognized based on management’s best estimate of the present value of the redemption amount. Where the Bank has a corresponding option to settle the purchase of a non-controlling interest by issuing its own common shares, no financial liability is recorded.

Any excess of the cost of acquisition over the Bank’s share of the net fair value of the identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed is recorded as goodwill. If the cost of acquisition is less than the fair value of the Bank’s share of the identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed, the resulting gain is recognized immediately in non-interest income – other in the Consolidated Statement of Income.

During the measurement period (which is within one year from the acquisition date), the Bank may, on a retrospective basis, adjust the amounts recognized at the acquisition date to reflect new information obtained about facts and circumstances that existed as of the acquisition date.

The Bank accounts for acquisition-related costs as expenses in the periods in which the costs are incurred and the services are received.

Subsequent to acquisition, the Bank accounts for the following assets and liabilities recognized in a business combination as described below:

 

•

Contingent liabilities, until resolved, are measured at the higher of the amount that would be recognized as a provision or the amount initially recognized, with any change recognized in the Consolidated Statement of Income.

•

Indemnification assets are measured on the same basis as the item to which the indemnification relates.

•

Contingent consideration classified as a liability is measured at fair value, with any change recognized in the Consolidated Statement of Income.

•

Liabilities to non-controlling interest holders when remeasured at the end of each reporting period, a corresponding change is recorded in equity.

After initial recognition of goodwill in a business combination, goodwill in aggregate is measured at cost less any accumulated impairment losses. Goodwill is not amortized but tested for impairment annually and when circumstances indicate that the carrying value may be impaired.

Goodwill is reviewed at each reporting date to determine whether there is any indication of impairment. For the purpose of impairment testing, goodwill acquired in a business combination is, on the acquisition date, allocated to each of the Bank’s group of cash-generating units (CGUs) that is expected to benefit from the combination. CGUs to which goodwill has been allocated are aggregated so that the level at which impairment is tested reflects the lowest level at which goodwill is monitored for internal management purposes.

The Bank determines the carrying value of the CGU using a regulatory capital approach based on credit, market, operational risks and leverage, consistent with the Bank’s capital attribution for business line performance measurement. Corporate capital that is not directly attributable is allocated to each CGU on a proportional basis. The recoverable amount is the greater of fair value less costs of disposal and value in use (“VIU”). If either fair value less costs of disposal or VIU exceeds the carrying amount, there is no need to determine the other. VIU is the present value of the future cash flows expected to be derived from a CGU. The determination of VIU involves judgment in estimating cash flow projections, discount rate and terminal growth rate. The future cash flows are based on management approved budgets and plans which factor in market trends, macro-economic conditions, forecasted earnings and business strategy for the CGU. The discount rate is based on the cost of capital while the terminal growth rate is based on the long-term growth expectations in the relevant countries.

The fair value less cost of disposal is the price that would be received from the sale of a CGU in an orderly transaction between market participants, less cost of disposal, at the measurement date. In determining fair value less costs of disposal, an appropriate valuation model is used which considers various factors including normalized net income, control premiums and price earnings multiples. These calculations are corroborated by valuation multiples and quoted share prices for publicly traded subsidiaries or other available fair value indicators. An impairment loss is recognized if the carrying amount of the CGU exceeds the recoverable amount. An impairment loss, in respect of goodwill, is not reversed.

Intangible assets

Intangible assets represent identifiable non-monetary assets and are acquired either separately or through a business combination, or generated internally. The Bank’s intangible assets are mainly comprised of computer software, customer relationships, contract intangibles, core deposit intangibles and fund management contracts.

The cost of a separately acquired intangible asset includes its purchase price and directly attributable costs of preparing the asset for its intended use. Intangibles acquired as part of a business combination are initially recognized at fair value.

In respect of internally generated intangible assets, initial measurement includes all directly attributable costs necessary to create, produce, and prepare the asset to be capable of operating in the manner intended by management.

After initial recognition, an intangible asset is carried at its cost less any accumulated amortization and accumulated impairment losses.

Intangible assets that have finite useful lives are initially measured at cost and are amortized on a straight-line basis over their useful lives as follows: computer software – 5 to 10 years; and other intangible assets – 5 to 20 years. Amortization expense is included in the Consolidated Statement of Income under operating expenses – depreciation and amortization. As intangible assets are non-financial assets, the impairment model for non-financial assets is applied. Intangible assets with indefinite useful lives are not amortized but are tested for impairment annually and when circumstances indicate that the carrying value may be impaired. Intangible assets with finite useful lives are only tested for impairment when events or circumstances indicate that the carrying value may be impaired.

Impairment of non-financial assets

The carrying amount of the Bank’s non-financial assets, other than goodwill and indefinite life intangible assets and deferred tax assets which are separately addressed, is reviewed at each reporting date to determine whether there is any indication of impairment. For the purpose of

 

2023 Scotiabank Annual Report  |  163

Consolidated Financial Statements

 

impairment testing, non-financial assets that cannot be tested individually are grouped together into the smallest group of assets that generate cash inflows from continuing use that are largely independent from the cash inflows of other assets or groups of assets.

If any indication of impairment exists, then the asset’s recoverable amount is estimated. The recoverable amount of an asset or CGU is the greater of its value in use and its fair value less costs of disposal. The Bank’s corporate assets do not generate separate cash inflows. If there is an indication that a corporate asset may be impaired, then the recoverable amount is determined for the CGU to which the corporate asset belongs.

An impairment loss is recognized if the carrying amount of an asset or a CGU exceeds its recoverable amount. Impairment losses of continuing operations are recognized in the Consolidated Statement of Income in those expense categories consistent with the nature of the impaired asset. Impairment losses recognized in prior periods are reassessed at each reporting date for any indication that the loss had decreased or no longer exists. An impairment loss is reversed if there has been a change in the estimates used to determine the recoverable amount. An impairment loss is reversed only to the extent that the asset’s carrying amount does not exceed the carrying amount that would have been determined, net of depreciation or amortization, if no impairment loss had been recognized. Such reversal is recognized in the Consolidated Statement of Income.

Significant judgment is applied in determining the non-financial asset’s recoverable amount and assessing whether certain events or circumstances constitute objective evidence of impairment.

Corporate income taxes

The Bank follows the balance sheet liability method for corporate income taxes. Under this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities represent the cumulative amount of tax applicable to temporary differences which are the differences between the carrying amount of the assets and liabilities, and their values for tax purposes. Deferred tax assets are recognized only to the extent it is probable that sufficient taxable profits will be available against which the benefit of these deferred tax assets can be utilized.

Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted or substantively enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled.

Deferred and current tax assets and liabilities are only offset when they arise in the same tax reporting group and where the Bank has both the legal right and the intention to settle on a net basis or to realize the asset and settle the liability simultaneously.

The Bank maintains provisions for uncertain tax positions that it believes appropriately reflect the risk of tax positions under discussion, audit, dispute or appeal with tax authorities, or which are otherwise considered to involve uncertainty. These provisions are made using the Bank’s best estimate of the amount expected to be paid based on an assessment of all relevant factors, which are reviewed at the end of each reporting period. It is possible that additional liability and income tax expense could arise in the future, depending on the acceptance of the Bank’s tax positions by the relevant tax authorities in the jurisdictions in which the Bank operates.

Income tax is recognized in the Consolidated Statement of Income except where it relates to items recognized in other comprehensive income or directly in equity, in which case income tax is recognized in the same line as the related item.

Leases

At inception of a contract, the Bank assesses whether a contract is, or contains, a lease. A contract is a lease if the contract conveys the right to control the use of an identified asset for a period of time in exchange for consideration. When the Bank is a lessee it recognizes a right-of-use (“ROU”) asset and a lease liability except for short-term leases for assets that have a lease term of 12 months or less and leases of low value items. For short-term leases and low value items the Bank recognizes the lease payment associated with these leases as an expense on a straight-line basis over the lease term.

Asset

A ROU is an asset that represents a lessee’s right to use an underlying asset for the lease term. The ROU asset is initially measured at cost, which is based on the initial amount of the lease liability, any direct costs incurred, any lease payments made at or before the commencement date net of lease incentives received and estimated decommissioning costs.

The ROU asset is subsequently measured at cost less accumulated depreciation and accumulated impairment losses, if any. The ROU asset is depreciated using the straight-line method from the commencement date to the earlier of the end of the useful life of the ROU asset or the end of the lease term. The depreciation is recorded in Depreciation and amortization in the Consolidated Statement of Income. In addition, the ROU asset is adjusted for certain remeasurements of the lease liability.

Liability

At commencement date, the Bank initially measures the lease liability at the present value of the future lease payments, discounted using the Bank’s incremental borrowing rate that takes into account the Bank’s credit risk and economic environment in which the lease is entered. The lease liability is subsequently measured at amortized cost using the effective interest method. It is re-measured if the Bank changes its assessment of whether it will exercise a purchase, extension or termination option. Interest expense is recorded in Interest expense – Other in the Consolidated Statement of Income.

When the lease liability is re-measured in this way, a corresponding adjustment is made to the carrying amount of the ROU asset or is recorded in profit or loss if the carrying amount of the right-of-use asset has been reduced to zero.

Presentation

The Bank presents ROU assets in Property and equipment and lease liabilities in Other liabilities in the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position.

Determining lease term

The Bank’s expectation of exercising the option to renew a lease is determined by assessing if the Bank is “reasonably certain” to exercise that option. The Bank will be reasonably certain to exercise an option when factors create a significant economic incentive to do so. This assessment considers the following criteria: key locations for its branch network, locations on which the Bank has spent significant capital on renovation work, contribution to profit, value of locations based on current economic environment and the remaining term of existing leases.

Provisions

A provision, including for restructuring, is recognized if, as a result of a past event, the Bank has a present legal or constructive obligation that can be estimated reliably, and it is probable that an outflow of economic benefits will be required to settle the obligation.

 

164  |  2023 Scotiabank Annual Report

Consolidated Financial Statements

 

The amount recognized as a provision is the Bank’s best estimate of the consideration required to settle the present obligation, taking into account the risks and uncertainties surrounding the obligation. If the effect of the time value of money is considered material, provisions are determined by discounting the expected future cash flows at a pre-tax rate that reflects current market assessments of the time value of money and, where appropriate, the risks specific to the liability. The increase in the provision due to the passage of time is recorded as interest expense – other in the Consolidated Statement of Income.

Insurance contracts

Gross premiums for life insurance contracts are recognized as income when due. Gross premiums for non-life insurance business, primarily property and casualty, are recognized as income over the term of the insurance contracts. Unearned premiums represent the portion of premiums written in the current year that relate to the period of risk after the reporting date. Insurance claims recoveries are accounted as income in the same period as the related claims.

Gross insurance claims for life insurance contracts reflect the cost of all claims arising during the year. Gross insurance claims for property and casualty insurance contracts include paid claims and movements in outstanding claim liabilities. Insurance premiums ceded to reinsurers are accounted as an expense in the same period as the premiums for the direct insurance contracts to which they relate.

Guarantees

A guarantee is a contract that contingently requires the Bank to make specified payments to reimburse the holder for a loss it incurs because a specified debtor failed to make payment when due in accordance with the original or modified terms of a debt instrument. Guarantees include standby letters of credit, letters of guarantee, indemnifications, credit enhancements and other similar contracts. Guarantees that qualify as a derivative are accounted for in accordance with the policy for derivative instruments. For guarantees that do not qualify as a derivative, a liability is recorded for the fair value of the obligation assumed at inception. The fair value of the obligation at inception is generally based on the discounted cash flow of the premium to be received for the guarantee, resulting in a corresponding asset. Subsequent to initial recognition, such guarantees are measured at the higher of the initial amount, less amortization to recognize any fee income earned over the period, and the best estimate of the amount required to settle any financial obligation arising as a result of the guarantee. Any increase in the liability is reported in the Consolidated Statement of Income.

Employee benefits

The Bank provides pension and other benefit plans for eligible employees in Canada and internationally. Pension benefits are offered in the form of defined benefit pension plans (generally based on an employee’s length of service and earnings), and in the form of defined contribution pension plans (where the Bank’s contribution is fixed and there is no legal or constructive obligation to pay further amounts). Other benefits provided include post-retirement health care, dental care and life insurance, along with other long-term employee benefits such as long-term disability benefits.

Defined benefit pension plans and other post-retirement benefit plans

The cost of these employee benefits is actuarially determined each year using the projected unit credit method. The calculation uses management’s best estimate of a number of assumptions – including the discount rate, future compensation, health care costs, mortality, as well as the retirement age of employees. The most significant assumption is the discount rate used to determine the defined benefit obligation, which is set by reference to the yields on high quality corporate bonds that have durations that match the terms of the Bank’s obligations. Separate discount rates are used to determine the annual benefit expense in Canada and the U.S. These rates are determined with reference to the yields on high quality corporate bonds with durations that match the various components of the annual benefit expense. The discount rate used to determine the annual benefit expense for all other plans is the same as the rate used to determine the defined benefit obligation.

The Bank’s net asset or liability in respect of employee benefit plans is calculated separately for each plan as the difference between the present value of future benefits earned in respect of service for prior periods and the fair value of plan assets. The net asset or liability is included in other assets and other liabilities, as appropriate, in the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position. When the net amount in the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position is an asset, the recognized asset is limited to the present value of any economic benefits available in the form of refunds from the plan or reductions in future contributions to the plan.

The current service cost, net interest expense (income), past service cost (credit), settlement gain (loss) and administrative expense are recognized in net income. Net interest expense (income) is calculated by applying the discount rate to the net defined benefit asset or liability. When the benefits of a plan are improved (reduced), a past service cost (credit) is recognized immediately in net income.

Remeasurements comprising of actuarial gains and losses, the effect of the asset ceiling and the return on plan assets in excess of or less than the interest income on the fair value of assets are recognized immediately in the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position with a charge or credit to the Statement of Other Comprehensive Income (OCI) in the period in which they occur. Amounts recorded in OCI are not recycled to the Consolidated Statement of Income.

Other long-term employee benefits

Other long-term employee benefits are accounted for similarly to defined benefit pension plans and other post-retirement benefit plans described above, except that remeasurements are recognized in the Consolidated Statement of Income in the period in which they arise.

Defined contribution plans

The costs of such plans are equal to contributions payable by the Bank to employees’ accounts for service rendered during the period and expensed.

Short-term employee benefits

Short-term employee benefits are expensed as the related service is provided and a liability is measured on an undiscounted basis net of payments made.

Interest and similar income and expenses

For all non-trading interest-bearing financial instruments, interest income or expense is recorded in net interest income using the effective interest rate. This is the rate that exactly discounts estimated future cash payments or receipts through the expected life of the financial instrument or a shorter period, where appropriate, to the gross carrying amount of the financial asset or financial liability. The calculation takes into account all the

 

2023 Scotiabank Annual Report  |  165

Consolidated Financial Statements

 

contractual terms of the financial instrument (for example, prepayment options) and includes any fees or incremental costs that are directly attributable to the instrument and are an integral part of the effective interest rate, but not future credit losses.

For trading financial instruments, mark-to-market changes including related interest income or expense are recorded in non-interest income – trading revenues.

The carrying amount of interest-bearing financial instruments, measured at amortized cost or classified as FVOCI, is adjusted if the Bank revises its estimates of payments or receipts. The adjusted carrying amount is calculated based on the original effective interest rate and the change in carrying amount is recorded as non-interest income in the Consolidated Statement of Income.

Once the carrying value of a financial asset or a group of similar financial assets has been reduced due to an impairment loss, interest income continues to be recognized based on net effective interest rate inherent in the investment.

Loan origination costs are deferred and amortized into interest income using the effective interest method over the expected term of the loan. Loan fees are recognized in interest income over the appropriate lending or commitment period. Mortgage prepayment fees are recognized in interest income when received, unless they relate to a minor modification to the terms of the mortgage, in which case the fees are deferred and amortized using the effective interest method over the remaining period of the original mortgage.

Loan syndication fees are deferred and amortized in interest income over the term of the loan where the yield the Bank retains is less than that of the comparable lenders in the syndicate.

Loan commitment fees for loans that are likely to be drawn down and other credit related fees are deferred (together with any incremental costs) and recognized as part of the interest income on the loan. When it is unlikely that a loan will be drawn down, the loan commitment fees are recognized in non-interest income.

Fee and commission revenues

Revenue is recognized once the Bank’s customer has obtained control of the service. The transfer of control occurs when the Bank’s customer has the ability to direct the use of and obtain the benefits of the banking services and the contractual performance obligation to the customer has been satisfied. The Bank records revenue gross of expenses where it is the principal in performing a service to the customer and net of expenses where the Bank is an agent for these services. The assessment of principal or agent requires judgement on the basis of whether the Bank controls the services before they are transferred to the customer. From time to time, the Bank may receive variable consideration such as performance fees. These fees are only recognized when it is highly probable that the Bank will not need to reverse a significant amount of revenue.

Card revenues include interchange fees, annual fees and other card related fees. Interchange fees are calculated as a percentage of the transaction and are recognized on the transaction date. Annual fees are recognized in income over 12 months. Other card fees are transaction-based and are recognized on the transaction date.

The Bank operates various loyalty points programs, which allow customers to accumulate points when using the Bank’s products and services. Loyalty point liabilities are subject to periodic remeasurement to reflect the expected cost of redemption. Where the customer has the option to redeem points for statement credits, the cost of the loyalty program is presented net of card fees. Where points can only be redeemed for goods or services, interchange revenue allocated to the loyalty rewards is recognized when the rewards are redeemed. Reward costs are recorded in non-interest expense.

Banking services fees consist of fees earned on personal, business and government deposit activities. Personal deposit-related fees consist of account maintenance and various transaction-based services. Business and government deposit-related fees consist of commercial deposit and treasury management services and other cash management services. These fees are recognized on the transaction date or over time as services are provided to the customer.

Credit fees include fees earned for providing letters of credit and guarantee, loan commitments, bankers’ acceptances, and for arranging loan syndications. These fees are recognized on the transaction date or over time as services are provided based on contractual agreements with the customer.

Mutual funds fees include management and administration fees which are earned in the Bank’s wealth management business. These fees are calculated as a percentage of the fund’s net asset value and recognized as the service is provided. From time to time, the Bank may also recognize performance fees from some funds. These fees are only recognized to the extent that it is highly probable that a significant reversal of revenue will not occur.

Brokerage fees relate to fees earned for providing full-service and discount brokerage services to clients. These fees are contractually agreed and can be asset-based or linked to individual transactions. Such fees are recognized as the service is provided to clients or on the trade date.

Investment management and trust fees include administration, trust services and other investment services provided to clients. These fees are contractually agreed upon and can be linked to portfolio values or individual transactions. Such fees are recognized as the service is provided to clients to the extent that it is highly probable that a significant reversal of revenue will not occur.

Underwriting and other advisory fees relate to fees earned for services provided to clients in relation to the placement of debt and equities. Such fees also include services to clients for mergers, acquisitions, financial restructurings and other corporate finance activities. These fees are recognized when the service has been performed and/or contractual milestones are completed. Performance and completion fees are variable consideration and generally contingent on the successful completion of a transaction.

Other fees and commissions include commissions earned on the sale of third party insurance products to the Bank’s customers. Such fees and commissions are recognized when the performance obligation is completed.

Fee and commission expenses

Fee and commission expenses relate to transaction and service fees which are expensed as the services are received.

Dividend income

Dividend income on equity securities is recognized when the Bank’s right to receive payment is established, which is on the ex-dividend date for listed equity securities.

 

166  |  2023 Scotiabank Annual Report

Consolidated Financial Statements

 

Share-based payments

Share-based payments awarded to employees are recognized as compensation expense in the Consolidated Statement of Income over the vesting period based on the number of awards expected to vest including the impact of expected forfeitures. For awards that are delivered in tranches, each tranche is considered a separate award and accounted for separately.

Plain vanilla options and other awards that must be settled for shares are classified as equity awards. Equity-classified awards are expensed based on the grant date fair value with a corresponding increase to equity – other reserves in the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position. If an option is exercised, both the exercise price proceeds together with the amount recorded in other reserves is credited to equity – common shares in the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position.

Stock appreciation rights and other awards that must be settled for cash are classified as liabilities. Liability-classified awards are re-measured to fair value at each reporting date while they remain outstanding, with any changes in fair value recognized in compensation expense in the period. The liability is expensed over the vesting period which incorporates the re-measurement of the fair value and a revised forfeiture rate that anticipates units expected to vest.

For plain vanilla options and stock appreciation rights, the Bank estimates fair value using an option pricing model. The option pricing model requires inputs such as the exercise price of the option, the current share price, the risk free interest rate, expected dividends, expected volatility (calculated using an equal weighting of implied and historical volatility) and specific employee exercise behaviour patterns based on statistical data. For other awards, fair value is the quoted market price of the Bank’s common shares at the reporting date.

Where derivatives are used to economically hedge share-based payment expense, related mark-to-market gains and losses are included in non-interest expenses – salaries and employee benefits in the Consolidated Statement of Income.

Dividends on shares

Dividends on common and preferred shares and other equity instruments are recognized as a liability and deducted from equity when they are declared and no longer at the discretion of the Bank.

Segment reporting

Management’s internal view is the basis for the determination of operating segments. The operating segments are those whose operating results are regularly reviewed by the Bank’s chief operating decision-maker to make decisions about resources to be allocated to the segment and assess its performance. The Bank has four operating segments: Canadian Banking, International Banking, Global Wealth Management and Global Banking and Markets. The Other category represents smaller operating segments, including Group Treasury and other corporate items, which are not allocated to an operating segment. These segments offer different products and services and are managed separately based on the Bank’s management and internal reporting structure.

The results of these business segments are based upon the internal financial reporting systems of the Bank. The accounting policies used in these segments are generally consistent with those followed in the preparation of the consolidated financial statements by the Bank. The only notable accounting measurement difference is the grossing up of revenues which are tax-exempt and income from associate corporations to an equivalent before-tax basis for those affected segments. This change in measurement enables comparison of income arising from taxable and tax-exempt sources.

Given the complexity of the Bank, various estimates and allocation methodologies are used in the preparation of the business segment financial information. The funding value of assets and liabilities is transfer-priced at wholesale market rates, and corporate expenses are allocated to each segment on an equitable basis using various parameters. As well, capital is apportioned to the business segments on a risk-based methodology. Transactions between segments are recorded within segment results as if conducted with a third-party and are eliminated on consolidation.

Earnings per share (EPS)

Basic EPS is computed by dividing net income for the period attributable to the Bank’s common shareholders by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the period.

Diluted EPS is calculated by dividing adjusted net income for the period attributable to common shareholders by the weighted-average number of diluted common shares outstanding for the period. In the calculation of diluted earnings per share, earnings are adjusted for changes in income or expenses that would result from the issuance of dilutive shares. The weighted-average number of diluted common shares outstanding for the period reflects the potential dilution that would occur if options, securities or other contracts that entitle their holders to obtain common shares had been outstanding from the beginning of the period (or a later date) to the end of the period (or an earlier date). Instruments determined to have an antidilutive impact for the period are excluded from the calculation of diluted EPS.

The number of additional shares for inclusion in diluted EPS for share-based payment options is determined using the treasury share method. Under this method, the net number of incremental common shares is determined by assuming that in-the-money stock options are exercised and the proceeds are used to purchase common shares at the average market price during the period.

The number of additional shares associated with capital instruments that potentially result in the issuance of common shares is based on the terms of the contract. On occurrence of contingencies as specified in the Non-Viability Contingent Capital (NVCC) instruments, the number of additional common shares associated with the NVCC subordinated debentures, NVCC subordinated additional Tier 1 capital notes, NVCC limited recourse capital notes and NVCC preferred shares is based on an automatic conversion formula as set out in the respective prospectus supplements.

 

4	Interest Rate Benchmark Reform

Overview

The publication of the overnight and 12-month U.S. Dollar London Interbank Offered Rate (USD LIBOR) tenors has ceased, and the one-month, three-month and six-month USD LIBOR tenors became non-representative as of June 30, 2023. These non-representative tenors will be published on a synthetic basis until September 30, 2024, to allow market participants to use such rates in legacy contracts. The Bank has successfully transitioned all of its USD LIBOR contracts to alternative risk-free rates either through amendments in advance of June 30, 2023, or reliance through fallback provisions.

As previously announced by Refinitiv Benchmark Services (UK) Limited, one-month, two-month, and three-month Canadian Dollar Offered Rate (CDOR) tenors will continue to be published until June 28, 2024 (the cessation date). OSFI expects FRFIs to transition CDOR-linked transactions to Canadian Overnight Repo Rate Average (CORRA) before the cessation date.

 

2023 Scotiabank Annual Report  |  167

Consolidated Financial Statements

 

CanDeal Benchmark Solutions and TMX Datalinx have launched the one-month and three-month Term CORRA benchmark on September 5, 2023. The Canadian Alternative Reference Rate working group (CARR) has announced that after November 1, 2023, all new loan contracts must reference only Overnight CORRA, Term CORRA, or Prime Rate instead of CDOR or a bankers’ acceptance rate.

The move from CDOR to CORRA carries certain transition and market risks. These risks, such as increased volatility, lack of liquidity and slow adoption of industry recommended fallbacks, may impact market participants. In addition to these inherent risks, the Bank is exposed to operational risk arising from the renegotiation of contracts, technology readiness to issue and trade products referencing alternative reference rates as noted above and conduct with clients and counterparties.

The Bank’s Transition Plan aligns with the CDOR transition roadmap and milestones published by CARR. After June 30, 2023, all new derivatives and securities transactions of the Bank must reference CORRA benchmarks with permissible exceptions. With the cessation of CDOR, Bankers Acceptance (BA) based loan facilities will be transitioned to alternative rates such as CORRA or Prime. BA securities, which are produced as a result of BA-based loan facilities, will no longer be issued after the cessation of CDOR and will be replaced by other short-term money market instruments.

The focus of the Transition Program is to address risks by identifying the exposures and contracts referencing CDOR, evaluating the existing contract language in the event CDOR ceases to be published or available, developing the capabilities to issue and trade products referencing CORRA and communicating with clients and counterparties regarding industry developments pertaining to CDOR cessation. The Transition Program provides quarterly updates to the Bank’s Regulatory Oversight Committee and annually to the Risk Committee of the Board of Directors regarding the status of transition plans for migrating the Bank’s CDOR-linked products to CORRA and upgrading systems and processes. Additionally, the Bank provides regular updates on its CDOR transition to OSFI.

Non-derivative financial assets and financial liabilities

The following table reflects the Bank’s CDOR (one-month, two-month and three-month) exposure to non-derivative financial assets and financial liabilities as at October 31, 2023, that has yet to transition to CORRA. These exposures could remain outstanding until CDOR ceases and will therefore transition in the future.

 

		Carrying Amount
($ millions)		As at October 31, 2023				As at October 31, 2022
		CDOR Maturing after June 28, 2024				CDOR Maturing after June 28, 2024
Non-derivative financial assets(1)		$	45,512			$	24,146
Non-derivative financial liabilities(2)			40,644				24,256

 

(1)	Non derivative financial assets include carrying amounts of debt securities, loans and customer’s liability under acceptances (debt securities, loans and customer’s liability under acceptances measured at amortized cost are gross of allowance for credit losses).

(2)	Non-derivative financial liabilities include carrying amounts of deposits, acceptances, obligations related to securities sold short, subordinated debentures and other liabilities.

Derivatives and undrawn commitments

The following table reflects the Bank’s CDOR (one-month, two-month and three-month) exposure to derivatives and undrawn commitments as at October 31, 2023, that has yet to transition to CORRA. These exposures could remain outstanding until CDOR ceases and will therefore transition in the future.

 

		Notional Amount
($ millions)		As at October 31, 2023				As at October 31, 2022
		CDOR Maturing after June 28, 2024				CDOR Maturing after June 28, 2024
Derivatives
Single currency interest rate swaps(1)		$	1,264,325			$	1,025,373
Cross currency interest rate swaps(1)			122,729				122,718
Other(2)			23,811				3,574
Undrawn commitments			22,265				4,787

 

(1)	For single currency and/or cross currency interest rate swaps, where both legs are referencing rates directly impacted by the interest rate benchmark reform, the relevant notional amount for both legs are included to reflect the risks relating to the reform for each rate.

(2)	Other derivatives include futures, total return swaps and options.

Hedging derivatives

The following table reflects the Bank’s CDOR (one-month, two-month and three-month) exposure to hedging derivatives as at October 31, 2023, that has yet to transition to CORRA. These exposures will remain outstanding until CDOR ceases and will therefore transition in the future.

 

($ millions)		As at October 31, 2023				As at October 31, 2022
		CDOR Maturing after June 28, 2024(1)				CDOR Maturing after June 28, 2024(1)
Hedging derivatives(2)		$	114,113			$	109,253

 

(1)	For single currency interest rate swaps, where both legs are referencing rates directly impacted by the interest rate benchmark reform, the relevant notional amount for both legs are included to reflect the risks relating to the reform for each rate.

(2)	For cross currency swaps where a CAD float leg is inserted to create two separate hedging instruments, the relevant notional amount for both instruments are included in the table.

 

5	Future Accounting Developments

The Bank actively monitors developments and changes in accounting standards from the IASB, as well as requirements from the other regulatory bodies, including OSFI. The Bank is currently assessing the impact of adoption of new standards issued by the IASB on its consolidated financial statements and also evaluating the alternative elections available on transition.

 

168  |  2023 Scotiabank Annual Report