The significant accounting policies adopted in the preparation of these consolidated financial statements are set out below:
(a) Changes in accounting policies
The accounting policies used in the preparation of these consolidated financial statements are consistent with those used in the preparation of the annual consolidated financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2020 except for the effect of the below standards, interpretations, and amendments that became applicable for annual reporting periods beginning on or after 1 January 2021:
- Amendments to IFRS 7, IFRS 4 and IFRS 16 Profit Rate Benchmark Reform – Phase 2:
A fundamental review and reform of major profit rate benchmarks is being undertaken globally. The International Accounting Standards Board (“IASB”) is engaged in a two-phase process of amending its guidance to assist in a smoother transition away from Inter-Bank Offer Rate (“IBOR”). In 2020, the Group implemented Phase 1, which was mainly amendments to IFRS 9, IAS 39 and IFRS 7, the disclosure relevant to Phase 1 is made in [Note 3 (d)].
The Phase 2 amendments address issues that arise from the implementation of the reforms, including the replacement of one benchmark with an alternative one. The Phase 2 amendments provide additional temporary reliefs from applying specific IAS 39 and IFRS 9 hedge accounting requirements to hedging relationships directly affected by IBOR reform Whilst adoption is not mandatory for September 2021 year ends, earlier application is permitted, Note 3 (d) elaborates the impact of such amendments on the Group.
Effective date of the change: Accounting years beginning on or after 1 January 2021.
- Amendment to IFRS 16, “Leases” – COVID-19 related rent concessions:
As a result of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, rent concessions have been granted to lessees. Such concessions might take a variety of forms, including payment holidays and deferral of lease payments. On 28 May 2020, the IASB published an amendment to IFRS 16 that provides an optional practical expedient for lessees from assessing whether a rent concession related to COVID-19 is a lease modification. Lessees can elect to account for such rent concessions in the same way as they would if they were not lease modifications. In many cases, this will result in accounting for the concession as variable lease payments in the period(s) in which the event or condition that triggers the reduced payment occurs.
Effective date of the change: Accounting years beginning on or after 1 June 2020.
The Group has assessed that these amendments have no significant impact on the Group’s consolidated financial statements.
(b) Basis of consolidation
These consolidated financial statements comprise the financial statements of the Bank and its subsidiaries as identified in (Note 1). The financial statements of subsidiaries are prepared for the same reporting year as that of the Bank, using consistent accounting policies. Changes are made to the accounting policies of the subsidiaries when necessary to align the accounting policies of the Group.
Subsidiaries are investees controlled by the Group. The Group controls an investee if it is exposed to, or has rights to, variable returns from its involvement with the investee and has the ability to affect those returns through its power over the investee. The financial statements of subsidiaries are included in the consolidated financial statements from the date on which control commences until the date when the Group losses control on the investee.
The consolidated financial statements have been prepared using uniform accounting policies and valuation methods for like transactions and other events in similar circumstances. Specifically, the Group controls an investee if and only if the Group has:
- Power over the investee (i.e. existing rights that give it the current ability to direct the relevant activities of the investee);
- Exposure, or rights, to variable returns from its involvement with the investee; and
- The ability to use its power over the investee to affect amount of its returns.
When the Group has less than majority of the voting or similar rights of an investee entity, the Group considers all relevant facts and circumstances in assessing whether it has power over the entity, including:
- The contractual arrangement with the other vote holders of the investee;
- Rights arising from other contractual arrangements; and
- The Group’s voting rights and potential voting rights granted by equity instruments such as shares.
The Group re-assesses whether or not it controls an investee if facts and circumstances indicate that there are changes to one or more of the three elements of control. Assets, liabilities, income and expenses of a subsidiary acquired or disposed of during the year are included in the consolidated statement of income from the date the Group gains control until the date the Group ceases to control the subsidiary. A change in the ownership interest of a subsidiary, without a loss of control, is accounted for as an equity transaction. If the Group loses control over a subsidiary, it:
- Derecognises the assets and liabilities of the subsidiary;
- Derecognises carrying amount of any non-controlling interests;
- Derecognises the cumulative translation differences recorded in shareholder’s equity;
- Recognises the fair value of the consideration received;
- Recognises the fair value of any investment retained;
- Recognises any surplus or deficit in the consolidated statement of income; and
- Reclassifies the parent’s share of components previously recognised in OCI to the consolidated statement of income or retained earnings, as appropriate as would be required if the Group had directly disposed of the related assets or liabilities.
Intra-group balances and any income and expenses arising from intra-group transactions, are eliminated in preparing these consolidated financial statements.
(c) Government grants
The Group recognises a government grant related to income, if there is a reasonable assurance that it will be received, and the Group will comply with the conditions associated with the grant. The benefit of a government deposit at a below-market rate of profit is treated as a government grant related to income.
The below-market rate deposit is recognised and measured in accordance with IFRS 9 – Financial Instruments. The benefit of the below-market rate of profit is measured as the difference between the initial fair value of the deposit determined in accordance with IFRS 9 and the proceeds received. The benefit is accounted for in accordance with
IAS 20 – Accounting for Government grant. The government grant is recognised in the statement of income on a systematic basis over the period in which the Group recognises as expenses the related costs for which the grant is intended to compensate. The grant income is only recognised when the ultimate beneficiary is the Group. Where the customer is the ultimate beneficiary, the Group only records the respective receivable and payable amounts.
(d) IBOR Transition (Profit Rate Benchmark Reforms)
A fundamental review and reform of major profit rate benchmarks are being undertaken globally. The IASB has published, in two phases, amendments to IFRS 9, IAS 39, IFRS 7, IFRS 4 and IFRS 16 in order to address issues that might affect financial reporting after the reform of a profit rate benchmark, including the replacement of an existing Inter-bank Offer Rate (“IBOR”) with an alternative Risk-Free Rate (“RFR”). The Phase 2 amendments are effective for annual periods beginning on or after 1 January 2021, and include practical expedients in respect of:
- Accounting for changes in the basis for determining contractual cash flows as a result of IBOR reform by updating the effective profit rate, resulting in no immediate statement of income impact. This applies only when the change is necessary as a direct consequence of the reform, and the new basis for determining the contractual cash flows is economically equivalent to the previous basis; and
- Permitting changes to hedge designation and documentation as a result of IBOR reform without discontinuing the existing hedge accounted relationship.
The Phase 2 amendments provide practical relief from certain requirements in IFRS Standards. These reliefs relate to modifications of financial instruments and lease contracts or hedging relationships triggered by a replacement of a benchmark profit rate in a contract with a new alternative benchmark rate.
If the basis for determining the contractual cash flows of a financial asset or financial liability measured at amortised cost changed as a result of profit rate benchmark reform, then the Group updated the effective profit rate of the financial asset or financial liability to reflect the change that is required by the reform. A change in the basis for determining the contractual cash flows is required by profit rate benchmark reform if the following conditions are met:
- the change is necessary as a direct consequences of the reform; and
- the new basis for determining the contractual cash flows is economically equivalent to the previous basis – i.e. the basis immediately before the change.
When the changes were made to a financial asset or financial liability in addition to changes to the basis for determining the contractual cash flows required by profit rate benchmark reform, the Group first updated the effective profit rate of the financial asset or financial liability to reflect the change that is required by profit rate benchmark reform. After that, the Group applied the policies on accounting for modifications to the additional changes.
The amendments also provide an exception to use a revised discount rate that reflects the change in profit rate when remeasuring a lease liability because of a lease modification that is required by profit rate benchmark reform.
The Group does not have contracts which reference GBP LIBOR, including swaps which will transition under the ISDA protocols.
During 2019 the Board established a steering committee, consisting of key finance, risk, IT, treasury, legal and compliance personnel and external advisors, to oversee the Group’s USD LIBOR transition plan. This steering committee put in place a transition project for those contracts which reference USD LIBOR to transition them to SOFR, with the aim of minimising the potential disruption to business and mitigating operational and conduct risks and possible financial losses. This transition project is considering changes to systems, processes, risk management and valuation models, as well as managing related tax and accounting implications.
As at 31 December 2021, changes required to systems, processes and models have been identified and have been partially implemented. There have been general communications with counterparties, but specific changes to contracts required by IBOR reform have not yet been proposed or agreed. The Group has identified that the areas of most significant risk arising from the replacement of USD LIBOR are: updating systems and processes which capture USD LIBOR referenced contracts; amendments to those contracts, or existing fallback/transition clauses not operating as anticipated; mismatches in timing of derivatives and finances transitioning from USD LIBOR and the resulting impact on economic risk management. The Group continues to engage with industry participants, to ensure an orderly transition to SOFR and to minimise the risks arising from transition and it will continue to identify and assess risks associated with USD LIBOR replacement.
The table below shows the Group’s exposure at the year-end to significant IBORs subject to reform that have yet to transition to RFRs. The table excludes exposures to IBOR that will expire before transition is required.
In SAR 000
31 December 2021
|
Non-derivative
financial assets-
carrying value
|
Non-derivative
financial liabilities
carrying value
|
Derivatives
nominal amount
|
|
LIBOR USD (1 months)
|
317,586
|
–
|
384,792
|
|
LIBOR USD (3 months)
|
3,345,365
|
–
|
2,212,425
|
|
LIBOR USD (6 months)
|
6,089,422
|
–
|
9,194,380
|
| LIBOR USD (12 months)
|
397,709
|
–
|
–
|
| Total
|
10,150,082
|
–
|
11,791,597
|
In SAR 000
31 December 2020
|
Non-derivative
financial assets -
carrying value
|
Non-derivative
financial liabilities
carrying value
|
Derivatives
nominal amount
|
|
LIBOR USD (1 month)
|
24,000
|
–
|
23,019
|
|
LIBOR USD (3 months)
|
3,246,250
|
–
|
563,250
|
|
LIBOR USD (6 months)
|
7,160,000
|
–
|
6,926,443
|
| LIBOR USD (12 months)
|
-
|
–
|
-
|
| Total
|
10,430,250
|
–
|
7,512,712
|
(e) Investment in an associate
An associate is an entity over which the Group exercises significant influence (but not control), over financial and operating policies and which is neither a subsidiary nor a joint arrangement.
Investments in associates are carried in the consolidated statement of financial position at cost, plus post-acquisition changes in the Group’s share of net assets of the associates, less any impairment in the value of individual investments. The Group’s share of its associates’ post-acquisition profits or losses are recognised in the consolidated statement of income, and its share of post-acquisition movements in other comprehensive income is recognised in OCI included in the shareholders’ equity. The cumulative post-acquisition movements are adjusted against the carrying amount of the investment. Distribution received from an investee reduces the carrying amount of the investment.
The previously recognised impairment loss in respect of investment in associate can be reversed through the consolidated statement of income, such that the carrying amount of the investment in the consolidated statement of financial position remains at the lower of the equity-accounted (before provision for impairment) or the recoverable amount. On derecognition the difference between the carrying amount of investment in the associate and the fair value of the consideration received is recognised in the consolidated statement of income.
After application of the equity method, the Group determines whether it is necessary to recognise an impairment loss on an investment in an associate. The Group determines at each reporting date whether there is any objective evidence that the investment in the associate is impaired. If this is the case, the Group calculates the amount of impairment as the difference between the recoverable amount of the associate and its carrying value and recognises the amount in the share in earnings of associates in the consolidated statement of income.
Unrealised gains or losses on transactions are eliminated to the extent of the Group’s interest in the investee. The financial statements of the associate are prepared for the same reporting period as the Group. When necessary, adjustments are made to bring the accounting policies in line with those of the Group.
(f) Financial assets and financial liabilities
(1) Classification and measurement of financial assets
On initial recognition, a financial asset is classified and measured at: Amortised Cost, Fair Value through Other Comprehensive Income (“FVOCI”) or Fair Value through Statement of Income (“FVSI”). This classification is generally based on the business model in which a financial asset is managed and its contractual cash flows.
Business model assessment
The Group makes an assessment of the objective of a business model in which an asset is held at a portfolio level because this best reflects the way the business is managed and information is provided to management. The information considered includes:
- the stated policies and objectives for the portfolio and the operation of those policies in practice. In particular, whether management’s strategy focuses on earning contractual profit revenue, maintaining a particular profit rate profile, matching the duration of the financial assets to the duration of the liabilities that are funding those assets or realising cash flows through the sale of the assets;
- how the performance of the portfolio is evaluated and reported to the Group’s management;
- the risks that affect the performance of the business model (and the financial assets held within that business model) and how those risks are managed;
- how managers of the business are compensated – e.g. whether compensation is based on the fair value of the assets managed or the contractual cash flows collected; and
- the frequency, volume and timing of sales in prior periods, the reasons for such sales and its expectations about future sales activity. However, information about sales activity is not considered in isolation, but as part of an overall assessment of how the Group’s stated objective for managing the financial assets is achieved and how cash flows are realised.
The business model assessment is based on reasonably expected scenarios without taking ‘worst case’ or ‘stress case’ scenarios into account. If cash flows after initial recognition are realised in a way that is different from the Group’s original expectations, the Group does not change the classification of the remaining financial assets held in that business model, but incorporates such information when assessing newly originated or newly purchased financial assets going forward.
Financial assets that are held for trading and whose performance is evaluated on a fair value basis are measured at FVSI because they are neither held to collect contractual cash flows nor held both to collect contractual cash flows and to sell financial assets.
Assessments whether contractual cash flows are solely payments of principal and profit
For the purposes of this assessment, “principal” is the fair value of the financial asset on initial recognition. “Profit” is the consideration for the time value of money, the credit and other basic financing risk associated with the principal amount outstanding during a particular period and other basic financing costs (e.g. liquidity risk and administrative costs), along with profit margin.
In assessing whether the contractual cash flows are solely payments of principal and profit, the Group considers the contractual terms of the instrument. This includes assessing whether the financial asset contains a contractual term that could change the timing or amount of contractual cash flows such that it would not meet this condition. In making the assessment, the Group considers:
- contingent events that would change the amount and timing of cash flows;
- leverage features;
- prepayment and extension terms;
- terms that limit the Group’s claim to cash flows from specified assets
(e.g. non-recourse asset arrangements); and
- features that modify consideration of the time value of money- e.g. periodical reset of profit rates.
The Group offers profit based products including Mutajara, installment sales and Murabaha to its customers in compliance with Shari’a rules. The Group classifies its principal financing and Investment as follows:
Financing: These financings represent facilities granted to customers. These financings mainly constitute four broad categories i.e. Mutajara, Installment sales, Murabaha and credit cards. The Group classifies these financings at amortised cost.
Due from banks and other financial institutions: These consists of placements with financial Institutions (FIs). The Group classifies these balances due from banks and other financial institutions at amortised cost as they are held to collect contractual cash flows and pass SPPI criterion.
Investments (Murabaha with SAMA): These investments consists of placements with the Saudi Central Bank (SAMA). The Group classifies these investments at amortised cost as they are held to collect contractual cash flows and pass SPPI criterion.
Investments (Sukuk): These investments consists of Investment in various Sukuk. The Group classifies these investments at amortised cost except for those Sukuk which fails SPPI criterion, which are classified at FVSI.
Equity Investments: These are the strategic equity investments which the Group does not expect to sell, for which Group has made an irrevocable election on the date of initial recognition to present the fair value changes in other comprehensive income.
Investments (Mutual Funds): The investments consist of Investments in various Mutual Funds. The Group classifies these investment at FVSI as these investments fail SPPI criterion.
The financial assets categories are as follows:
1. Financial assets at amortised cost
A financial asset is measured at amortised cost if it meets both of the following conditions and is not designated as at FVSI:
- the asset is held within a business model whose objective is to hold assets to collect contractual cash flows; and
- the contractual terms of the financial asset give rise on specified dates to cash flows that are solely payments of principal and profit on the principal amount outstanding.
2. Financial Asset through Other Comprehensive Income (“FVOCI”)
A debt instrument is measured at FVOCI only if it meets both of the following conditions and is not designated as at FVSI:
- the asset is held within a business model whose objective is achieved by both collecting contractual cash flows and selling financial assets; and
- the contractual terms of the financial asset give rise on specified dates to cash flows that are solely payments of principal and profit on the principal amount outstanding.
FVOCI debt instruments are subsequently measured at fair value with gains and losses arising due to changes in fair value recognised in OCI. Profit income and foreign exchange gains and losses are recognised in consolidated statement of income.
An Equity Instrument; on initial recognition, for an equity investment that is not held for trading, the Group may irrevocably elect to present subsequent changes in fair value in OCI. This election is made on an instrument-by-instrument (i.e. share-by-share) basis.
3. Financial Asset at Fair Value through Statement of Income (“FVSI”)
All other financial assets are classified as measured at FVSI.
In addition, on initial recognition, the Group may irrevocably designate a financial asset that otherwise meets the requirements to be measured at amortised cost or at FVOCI as at FVSI if doing so eliminates or significantly reduces an accounting mismatch that would otherwise arise.
Reclassification of financial assets
The Group reclassifies the financial assets between FVSI, FVOCI and amortised cost if and only if under rare circumstances and if its business model objective for its financial assets changes so its previous business model assessment would no longer apply.
Financial assets are not reclassified subsequent to their initial recognition, except in the period after the Group changes its business model for managing financial assets.
(2) Classification of financial liabilities
The Group classifies its financial liabilities, other than financial guarantees and financing commitments, as measured at amortised cost. Amortised cost is calculated by taking into account any discount or premium on issue funds, and costs that are an integral part of the Effective Profit Rate “EPR”.
All amounts due to banks and other financial institutions and customer deposits are initially recognised at fair value less transaction costs. Subsequently, financial liabilities are measured at amortised cost, unless they are required to be measured at fair value through profit or loss.
(3) Derecognition
Derecognition of financial assets
The Group derecognises a financial asset when the contractual rights to the cash flows from the financial asset expire, or it transfers the rights to receive the contractual cash flows in a transaction in which substantially all of the risks and rewards of ownership of the financial asset are transferred or in which the Group neither transfers nor retains substantially all of the risks and rewards of ownership and it does not retain control of the financial asset.
On derecognition of a financial asset (debt instrument), the difference between the carrying amount of the asset (or the carrying amount allocated to the portion of the asset derecognised) 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 recognised in OCI, is recognised in consolidated statement of income.
When assets are sold to a third party with a concurrent total rate of return swap on the transferred assets, the transaction is accounted for as a secured financing transaction similar to sale and repurchase transactions, as the Group retains all or substantially all of the risks and rewards of ownership of such assets.
In transactions in which the Group neither retains nor transfers substantially all of the risks and rewards of ownership of a financial asset and it retains control over the asset, the Group continues to recognise the asset to the extent of its continuing involvement, determined by the extent to which it is exposed to changes in the value of the transferred asset.
Any cumulative gain/loss recognised in OCI, among other reserve, in respect of equity investment securities designated as at FVOCI is not recognised in consolidated statement of income on derecognition of such securities. not recognised in the consolidated statement of income on derecognition of such securities. Cumulative gains and losses recognised in OCI in respect of such equity investment securities are transferred to retained earnings on disposal. Any interest in transferred financial assets that qualify for derecognition that is created or retained by the Group is recognised as a separate asset or liability.
Derecognition of financial liabilities
The Group derecognises a financial liability when its contractual obligations are discharged or cancelled or expired.
(4) Modifications of financial assets and financial liabilities
Modified financial assets
If the terms of a financial asset are modified, the Group evaluates whether the contractual cash flows of the modified asset are substantially different. If the cash flows are substantially different, then the contractual rights to cash flows from the original financial asset are deemed to have expired. In this case, the original financial asset is derecognised and a new financial asset is recognised at fair value.
If the contractual cash flows of the modified asset carried at amortised cost are not substantially different, then the modification does not result in derecognition of the financial asset. In this case, the Group recalculates the gross carrying amount of the financial asset and recognises the amount arising from adjusting the gross carrying amount as a modification gain or loss in the consolidated statement of income. If such modification is carried out because of financial difficulties of the borrower, then the gain or loss is presented together with impairment losses. In other cases, it is presented as financing income.
Modified financial liabilities
The Group derecognises a financial liability when its terms are modified and the cash flows of the modified liability are substantially different. In this case, a new financial liability based on the modified terms is recognised at fair value. The difference between the carrying amount
of the financial liability extinguished and the new financial liability with modified terms is recognised in consolidated statement of income.
If the modification of a financial liability is not accounted for as derecognition, then the amortised cost of the liability is recalculated by discounting the modified cash flows at the original effective
profit rate and the resulting gain or loss is recognised in consolidated statement
of income.
(5) Impairment
Impairment of financial assets
The loss allowance is based on the Expected Credit Losses (“ECLs”) associated with the Probability of Default (“PD”) in the next twelve months unless there has been a Significant Increase in Credit Risk (“SICR”) since origination. If the financial asset meets the definition of Purchased or Originated Credit Impaired (“POCI”), the allowance is based on the change in the ECLs over the life of the asset. POCI assets are financial assets that are credit impaired on initial recognition. POCI assets are recorded at fair value at original recognition and financing income is subsequently recognised based on a credit-adjusted (“EPR”). ECLs are only recognised or released to the extent that there is a subsequent change in the expected credit losses.
The Group recognises loss allowances for ECL on the following financial instruments that are not measured at FVSI:
- Due from banks and other financial institution;
- financial assets that are debt instruments;
- lease receivables;
- Financial guarantee contracts issued; and
- Financing commitments issued.
No impairment loss is recognised on equity investments.
The Group measures loss allowances at an amount equal to lifetime ECL, except for the following, for which they are measured as 12-month ECL:
- debt investment securities that are determined to have low credit risk at the reporting date; and
- other financial instruments on which credit risk has not increased significantly since their initial recognition.
The Group considers Sukuk to have low credit risk when their credit risk rating is equivalent to the globally understood definition of “investment grade”.
12-month ECL are the portion of ECL that result from default events on a financial instrument that are possible within the 12 months after the reporting date. Financial assets, for which 12-month ECLs are recognised, are referred to as “Stage 1” financial instruments. Financial instruments allocated to Stage 1 have not undergone a significant increase in credit risk since initial recognition and are not credit-impaired.
Lifetime ECL are the ECL that result from all possible default events over the expected life of the financial instrument or the maximum contractual period of exposure. Financial instruments for which lifetime ECL are recognised but that are not credit-impaired are referred to as “Stage 2 financial assets”. Financial instruments allocated to Stage 2 are those that have experienced a significant increase in credit risk since initial recognition but are nor credit-impaired.
Financial assets for which the lifetime ECLs are recognised and that are credit-impaired are referred to as “Stage 3 financial assets”.
Measurement of ECL
ECL are a probability-weighted estimate of credit losses. It is measured as follows:
- financial assets that are not credit-impaired at the reporting date: as the present value of all cash shortfalls (i.e. the difference between the cash flows due to the Group in accordance with the contract and the cash flows that the Group expects to receive);
- financial assets that are credit-impaired at the reporting date: as the difference between the gross carrying amount and the present value of estimated future cash flows;
- undrawn financing commitments: as the present value of the difference between the contractual cash flows that are due to the Group if the commitment is drawn down and the cash flows that the Group expects to receive; and
- financial guarantee contracts: the expected payments to reimburse the holder less any amounts that the Group expects to recover.
When discounting future cash flows, the following discount rates are used:
- financial assets other than POCI financial assets and lease receivables: the original effective profit rate or an approximation thereof;
- POCI assets: a credit-adjusted effective profit rate;
- lease receivables: the discount rate used in measuring lease receivables.
- undrawn financing commitments: the effective profit rate, or an approximation thereof, that will be applied to the financial asset resulting from the financing commitment; and
- financial guarantee contracts issued: the rate that reflects the current market assessment of the time value of money and the risks that are specific to the cash flows.
The key inputs into the measurement of ECL are the term structure of the following variables;
- Probability of Default (“PD”),
- Loss Given Default (“LGD”), and
- Exposure At Default (“EAD”).
The above parameters are generally derived from internally developed statistical models and historical data which are adjusted for forward looking information. The Group categorises its financial assets into the following three stages in accordance with IFRS 9 methodology:
- Stage 1: Performing assets;
- Stage 2: Underperforming assets; and
- Stage 3: Credit-impaired assets.
The three stage categories of financial assets are more elaborated in (Note 27-1-a.v)
To evaluate a range of possible outcomes, the Group formulates various scenarios. For each scenario, the Group derives an ECL and applies a probability weighted approach to determine the impairment allowance in accordance with the accounting standards requirements.
For how financial assets and ECLs are allocated among the three credit stages, refer to Note (4) for due from banks and financial institutions, (Note 6) for investments and (Note 7) for financing facilities.
Restructured financial assets
If the terms of a financial asset are renegotiated or modified or an existing financial asset is replaced with a new one due to financial difficulties of the customer, then an assessment is made of whether the financial asset should be derecognised and then ECLs are measured as follows:
- If the expected restructuring will not result in derecognition of the existing asset, then the expected cash flows arising from the modified financial asset are included in calculating the cash shortfalls from the existing asset.
- If the expected restructuring will result in derecognition of the existing asset, then the expected fair value of the new asset is treated as the final cash flow from the existing financial asset at the time of its derecognition. This amount is included in calculating the cash shortfalls from the existing financial asset that are discounted from the expected date of derecognition to the reporting date using the original effective profit rate of the existing financial asset.
Credit-impaired financial assets
At each reporting date, the Group assesses whether financial assets carried at amortised cost are credit-impaired.
A financial asset is ‘credit-impaired’
when one or more events that have detrimental impact on the estimated future cash flows of the financial asset have occurred. Evidence that a financial asset is credit-impaired includes the following observable data:
- significant financial difficulty of the customer or issuer;
- a breach of contract such as a default or past due event;
- the restructuring of a financing facility by the Group on terms that the Group would not consider otherwise;
- it is becoming probable that the customer will enter bankruptcy or other financial reorganisation; or
- the disappearance of an active market for a security because of financial difficulties.
Financing facility that has been renegotiated due to deterioration in the customer’s condition is usually considered to be credit-impaired unless there is evidence that the risk of not receiving contractual cash flows has reduced significantly and there are no other indicators of impairment. In addition, a retail financing that is overdue for 90 days or more is considered impaired. In making an assessment of whether an investment in sovereign debt is credit-impaired, the Group considers the following factors.
- The market’s assessment of creditworthiness as reflected in the yields.
- The rating agencies’ assessments of creditworthiness.
- The country’s ability to access the capital markets for new debt issuance.
- The probability of financing being restructured, resulting in holders suffering losses through voluntary or mandatory financing forgiveness.
- The international support mechanisms in place to provide the necessary support as “lender of last resort” to that country, as well as the intention, reflected in public statements, of governments and agencies to use those mechanisms. This includes an assessment of the depth of those mechanisms and, irrespective of the political intents, whether there is the capacity to fulfil the required criteria.
Presentation of allowance for ECL in
the consolidated statement of financial position
Loss allowances for ECLs are presented in the consolidated statement of financial position as follows:
- financial assets measured at amortised cost: as a deduction from the gross carrying amount of the assets;
- where a financial instrument includes both a drawn and an undrawn component, and the Group cannot identify the ECL on the financing commitment component separately from those on the drawn component: the Group presents a combined loss allowance for both components. The combined amount is presented as a deduction from the gross carrying amount of the drawn component. Any excess of the loss allowance over the gross amount of the drawn component is presented as a provision; and
- financing commitments and financial guarantee contracts: generally, as a provision;
Write-off
Financing facilities are written off (either partially or in full) when there is no realistic prospect of recovery. However, financial assets that are written off could still be subject to enforcement activities in order to comply with the Group procedures for recovery of amounts due. If the amount to be written off is greater than the accumulated loss allowance, the difference is first treated as an addition to the allowance that is then applied against the gross carrying amount. Any subsequent recoveries are credited to credit loss expense.
Collateral valuation
To mitigate its credit risks on financial assets, the Group seeks to use collateral, where possible. The collateral comes in various forms, such as cash, securities, letters of credit/guarantees, real estate, receivables, inventories, other non-financial assets and credit enhancements such as netting agreements. Collateral, unless repossessed, is not recorded on the Group’s statement of financial position. However, the fair value of collateral affects the calculation of ECL. It is generally assessed, at a minimum, at inception and re-assessed on a periodic basis. However, some collateral, for example, cash or market securities relating to margining requirements, is valued daily.
To the extent possible, the Group uses active market data for valuing financial assets held as collateral. Non-financial collateral, such as real estate, is valued based on data provided by third parties such as mortgage brokers, or based on housing price indices.
Collateral repossessed
The Group’s policy is to determine whether a repossessed asset can be best used for its internal operations or should be sold. Assets determined to be useful for the internal operations are transferred to their relevant asset category at the lower of their repossessed value or the carrying value of the original secured asset. Assets for which selling is determined to be a better option are transferred to assets held for sale at their fair value (if financial assets) and fair value less cost to sell for non-financial assets at the repossession date in, line with the Group’s policy.
(6) Financial guarantees and financing commitments
Financial guarantees are contracts that require the Group to make specified payments to reimburse the holder for a loss that it incurs because a specified debtor fails to make payment when it is due in accordance with the terms of a debt instrument. financing commitments are firm commitments to provide credit under pre-specified terms and conditions.
Financial guarantees issued or commitments to provide a financing at a below-market profit rate are initially measured at fair value and the initial fair value is amortised over the life of the guarantee or the commitment. Subsequently, they are measured at the higher of this amortised amount and the amount of loss allowance; and
The Group has issued no financing commitments that are measured at FVSI. For other financing facility commitments the Group recognises loss allowance.
(g) Derivative financial instruments
Derivative financial instruments include foreign exchange forward contracts and profit rate swaps. These derivatives financial instruments are initially recognised at fair value on the date on which the derivative contract is entered into. These instruments are carried at their fair value as assets where the fair value is positive and as liabilities where the fair value is negative. Fair values are obtained by reference to quoted market prices, discounted cash flow models and pricing models as appropriate. In the ordinary course of business, the Group utilises the following derivative financial instruments for trading purposes:
(1) Profit rate swaps
Swaps are commitments to exchange one set of cash flows for another. For profit rate swaps, counterparties exchange fixed and floating profit rate payments in a single currency without exchanging principal.
(2) Foreign exchange forwards
Forwards are contractual agreements to either buy or sell a specified currency at a specified price and date in the future. Forwards are customised contracts transacted in the over-the-counter markets. Foreign currencies are transacted in standardised amounts on regulated exchanges and changes in futures contract values are settled daily.
(3) Held for trading derivatives
Most of the Group’s derivative trading activities relate to sales and positioning. Sales activities involve offering products to customers and banks in order, inter alia, to enable them to transfer, modify or reduce current and future risks. Positioning involves managing market risk positions with the expectation of profiting from favourable movements in prices, rates or indices.
Any changes in the fair value of derivatives that are held for trading purposes are taken directly to the consolidated statement of income and disclosed in foreign exchange income for foreign exchange forward contracts and in other income for profit rate swap contracts.
(h) Revenue recognition
The following specific recognition criteria must be met before revenue is recognised:
Income from Mutajara, Murabaha; investments held at amortised cost, Installment sale and credit cards services is recognised based on the effective profit rate basis on the outstanding balances. The effective profit rate is the rate that exactly discounts the estimated future cash receipts through the expected life of the financial asset (or, where appropriate, a shorter period) to the carrying amount of the financial asset . When calculating the effective yield, the Group estimates future cash flows considering all contractual terms of the financial instrument but excluding future credit losses. Fees from banking services are recognised when the service has been provided.
Financing commitment fees; that are likely to be drawn down and other facility related fees are deferred (above certain threshold) and, together with the related direct cost, are recognised as an adjustment to the effective profit rate on the financing. When a financing commitment is not expected to result in the draw-down of a financing, financing commitment fees are recognised on a straight-line basis over the commitment period.
Fees from banking services; that are integral to the effective profit rate on a financial asset or financial liability are included in the effective.
Portfolio and other management advisory and service fees are recognised based on the applicable service contracts, over the period when the service is being provided i.e. related performance obligation is satisfied.
Fees received for asset management and brokerage activities; wealth Management, financial planning, custody services, capital market trading brokerage services and other similar services that are provided over an extended period of time, are recognised over the period when the service is being provided i.e. related performance obligation is satisfied. Asset management fees related to investment funds are recognised over the period the service is being provided. As asset management fees are not subject to clawbacks, the management does not expect any significant reversal of revenue previously recognised. Wealth management and custody services fees that are continuously recognised over a period of time.
Dividend income; is recognised when the right to receive income is established which is generally when the shareholders approve the dividend. Dividends are reflected as a component of net trading income, net income from FVSI financial instruments or other operating income based on the underlying classification of the equity instrument.
Foreign currency exchange income/loss; is recognised when earned/incurred.
Net trading income; results from trading activities and include all realised and unrealised gains and losses from changes in fair value and related gross investment income or expense, dividends for financial assets and financial liabilities held for trading and foreign exchange differences.
Net income from FVSI financial instruments; relates to financial assets and liabilities designated as FVSI and includes all realised and unrealised fair value changes, investment income, dividends and foreign exchange differences.
Rendering of services
The Group provides various services to its customer. These services are either rendered separately or bundled together with rendering of other services. The Group has concluded that revenue from rendering of various services related to payment service system, share trading services, remittance business, SADAD and Mudaraba (i.e. subscription, management and performance fees), should be recognised at the point when services are rendered i.e. when performance obligation is satisfied.
(i) Other real estate
The Group, in the ordinary course of business, acquires certain real estate against settlement of due financing. Such real estate are considered as assets held for sale and are initially stated at the lower of net realisable value of due financing and the current fair value of the related properties, less any costs to sell (if material). Rental income from other real estate is recognised in the consolidated statement of income.
(j) Investment properties
Investment properties are held for long-term rental yield and are not occupied by the Group. They are carried at cost, and depreciation is charged to the consolidated statement of income. The cost of investment properties is depreciated using the straight-line method over the estimated useful life of the assets.
(k) Property and equipment, net
Property and equipment is stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and accumulated impairment loss. Land is not depreciated. The cost of other property and equipment is depreciated using the straight-line method over the estimated useful life of the assets, as follows:
Leasehold land improvements over the lesser of the period of the lease or the useful life
Buildings – 33 years
Leasehold building improvements – over the lease period or 3 years, whichever is shorter
Equipment and furniture – 3 to 10 years
Right of use assets – over the lease period
The assets’ residual values and useful lives are reviewed, and adjusted if appropriate, at the date of each statement of financial position. Gains and losses on disposals are determined by comparing proceeds with carrying amount. These are included in consolidated statement of income.
Other expenditures are capitalised only when it is probable that the future economic benefit of the expenditure will flow to the Group. Ongoing repairs and maintenance costs are expensed when incurred.
(l) Accounting for Ijarah (Leases)
Right of Use Asset/Lease Liabilities
On initial recognition, at inception of the contract, the Group assesses whether the contract is, or contains, a lease. A contract is, or contains, 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. Control is identified if most of the benefits are flowing to the Group and the Group can direct the usage of such assets.
At inception or on reassessment of a contract that contains a lease component, the Group allocates the consideration in the contract to each lease component on the basis of their relative stand-alone prices. However, for the leases of land and buildings in which it is a lessee, the Group has elected not to separate non-lease components and account for the lease and non-lease components as a single lease component.
Right of Use Assets
The Group applies a cost model, and measures the right of use of an asset at cost;
1. less any accumulated depreciation and any accumulated impairment losses; and
2. adjusted for any re-measurement of the lease liability for lease modifications.
Lease Liability
On initial recognition, the lease liability is the present value of all remaining payments to the lessor, discounted using the profit rate implicit in the lease or, if that rate cannot be readily determined, the Group’s incremental borrowing rate. Generally, the Group uses its incremental borrowing rate as the discount rate. After the commencement date, the Group measures the lease liability by:
1. Increasing the carrying amount to reflect profit on the lease liability; and
2. Reducing the carrying amount to reflect the lease payments made and:
3. Re-measuring the carrying amount to reflect any re-assessment or lease modification.
The lease liability is measured at amortised cost using the effective profit method. It is remeasured when there is a change in future lease payments arising from a change in an index or rate, if there is a change in the Group’s estimate of the amount expected to be payable under a residual value guarantee, or if the Group changes its assessment of whether it will exercise a purchase, extension or termination option.
When the lease liability is remeasured in this way, a corresponding adjustment is made to the carrying amount of the right-of-use asset, or is recorded in consolidated statement of income if the carrying amount of the right-of-use asset has been reduced to zero.
Short-term leases and leases of low-value assets
The Group has elected not to recognise right-of-use assets and lease liabilities for short-term leases that have a lease term of 12 months or less and leases of low-value assets, including IT equipment The Group recognises the lease payments associated with these leases as an expense on a straight-line basis over the lease term.
(m) Customers’ deposits
Customer deposits are financial liabilities that are initially recognised at fair value less transaction cost, being the fair value of the consideration received, and are subsequently measured at amortised cost.
(n) Repurchase agreements and reverse repurchase agreements
Assets sold with a simultaneous commitment to repurchase at a specified future date (repurchase agreements) continue to be recognised in the consolidated statement of financial position as the Group retains substantially all of the risks and rewards of ownership, and are measured in accordance with related accounting policies for investments. The transactions are treated as a collateralised financing and the counter party liability for amounts received under these agreements is included in due to banks and other financial institutions, as appropriate. The difference between the sale and repurchase price is treated as financing and investment expense and recognised over the life of the repurchase agreement on an effective yield basis.
Underlying assets purchased with a corresponding commitment to resell at a specified future date (reverse repurchase agreements) are not recognised in the consolidated statement of financial position, as the Group does not obtain control over the underlying assets. Amounts paid under these agreements are included in cash and balances with SAMA. The difference between the purchase and resale price is treated as Income from investments and financing and recognised over the life of the reverse repurchase agreement on an effective profit basis.
(o) Provisions
Provisions are recognised when the Group has present legal or constructive obligation as a result of past events, it is probable that an outflow of resources embodying economic benefits will be required to settle the obligation, and a reliable estimate of the amount of the obligation can be made.
(p) Cash and cash equivalents
For the purposes of the consolidated statement of cash flows, ‘cash and cash equivalents’ include notes and coins on hand, balances with SAMA (excluding statutory deposits) and due from banks and other financial institutions with original maturity of 90 days or less from the date of acquisition which are subject to insignificant risk of changes in their fair value.
(q) Special commission excluded from the consolidated statement of income
In accordance with the Shari’a Authority’s resolutions, special commission income (non-Shari’a compliant income) received by the Group is excluded from the determination of financing and investment income of the Group, and is transferred to other liabilities in the consolidated statement of financial position and is subsequently paid-off to charity institutions.
(r) Short-term employee benefits
Short-term employee benefits are measured on an undiscounted basis and are expensed as the related service is provided.
(s) End of service benefits for employees
The provision for employees’ end of service benefits is accrued using actuarial valuation according to the regulations of Saudi labor law and local regulatory requirements.
(t) Share-based payments
The Group’s founders had established a share-based compensation plan under which the entity receives services from the eligible employees as consideration for equity instruments of the Group which are granted to the employees.
(u) Mudaraba funds
The Group carries out Mudaraba transactions on behalf of its customers, and are treated by the Group as being restricted investments. These are included as off balance sheet items. The Group’s share of profits from managing such funds is included in the Group’s consolidated statement of income.
(v) Foreign Currencies
The consolidated financial statements are presented in Saudi Arabian Riyals (“SAR”), which is also the Group’s functional currency. Each subsidiary determines its own functional currency and items included in the consolidated financial statements of each subsidiary are measured using that functional currency.
Transactions in foreign currencies are translated into SAR at exchange rates prevailing on the dates of the transactions. Monetary assets and liabilities at the year-end (other than monetary items that form part of the net investment in
a foreign operation), denominated in foreign currencies, are translated into
SAR at exchange rates prevailing at the date of the consolidated statement of financial position.
The foreign currency gain or loss on monetary items is the difference between amortised cost in the functional currency at the beginning of the year adjusted for the effective profit rate and payments during the year and the amortised cost in foreign currency translated at the exchange rate at the end of the year.
Realised and unrealised gains or losses on exchange are credited or charged to the consolidated statement of comprehensive income.
Foreign currency differences arising on translation are generally recognised in profit or loss. However, foreign currency differences arising from the translation of equity investments in respect of which an election has been made to present subsequent changes in fair value in OCI are recognised in OCI. The monetary assets and liabilities of foreign subsidiaries are translated into SAR at rates of exchange prevailing at the date of the consolidated statement of financial position. The statements of income of foreign subsidiaries are translated at the weighted average exchange rates for the year.
(w) Day 1 profit or loss
Where a transaction price differs from the fair value of other observable current market transactions in the same instrument or based on a valuation technique whose variables include only data from observable markets, the Group immediately recognises the difference between the transaction price and fair value (a Day 1 profit or loss) in the consolidated statement of income. In cases where use is made of data which is not observable, the difference between the transaction price and model value is only recognised in the consolidated statement of income when the inputs become observable, or when the instrument is derecognised.
(x) Trade date
All regular way purchases and sales of financial assets are recognised and derecognised on the trade date (i.e. the date on which the Group commits to purchase or sell the assets). Regular way purchases or sales of financial assets require delivery of those assets within the time frame generally established by regulation or convention in the market place. All other financial assets and financial liabilities (including assets and liabilities designated at fair value through statement of income) are initially recognised on the trade date at which the Group becomes a party to the contractual provisions of the instrument.
(y) Offsetting financial instruments
Financial assets and financial liabilities are offset and are reported net in the consolidated statement of financial position when there is a legally enforceable right to set off the recognised amounts, and when the Group intends to settle on a net basis, or to realise the asset and settle the liability simultaneously. Income and expenses are not offset in the consolidated statement of income unless required or permitted by any accounting standard or interpretation, and as specifically disclosed in the accounting policies of the Group.
(z) Customer loyalty programmes
The Group offers customer loyalty programmes referred to as reward points, which allows customers to earn points that can be redeemed through certain partner outlets. The Group allocates a portion of the transaction price to the reward points awarded to members, based on estimates of costs of future redemptions. The amount of expense allocated to reward points is charged to the consolidated statement of income with a corresponding liability recognised in other liabilities. The cumulative amount of the liability related to unredeemed reward points is adjusted over time based on actual redemption experience and current and expected trends with respect to future redemptions.
(aa) Zakat and taxes
The Group is subject to Zakat in accordance with the regulations of the Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority (“ZATCA”). Zakat expense is charged to the consolidated statement of income. ZATCA has prescribed a new methodology for calculation on Zakat of financing activities effective 1 January 2019, where previously the Zakat was treated in the consolidated statement of changes in equity. Due accruals have been made for the obligation as at 31 December 2020. Zakat is not accounted for as an income tax and as such no deferred tax assets and liabilities are calculated relating to Zakat.
- Value Added tax (“VAT”)
The Group is a taxpayer for value added tax as per the Saudi law and its responsibility to collect VAT Output from the customers for qualifying services provided , and makes VAT Input payments to its vendors for qualifying payments. On a monthly basis, the net VAT remittances are made to the ZATCA representing VAT collected from its customers, net of any recoverable VAT on payments. Unrecoverable VAT is borne by the Group and is either expensed or in the case of property, equipment, and intangibles payments, is capitalised and either depreciated or amortised as part of the capital cost.
- Withholding tax
Withholding tax is subject to any payment to non-resident vendors for services rendered and goods purchased with certain criteria and rate according to the tax law applicable in Saudi Arabia and are directly paid to the ZATCA on a monthly basis.
(bb) Investment management services
The Group provides investment management services to its customers, through its subsidiary which include management of certain mutual funds. Assets held in trust or in a fiduciary capacity are not treated as assets of the Group and, accordingly, are not included in the Group’s consolidated financial statements. The Group’s share of these funds is included under FVSI investments. Fees earned are disclosed in the consolidated statement of income.
(cc) Bank’s products definition
The Group provides its customers with banking products based on
interest avoidance concept and in accordance with Shari’a regulations.
The following is a description of some of the financing products:
Mutajara financing:
It is a financing agreement whereby the Group purchases a commodity or an asset and sells it to the client based on a purchase promise from the client with a deferred price higher than the cash price, accordingly the client becomes debtor to the Group with the sale amount and for the period agreed in the contract.
Installment sales financing:
It is a financing agreement whereby the Group purchases a commodity or an asset and sells it to the client based on a purchase promise from the client with a deferred price higher than the cash price. Accordingly the client becomes a debtor to the Group with the sale amount to
be paid through installments as agreed in the contract.
Murabaha financing:
It is a financing agreement whereby the Group purchases a commodity or asset and sells it to the client with a price representing the purchase price plus a profit known and agreed by the client which means that the client is aware of the cost and profit separately.
