FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
STRATEGIC REPORT
GOVERNANCE
1 SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES continued 1.4 Segments continued An operating segment is a component of the Group that engages in business activities fromwhich it earns revenues and incurs expenses. The operating segments fromwhich the Group derives revenues and incurs expenses are as follows: • the writing of insurance products for distribution to the at- or in-retirement market, which is undertaken through the activities of the life companies (this is referred to as the insurance segment in note 6, Segmental reporting); • the arranging of guaranteed income for life contracts and lifetime mortgages through regulated advice and intermediary services; and • the provision of licensed software to financial advisers, banks, building societies, life assurance companies and pension trustees. Operating segments, where certain materiality thresholds in relation to total results from operating segments are not exceeded, are combined when determining reportable segments. For segmental reporting, the arranging of guaranteed income for life contracts, providing intermediary mortgage advice and arranging, plus the provision of licensed software, are included in the Other segment along with Group activities, such as capital and liquidity management, and investment activities. The information on adjusted operating profit and profit before tax used by the CODM is presented on a combined product basis within the insurance operating segment and is not analysed further by product. 1.5 Foreign currencies Transactions in foreign currencies are translated to sterling at the rates of exchange ruling at the date of the transaction. Monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are translated into sterling at the rates of exchange ruling at the end of the financial year. Foreign exchange gains and losses resulting from the settlement of such transactions and from the translation of monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are recognised in profit or loss. The assets and liabilities of foreign operations are translated to sterling at the rates of exchange at the reporting date. The revenues and expenses are translated to sterling at the average rates of exchange for the year. Foreign exchange differences arising on translation to sterling are accounted for through other comprehensive income. 1.6 Classification of insurance and investment contracts The measurement and presentation of assets, liabilities, income and expenses arising from life and pensions business contracts issued and associated reinsurance contracts held is dependent upon the classification of those contracts as either insurance or investment contracts. A contract is classified as insurance only if it transfers significant insurance risk. Insurance risk is significant if an insured event could cause an insurer to pay significant additional benefits to those payable if no insured event occurred. A contract that is classified as an insurance contract remains an insurance contract until all rights and obligations are extinguished or expire. DB, GIfL, Care Plan and Protection policies currently written by the Group are classified as insurance contracts. Any contracts not considered to be insurance contracts under IFRS are classified as investment contracts. Capped Drawdown pension business is classified as investment contracts as there is no transfer of longevity risk due to the premium protection option within these fixed term contracts. Capped Drawdown contracts are no longer marketed by the Group. 1.7 Premium revenue Premium revenue in respect of individual GIfL contracts is accounted for when the liability to pay the GIfL contract is established. Premium revenue in respect of Defined Benefit De-risking contracts is accounted for when the Company becomes “on risk”, which is the date fromwhich the policy is effective. If a timing difference occurs between the date fromwhich the policy is effective and the receipt of payment, the amount due for payment but not yet received is recognised as a receivable in the Consolidated statement of financial position. Premium revenue in respect of Care Plans and Protection policies is accounted for when the insurance contract commences. Deposits collected under investment contracts are not accounted for through the Consolidated statement of comprehensive income, except for fee income and attributable investment income, but are accounted for directly through the Consolidated statement of financial position as an adjustment to the investment contract liability. Reinsurance premiums payable in respect of reinsurance treaties are accounted for when the reinsurance premiums are due for payment under the terms of the contract. Reinsurance premiums previously incurred can be recaptured under certain conditions, notably once reinsurance financing for an underwriting year is fully repaid. 1.8 Net investment income Investment income consists of interest receivable for the year and realised and unrealised gains and losses on financial assets and liabilities at fair value through profit or loss.
Interest income is recognised as it accrues.
Realised gains and losses on financial assets and liabilities occur on disposal or transfer and represent the difference between the proceeds received net of transaction costs, and the original cost. Unrealised gains and losses arising on financial assets and liabilities represent the difference between the carrying value at the end of the year and the carrying value at the start of the year or purchase value during the year, less the reversal of previously recognised unrealised gains and losses in respect of disposals made during the year.
131
Powered by FlippingBook