TIDMDFCH

RNS Number : 6661W

Distribution Finance Cap. Hldgs PLC

19 April 2023

19 April 2023

This announcement contains inside information as stipulated under the UK version of the market abuse regulation (EU no. 596/2014) as it forms part of UK law by virtue of the European Union (withdrawal) act 2018 (as amended from time to time).

Distribution Finance Capital Holdings plc

("DF Capital" or the "Company" together with its subsidiaries the "Group")

Audited Results for the year ended 31 December 2022

Scaling the bank delivers maiden full year profit significantly beating original expectations.

Distribution Finance Capital Holdings plc, the specialist bank providing working capital solutions to dealers and manufacturers across the UK, today announces its audited results for the year ended 31 December 2022.

Highlights

 
                                                                2022                  2021                  Change 
-----------------------------------------------  --------------------  --------------------  --------------------- 
               Performance 
               Loan Book (GBPm)                                  439                   249                   +76% 
               New loans advanced to customers 
                (GBPm)                                          1,001                  690                   +45% 
-----------------------------------------------  --------------------  --------------------  --------------------- 
               No of dealer customers                            998                   805                   +24% 
-----------------------------------------------  --------------------  --------------------  --------------------- 
               Financial 
               Gross Revenue                                    26.8                  13.6                   +97% 
-----------------------------------------------  --------------------  --------------------  --------------------- 
               Net Interest Income                              20.4                  11.3                   +81% 
-----------------------------------------------  --------------------  --------------------  --------------------- 
               Cost of Risk (bps)                                74                    32                   42bps 
-----------------------------------------------  --------------------  --------------------  --------------------- 
               Profit/(Loss) before tax 
                (GBPm)                                           1.3                  (3.7)                  5.0 
-----------------------------------------------  --------------------  --------------------  --------------------- 
               Net Assets (GBPm)                                96.2                  86.1                   +12% 
===============================================  ====================  ====================  ===================== 
 

-- Maiden full year profit before tax of GBP1.3m, improving significantly on prior year loss of GBP3.7m and surpassing management expectations.

-- Record level of loan origination, totalling over GBP1bn (2021: GBP690m), supporting a closing loan book of GBP439m (2021: GBP249m).

-- Net interest margin (NIM) of 6.5% maintained in excess of 6% target (2021: 6.5%), against a backdrop of rising funding costs.

-- Stock turn has slowed to c.120 days, however, continued to run faster than the historical average of 150 days.

-- Continued low number of arrears cases demonstrates underlying quality and financial strength of dealer obligors, with cost of risk at 0.74%, well below the through-the-cycle target of 1%.

-- Increased deposits during the year by GBP183m, with over 12.6k savings accounts and GBP480m of deposits at 31 December 2022.

-- Initial GBP175m ENABLE Guarantee agreed by British Business Bank, which may be increased to GBP350m and would support up to GBP150m of additional loan book growth on the existing capital base.

   --    Accredited by Best Companies as a 2-star company and an "Outstanding Place to Work". 

Q1 Trading and Outlook

-- Loan origination up c.23% on prior year at c. GBP270m (Q1 2022: GBP220m) delivering a c.15% increased loan book to c.GBP505m with 1,079 dealers (Q1 2022: 858) now being provided with over GBP900m of facilities (Q1 2022: GBP682m).

-- Stock turn slowed moderately to c.130 days improving loan book returns, with increased loan repayments also positively impacting arrears and credit loss provisions.

-- Continuing strong NIM performance in excess of target expected through 2023, influenced by recent movements in the UK base rates. The Group expects to revert to its 6% NIM target with base rate reductions over the medium-term.

   --    Achieved unaudited profit for the quarter. 

-- Pursued adjacent lending opportunities in receivables financing (invoice discounting) and wholesale funding, representing attractive future potential to deepen relationships with manufacturer and dealer partners.

-- The Group is exploring non-dilutive Tier 2 capital to further support its product diversification and medium-term growth strategy.

-- Board expects financial performance for the full year to be materially ahead of management expectations, targeting a year end loan book for 2023 in the range of GBP550m-600m, with a continuing trend of rising loan origination and strong net interest margin.

Carl D'Ammassa, Chief Executive, commented : "Achieving our first full year of profitability has been a priority for us since being authorised as a bank. Our capital and retained earnings will now support our ambitious growth plans and the strategic development of the firm.

"We continue to see strong momentum in our core markets and have started to explore adjacent lending opportunities that will underpin our efforts to scale the bank further. 2022 has been a great year for the Group on so many fronts. It's brilliant to hear our colleagues say that DF Capital is an outstanding place to work too."

The Group's full Annual Report and Financial Statements have today been published and are available on its investor website at www.dfcapital-investors.com .

Annual General Meeting

The Company will hold its Annual General Meeting on 24 May 2023 at the Company's registered office in Manchester. The Notice of AGM and Form of Proxy will be posted to shareholders in due course and a copy will be available at www.dfcapital-investors.com .

The person responsible for arranging the release of this announcement on behalf of the Company is Karen D'Souza (Company Secretary).

For further information contact:

 
  Distribution Finance Capital Holdings 
   plc 
 Carl D'Ammassa - Chief Executive Officer    +44 (0) 161 413 3391 
 Kam Bansil - Head of Investor Relations     +44 (0) 7779 229508 
 http://www.dfcapital-investors.com 
 
 Investec Bank plc (Nomad and Broker)                      +44 (0) 207 597 5970 
 David Anderson 
  Bruce Garrow 
  Harry Hargreaves 
  Maria Gomez de Olea 
 Liberum Capital Limited (Joint Broker)                     +44 (0) 203 100 2000 
 Chris Clarke 
  Lauren Kettle 
  Antonia Brown 
 

Chair's Statement

Dear Shareholder

The momentum the firm demonstrated in 2021 continued at pace through 2022. The global pandemic and war in Ukraine are continuing to have an impact on the economy and supply chains worldwide. DF Capital has navigated these uncertainties well and against this backdrop it is pleasing to report the Group's maiden full year profit.

Given the time taken to obtain our bank licence, one of our key priorities has been to reach profitability. The Group was bank-ready for some time, so following our authorisation as a bank we were quickly able to enjoy the full benefits, with access to retail deposits to support our lending operation. That being said, to have reached full year profitability within two years of becoming a bank truly demonstrates the strength of our proposition, and is a credit to the entire DF Capital team. Hitting this milestone is one that many new banks aspire to achieve.

An outstanding place to work

In the Board's opinion, modern sustainable businesses are built on the solid foundation of a positive and inclusive culture across the firm, where all employees work in a collaborative environment, where risk management is taken seriously and where customers' needs are front of everyone's minds. The Board is delighted that DF Capital has been recognised as an "Outstanding place to work" by Best Companies, following a survey of our employees. Being accredited with two stars builds on last year's result and it will be no surprise that the firm has ranked highly in sector and regional league tables also.

Board composition

As a Board, ensuring that we have the right skills and experience to support the Group's ambitions is front of our minds. I am delighted to welcome Sheryl Lawrence and Nicole Coll to the Board, with Sheryl becoming Senior Independent Director and Chair of the Risk Committee, and Nicole becoming our Chair of the Audit Committee.

I would like to thank Carole Machell, who stood down from the Board at last year's Annual General Meeting, for her support not only during my transition to the position of Chair, but also during her four year tenure as a member of the Board. I am grateful to Carole for picking up additional responsibilities whilst we planned Sheryl and Nicole's appointments.

I am confident we have both the breadth and depth of experience across the Group to support the firm's ambitions to further scale our franchise, always underpinned by an appropriate and proportionate corporate governance framework.

A well-capitalised bank

DF Capital is a well-capitalised bank and now with the additional support from the British Business Bank's ENABLE Guarantee scheme we have the capacity to grow the Group's lending further. We remain committed to supporting manufacturers and dealers with our products and services. During 2023 we intend to build on the foundation we have laid by pushing into adjacent markets and exploring other opportunities to use our banking franchise to lend in markets where we feel we can make strong risk adjusted returns.

2022 has been another strong year for the firm and I am delighted with the continued progress the Group is making to deliver sustainable returns for its shareholders over the medium term.

Mark Stephens

Independent Non-Executive Chair

Chief Executive Officer's Report

Dear Shareholder

I am delighted to announce our first full year of profitability. Since receiving our bank licence in September 2020, we have strived to achieve run-rate profitability in a sustainable, responsible way as soon as we possibly could. We have diligently stuck to our business plan and had a cautious eye on good credit risk management throughout. We can confidently now move forward in the knowledge that our capital and retained profits will support increased lending, rather than absorbing trading losses.

2022: significant progress amid continued macroeconomic uncertainty

It's clear that during our relatively short life as a bank, we have craved for what we would describe as more normal times, calibrated against the world as it was pre-pandemic. Obtaining a banking licence during a global pandemic was not an easy task, but the economic uncertainty that has unfolded since, whether that's the tail effects of the pandemic, inflation, the war in Ukraine or disruption to global supply chains and logistics, has really put the team and our business model through its paces. I am delighted with the Group's response, having performed exceptionally well, demonstrating our agility and speed of action in order to best navigate what can only be described as an uncertain world.

We have continued to focus on our strategic pillars:

   1.    delivering growth; 
   2.    putting our customers' needs first; and 
   3.    acting sustainably. 

2022 has been an exceptional year for DF Capital. As well as achieving maiden profitability, we have delivered record levels of new loan origination, exceeding GBP1bn for the first time; an increase of 45% on the prior year (2021: GBP690m). The Group's loan book grew significantly by 76% to GBP439m at 31 December 2022 (2021: GBP249m), clearly demonstrating the strength of our relationships with dealers and manufacturers.

Throughout the year, we have maintained a highly diversified mix of assets across our core sectors, achieving double-digit percentage growth in all sectors. Our commercial lending (non-leisure assets) comprised 38% of the loan book at the year-end (December 2021: 37%).

Whilst growth in lending enables our ambitions to deliver mid-to-high teens returns, ensuring we continue to achieve at least a 6% net interest margin (NIM) is a critical component of our returns journey. Despite rising retail deposit rates and given the fees we charge our lending customers are directly linked to Bank of England Base Rate, we have effectively balanced pricing and growth through the year, achieving a consistent 6.5% net interest margin (2021: 6.5%).

Supporting a record number of dealers and manufacturers

Our strategy in how we will scale the bank remains unchanged. In our core lending product, we are focused on supporting more manufacturers and dealers, providing them with increasing aggregate credit lines and offering the exceptional levels of service that makes it easy for our borrowers to do business with us. During the period, we have increased our manufacturer and distributor partners to 90 (2021: 78) and now provide facilities to almost 1,000 dealers (2021: 805). Aggregate credit lines hit GBP817m, up 36% on the prior year (2021: GBP601m) which underpins the growth we have seen in our loan book.

It is fair to say that across the majority of sectors, dealers have experienced continued strong demand for their products. End-user demand in leisure assets (such as motorhomes, caravans, motorcycles) has remained particularly elevated. As we progressed through the year we saw a modest slowing of sales that has seen our average stock turn extend to c.120 days from c.105 days during 2021, still below our normalised historical average of approximately 150 days. Availability of product, particularly in the transportation sector, has remained challenging through much of 2022, given continuing issues in China and COVID-19 outbreaks. As we closed the year, with supply chain logistics normalising there were significant volumes of light commercial vehicles en-route to the UK, which we expect to flow through to dealers during 2023.

We entered the specialist car market during the year. Whilst this remains a relatively small part of our lending activity today, we have learnt a lot through our early activities that will allow us to develop our proposition and achieve growth in this sector during 2023.

Whilst we are undoubtedly pleased with the loan originations and where our loan book closed the year, we continue to operate in an environment that is fraught with uncertainties and far from normal. Working closely with our manufacturer partners and having deep relationships with our dealer customers allows us to respond quickly to their needs and navigate these unpredictable times.

Maintaining high levels of service

Putting our customers' needs first and providing them with exceptional levels of service is critical to our proposition. Our lending activities are highly digitised coupled with human-touch relationship management. We are relentless in our focus on automation and continuous improvement, to allow accessing finance from us easier for our borrowers. Having explored the benefits of Robotic Process Automation and Optical Character Recognition, these are efficiency and digitalisation techniques that we have adopted and are now very much embedded in the firm. We have invested in resources to help accelerate implementation of continuous improvement projects, which in turn we expect to support our cost-to-income ratio ambitions.

Understanding what delights our customers is important to us. We measure customer satisfaction across a number of touchpoints and this important feedback helps define areas for service improvement. We measure customer satisfaction using Net Promotor Score, and whilst we are delighted to have received another strong result of +41 in our most recent survey (2021:+42), we are not complacent. We recognise that evolving our products and services, whilst making sure we continue to meet customer expectations in a world where technology is continually advancing is critical.

Successful retail deposit capability

Now over two years since we launched our maiden savings products, we are recognised more widely as a quality provider of retail deposits. We offer well-priced savings products across an array of tenors, through a digitised savings platform, backed up by our award-winning in-house customer service team. Given the digital nature of our retail deposit capability, our platform is significantly scalable from where we are today. We believe we offer a uniquely DF Capital experience and that is reflected in our customer satisfaction scores at 4.7 stars (2021: 4.6) as measured by feefo.

Having placed significant focus on existing customer retention, we have built a loyal depositor base. Offering existing customers attractive priced loyalty products as they reach maturity of their fixed rate bonds has seen retention rates of over 70%.

We closed the year with GBP480m of deposits (2021: GBP297m). We continue to leverage best buy tables to alert new customers to our rates. The retail deposit market has remained buoyant, and we have found it easy to raise the liquidity to support our lending activities. We have continued to build a well-diversified range of product maturity profiles in both the notice and fixed rate markets.

Growth in core lending

Scaling the bank by growing our lending remains our priority. The routes to growth in the core lending products are many: increasing facility utilisation and active dealers; bringing onboard new dealers; targeting new manufacturers and entering new sectors.

Having a significant pipeline of potential dealers supports much of our ambition for growth, that being said, we are operating in an environment where careful selection of dealers, who meet our credit criteria is important. We continue to validate and refine pipeline and new sector opportunities. Our lending capabilities are transferrable; we see potential to consider new asset classes, have ambitions to support greener products where our inventory and distribution finance solutions could provide secured lending against serialised assets.

Building new product capabilities

We believe entering adjacent markets is a critical component in the delivery of our medium term returns ambitions. We continue to explore both organic and inorganic strategic opportunities. Throughout the year, we have proactively considered business acquisitions that could accelerate our product development ambitions, particularly for "lending beyond the forecourt", such as hire purchase and leasing. The uncertain economic environment and increasing interest rates to combat inflation has made us more cautious in our endeavours. We know what a good acquisition or partnership should look like, the return potential required and accordingly have set a high bar.

Our efforts in this regard have helped frame an organic or self-build growth plan. We are clear on what we would need to invest, in both people and technology, to ensure we could safely and securely lend to end-users, ultimately supporting our dealers and manufacturers to sell more products. There remains strong demand from our existing customers to build a deeper multi-product relationship with us. Accordingly, the development of a retail lending product (such as hire purchase or leasing), aligned to the sectors we support today, feels inevitable, at some point in the near future, when the economic environment best allows us to successfully make the necessary investment. We continue to explore opportunities to partner with other funders to bring our product development ambitions to life.

As a small bank, we find it beneficial to test new lending opportunities in a controlled and small-scale way. These opportunities generally support our own strategic ambitions, allowing us to leverage our banking licence to lend in areas where we achieve our risk adjusted returns objectives, whilst building valuable insight through a "test and learn" approach. We consider types of wholesale funding (ie. lending to non-bank lenders) as an attractive opportunity that could underpin any future strategic partnership in existing or new product types. As a firm we have many opportunities, often presented to us, to build on our banking franchise, leverage our ability to raise deposits and put capital to work, whilst always achieving our target risk adjusted returns.

Our culture, being an outstanding place to work

At the heart of what we do at DF Capital is our culture. We are a bank that strives to do the right thing for its customers, employees, the environment and its communities. We believe this preoccupation about acting sustainably starts with our employees and will ultimately define the quality of shareholder returns.

In October 2022, we participated again in the "Best Companies to Work for" survey. Throughout the year, we have built on the feedback we received from the December 2021 survey. Over 95% of our employees provided their feedback this time around (2021: 98%) on what we do well and where we can make further improvements in how we do things and what we do. It has, therefore, been a personal highlight to see the progress we have made in improving employee satisfaction, being accredited as an Outstanding place to work. Our employees believe the firm operates with sound values and a positive culture that allows them to flourish and be at their best.

The Group now features in the UK's top 5 financial services firms to work for (2021: 13th); top 15 North West companies to work for (2021: 48th); and 14th in the UK's top 75 mid-sized companies to work for (2021: 52nd).

Outlook

We have seen continued momentum in lending during the first quarter, a critical period for dealers to re-stock. New loan origination exceeded GBP270m, with the Group's loan book reaching GBP505m as at 31 March 2023, up 15% since the start of the year.

Whilst loan origination levels have continued to be very strong, end-user demand for product has also remained higher than expected, particularly in the motorhome and caravan sectors. A deeper contraction in discretionary spend across a number of sectors had been expected, which in turn would lead to a slowing of stock turn through the period. Whilst stock turn has now reached c.130 days, up from 120 days for FY 2022 (FY2021: 105 days), it remains significantly below seasonal expectations and our historical average of 150 days, leaving scope for further improvement in this area. Across the transportation sector, a catch-up of product delivery at the end of 2022, caused by COVID-19 outbreaks in China, has seen a mismatch of dealer demand for electric vehicles which are now physically in the UK against diesel vehicles that remain in transit. This has slowed loan origination in this sector specifically, which represents approximately 20% of our loan book, but is expected to be rebalanced through the balance of the year.

During the quarter, we have extended our product offering for a key client relationship, providing receivables financing or better known as invoice discounting to support their sales activity. We have also taken the first step to "lend to a lender" or wholesale funding, which could form the basis of an expected future partnership with an asset-based lender who provides hire purchase to businesses. Whilst both lending opportunities remain small in the context of our entire loan book at c2%, they present attractive future potential for the Group as we look to build even deeper relationships with our manufacturer and dealer partners through adjacent lending opportunities, alongside any organic approach to product development and/or business acquisition.

Notwithstanding the uncertain economic backdrop, we feel confident about the year ahead. With the expectation of achieving a loan book in the range of GBP550m-GBP600m by the close of 2023 and, in the near-term, net interest margin above our target of 6%, coupled with better-than-expected loss performance and lower arrears in light of the faster loan repayment, the Board believes that full year performance for the financial year ending 31 December 2023 will be materially ahead of management expectations, building on our outperformance in 2022 and a profitable (unaudited) first quarter of 2023.

DF Capital operates in very large diversified markets where we continue to see demand and have opportunities to lend in adjacent markets and, can develop new products and explore tactical transactions that play to our strategic ambitions. Collectively these initiatives underpin our ability to scale the bank. With the support of the British Business Bank's ENABLE Guarantee, our existing Tier 1 capital base and our activities to consider non-dilutive Tier 2 capital, we have the firepower to support our growth ambitions in 2023.

Carl D'Ammassa

Chief Executive Officer

Chief Financial Officer's Report

Dear Shareholder

We are delighted to report a full year pre-tax profit of GBP1.3m (2021: Loss GBP3.7m).

Significantly increased gross revenues underpinned by strong yield

Gross revenues, which are predominantly comprised of interest and facility fees, increased by 97% to GBP26.8m (2021: GBP13.6m) and reflects the increase in the average loan book during the year.

Gross yield in the year increased to 8.2% (2021: 7.9%), reflecting the impact of increasing Bank of England base rate and pricing on newly originated loans, benefitting from these base rate movements.

The average cost of retail deposits during the year increased to 1.90% (2021:1.16%). This increase reflects the significant increase on new product retail deposit rates during the year driven by the Bank of England base rate increasing from 0.25% as we entered 2022 to 3.5% by the close of the year. Our deposit book is an array of fixed rate tenors and therefore the increasing deposit rates will take time to fully flow through to the deposit book as a whole, as maturing deposits are replaced.

Net Interest Margin (NIM), which is gross yield less interest expense, was stable at 6.5% (2021: 6.5%) reflecting our ability to pass on base rate rises to our dealers as our underlying deposit interest rates increased. This was ahead of our NIM target of 6%.

Strong arrears and impairments performance

We have continued to intensively manage our loan portfolio and arrears position. Despite the macro-economic uncertainty, we have continued to see a low number of arrears cases during the year. However, the total value of arrears increased to 1.6% of the loan book at 31 December 2022 (31 December 2021: 0.4%). This arrears balance includes GBP4.7m of arrears in respect of one obligor who is in the process of completing a major refinancing of their balance sheet, after which we expect to be fully repaid. The arrears excluding this single obligor would have been 0.6%. We are pleased with the underlying quality and financial strength of our dealer obligors, many of which came out of the pandemic achieving record levels of sales and profitability.

As a percentage of average gross receivables, the Group's cost of risk for the year increased to 0.74% (2021: 0.32%). In 2021, our cost of risk benefitted from a reduction in the level of COVID-19 overlay in our IFRS9 model given the improving economic conditions and outlook for the UK economy at that time. During 2022 the Group has released the remaining COVID-19 provisions and replaced this with a cost-of-living and associated economic uncertainties model overlay.

 
               Summarised Statement                                   2022                     2021 
                of Comprehensive Income                            GBP'000                  GBP'000 
               Gross revenues                                       26,842                   13,641 
                                                   -----------------------  ----------------------- 
               Interest expense                                    (6,411)                  (2,338) 
                                                   -----------------------  ----------------------- 
               Net income                                           20,431                   11,303 
                                                   -----------------------  ----------------------- 
               Operating expenses                                 (16,831)                 (14,507) 
                                                   -----------------------  ----------------------- 
               Impairment charges                                  (2,296)                    (556) 
                                                   -----------------------  ----------------------- 
               Provisions for commitments 
                and other liabilities                                    0                       25 
                                                   -----------------------  ----------------------- 
               Profit/ (loss) before 
                taxation                                             1,304                  (3,735) 
                                                   -----------------------  ----------------------- 
               Taxation                                              8,457                       59 
                                                   -----------------------  ----------------------- 
               Profit/ (loss) after 
                taxation                                             9,761                  (3,676) 
                                                   -----------------------  ----------------------- 
               Other comprehensive (loss)/income                      (79)                    (162) 
                                                   -----------------------  ----------------------- 
               Total comprehensive profit/ 
                (loss)                                               9,682                  (3,838) 
                                                   -----------------------  ----------------------- 
 

Arrears (GBP'000)

 
                                       31-Dec-22                 31-Dec-21                 31-Dec-20                 31-Dec-19 
               Arrears - principal repayment, fees and interest 
               1-30 
                days 
                past 
                due                    136                       105                       27                        643 
                        ------------------------  ------------------------  ------------------------  ------------------------ 
               31-60 
                days 
                past 
                due                    1,084                     834                       22                        225 
                        ------------------------  ------------------------  ------------------------  ------------------------ 
               61-90 
                days 
                past 
                due                    25                        0                         39                        87 
                        ------------------------  ------------------------  ------------------------  ------------------------ 
               91 days 
                + 
                past 
                due                    5,885                     164                       132                       762 
                        ------------------------  ------------------------  ------------------------  ------------------------ 
                                       7,130                     1,103                     220                       1,717 
                        ------------------------  ------------------------  ------------------------  ------------------------ 
               % Loan 
                book                   1.6%                      0.4%                      0.2%                      0.8% 
                        ------------------------  ------------------------  ------------------------  ------------------------ 
               Associated principal balance 
               1-30 
                days 
                past 
                due                    2,016                     951                       96                        5,505 
                        ------------------------  ------------------------  ------------------------  ------------------------ 
               31-60 
                days 
                past 
                due                    1,512                     834                       7                         482 
                        ------------------------  ------------------------  ------------------------  ------------------------ 
               61-90 
                days 
                past 
                due                    214                       0                         14                        226 
                        ------------------------  ------------------------  ------------------------  ------------------------ 
               91 days 
                + 
                past 
                due                    16,317                    184                       259                       857 
                        ------------------------  ------------------------  ------------------------  ------------------------ 
                                       20,058                    1,970                     376                       7,070 
                        ------------------------  ------------------------  ------------------------  ------------------------ 
               % Loan 
                book                   4.6%                      0.8%                      0.3%                      3.4% 
                        ------------------------  ------------------------  ------------------------  ------------------------ 
 

The combined stage 1 and 2 impairment allowance at 31 December 2022 as a percentage of gross receivables was 0.46% (2021: 0.52%) which reflects the improved weighted average risk rating of the portfolio, the relatively low number of arrears cases and the estimated impact of the prevailing economic uncertainties on our customer base. These estimates remain higher than we have seen during 2022 but we believe align with broader external economic indicators. The total impairment allowance (comprising stages 1, 2 and 3) at 31 December 2022 as a percentage of gross receivables was 0.84% (2021: 0.69%).

Strong security position

In our core lending product, we provide working capital to UK based dealers secured against their inventory or stock. Loans are advanced, in the main, against the wholesale value of an asset. The value of dealer loans outstanding compared to wholesale value ('loan to value' or 'LTV') at 31 December 2022 was 91% (31 December 2021: 91%). We do not advance funds measured against retail prices, which typically represent a mark-up of approximately 20% on the wholesale invoice price. Accordingly, for our security position to be at risk, and for the Group to incur losses on recovery of an asset in the event of default there would need to be an average reduction of c25% in retail prices across the sectors and asset classes we support.

We often hold additional security, which can mitigate credit losses further, in the form of personal and/or cross company guarantees as well as having manufacturer repurchase or redistribution agreements in place across c65% of our core loan book (2021: c60%).

Unlocking operational leverage

We have continued to unlock the business' operational leverage given our highly digitised client facing processes, with ongoing investment in areas to support growth and scaling of the business, such as API-connections with dealers, robotic process automation (RPA) and character-recognition technologies. We believe we are building further scalability into our operational capabilities and much of the cost we need to support our near-term loan book targets is already embedded.

Headcount increased to 117 at December 2022 (December 2021: 93) reflecting the actions taken to strengthen and widen the reach of our commercial team in addition to bolstering our risk resources. We have carefully managed the inflationary pressures impacting our operating cost base, however, we are mindful of the cost of living pressures faced by a number of our employees. We, therefore, implemented two separate salary increases in April and October 2022 across the majority of our employees. Operating expenses increased by 16% to GBP16.8m (2021: GBP14.5m). This increase in operating expenses is considerably lower than the relative increase in net income, meaning our cost to income ratio has reduced significantly to 82% (2021: 128%). We expect to see further reductions in this ratio as we scale the business, underpinning the delivery of our return ambitions.

Recognition of deferred tax asset

The Directors expect profitable growth going forward and therefore believe it is probable the Group will be able to utilise the remaining tax losses in DF Capital Bank Limited. On this basis a deferred tax asset of GBP8.5m has been recognised. This gives a profit after tax for 2022 of GBP9.8m (2021: Loss GBP3.7m).

Well capitalised balance sheet supports lending ambitions

With equity at the year-end of GBP96.2m (December 2021: GBP86.1m), this gives us sufficient regulatory capital to support a loan book in excess of GBP0.5bn.

In January 2023 we agreed an initial GBP175m ENABLE Guarantee with the British Business Bank, which may also be increased in the future to GBP350m. This Guarantee commitment provides the Group with incremental capacity to scale its loan book without the need for additional Tier 1 equity capital by up to GBP75m on the basis of the initial GBP175m facility and up to GBP150m if the facility is increased to GBP350m. The Group continues to explore options to raise non-dilutive Tier 2 capital to further support its product diversification and medium-term growth strategy.

Our CET1 ratio at 31 December 2022 was c.22% (31 December 2021 c38%); well above our regulatory capital minimum limits.

Gavin Morris

Chief Financial Officer

Report of the Directors

The Directors present their Annual Report on the affairs of the Group, together with the consolidated financial statements, company financial statements and auditor's report, for the year ended 31 December 2022.

Details of significant subsequent events are contained in note 39 to these consolidated financial statements. An indication of likely future developments in the business of the Group are included in the Strategic Report section.

Information about the use of financial instruments by the Group is detailed within note 36 to the consolidated financial statements.

Principal activity

The principal activity of the Group is as a specialist personal savings and commercial lending bank group. The Group provides niche working capital funding solutions to dealers and manufacturers across the UK, enabled by competitively priced personal savings products.

Results and dividends

The total comprehensive profit for the year, after taxation, amounted to GBP9,682,000 (2021: loss GBP3,838,000).

The Directors do not recommend the payment of a dividend (2021: GBPnil).

Directors'

The Directors who held office during the year and up to the date of the Directors' report were as follows:

Mark Stephens

   Sheryl Lawrence                                  (appointed 16 May 2022) 
   Nicole Coll                                             (appointed 16 May 2022) 

Thomas Grathwohl

Haakon Stenrød

Carl D'Ammassa

Gavin Morris

   Carole Machell                                     (resigned 15 June 2022) 

Directors' shareholdings

As at 31 December 2022, the Directors held the following ordinary shares in the Company:

 
                                                                                                                Voting 
                                                                            No. of ordinary                     rights 
               Director                   Position                                   shares                        (%) 
=========================  =============================  =================================  ========================= 
 
               Mark                       Independent 
                Stephens                   Board Chair                               62,500                      0.03% 
                                          Independent 
               Thomas                      Non-Executive 
                Grathwohl                  Director                                 533,312                      0.30% 
                                          Chief 
               Carl                        Executive 
                D'Ammassa                  Officer                                  509,591                      0.28% 
                                          Chief 
               Gavin                       Financial 
                Morris                     Officer                                  384,026                      0.21% 
 

Significant shareholders

As at 31 December 2022, the following parties held greater than 3% of issued share capital in the Company in accordance with the requirements of Rule 5 of the Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules:

 
                                                                                                                     Voting 
                                                                                                                     rights 
                                                                              No. of ordinary shares                    (%) 
===========================  =======================================================================  ===================== 
 
               Watrium AS                                                                 26,646,093                 14.86% 
               Liontrust 
                Asset 
                Management                                                                23,700,305                 13.21% 
               Davidson 
                Kempner 
                Capital 
                Management                                                                17,599,990                  9.81% 
               Lombard 
                Odier Asset 
                Management                                                                13,583,408                  7.57% 
               BlackRock 
                Investment 
                Management                                                                12,650,000                  7.05% 
               Janus 
                Henderson 
                Investors                                                                  8,479,379                  4.73% 
               UBS 
                Securities                                                                 7,616,334                  4.25% 
               River & 
                Mercantile 
                Asset 
                Management                                                                 7,096,000                  3.96% 
               M&G 
                Investments                                                                5,500,000                  3.07% 
               Allianz 
                Global 
                Investors                                                                  5,400,000                  3.01% 
               CRUX Asset 
                Management                                                                 5,391,454                  3.01% 
 

Political and charitable donations

The Group made charitable donations of GBP3,569 (2021: GBP6,933) and no political donations during the year ended 31 December 2022 (2021: GBPnil).

Annual General Meeting

The Company anticipates holding its Annual General Meeting in May 2023. The Notice of AGM and Form of Proxy will be posted to shareholders in due course and a copy will be available at www.dfcapital-investors.com. The AGM will be held at the Company's registered office in Manchester.

Directors' insurance and indemnities

The Group has maintained Directors and Officers liability insurance for the benefit of the Group, the Directors, and its officers. The Directors consider the level of cover appropriate for the business and will remain in place for the foreseeable future.

Statement of Going Concern

The Directors have completed a formal assessment of the Group's financial resources. In making this assessment the Directors have considered the Group's current available capital and liquidity resources, the business financial projections and the outcome of stress testing. Based on this review, the Directors believe that the Group is well placed to manage its business risks successfully within the expected economic outlook. See note 1.7 for further details.

Accordingly, the Directors have a reasonable expectation that the Group has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for a period of at least 12 months from the date of approval of the financial statements. Accordingly, they continue to adopt the going concern basis in preparing the Annual Report and Financial Statements.

Corporate Governance

The Corporate Governance Report on pages 59 to 93 contains information about the Group's corporate governance arrangements.

Subsequent events

Details relating to significant events occurring between 31 December 2022 and the date of approval of the financial statements are detailed further within Note 39 of the consolidated financial statements.

Disclosure of information to the auditor

Each of the persons who is a Director at the date of approval of this annual report confirms that:

-- so far as the Director is aware, there is no relevant audit information of which the Company's auditors are unaware; and

-- the Director has taken all the steps that they ought to have taken as a Director in order to make themself aware of any relevant audit information and to establish that the Company's auditors are aware of that information.

This confirmation is given and should be interpreted in accordance with the provisions of s418 of the Companies Act 2006.

Reappointment of auditor

Deloitte LLP have expressed their willingness to continue in office as auditors and a resolution to reappoint them will be proposed at the forthcoming Annual General Meeting.

Approved by the Board on 18 April 2023 and signed on its behalf by:

...............................................

Carl D'Ammassa

Director

Statement of Directors' Responsibilities

The Directors are responsible for preparing the Annual Report and the Group and parent Company financial statements in accordance with applicable law and regulations.

Company law requires the Directors to prepare Group and parent Company financial statements for each financial year. Under that law the Directors have elected to prepare the financial statements in accordance with United Kingdom adopted International Accounting Standards. The financial statements also comply with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRSs) as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB). The directors have chosen to prepare the parent Company financial statements on the same basis.

Under company law the Directors must not approve the financial statements unless they are satisfied that they give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the Group and parent Company and of their profit or loss of the Group for the year.

In preparing these consolidated financial statements and Company financial statements, the Directors are required to:

-- properly select and apply accounting policies;

-- present information, including accounting policies, in a manner that provides relevant, reliable, comparable and understandable information;

-- provide additional disclosures when compliance with the specific requirements of the financial reporting framework are insufficient to enable users to understand the impact of particular transactions, other events and conditions on the entity's financial position and financial performance; and

-- make an assessment of the company's ability to continue as a going concern.

The Directors are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that are sufficient to show and explain the Group's transactions and disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the Group and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006. They are responsible for such internal control as they determine is necessary to enable the preparation of financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and have general responsibility for taking such steps as are reasonably open to them to safeguard the assets of the Group and to prevent and detect fraud and other irregularities.

Under applicable law and regulations, the Directors are also responsible for preparing a Strategic Report, Directors' Report, and Corporate Governance Statement that complies with that law and those regulations.

The Directors are responsible for the maintenance and integrity of the corporate and financial information included on the Company's website. Legislation in the United Kingdom governing the preparation and dissemination of financial statements may differ from legislation in other jurisdictions.

Responsibility statement of the Directors in respect of the annual financial report

Each of the persons who is a Director at the date of approval of this report confirms, to the best of their knowledge, that:

-- the financial statements, prepared in accordance with the applicable set of accounting standards, give a true and fair view of the assets, liabilities, financial position and profit or loss of the Company and the undertakings included in the consolidation taken as a whole;

-- the Strategic Report/Directors' Report includes a fair review of the development and performance of the business and the position of the Company and the undertakings included in the consolidation taken as a whole, together with a description of the principal risks and uncertainties that they face; and

-- the annual report and financial statements, taken as a whole, are fair, balanced and understandable and provide the information necessary for shareholders to assess the Company's position and performance, business model and strategy.

Financial Statements

Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income

 
                                                                                         2022                     2021 
                                                               Note                   GBP'000                  GBP'000 
==============================================  ===================  ========================  ======================= 
 
               Interest and similar income                      4                      25,407                   13,259 
               Interest and similar expenses                    6                     (6,411)                  (2,338) 
               Net interest income                                                     18,996                   10,921 
----------------------------------------------  -------------------  ------------------------  ----------------------- 
 
               Fee income                                       7                       1,348                      466 
               Net losses on disposal of 
                financial assets 
                at fair value through other 
                comprehensive 
                income                                          20                       (17)                      (3) 
               Net gains from derivatives and other financial 
                instruments 
                at fair value through profit or loss                                       99                        - 
               Other operating 
                income/(expense)                                                            5                     (81) 
               Total operating income                                                  20,431                   11,303 
----------------------------------------------  -------------------  ------------------------  ----------------------- 
 
               Staff costs                                      8                    (10,848)                  (9,121) 
               Other operating expenses                         10                    (5,983)                  (5,386) 
               Net impairment loss on 
                financial assets                                13                    (2,296)                    (556) 
               Provisions                                       12                          -                       25 
               Total operating profit/(loss)                                            1,304                  (3,735) 
----------------------------------------------  -------------------  ------------------------  ----------------------- 
 
               Profit/(loss) before taxation                                            1,304                  (3,735) 
----------------------------------------------  -------------------  ------------------------  ----------------------- 
 
               Taxation                                         15                      8,457                       59 
               Profit/(loss) after taxation                                             9,761                  (3,676) 
----------------------------------------------  -------------------  ------------------------  ----------------------- 
 
               Other comprehensive loss: 
 
               Items that may subsequently be transferred to the income 
                statement: 
 
               FVOCI debt securities: 
               Amounts transferred to the 
                income statement                                20                         17                        3 
               Fair value movements on debt 
                securities                                      20                       (96)                    (165) 
               Total other comprehensive loss for the year, 
                net of tax                                                               (79)                    (162) 
-------------------------------------------------------------------  ------------------------  ----------------------- 
 
               Total comprehensive 
                income/(loss) for 
                the year                                                                9,682                  (3,838) 
----------------------------------------------  -------------------  ------------------------  ----------------------- 
 
               Earnings per share:                                                      pence                    pence 
 
               Basic EPS                                        37                          5                      (2) 
               Diluted EPS                                      37                          5                      (2) 
 

The notes on pages 114 to 180 are an integral part of these financial statements.

The financial results for all periods are derived entirely from continuing operations.

Consolidated Statement of Financial Position

 
                                                                                     As at                       As at 
                                                                               31 December                 31 December 
                                                                                      2022                        2021 
                                                          Note                     GBP'000                     GBP'000 
=========================================  ===================  ==========================  ========================== 
 
               Assets: 
               Cash and balances at 
               central banks                                                       107,353                           - 
               Loans and advances to 
                banks(1)                                   26                        3,848                      29,597 
               Debt securities                             20                       22,964                     108,867 
               Derivatives held for risk 
                management                                 21                           57                           - 
               Loans and advances to 
                customers                                  19                      435,883                     247,205 
               Trade and other 
                receivables(1)                             23                        1,524                       1,074 
               Current taxation asset(1)                   24                           55                          59 
               Deferred taxation asset                     25                        8,457                           - 
               Property, plant and 
                equipment                                  16                        1,045                          99 
               Right-of-use assets                         17                          433                         641 
               Intangible assets                           18                          877                       1,066 
               Total assets                                                        582,496                     388,608 
-----------------------------------------  -------------------  --------------------------  -------------------------- 
 
               Liabilities: 
               Customer deposits                           33                      479,736                     296,856 
               Derivatives held for risk 
                management                                 21                           42                           - 
               Fair value adjustments on 
                hedged liabilities                         22                         (84)                           - 
               Financial liabilities                       34                          445                         554 
               Trade and other payables                    35                        6,041                       5,067 
               Provisions                                  12                           77                          73 
               Total liabilities                                                   486,257                     302,550 
-----------------------------------------  -------------------  --------------------------  -------------------------- 
 
               Equity: 
               Issued share capital                        29                        1,793                       1,793 
               Share premium                               29                       39,273                      39,273 
               Merger relief                               29                       94,911                      94,911 
               Merger reserve                              31                     (20,609)                    (20,609) 
               Own shares                                  30                        (364)                       (364) 
               Retained loss                                                      (18,765)                    (28,946) 
               Total equity                                                         96,239                      86,058 
-----------------------------------------  -------------------  --------------------------  -------------------------- 
 
               Total equity and 
                liabilities                                                        582,496                     388,608 
-----------------------------------------  -------------------  --------------------------  -------------------------- 
 

(1) In these consolidated financial statements, the Group reclassified a number of low value balances within the statement of financial position for the year ended 31 December 2021. See note 1.4 for details of this reclassification.

The notes on pages 114 to 180 are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

These financial statements were approved by the Board of Directors and authorised for issue on 18 April 2023. They were signed on its behalf by:

.................................

Carl D'Ammassa

Director

18 April 2023

Registered number: 11911574

Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity

 
                                               Issued 
                                                share                   Share                  Merger                    Merger                     Own                  Retained 
                                              capital                 premium                  relief                   reserve                  shares                      loss                    Total 
                                              GBP'000                 GBP'000                 GBP'000                   GBP'000                 GBP'000                   GBP'000                  GBP'000 
=============================  ======================  ======================  ======================  ========================  ======================  ========================  ======================= 
 
               Balance at 1 
                January 
                2021                            1,066                       -                  94,911                  (20,609)                   (364)                  (24,115)                   50,889 
-----------------------------  ----------------------  ----------------------  ----------------------  ------------------------  ----------------------  ------------------------  ----------------------- 
 
               Loss after 
                taxation                            -                       -                       -                         -                       -                   (3,676)                  (3,676) 
               Other 
                comprehensive 
                loss                                -                       -                       -                         -                       -                     (162)                    (162) 
               Share based 
                payments                            -                       -                       -                         -                       -                       362                      362 
               Issue of new 
                shares                            727                  39,273                       -                         -                       -                   (1,355)                   38,645 
 
               Balance at 31 
                December 
                2021                            1,793                  39,273                  94,911                  (20,609)                   (364)                  (28,946)                   86,058 
-----------------------------  ----------------------  ----------------------  ----------------------  ------------------------  ----------------------  ------------------------  ----------------------- 
 
               Profit after 
                taxation                            -                       -                       -                         -                       -                     9,761                    9,761 
               Other 
                comprehensive 
                loss                                -                       -                       -                         -                       -                      (79)                     (79) 
               Share based 
                payments                            -                       -                       -                         -                       -                       499                      499 
 
               Balance at 31 
                December 
                2022                            1,793                  39,273                  94,911                  (20,609)                   (364)                  (18,765)                   96,239 
-----------------------------  ----------------------  ----------------------  ----------------------  ------------------------  ----------------------  ------------------------  ----------------------- 
 

The notes on pages 114 to 180 are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

Refer to note 29 to 31 for further details on equity movements during the periods.

Consolidated Cash Flow Statement

 
                                                                                               2022                                    2021 
                                                    Note                                    GBP'000                                 GBP'000 
===================================  ====================  ========================================  ====================================== 
 
               Cash flows from 
                operating 
                activities: 
               Profit/(loss) before 
                taxation                                                                      1,304                                 (3,735) 
               Adjustments for 
                non-cash items 
                and other 
                adjustments 
                included 
                in the income 
                statement                            27                                       4,664                                   1,446 
               Increase in 
                operating assets                     27                                   (193,189)                               (136,244) 
               Increase in 
                operating 
                liabilities                          27                                     183,809                                 151,711 
               Taxation received                     24                                           4                                       - 
               Net cash (used 
                in)/generated 
                from operating 
                activities                                                                  (3,408)                                  13,178 
-----------------------------------  --------------------  ----------------------------------------  -------------------------------------- 
 
               Cash flows from 
                investing 
                activities: 
               Purchase of debt 
                securities                           20                                           -                               (350,980) 
               Proceeds from sale 
                and maturity 
                of debt securities                   20                                      85,070                                 307,958 
               Interest received on 
                debt securities                      20                                         746                                     549 
               Purchase of 
                property, plant and 
                equipment                           16,17                                   (1,041)                                   (253) 
               Purchase of 
                intangible assets                    18                                       (193)                                   (586) 
               Net cash generated 
                from/(used 
                in) investing 
                activities                                                                   84,582                                (43,312) 
-----------------------------------  --------------------  ----------------------------------------  -------------------------------------- 
 
               Cash flows from 
                financing 
                activities: 
               Issue of new shares                   29                                           -                                  38,645 
               Repayment of lease 
                liabilities                          32                                       (141)                                   (147) 
               Net cash (used 
                in)/generated 
                from financing 
                activities                                                                    (141)                                  38,498 
-----------------------------------  --------------------  ----------------------------------------  -------------------------------------- 
 
               Net increase in cash 
                and cash 
                equivalents                                                                  81,033                                   8,364 
               Cash and cash 
                equivalents at 
                start of the year                                                            29,597                                  21,233 
               Cash and cash 
                equivalents at 
                end of the year                      27                                     110,630                                  29,597 
-----------------------------------  --------------------  ----------------------------------------  -------------------------------------- 
 

Notes to the Financial Statements

1. Basis of preparation

1.1 General information

The consolidated financial statements of Distribution Finance Capital Holdings plc (the "Company" or "DFCH plc") include the assets, liabilities, and results of its wholly owned subsidiary, DF Capital Bank Limited (the "Bank"), together form the "Group".

DFCH plc is registered and incorporated in England and Wales whose company registration number is 11911574. The registered office is St James' Building, 61-95 Oxford Street, Manchester, England, M1 6EJ. The Company's ordinary shares are listed on the Alternative Investment Market ("AIM") of the London Stock Exchange.

The principal activity of the Company is that of an investment holding company. The principal activity of the Group is as a specialist personal savings and commercial lending banking group. The Group provides niche working capital funding solutions to dealers and manufacturers across the UK, enabled by competitively priced personal savings products.

These financial statements are presented in pounds sterling, which is the currency of the primary economic environment in which the Group operates, and are rounded to the nearest thousand pounds, unless stated otherwise.

1.2 Basis of preparation

The Group consolidated financial statements and the Company financial statements have been prepared and approved by the Directors in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards ("IFRSs") as adopted by the United Kingdom (UK) and interpretations issued by the IFRS Interpretations Committee (IFRS IC).

The consolidated and Company financial statements are prepared on a going concern basis and under the historical cost convention except for the treatment of certain financial instruments, including the revaluation of debt securities held at fair value through other comprehensive income (FVTOCI), and derivative contracts and other financial assets or liabilities held at fair value through profit or loss (FVTPL).

By including the Company financial statements, here together with the Group consolidated financial statements, the Company is taking advantage of the exemption in Section 408 of the Companies Act 2006 not to present its individual income statement and related notes that form a part of these approved financial statements.

1.3 Basis of consolidation

The Group accounts include the results of the Company and its subsidiary undertakings. Subsidiaries are fully consolidated from the date on which control is transferred to the Group and are deconsolidated from the date that control ceases. Accounting policies of the Company and its subsidiaries are consistent. The Group 'controls' an entity if it is exposed to, or has rights to, variable returns from its involvement with the entity and has the ability to affect those returns through its power over the entity.

Upon consolidation, all intra-group transactions, balances, income, and expenses are eliminated within the consolidated financial statements within this Annual Report and Financial Statements. The consolidated financial statements contained in this Annual Report consolidate the statements of total comprehensive income, statements of financial position, cash flow statements, statements of changes in equity and related notes for Distribution Finance Capital Holdings plc and DF Capital Bank Limited, which together form the "Group", which have been prepared in accordance with applicable IFRS accounting standards. Accounting policies have been applied consistently throughout the Group and its subsidiary.

1.4 Reclassification

Taxation

During the year ended 31 December 2022, the Group recognised a deferred tax asset given as it is now reasonably probable that future taxable profits will be available to be utilised against prior taxable losses. In these consolidated financial statements, the Group has enhanced the taxation disclosure to present separately the deferred taxation asset and current taxation asset on the statement of financial position due to materiality. In the year ended 31 December 2021, a current taxation asset of GBP59,000 was previously recognised within 'trade and other receivables', which has been reclassified to form part of the 'current taxation asset'.

Cash and cash equivalents

During the year ended 31 December 2022, the Group began holding cash and cash equivalents with central banks, in addition to its existing cash and cash equivalent balances held with other banking institutions. These cash balances held with other banks were previously presented as cash and cash equivalents within the statement of financial position.

For the year ended 31 December 2021, the Group has reclassified GBP29,597,000 from 'cash and cash equivalents' to 'loans and advances to banks'. The cash and cash equivalents amount held within loans and advances to banks is still reflected in the cash flow statement and other supporting notes.

1.5 Adoption of new and revised standards and interpretations

International financial reporting standards issued and adopted for the first time in the year ended 31 December 2022

There were a number of minor amendments to financial reporting standards that are effective for the current year. There has been no material impact on the financial statements of the Group from the adoption of these financial reporting standard amendments and interpretations. The Group will comply with these from the stated effective date:

 
               New Accounting                 Description                   Effective                    Impact on the 
                Standard                      of change                      Date                         Group 
               Classification                 The                           01 July 2022                 The Group 
               of liabilities                 amendments                     - 30 June                   presents 
               as current                     clarify the                    2023.                       its assets 
               or non-current                 requirements                                               and 
               (IAS 1)                        for                                                        liabilities 
                                              classifying                                                in 
                                              liabilities                                                order of 
                                              as current or                                              liquidity 
                                              non-current.                                               in its 
                                              More                                                       statement 
                                              specifically:                                              of financial 
                                                                                                         position. 
                                              The                                                        This 
                                              amendments                                                 amendment 
                                              specify that                                               will only 
                                              the                                                        affect 
                                              conditions                                                 the 
                                              which exist                                                disclosures 
                                              at the end of                                              and the Group 
                                              the reporting                                              does not 
                                              period are                                                 expect 
                                              those which                                                this 
                                              will                                                       amendment 
                                              be used to                                                 to have a 
                                              determine if                                               significant 
                                              a                                                          impact on the 
                                              right to                                                   annual 
                                              defer                                                      financial 
                                              settlement                                                 statements. 
                                              of a 
                                              liability 
                                              exists. 
 
                                              Management 
                                              expectations 
                                              about 
                                              events after 
                                              the balance 
                                              sheet 
                                              date, for 
                                              example on 
                                              whether 
                                              a covenant 
                                              will be 
                                              breached, 
                                              or whether 
                                              early 
                                              settlement 
                                              will take 
                                              place, are 
                                              not relevant. 
 
                                              The 
                                              amendments 
                                              clarify the 
                                              situations 
                                              that are 
                                              considered 
                                              settlement of 
                                              a liability. 
                               ----------------------------  ---------------------------  ---------------------------- 
               Improvements                   The IASB                      01 July 2022                 The 
                to IFRS                       issued the                     - 30 June                   amendments 
                (Annual                       Annual                         2023.                       are not 
                improvements                  improvements                                               expected 
                2016 - 2018)                  to IFRS                                                    to have a 
                                              standards                                                  significant 
                                              2016-2018                                                  impact on the 
                                              Cycle. These                                               annual 
                                              annual                                                     financial 
                                              improvements                                               statements. 
                                              include 
                                              amendments 
                                              to the 
                                              following 
                                              standards. 
 
                                              IFRS 9 - The 
                                              amendment 
                                              clarifies 
                                              that fees 
                                              that an 
                                              entity 
                                              includes 
                                              when 
                                              assessing 
                                              whether the 
                                              terms of a 
                                              new or 
                                              modified 
                                              financial 
                                              liability are 
                                              substantially 
                                              different 
                                              from the 
                                              terms of 
                                              the original 
                                              financial 
                                              liability. 
                                              These fees 
                                              include only 
                                              those 
                                              paid or 
                                              received 
                                              between the 
                                              borrower and 
                                              the lender, 
                                              including 
                                              fees paid or 
                                              received by 
                                              either 
                                              the borrower 
                                              or lender on 
                                              the other's 
                                              behalf. 
                               ----------------------------  ---------------------------  ---------------------------- 
 

International financial reporting standards issued but not yet effective which are applicable to the Group.

Certain amendments to accounting standards and interpretations that were not effective on 31 December 2022 have not been early adopted by the Group. The adoption of these amendments are not expected to have a material impact on the financial statements of the Group in future periods.

1.6 Principal accounting policies

The principal accounting policies adopted in the preparation of this financial information are set out below. These policies have been applied consistently to all the financial periods presented.

1.7 Going concern

The financial statements are prepared on a going concern basis as the Directors are satisfied that the Group has adequate resources to continue operating for a period of at least 12 months from the date of approval of the financial statements. In making this assessment the Directors have considered:

   --      The Group's financial projections; 

-- The Group's current available capital and liquidity resources and surplus over regulatory and risk appetite requirements;

-- The stress testing and capital and liquidity planning performed as a part of the ICAAP and ILAAP indicate adequate capital and liquidity buffers and the ability to effectively manage stresses and resources. A number of severe and plausible scenarios were considered as part of the stress testing process including a combination of severe idiosyncratic and macroeconomic scenarios which included the potential impact of the cost of living crisis on our dealers;

-- Recent failures in the banking sector (e.g. Silicon Valley Bank) and any implications for the Group. This included consideration of our deposit base which is made up entirely of retail customers of which 98% are fully covered by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme ('FSCS'). The liquid assets of the Group being predominantly either cash held at the Bank of England or in UK government gilts and treasury bills. The Group's asset and liability maturity profile;

-- In respect of climate change, the Board recognises the long-term risks and these are considered as part of the annual ICAAP.

Based on this review, the Directors believe that the Group is well placed to manage its business risks successfully within the expected economic outlook. Accordingly, the Directors have adopted the going concern basis in preparing the financial statements.

Information on the Group's business strategy, performance and outlook are detailed in the Chairman's Statement, Chief Executive Officer's review and Chief Financial Officer's review. The Risk Overview sections further detail the key risks faced by the Group and mitigants and provides an overview of the Group's Risk Management Framework.

1.8 Critical accounting estimates and judgements

In accordance with IFRS, the Directors of the Group are required to make judgements, estimates and assumptions in certain subjective areas whilst preparing these financial statements. The application of these accounting policies may impact the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, income and expenses and actual results may differ from these estimates.

Any estimates and underlying assumptions used within the statutory financial statements are reviewed on an ongoing basis, with revisions recognised in the period in which they are adjusted, and any future periods affected.

Further details can be found in note 3 on the critical accounting estimates and judgements used within these financial statements.

1.9 Foreign currency translation

The financial statements are expressed in Pound Sterling, which is the functional and presentational currency of the Group.

Transactions in foreign currencies are translated to the Group's functional currency at the foreign exchange rate ruling at the date of the transaction. Monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies at the reporting date are retranslated to the functional currency at the foreign exchange rate ruling at that date. Non-monetary assets and liabilities that are measured in terms of historical cost in a foreign currency are translated using the exchange rate at the date of the transaction. Foreign exchange differences arising on translation are recognised in the statement of income.

2. Summary of significant accounting policies

2.1 Revenue recognition

Net interest income

Interest income and expense for all financial instruments except for those classified as held for trading or measured or designated as at fair value through profit and loss ("FVTPL") are recognised in "Net interest income" as "Interest income" and "Interest expenses" in the income statement using the effective interest method.

The effective interest rate ("EIR") is the rate that exactly discounts estimated future cash flows of the financial instrument through the expected life of the financial instrument or, where appropriate, a shorter period, to the net carrying amount of the financial asset or financial liability. The future cash flows are estimated taking into account all the contractual terms of the instrument.

The calculation of the EIR includes all fees and points paid or received between parties to the contract that are incremental and directly attributable to the specific lending arrangement, transaction costs, and all other premiums or discounts.

In calculating the EIR, management have taken into consideration the behavioural characteristics of the underlying loans in the lending portfolio which includes evaluating the expected duration of loans and any additional behavioural fees.

The EIR is adjusted where there is a movement in the reference interest rate (SONIA, or base rate) affecting portfolios with a variable interest rate which will impact future cash flows.

The interest income/expense is calculated by applying the EIR to the gross carrying amount of non-credit impaired financial assets (that is, to the amortised cost of the financial asset before adjusting for any expected credit loss allowance), or to the amortised cost of financial liabilities.

For credit-impaired financial assets, as defined in the financial instruments accounting policy, the interest income is calculated by applying the EIR to the amortised cost of the credit-impaired financial assets (that is, to the gross carrying amount less the allowance for expected credit losses ("ECLs").

Interest income on debt securities is included in interest and similar income. Interest on derivatives is included in interest and similar income or interest and similar expenses charges following the underlying instrument it is hedging.

Fee income

All fee income relates to fees charged directly to customers based on their credit facility. These fees do not meet the criteria for inclusion within interest income. The Group satisfies its performance obligations as the services are rendered. These fees are billed in arrears of the period they relate to.

Fee income is recognised in accordance with IFRS 15 which sets out the principles to follow for revenue recognition which takes into consideration the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows resulting from a contract with a customer. The accounting standard presents a five-step approach to income recognition to enable the Group to recognise the correct amount of income in the corresponding period(s):

   --      the contract has been approved by the parties to the contract; 

-- each party's rights in relation to the goods or services to be transferred can be identified;

   --      the payment terms for the goods or services to be transferred can be identified; 
   --      the contract has commercial substance; and 

-- it is probable that the consideration to which the entity is entitled to in exchange for the goods or services will be collected.

All other income is currently recognised under IFRS 9 under the effective interest rate methodology, however, when new fees are implemented, they will be assessed as to whether they fall under IFRS 9 (EIR) or IFRS 15. IFRS 9 and IFRS 15 have been applied consistently to all the financial periods presented.

Net gains / (losses) from derivatives and other financial instruments at fair value through profit or loss

Net gains/(losses) from derivatives and other financial instruments at fair value through profit or loss relate to non-trading derivatives held for risk management purposes. It includes all realised and unrealised fair value movements, interest and foreign exchange differences.

Other income from financial instruments

Debt securities are measured at fair value through other comprehensive income. The securities are measured at their closing bid prices at the reporting date with any unrealised gain or loss recognised through other comprehensive income. Once the assets have been disposed, the corresponding realised gain or loss is transferred from other comprehensive income into the income statement.

Other operating income/(expense)

Other operating income/(expense) predominantly consists of UK government grant monies (including repayments of previously awarded monies) and other minor income received by the Group.

2.2 Property, plant and equipment

All property, plant and equipment is stated at historical cost (or deemed historical cost) less accumulated depreciation, and less any identified impairment. Cost includes the original purchase price of the asset and the costs attributable to bringing the asset to its working condition for its intended use.

Depreciation is provided on all property, plant and equipment at rates calculated to write each asset down to its estimated residual value on a straight-line basis at the following annual rates:

   Fixtures & fittings                                                 3 years 
   Computer equipment                                         3 years 
   Telephony & communications                           3 years 
   Leasehold improvements                                   3 years 
   Motor vehicles                                                     3 years 

Right-of-use assets are depreciated over the shorter period of the lease term and the useful life of the underlying asset. All current lease agreements have a maximum lease term of 5 years. If a lease transfers ownership of the underlying asset or the cost of the right-of-use asset reflects that the Group expects to exercise a purchase option, the related right-of-use asset is depreciated over the useful life of the underlying asset.

Useful economic lives and estimated residual values are reviewed annually and adjusted as appropriate.

The gain or loss arising on the disposal of an asset is determined as the difference between the sales proceeds less any costs of disposal and the carrying amount of the asset, which is recognised in the Income Statement.

2.3 Intangible assets

Computer software

Computer software which has been purchased by the Group from third party vendors is measured at initial cost less accumulated amortisation and less any accumulated impairments.

Computer software is estimated to have a useful life of 3 years with no residual value after the period. These assets are amortised on a straight-line basis with the useful economic lives and estimated residual values being reviewed annually and adjusted as appropriate.

Internally generated intangible assets

Internally generated intangible assets are only recognised by the Group when the recognition criteria have been met in accordance with IAS 38: Intangible Assets as follows:

   --              expenditure can be reliably measured; 
   --              the product or process is technically and commercially feasible; 
   --              future economic benefits are likely to be received; 
   --              intention and ability to complete the development; and 
   --              view to either use or sell the asset in the future. 

The Group will only recognise an internally generated asset should it meet all the above criteria. In the event of a development not meeting the criteria it will be recognised within the consolidated income statement in the period incurred.

Capitalised costs include all directly attributable costs to the development of the asset. Internally generated assets are measured at capitalised cost less accumulated amortisation less accumulated impairment losses.

The internally generated asset is amortised at the point the asset is available for use or sale. The asset is amortised on a straight-line basis over the useful economic life with the remaining useful economic life and residual value being assessed annually. The estimated useful economic life of internally generated assets is 3-5 years with no expected residual balance.

Any subsequent expenditure on the internally generated asset is only capitalised if the cost increases the future economic benefits of the related asset. Otherwise, all additional expenditure should be recognised through the income statement in the period it occurs.

2.4 Financial instruments

Initial recognition

Financial assets and financial liabilities are recognised in the statement of financial position when the Group becomes a party to the contractual provisions of the instrument.

Financial assets and financial liabilities are initially measured at fair value. Transaction costs that are directly attributable to the acquisition or issue of the financial assets and financial liabilities (other than financial assets and financial liabilities at FVTPL) are respectively added to or deducted from the fair value of the financial assets or financial liabilities, as appropriate, on initial recognition. Transaction costs that are not directly attributable to the acquisition of financial assets and financial liabilities at FVTPL are recognised immediately in the consolidated income statement.

Classification

The Group classifies financial instruments based on the business model and the contractual cash flow characteristics of the financial instruments. Under IFRS 9, the Group classifies financial assets into one of three measurement categories:

-- Amortised cost - assets in a business model whose objective is to hold financial assets to collect contractual cash flows, where the contractual terms of the financial asset give rise on specified dates to cash flows that are solely payments of principal and interest (SPPI) on the principal amount outstanding. The Group classifies non-derivative financial liabilities as measured at amortised cost.

-- Fair value through other comprehensive income (FVOCI) - assets held in a business model whose objective is to collect contractual cash flows and sell financial assets where the contractual terms of the financial assets give rise on specified dates to cash flows that are SPPI on the principal amount outstanding. The Group measures debt securities under this category.

-- Fair value through profit or loss (FVTPL) - assets not measured at amortised cost or FVOCI. The Group measures derivatives under this category.

The Group has no non-derivative financial assets or liabilities classified as held for trading.

The Group reassesses its business models each reporting period.

The Group classifies certain financial instruments as equity where they meet the following conditions:

-- the financial instrument includes no contractual obligation to deliver cash or another financial asset on potentially unfavourable conditions;

-- the financial instrument is a non-derivative that includes no contractual obligation for the issuer to deliver a variable number of its own equity instruments; or

-- the financial instrument is a derivative that will be settled only by the issuer exchanging a fixed amount of cash or another financial asset for a fixed number of its own equity instruments.

Financial assets - measurement

   I.             Financial assets measured at amortised cost 

These are initially measured at fair value plus transaction costs that are directly attributable to the financial asset. Subsequently, these are measured at amortised cost using the EIR method. The amortised cost is the amount advanced less principal repayments, plus or minus the cumulative amortisation using the EIR method of any difference between the amount advanced and the maturity amount, less impairment provisions for expected losses. The losses arising from impairment are recognised in the income statement and disclosed with any other similar losses within the line item "Net impairment loss on financial assets".

Financial assets measured at amortised cost mainly comprise loans and advances to customers, loans and advances to banks, and other receivables.

   II.            Fair value through other comprehensive income (FVTOCI) 

These are initially measured at fair value plus transaction costs that are directly attributable to the financial asset.

Subsequently, they are measured at fair value based on current, quoted bid prices in active markets for identical assets that the Group can access at the reporting date. Where there is no active market, or the debt securities are unlisted, the fair values are based on valuation techniques including discounted cash flow analysis, with reference to relevant market rates and other commonly used valuation techniques. Interest income is recognised in the income statement using the EIR method. Impairment provisions for expected losses are recognised in the income statement which does not reduce the carrying amount of the investment security but is transferred from the FVOCI reserve in equity. Other fair value movements are recognised in other comprehensive income and presented in the FVOCI reserve in equity. On disposal, the gain or loss accumulated in equity is reclassified to the income statement.

FVTOCI financial assets includes debt securities in the form of UK Treasury Bills and UK Gilts. These assets are not classified as: loans and receivables; held-to-maturity investments; or financial assets at fair value through profit or loss.

Regular purchases and sales of debt securities are recognised on the trade date at which the Group commits to purchase or sell the asset.

   III.           Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss (FVTPL) 

These are measured both initially and subsequently at fair value with movements in fair value recorded in the income statement. Any costs that are directly attributable to their acquisition are recognised in profit or loss when incurred. The Group only measures derivative financial assets under this classification.

Financial assets - Impairment

The Group recognises loss allowances for expected credit losses ("ECLs") on the following financial instruments that are not measured at FVTPL:

   --      Financial assets measured at amortised cost; 
   --      Debt securities measured at fair value through other comprehensive income; and 
   --      Loan commitments 

IFRS 9 permits entities to apply a 'simplified approach' for trade receivables, contract assets and lease receivables. The simplified approach permits entities to recognise lifetime expected losses on all these assets without the need to identify significant increases in credit risk. The Group has adopted this simplified approach for assessing trade and other receivables balances. The Group confirms these trade and other receivable balances do not contain a significant financing component.

With the exception of purchased or originated credit impaired ("POCI") financial assets (which are considered separately below), ECLs are measured through loss allowances calculated on the following bases.

ECLs are a probability-weighted estimate of the present value of credit losses. The Group measures ECL on an individual basis, or on a collective basis for portfolios of loans that share similar economic risk characteristics. The loss allowance is measured as the difference between the contractual cash flows and the present value of the asset's expected cash flows using the asset's original EIR, regardless of whether it is measured on an individual basis or a collective basis.

A financial asset that gives rise to credit risk, is referred to (and analysed in the notes to this financial information) as being in "Stage 1" provided that since initial recognition (or since the previous reporting date) there has not been a significant increase in credit risk, nor has it has become credit impaired.

For a Stage 1 asset, the loss allowance is the "12-month ECL", that is, the ECL that results from those default events on the financial instrument that are possible within 12 months from the reporting date.

A financial asset that gives rise to credit risk is referred to (and analysed in the notes to this financial information) as being in "Stage 2" if since initial recognition there has been a significant increase in credit risk (SICR) but it is not credit impaired.

For a Stage 2 asset, the loss allowance is the "lifetime ECL", that is, the ECL that results from all possible default events over the life of the financial instrument.

A financial asset that gives rise to credit risk is referred to (and analysed in the notes to this financial information) as being in "Stage 3" if since initial recognition it has become credit impaired.

For a Stage 3 asset, the loss allowance is the difference between the asset's projected exposure at default (EAD) and the present value of estimated future cash flows discounted at an applicable EIR. Further, the recognition of interest income is constrained relative to the amounts that are recognised on Stage 1 and Stage 2 assets, as described in the revenue recognition policy set out above.

If circumstances change sufficiently at subsequent reporting dates, an asset is referred to by its newly appropriate Stage and is re-analysed in the notes to the financial information.

Where an asset is expected to mature in 12 months or less, the "12-month ECL" and the "lifetime ECL" have the same effective meaning and accordingly for such assets the calculated loss allowance will be the same whether such an asset is at Stage 1 or Stage 2. In order to determine the loss allowance for assets with a maturity of 12 months or more, and disclose significant increases in credit risk, the Group nonetheless determines which of its financial assets are in Stages 1 and 2 at each reporting date.

Significant increase in credit risk - policies and procedures for identifying Stage 2 assets

Whenever any contractual payment is past due, the Group compares the risk of a default occurring on the financial instrument as at the reporting date with the risk of a default occurring on the financial instrument as at the date of initial recognition in order to determine whether credit risk has increased significantly.

See note 36 for further details about how the Group assesses increases in significant credit risk.

Definition of a default

Critical to the determination of significant increases in credit risk (and to the determination of ECLs) is the definition of default. Default is a component of the probability of default (PD), changes in which lead to the identification of a significant increase in credit risk, and PD is then a factor in the measurement of ECLs.

The Group's definition of default for this purpose is:

-- A counterparty defaults on a payment due under a loan agreement and that payment is more than 90 days overdue;

-- The collateral that secures, all or in part, the loan agreement has been sold or is otherwise not available for sale and the proceeds have not been paid to the Group; or

-- A counterparty commits an event of default under the terms and conditions of the loan agreement which leads the lending company to believe that the borrower's ability to meet its credit obligations to the Group is in doubt.

The definition of default is similarly critical in the determination of whether an asset is credit-impaired (as explained below).

Credit-impaired financial assets - policies and procedures for identifying Stage 3 assets

A financial asset is credit-impaired when one or more events that have a detrimental impact on the estimated future cash flows of the financial asset have occurred. IFRS 9 states that evidence of credit-impairment includes observable data about the following events:

   --      A counterparty is 90 days past due for one or more of its loan receivables; 
   --      Significant financial difficulty of the borrower or issuer; 
   --      A breach of contract such as a default (as defined above) or past due event, or 

-- The Group, for economic or contractual reasons relating to the borrower's financial difficulty, having granted to the borrower a concession that the Group would not otherwise consider.

The Group assesses whether debt instruments that are financial assets measured at amortised cost or at FVTOCI are credit-impaired at each reporting date. When assessing whether there is evidence of credit-impairment, the Group takes into account both qualitative and quantitative indicators relating to both the borrower and to the asset. The information assessed depends on the borrower and the type of the asset. It may not be possible to identify a single discrete event - instead, the combined effect of several events may have caused financial assets to become credit-impaired.

See note 31 for further details about how the Group identifies credit impaired assets.

Purchased or originated credit-impaired ("POCI") financial assets

POCI financial assets are treated differently because they are in Stage 3 from the point of original recognition. It is not in the nature of the Group's business to purchase financial assets originated by other lenders, nor has the Group to date originated any loans or advances to borrowers that it would define as credit impaired.

Movements back to stages 1 and 2

Exposures will move out of stage 3 to stage 2 when they no longer meet the criteria for inclusion and have completed a minimum 3-month probation period as set according to the type of lending and default event circumstances. Movement into stage 1 will only occur when the SICR criteria are no longer met.

Presentation of allowance for ECL in the statement of financial position

Loss allowances for ECL are presented in the statement of financial position as follows:

-- For financial assets measured at amortised cost: as a deduction from the gross carrying amount of the assets; and

   --      For loan commitments: as a provision. 

Revisions to estimated cash flows

Where cash flows are significantly different from the original expectations used to determine EIR, but where this difference does not arise from a modification of the terms of the financial instrument, the Group revises its estimates of receipts and adjusts the gross carrying amount of the financial asset to reflect actual and revised estimated contractual cash flows. The Group recalculates the gross carrying amount of the financial asset as the present value of the estimated future contractual cash flows discounted at the financial instrument's original EIR.

The adjustment is recognised in the consolidated income statement as income or expense.

Modification of financial assets

A modification of a financial asset occurs when the contractual terms governing a financial asset are renegotiated without the original contract being replaced and derecognised. A modification is accounted for in the same way as a revision to estimated cash flows, and in addition;

-- Any fees charged are added to the asset and amortised over the new expected life of the asset, and

-- The asset is individually assessed to determine whether there has been a significant increase in credit risk.

Derecognition of financial assets

The Group derecognises a financial asset only when the contractual rights to the cash flows from the asset expire, or when it transfers the financial asset and substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership of the asset to another entity. If the Group neither transfers nor retains substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership and continues to control the transferred asset, the Group recognises its retained interest in the asset and an associated liability for amounts it may have to pay. If the Group retains substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership of a transferred financial asset, the Group continues to recognise the financial asset and also recognises a collateralised borrowing for the proceeds received.

On derecognition of a financial asset in its entirety, the difference between the asset's carrying amount and the sum of the consideration received and receivable and the cumulative gain or loss that had been recognised in other comprehensive income and accumulated in equity is recognised in the income statement.

On derecognition of a financial asset other than in its entirety (e.g. when the Group retains an option to repurchase part of a transferred asset), the Group allocates the previous carrying amount of the financial asset between the part it continues to recognise under continuing involvement, and the part it no longer recognises on the basis of the relative fair values of those parts on the date of the transfer. The difference between the carrying amount allocated to the part that is no longer recognised and the sum of the consideration received for the part no longer recognised and any cumulative gain or loss allocated to it that had been recognised in other comprehensive income is recognised in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income. A cumulative gain or loss that had been recognised in other comprehensive income is allocated between the part that continues to be recognised and the part that is no longer recognised on the basis of the relative fair values of those parts.

Write-offs

Loans and advances are written off when the Group has no reasonable expectation of recovering the financial asset; either in its entirety or a portion of it. This is the case when the Group determines that the borrower does not have assets or sources of income that could generate sufficient cash flows to repay the amounts subject to the write-off. A write-off constitutes a derecognition event. The Group may apply enforcement activities to financial assets written off. Recoveries resulting from enforcement activities will result in impairment gains.

Forward-looking macroeconomic scenarios

ECLs and SICR take into account forecasts of future economic conditions in addition to current conditions. The Group has developed a macroeconomic model which adjusts the ECLs calculated by the credit models to provide probability weighted numbers based on a number of forward-looking macroeconomic scenarios.

Due to the assumptions and estimates within these forward-looking macroeconomic scenarios, refer to note 3 for further details of the Group's approach.

Financial liabilities

A financial liability is a contractual obligation to deliver cash or another financial asset or to exchange financial assets or financial liabilities with another entity under conditions that are potentially unfavourable to the Group or a contract that will or may be settled in the Group's own equity instruments, or a derivative contract over own equity that will or may be settled other than by the exchange of a fixed amount of cash (or another financial asset) for a fixed number of the Group's own equity instruments. Gains or losses on financial liabilities are recognised in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income.

Financial liabilities and equity

Debt and equity instruments that are issued are classified as either financial liabilities or as equity in accordance with the substance of the contractual arrangement.

Equity instruments

The Group classifies capital instruments as financial liabilities or equity instruments in accordance with the substance of the contractual terms of the instruments. Where an instrument contains no obligation on the Group to deliver cash or other financial assets, or to exchange financial assets or financial liabilities with another party under conditions that are potentially unfavourable to the Group, or where the instrument will or may be settled in the Group's own equity instruments but includes no obligation to deliver a variable number of the Group's own equity instruments, then it is treated as an equity instrument. Accordingly, the Group's share capital are presented as components of equity and any dividends, interest or other distributions on capital instruments are also recognised in equity. Any related tax is accounted for in accordance with IAS 12.

Financial liabilities - measurement

Financial liabilities are classified as either financial liabilities measured at amortised cost or financial liabilities at FVTPL.

   I.             Financial liabilities measured at amortised cost 

Financial liabilities at amortised cost are recognised initially at fair value net of transaction costs incurred. They are subsequently measured at amortised cost. Any difference between the fair value and the redemption value is recognised in the income statement over the period of the borrowings using the EIR method.

Interest bearing loans and borrowings are measured at amortised cost using the effective interest rate method. Gains and losses are recognised in the income statement when the liabilities are derecognised as well as through the effective interest rate method (EIR) amortisation process. Amortised cost is calculated by taking into account any discount or premium on acquisition and fees or costs that are an integral part of the EIR. The EIR amortisation is included in "Interest and similar expenses" in the Income Statement.

   II.            Financial liabilities at fair value through profit or loss 

Financial liabilities at fair value through profit or loss may include financial liabilities held for trading. Financial liabilities are classified as held for trading if they are acquired for the purpose of selling in the near term.

During the periods presented the Group has held no financial liabilities for trading, nor designated any financial liabilities upon initial rec ognition as at fair value through profit or loss.

Derecognition of financial liabilities

The Group derecognises financial liabilities when, and only when, the Group's obligations are discharged, cancelled or they expire.

Impairment of non-financial assets

The carrying amounts of the Group's non-financial assets, other than deferred tax assets, are reviewed at each reporting date to determine whether there is any indication of impairment. If any such indication exists, then the asset's recoverable amount is estimated. The recoverable amount of an asset or cash-generating unit is the greater of its value in use and its fair value less costs to sell. In assessing value in use, the estimated future cash flows are discounted to their present value using a pre-tax discount rate that reflects current market assessments of the time value of money and the risks specific to the asset. For the purposes of impairment testing, assets that cannot be tested individually are grouped together into the smallest group of assets that generates cash inflows from continuing use that are largely independent of the cash inflows of other assets or groups of assets ('the cash-generating unit').

An impairment loss is recognised if the carrying amount of an asset or its cash-generating unit ("CGU") exceeds its estimated recoverable amount. Impairment losses are recognised in the income statement. Impairment losses recognised in respect of CGUs are allocated to reduce the carrying amounts of assets in the unit (or group of units) on a pro rata basis.

An impairment loss is reversed if and only if the reasons for the impairment have ceased to apply.

Impairment losses recognised in prior periods are assessed at each reporting date for any indication that the loss has decreased or no longer exists. 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 amortisation, if no impairment loss had been recognised.

2.5 Derivative financial instruments

The Group uses derivative financial instruments (interest rate swaps) to manage its exposure to interest rate risk. In accordance with the Group Treasury Policy, the Group does not hold or issue derivative financial instruments for proprietary trading.

Derivative financial instruments are recognised at their fair value with changes in their fair value taken to profit or loss. Fair values are calculated by discounting cash flows at the prevailing interest rates. All derivatives are classified as assets when their fair value is positive and as liabilities when their fair value is negative. If a derivative is cancelled, it is derecognised from the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position. A derivative is presented as a non-current asset or a non-current liability if the remaining maturity of the instrument is more than 12 months and it is not due to be realised or settled within 12 months. Other derivatives are presented as current assets or current liabilities.

2.6 Hedge accounting

Due to the simplistic nature of the Group's hedging activities, the Group has adopted to apply IFRS 9 for portfolio assets and liabilities being hedged by applying fair value hedge accounting.

The Group designates certain derivatives held for risk management as hedging instruments in qualifying hedging relationships. On initial designation of the hedge, the Group formally documents the relationship between the hedging instruments and hedged items, including the risk management objective, the strategy in undertaking the hedge and the method that will be used to assess the effectiveness of the hedging relationship.

The Group makes an assessment, both at the inception of the hedge relationship, as well as on an ongoing basis, as to whether the hedging instruments are expected to be highly effective in offsetting the movements in the fair value of the respective hedged items during the period for which the hedge is designated.

Where there is an effective hedge relationship for fair value hedges, the Group recognises the change in fair value of each hedged item in profit or loss with the cumulative movement in their value being shown separately in the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position as fair value adjustments on hedged assets and liabilities. The fair value changes of both the derivative and the hedge substantially offset each other to reduce profit volatility.

The Group discontinues hedge accounting when the derivative ceases through expiry, when the derivative is cancelled or the underlying hedged item matures, is sold or is repaid.

If a derivative no longer meets the criteria for hedge accounting or is cancelled whilst still effective, the fair value adjustment relating to the hedged assets or liabilities within the hedge relationship prior to the derivative becoming ineffective or being cancelled remains on the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position and is amortised over the remaining life of the hedged assets or liabilities. The rate of amortisation over the remaining life is in line with expected income or cost generated from the hedged assets or liabilities. Each reporting period, the expectation is compared to actual with an accelerated run-off applied where the two diverge by more than set parameters.

Fair value hedge accounting for portfolio hedges of interest rate risk

The Group applies fair value hedge accounting for portfolio hedges of interest rate risk. As part of its risk management process, the Group identifies portfolios whose interest rate risk it wishes to hedge. The portfolios comprise of only liabilities. The Group analyses each portfolio into repricing time periods based on expected repricing dates, by scheduling cash flows into the periods in which they are expected to occur. Using this analysis, the Group designates as the hedged item an amount of the liabilities from each portfolio that it wishes to hedge.

The amount to hedge is determined based on a movement in the present value of the Group's balance sheet under a 200-basis point shift in the yield curve being used to value the instruments to ensure the mismatches in expected repricing buckets are within the limits set by the Board on the sensitivity analysis approach using a hypothetical shift in interest rates.

The Group measures monthly the movements in fair value of the portfolio relating to the interest rate risk that is being hedged. Provided that the hedge has been highly effective, the Group recognises the change in fair value of each hedged item in the income statement with the cumulative movement in their value being shown on the statement of financial position as a separate item, 'Fair value adjustment for portfolio hedged risk', either within assets or liabilities as appropriate.

The Group measures the fair value of each hedging instrument monthly. The value is included in derivatives held for risk management in either assets or liabilities as appropriate, with the change in value recorded in net gains from derivatives and other financial instruments at fair value through profit or loss in the income statement. Any hedge ineffectiveness is recognised in net gains/(losses) from derivatives and other financial instruments at fair value through profit or loss in the income statement as the difference between the change in fair value of the hedged item and the change in fair value of the hedging instrument.

2.7 Current and deferred income tax

Income tax on the result for the period comprises current and deferred income tax. Income tax is recognised in the statement of comprehensive income except to the extent that it relates to items recognised directly in equity, in which case it is recognised in equity.

Current tax is the expected tax payable or receivable on the taxable income for the period, using tax rates enacted or substantively enacted at the reporting date, and any adjustment to tax payable in respect of previous periods.

Deferred tax is provided using the balance sheet liability method, providing for temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for taxation purposes. The amount of deferred tax provided is based on the expected manner of realisation or settlement of the carrying amount of assets and liabilities, using tax rates enacted or substantively enacted at the reporting date. Deferred tax assets are recognised to the extent it is probable that taxable profits will be available against which the deductible temporary differences can be utilised.

The carrying amount of deferred tax assets is reviewed at each reporting date and reduced to the extent that it is no longer probable that sufficient taxable profits will be available to allow all or part of the asset to be recovered. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are offset when there is a legally enforceable right to set off current tax assets against current tax liabilities and when they relate to income taxes levied by the same taxation authority and the Group intends to settle its current tax assets and liabilities on a net basis.

Deferred tax liabilities are recognised for all taxable temporary differences.

The Company and its UK subsidiaries are in the same VAT group.

2.8 Cash and cash equivalents

For the purposes of the cash flow statement, cash and cash equivalents comprise cash and non-mandatory deposits held with central banks, mandatory deposits held with central banks in demand accounts and amounts due from banks with an original maturity of less than three months that are available to finance the Group's day-to-day operations.

2.9 Employee benefits - pension costs

A defined contribution plan is a post-employment benefit plan under which the Group pays fixed contributions into a separate entity and will have a legal or constructive obligation to pay further amounts. Contributions to defined contribution schemes are charged to the statement of comprehensive income as they become payable in accordance with the rules of the scheme. Differences between contributions payable in the year and contributions actually paid are shown as either accruals or prepayments in the statement of financial position.

2.10 Share based payments

The Group has a number of long-term incentive share schemes for all employees, including some Directors, whereby they have been granted equity-settled share-based payments in the Group. The share schemes all have vesting conditions with some schemes for senior management being subject to specific performance conditions. All share schemes are equity settled share-based payments.

The fair value of equity settled share-based payment awards are calculated at grant date and recognised over the period in which the employees become unconditionally entitled to the awards (the vesting period). Fair value is measured by use of the Black-Scholes option pricing model. The variables used in the model are adjusted, based on management's best estimate, for the effects of non-transferability, exercise restrictions and behavioural considerations.

The share-based payments are recognised as staff costs in the income statement and expensed on a straight-line basis over the vesting period, based on estimates of the number of shares which may eventually vest. The amount recognised as an expense is adjusted to reflect differences between expected and actual outcomes, such that the amount ultimately recognised as an expense is based on the number of awards that meet the related service and specific performance conditions at the vesting date. The change in estimations, if any, is recognised in the income statement at the time of the change with a corresponding adjustment in equity through the retained earnings account.

See note 9 for further details on the share schemes.

2.11 Leasing

The Group presently is only a lessee with lease agreements with third-party suppliers. It does not hold any lessor contracts with customers.

IFRS 16 distinguishes leases and service contracts on the basis of whether an identified asset is controlled by a customer for which these are deemed as right-of-use assets. The lessee is required to recognise a right-of-use asset representing the Group right of use and control over the leased asset. Furthermore, the Group is required to recognise a lease liability representing its obligation to make lease payments over the relevant term of the lease. The Group will recognise both interest expense and depreciation charges, which equate to the finance costs of the leases.

Furthermore, the classification of cash flows will also be affected because operating lease payments under IAS 17 are presented as operating cash flows; whereas under the IFRS 16 model, the lease payments will be split into a principal and an interest portion which will be presented as financing and operating cash flows respectively.

Lease liability

The lease liability is initially measured at the present value of the lease payments that are not paid at that date. The Group assesses on a lease-by-lease payments the contractual terms of the lease and likelihood of the Group enacting on available extension and break clauses within the lease in order to determine the expected applicable term of the lease. Once determined, the Group analyses the expected future payments of the lease over this applicable term, which are discounted. The interest rate used to discount the cashflows is the interest rate implicit to the lease agreement. Where this is not available, the Group has applied their incremental borrowing rate. The incremental borrowing rate is the rate of interest that the Group would have to pay to borrow, over a similar term and with a similar security, the funds necessary to obtain an asset of a similar value to the right-of-use asset in a similar economic environment.

Subsequently, the lease liability is adjusted for interest and lease payments, as well as the impact of lease modifications, amongst other variables. The interest expense of the lease liability is calculated under the effective interest rate where the interest expense equates to the lease payments over the remaining term.

Right-of-use asset

The right-of-use asset is initially measured at cost and subsequently measured at cost (subject to certain exceptions) less accumulated depreciation and impairment losses, adjusted for any remeasurement of the lease liability.

The cost at initial recognition is calculated as the initial lease liability plus initial direct costs, expected restoration costs and remaining prepayment balances at the commencement date.

The right-of-use asset is subsequently measured at cost, less accumulated depreciation, and any accumulated impairment losses. Any remeasurement of the lease liability results in a corresponding adjustment to the right-of-use asset.

The Company calculates depreciation of the right-of-use asset in accordance with IAS 16 'Property, Plant and Equipment' and is consistent with the depreciation methodology applied to other similar assets. All leases are depreciated on a straight-line basis over the shorter of the lease term and the useful life of the right-of-use asset.

Restoration costs will be estimated at initial application and added to the right-of-use asset and a corresponding provision raised in accordance with IAS 37 'Provisions, contingent liabilities, and contingent assets. Any subsequent change in the measurement of the restoration provision, due to a revised estimation of expected restoration costs, is accounted for as an adjustment of the right-of-use asset.

Short-term leases and leases of low value assets

The Group leases some smaller asset classes, such as computer hardware, which either has a value under GBP5,000 per annum or has a lease period of 12 months or shorter. For such leases, the Group has elected under IFRS 16 rules to treat these as operating leases and hold off-balance sheet. These leases are charged to the income statement on a straight-line basis over the lease term.

2.12 Provisions for commitments and other liabilities

Provisions are recognised when the Group has a present obligation (legal or constructive) as a result of a past event, it is probable that the Group will be required to settle that obligation and a reliable estimate can be made of the amount of the obligation.

The amount recognised as a provision is the best estimate of the consideration required to settle the present obligation at the reporting date, taking into account the risks and uncertainties surrounding the obligation. Where a provision is measured using the cash flows estimated to settle the present obligation, its carrying amount is the present value of those cash flows (discounted at the Company's weighted average cost of capital when the effect of the time value of money is material).

When some or all of the economic benefits required to settle a provision are expected to be recovered from a third party, a receivable is recognised as an asset only if it is virtually certain that reimbursement will be received, and the amount of the receivable can be measured reliably.

2.13 Operating segments

IFRS 8 Operating segments requires particular classes of entities (essentially those with publicly traded securities) to disclose information about their operating segments, products and services, the geographical areas in which they operate, and their major customers. Information is based on the Group's internal management reports, both in the identification of operating segments and measurement of disclosed segment information.

The Group's products and the markets to which they are offered are so similar in nature that they are reported as one class of business. All customers are currently UK-based only. As a result, the chief operating decision maker uses only one segment to control resources and assess the performance of the entity, while deciding the strategic direction of the Group.

However, in accordance with IFRS 8, the Group will continue to monitor its activities to ensure any further reportable segments are identified and the appropriate reporting and disclosures are made.

2.14 Earnings per share

In accordance with IAS 33, the Group will present on the face of the statement of comprehensive income basic and diluted EPS for:

- Profit or loss from continuing operations attributable to the ordinary equity holders of the Company; and

- Profit or loss attributable to the ordinary equity holders of the Company for the period for each class of ordinary shares that has a different right to share in profit for the period.

Basic EPS is calculated by dividing profit or loss attributable to ordinary equity holders of the Company by the weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding during the period.

Diluted EPS is calculated by adjusting the earnings and number of shares for the effects of dilutive options and other dilutive potential ordinary shares.

2.15 Merger relief

Merger relief is relief granted under the Companies Act 2006 section 612 which removes the requirement for the Company to recognise the premium on issued shares to acquire another company within the share premium account. Merger relief is recognised where all the following criteria are satisfied:

-- The Company secures at least a 90% equity holding of all share classes in another company as part of the arrangement; and

-- The Company provides either of the following as consideration for the allotment of shares in the acquired company:

o Issue or transfer of equity shares in the Company in exchange for equity shares in the acquired company; or

o The cancellation of any such shares in the acquired company that the Company does not already hold.

2.16 Merger accounting

Business combination and merger accounting

IFRS 3 Business Combinations prescribes the accounting treatment for business combinations, however, the change in control and ownership of a company under common control is outside the scope of IFRS 3 Business Combinations. In the absence of appropriate IFRS, the Directors sought other applicable accounting standards, and elected to apply FRS 102 in the form of Merger Accounting which provides accounting guidance for transactions of this nature.

The principles of merger accounting are as follows:

-- Assets and liabilities of the acquired entity are stated at predecessor carrying values. Fair value measurement is not required;

-- No new goodwill arises in merger accounting; and

-- Any difference between the consideration given and the aggregate book value of the assets and liabilities of the acquired entity at the date of transaction is included in equity in retained earnings or in a separate "Merger Reserve" account.

By way of using the merger accounting methodology for preparing these consolidated financial statements, comparative information will be prepared as if the Group had existed and been formed in prior periods. The Directors agree this will enable informative comparatives to users given the underlying activities and management structure of the Group remain largely unchanged following the formation of the Group.

Merger reserve

Where merger accounting has been applied this prescribes that any difference between the consideration given and the aggregate book value of the assets and liabilities of the acquired entity at the date of transaction is included in equity in retained earnings or in a separate reserve account. Therefore, on consolidation of the Group financial statements, the difference between the consideration paid and the book value of the acquired entity is recognised as a Merger Reserve, in accordance with relevant accounting standards relating to businesses under common control.

2.17 Own Shares

Own equity instruments of the Group which are acquired by it or by any of its subsidiaries (treasury shares) are deducted from equity. Consideration paid or received on the purchase, sale, issue, or cancellation of the Group's own equity instruments is recognised directly in equity. No gain or loss is recognised in profit or loss on the purchase, sale, issue, or cancellation of own equity instruments.

3. Critical accounting judgements and key sources of estimation uncertainty

The preparation of financial information in accordance with IFRS requires management to make judgements, estimates and assumptions that affect the application of accounting policies and reported amounts of assets and liabilities, income and expenses.

The estimates and associated assumptions are based on historical experience and various other factors that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis of making the judgements about carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may differ from these estimates.

Judgements

The Group has made the following key judgements in applying the accounting policies:

   i.      Expected credit losses loan impairment 

Significant increase in credit risk for classification in stage 2

Counterparties are classified into stage 2 where the risk profile of the borrower profile has significantly increased from inception of the exposure. This increase in credit risk is signified by either increases in internal or external credit ratings, the counterparty becoming over 30 days past due, or forbearance measures being applied.

In the year ended 31 December 2021, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Group granted payment holidays to assist its customers, whereby in these scenarios this would not be considered a significant increase in credit risk. In 2022, the Group removed all concessions to customers as the economic environment improved, therefore, any extensions or forbearance measures are again considered a trigger of stage 2 classification.

Definition of default

The Group aligns its definition of default to the regulatory definition for default in all periods presented. The Group applies the regulatory guideline of 90+ days in arrears and also uses internal and external information, along with financial and non-financial information, available to the Group to determine whether a default event has either occurred or is perceived to have occurred.

Should a default event occur the Group applies a probationary ("cooling off") period to Stage 3 counterparties before being transferred back to either stage 1 or 2. The probationary period is typically 3 months but is extended up to 12 months for more severe scenarios. During the probationary period the counterparty must no longer meet the criteria for Stage 3 inclusion for the entire applicable period.

Estimates

The Group has made the following estimates in the application of the accounting policies that have a significant risk of material adjustment to the carrying amount of assets and liabilities within the next financial year:

   i.      Expected credit losses loan impairment 

Probability of default ("PD")

The Group predominantly uses external credit ratings and PD models to estimate the probability of default of counterparties over the following 12-month period or expected lifetime of the exposure. These models are further supplemented by an internal credit rating system to enhance the accuracy of the PD modelling. Typical of PD modelling, these are derived from lagging indicators which are primarily derived from historical data rather than forward looking assumptions, resultantly, the Group uses external and managerial judgements to estimate how probability of defaults may change in the future.

In 2021, the Group applied a macro-economic overlay for the increased uncertainty from the COVID-19 pandemic. The Group released this overlay in the year ended 31 December 2022 to reflect the improved economic environment following the successful vaccine roll-out. In the second half of the year ended 31 December 2022, the UK began experiencing inflationary pressures and market instabilities, resultantly, the Group elected to apply a macro-economic overlay to its PD modelling to reflect this increased risk, although it has not begun materialising in observed default rates yet.

A 100% deterioration in PDs (excluding stage 3 exposures, which are already in default) would result in an additional impairment charge of GBP1,130,000 at 31 December 2022 (2021: GBP881,000).

Loss given default ("LGD")

The Group uses an internal LGD model to estimate expected losses on defaulted counterparties based on numerous characteristics of the counterparty and type of lending. These models have been developed by using observed historical loss events, identifying specific drivers of losses, and are regularly tested for accuracy and updated as necessary.

A 10% reduction in the expected discounted cashflows from the collateral held by the Group would result in an additional impairment charge of GBP2,389,000 (2021: GBP618,000).

Forward looking macroeconomic scenarios

The Group has adopted an approach which utilises four macroeconomic scenarios within its impairment modelling whereby the Group stresses PD and LGD input variables in accordance with expected macro-economic and managerial outlooks. The scenario ECL impairment allowance is weighted based on the expected probability of the scenario transpiring over the next 12-month period from the reporting date. These models are sensitive to managerial estimates over the scenarios and their associated probability weighting.

The following forward-looking macroeconomic scenarios, together with their probability weighting and key economic variables, were used in calculating the ECLs used for determining impairment provisions:

 
                                         Probability                                                                 ECL 
                                           Weighting                          ECL Impairment                 Coverage(1) 
               Scenario                            %                                 GBP'000                           % 
========================  ==========================  ======================================  ========================== 
 
               31 
               December 
               2022 
               Upside                            15%                                   2,427                       0.55% 
               Base                              55%                                   2,823                       0.64% 
               Downside                          25%                                   5,343                       1.20% 
               Severe 
                Downside                          5%                                   9,362                       2.11% 
------------------------  --------------------------  -------------------------------------- 
               Weighted                         100%                                   3,720                       0.84% 
------------------------  --------------------------  --------------------------------------  -------------------------- 
 
               31 
               December 
               2021 
               Upside                            15%                                     898                       0.36% 
               Base                              60%                                   1,315                       0.52% 
               Downside                          20%                                   2,753                       1.10% 
               Severe 
                Downside                          5%                                   4,868                       1.94% 
------------------------  --------------------------  --------------------------------------  -------------------------- 
               Weighted                         100%                                   1,718                       0.68% 
------------------------  --------------------------  --------------------------------------  -------------------------- 
 

(1) ECL Coverage is calculated by dividing the ECL impairment by the Exposure at Default (EAD). EAD is typically higher than the gross loan receivable balance.

The following table details the additional impairment allowance charge/(credit) should one of the macroeconomic scenarios be assigned a 100% probability weighting:

 
                                                            2022                                     2021 
               Scenario                                  GBP'000                                  GBP'000 
===============================  ===============================  ======================================= 
 
               Upside                                    (1,293)                                    (820) 
               Base                                        (897)                                    (403) 
               Downside                                    1,623                                    1,035 
               Severe Downside                             5,642                                    3,150 
-------------------------------  -------------------------------  --------------------------------------- 
 
   ii.     Deferred taxation asset 

The Group has recognised a deferred tax asset in respect of future taxable profits for the first time this year. The Board has recognised the full value of the potential deferred tax asset of GBP8.5m at December 2022 within the Bank based on the most recently approved financial forecasts through to December 2026 with the deferred tax asset forecast to be fully utilised during 2026.

The forecast is inherently sensitive to the assumptions and estimates which underpin it, including macroeconomic conditions (such as interest rates, inflation and future tax rates), and is dependent on the Group's ability to successfully execute its strategy. As such, the expected utilisation of the deferred tax asset may vary significantly.

The following sensitivities have been modelled to demonstrate the impact of changes in assumptions on the recoverability of deferred tax assets within the Bank:

-- A reduction in the base forecast loan book by 20% each year.

-- A reduction in the net interest margin in the base forecast by a factor of 10% each year.

-- An increase in forecast costs of risk by a factor of 50% each year.

-- A 20% increase above forecast of staff costs and other operating expenses each year.

In each of the individual sensitivities performed above, the reduction in profitability means the timing of full recovery of the deferred tax asset is delayed, but in all cases it is expected to be fully utilised within 5 years and, therefore, the Board is comfortable that these sensitivities do not impact the level of deferred tax asset to be recognised at 31 December 2022.

The Group has an unrealised deferred tax asset of GBP0.7m (2021: GBP7.3m). This unrecognised deferred tax asset as at December 2022 relates entirely to the prior taxable losses in Distribution Finance Capital Holdings plc entity.

4. Interest and similar income

 
                                                                              2022                                2021 
                                                                           GBP'000                             GBP'000 
==============================================  ==================================  ================================== 
 
               On loans and advances to 
                customers                                                   24,333                              13,296 
               On loans and advances to banks                                1,065                                   5 
               On debt securities - measured 
                at FVOCI                                                         9                                (42) 
               Total interest and similar 
                income                                                      25,407                              13,259 
----------------------------------------------  ----------------------------------  ---------------------------------- 
 

5. Operating segments

It is the Director's view that the Group's products and the markets to which they are offered are so similar in nature that they are reported as one class of business. All customers are currently UK-based only. As a result, it is considered that the chief operating decision maker uses only one segment to control resources and assess the performance of the entity, while deciding the strategic direction of the Group. For this purpose, the chief operating decision maker of the Group is the Board of Directors.

6. Interest and similar expenses

The Group is solely funded by customer deposits and Group reserves. See note 33 and 34 for further detail of the movements in customer deposits and financial liabilities during the year.

 
                                                                             2022                                 2021 
                                                                          GBP'000                              GBP'000 
===============================================  ================================  =================================== 
 
               On financial liabilities not at 
                fair 
                value through profit or loss: 
               Customer deposits                                            6,373                                2,338 
 
               On financial liabilities at fair 
                value 
                through profit or loss: 
               Net interest expense on 
                financial instruments 
                hedging liabilities                                            38                                    - 
               Total interest and similar 
                expense                                                     6,411                                2,338 
-----------------------------------------------  --------------------------------  ----------------------------------- 
 

7. Fee income

 
                                                                 2022                             2021 
                                                              GBP'000                          GBP'000 
=====================================  ==============================  =============================== 
 
               Facility-related fees                            1,348                              466 
               Total fee income                                 1,348                              466 
-------------------------------------  ------------------------------  ------------------------------- 
 

8. Staff costs

Analysis of staff costs:

 
                                                                               2022                               2021 
                                                                            GBP'000                            GBP'000 
===============================================  ==================================  ================================= 
 
               Wages and salaries                                             8,651                              7,372 
               Share based payments                                             499                                362 
               Contractor costs                                                  75                                 24 
               Social security costs                                          1,099                                921 
               Pension costs arising on defined 
                contribution schemes                                            524                                442 
               Total staff costs                                             10,848                              9,121 
-----------------------------------------------  ----------------------------------  --------------------------------- 
 

Contractor costs are recognised within personnel costs where the work performed would otherwise have been performed by employees. Contractor costs arising from the performance of other services is included within other operating expenses.

Average number of persons employed by the Group (including Directors):

 
                                                                        2022                                2021 
                                                                         No.                                 No. 
=======================================  ===================================  ================================== 
 
               Management                                                 12                                  11 
               Finance                                                     7                                   7 
               Credit & Risk                                              19                                  17 
               Sales & Marketing*                                         29                                  21 
               Operations*                                                23                                  23 
               Technology                                                 13                                  11 
               Total average headcount                                   103                                  90 
---------------------------------------  -----------------------------------  ---------------------------------- 
 

*The Group has reclassified the Client Management team from Operations to Sales & Marketing due to changes in their responsibilities and reporting structure at the Group. Client Management became part of the Commercial function during the year ended 31 December 2022, as such, prior year comparatives have been amended to retrospectively apply this reclassification for consistency. In the years ended 31 December 2022 and 31 December 2021, the Client Management team had average employees of 10 and 7 respectively.

Directors' emoluments:

 
                                                                                                                                                               Long 
                                                                                                        Employer                                               term 
                                                Fees/basic                                               pension                 Benefits                 incentive                    2022                    2021 
                                                    salary                 Bonuses                 contributions                  in kind                   schemes                   total                   total 
                                                   GBP'000                 GBP'000                       GBP'000                  GBP'000                   GBP'000                 GBP'000                 GBP'000 
===============================  =========================  ======================  ============================  =======================  ========================  ======================  ====================== 
 
               Executive 
               Directors: 
               Carl D'Ammassa                          425                     356                            43                        7                         -                     831                     673 
               Gavin Morris                            266                     120                            26                        7                         -                     419                     370 
                                                       691                     476                            69                       14                         -                   1,250                   1,043 
-------------------------------  -------------------------  ----------------------  ----------------------------  -----------------------  ------------------------  ----------------------  ---------------------- 
 
               Non-executive 
               Directors: 
               Mark Stephens                           150                       -                             -                        -                         -                     150                     150 
               Thomas Grathwohl                         75                       -                             -                        -                         -                      75                     100 
               Nicole Coll(1)                           54                       -                             -                        -                         -                      54                       - 
               Sheryl 
                Lawrence(1)                             60                       -                             -                        -                         -                      60                       - 
               Stephen 
               Greene(2)                                 -                       -                             -                        -                         -                       -                       - 
               Haakon 
               Stenrød(2)                           -                       -                             -                        -                         -                       -                       - 
               Carole 
                Machell(3)                              45                       -                             -                        -                         -                      45                     100 
               John Baines(4)                            -                       -                             -                        -                         -                       -                     133 
                                                       384                       -                             -                        -                         -                     384                     483 
-------------------------------  -------------------------  ----------------------  ----------------------------  -----------------------  ------------------------  ----------------------  ---------------------- 
 
               Total Director 
                remuneration                         1,075                     476                            69                       14                         -                   1,634                   1,526 
-------------------------------  -------------------------  ----------------------  ----------------------------  -----------------------  ------------------------  ----------------------  ---------------------- 
 

(1) Nicole Coll and Sheryl Lawrence were appointed as Non-executive Directors on 16 May 2022.

(2) Stephen Greene and Haakon Stenrød hold their position as Non-Executive Directors by virtue of major shareholders (Arrowgrass Master Fund Ltd and Watrium AS, respectively) exercising their rights to appoint Directors under their Relationship Agreements. They are compensated by these respective shareholders. Stephen Greene resigned on 17 December 2021.

(3) Carole Machell resigned on 15 June 2022.

(4) John Baines resigned on 19 May 2021.

The pension for the year ended 31 December 2022 to Carl D'Ammassa and Gavin Morris of GBP43,000 (2021:GBP43,000) and GBP26,000 (2021:GBP24,000) respectively is the sum of payments made to these individuals in lieu of Group pension contributions.

Carl D'Ammassa and Gavin Morris have received share options as part of long-term incentive schemes - further details of these share option schemes can be found in note 9.

Carl D'Ammassa is the highest paid Director with total remuneration of GBP831,000 (2021: GBP673,000) in the year ended 31 December 2022. Carl D'Ammassa has been awarded share options of which none have vested as at 31 December 2022 (2021: nil). Refer to note 9 for further details of these awards.

9. Share based payments

The Group has the following share options scheme for employees which have been granted and remain outstanding at 31 December 2022:

 
                                                                             Options                                                                                                                                                  Charge 
                                                  No. of                 outstanding                                                                                                                                                for year 
                                                 options                       value                                                                                                                                                ended 31 
                                             outstanding                 31 December                                                                                         Performance                                            December 
                                             31 December                        2022                 Grant                  Vesting                 Exercise                  conditions                 Settlement                     2022 
               Plan                                 2022                     GBP'000                  dates                  dates                    price                    attached                    method                    GBP'000 
===========================  ===========================  ==========================  =====================  ======================  =======================  ==========================  =========================  ======================= 
 
               General 
                Award 2020                       222,500                          68                 Jun-20                 Jun-23                    Nil                        No                        Equity                         16 
---------------------------  ---------------------------  --------------------------  ---------------------  ----------------------  -----------------------  --------------------------  -------------------------  ----------------------- 
               General 
                Award 2021                       160,248                          48                 Jun-21                 Jun-24                    Nil                        No                        Equity                         27 
---------------------------  ---------------------------  --------------------------  ---------------------  ----------------------  -----------------------  --------------------------  -------------------------  ----------------------- 
               General 
                Award 2022                       385,511                          23                 May-22                 May-25                    Nil                        No                        Equity                         23 
---------------------------  ---------------------------  --------------------------  ---------------------  ----------------------  -----------------------  --------------------------  -------------------------  ----------------------- 
                                                                                                                            Jun-21 
               Manager                                                                                                       Jun-22 
                CSOP Award                       384,298                          29                 Aug-20                  Jun-23                  40.5p                       No                        Equity                          8 
---------------------------  ---------------------------  --------------------------  ---------------------  ----------------------  -----------------------  --------------------------  -------------------------  ----------------------- 
                                                                                                                            Aug-20 
               Manager                                                                                                       Jun-21 
                PSP Award                        853,334                         346                 Aug-20                  Jun-22                   Nil                        No                        Equity                         19 
---------------------------  ---------------------------  --------------------------  ---------------------  ----------------------  -----------------------  --------------------------  -------------------------  ----------------------- 
               CEO 
                Recruitment 
                Award                            900,000                         282                 Jun-20                 Jun-23                    Nil                        Yes                       Equity                         95 
---------------------------  ---------------------------  --------------------------  ---------------------  ----------------------  -----------------------  --------------------------  -------------------------  ----------------------- 
               Senior 
                Manager 
                Award 2020                       885,000                         198                 Jun-20                 Jun-23                    Nil                        Yes                       Equity                        142 
---------------------------  ---------------------------  --------------------------  ---------------------  ----------------------  -----------------------  --------------------------  -------------------------  ----------------------- 
               Senior 
                Manager                                                                                                     Sep-22 
                Award 2021                       144,370                          55                 Jun-21                  Jun-24                   Nil                        No                        Equity                         36 
---------------------------  ---------------------------  --------------------------  ---------------------  ----------------------  -----------------------  --------------------------  -------------------------  ----------------------- 
               Senior 
                Manager                                                                              May-22                 May-25 
                Award 2022                     1,765,000                         111                 Sep-22                  Sep-25                   Nil                        Yes                       Equity                        111 
---------------------------  ---------------------------  --------------------------  ---------------------  ----------------------  -----------------------  --------------------------  -------------------------  ----------------------- 
               Leader & 
                High 
                Performer 
                Award 2022                       201,022                          12                 May-22                 May-25                    Nil                        No                        Equity                         12 
---------------------------  ---------------------------  --------------------------  ---------------------  ----------------------  -----------------------  --------------------------  -------------------------  ----------------------- 
               Sharesave                                                                             Jan-22                 Jan-22                   46.3p 
                Scheme                         1,068,212                          10                 Aug-22                  Aug-25                    30p                       No                        Equity                         10 
---------------------------  ---------------------------  --------------------------  ---------------------  ----------------------  -----------------------  --------------------------  -------------------------  ----------------------- 
               Total                           6,969,495                       1,182                                                                                                                                                     499 
---------------------------  ---------------------------  --------------------------  ---------------------  ----------------------  -----------------------  --------------------------  -------------------------  ----------------------- 
 

All awards are equity-settled, and the shares awarded for all schemes are Distribution Finance Capital Holdings plc over ordinary shares of GBP0.01 each of the current share capital of the Company which are listed on the Alternative Investment Market (AIM). The awards were granted to employees and Directors within the Group with the majority of the employees being employed by DF Capital Bank Limited.

During the year ended 31 December 2022, the movements in share options granted, forfeited, and exercised were as follows:

 
                                                                                                                                                            Options                     Options 
                                                Options                    Options                    Options                   Options                 outstanding                 exercisable 
                                            outstanding                    granted                  forfeited                 exercised                      at end                      at end 
                                               at start                     during                     during                    during                      of the                      of the 
                                                of year                   the year                   the year                  the year                        year                        year 
               Plan                                 No.                        No.                        No.                       No.                         No.                         No. 
---------------------------  --------------------------  -------------------------  -------------------------  ------------------------  --------------------------  -------------------------- 
 
               Year ended 31 December 2022 
               General 
                Award 2020                      287,500                          -                   (65,000)                         -                     222,500                           - 
               General 
                Award 2021                      216,000                      3,000                   (58,752)                         -                     160,248                           - 
               General 
                Award 2022                            -                    450,000                   (64,489)                         -                     385,511                           - 
               Manager CSOP 
                Award                           385,298                          -                    (1,000)                         -                     384,298                           - 
               Manager PSP 
                Award                           853,334                          -                          -                         -                     853,334                     853,334 
               CEO 
                Recruitment 
                Award                           900,000                          -                          -                         -                     900,000                           - 
               Senior 
                Manager 
                Award 
                2020                            885,000                          -                          -                         -                     885,000                           - 
               Senior 
                Manager 
                Award 
                2021                            114,370                     30,000                          -                         -                     144,370                      39,370 
               Senior 
                Manager 
                Award 
                2022                                  -                  1,765,000                          -                         -                   1,765,000                           - 
               Leader & 
                High 
                Performer 
                Award 2022                            -                    220,000                   (18,978)                         -                     201,022                           - 
               Sharesave 
                scheme                                -                  1,693,596                  (625,384)                         -                   1,068,212                           - 
               Total                          3,641,502                  4,161,596                  (833,603)                         -                   6,969,495                     892,704 
---------------------------  --------------------------  -------------------------  -------------------------  ------------------------  --------------------------  -------------------------- 
 
               Year ended 31 December 2021 
               General 
                Award 2020                      320,000                          -                   (32,500)                         -                     287,500                           - 
               General 
                Award 2021                            -                    240,000                   (24,000)                         -                     216,000                           - 
               Manager CSOP 
                Award                           385,298                          -                          -                         -                     385,298                           - 
               Manager PSP 
                Award                           853,334                          -                          -                         -                     853,334                     377,481 
               CEO 
                Recruitment 
                Award                           900,000                          -                          -                         -                     900,000                           - 
               Senior 
                Manager 
                Award 
                2020                            985,000                          -                  (100,000)                                               885,000                           - 
               Senior 
                Manager 
                Award 
                2021                                  -                    114,370                          -                                               114,370                           - 
               Total                          3,443,632                    354,370                  (156,500)                         -                   3,641,502                     377,481 
---------------------------  --------------------------  -------------------------  -------------------------  ------------------------  --------------------------  -------------------------- 
 

The fair value at grant date is calculated by taking into consideration any restrictive vesting criteria, including any market and/or non-market performance conditions. The below table summarises the share schemes including the weighted average remaining contractual years and the weighted average fair value at grant date:

 
                                                                          2022                                                                             2021 
                             ===============================================================================  =============================================================================== 
                                                                           Weighted                 Weighted                                                Weighted                 Weighted 
                                                Options                     average                  average                     Options                     average                  average 
                                            outstanding                   remaining                     fair                 outstanding                   remaining                     fair 
                                                 at end                 contractual                    value                      at end                 contractual                    value 
                                                 of the                        life                 at grant                      of the                        life                 at grant 
               Plan                                year                     (years)                     date                        year                     (years)                     date 
===========================  ==========================  ==========================  =======================  ==========================  ==========================  ======================= 
 
               General 
                Award 2020                      222,500                         0.5                    37.50                     287,500                         1.5                    37.50 
               General 
                Award 2021                      160,248                         1.4                    61.00                     216,000                         2.4                    61.00 
               General 
                Award 2022                      385,511                         2.4                    37.00                           -                           -                        - 
               Manager CSOP 
                Award                           384,298                         0.4                     8.00                     385,298                         1.4                     8.00 
               Manager PSP 
                Award                           853,334                           -                    40.50                     853,334                         0.2                    40.50 
               CEO 
                Recruitment 
                Award                           900,000                         0.5                    37.50                     900,000                         1.5                    37.50 
               Senior 
                Manager 
                Award 
                2020                            885,000                         0.5                    37.50                     885,000                         1.5                    37.50 
               Senior 
                Manager 
                Award 
                2021                            144,370                         1.1                    60.27                     114,370                         1.8                    61.00 
               Senior 
                Manager 
                Award 
                2022                          1,765,000                         2.4                    36.12                           -                           -                        - 
               Leader & 
                High 
                Performer 
                Award 2022                      201,022                         2.4                    37.00                           -                           -                        - 
               Sharesave 
                Scheme                        1,068,212                         2.5                    44.35                           -                           -                        - 
                                              6,969,495                         1.4                    38.63                   3,641,502                         1.3                    37.38 
---------------------------  --------------------------  --------------------------  -----------------------  --------------------------  --------------------------  ----------------------- 
 

The terms of the individual schemes are as follows:

General Award

In the year ended 31 December 2022, nil cost options over ordinary shares of GBP0.01 each of the current share capital of the Company were granted to all employees (excluding Directors). These options vest over a 3-year period and are not subject to specific performance conditions.

Manager PSP and CSOP Award

As part of a Group reorganisation of its existing share capital and employee loan agreements in the year ended 31 December 2020, managers and former managers were awarded share options so that they were not disadvantaged by this exercise. PSP scheme nil cost options and Company Share Option Scheme shares ("CSOP") were issued over ordinary shares of GBP0.01 each of the share capital of the Company. The CSOP Options have an exercise price per share of 40.5p equal to the market value of Ordinary Shares as at the time of grant and the PSP Options are nil cost options. The PSP and CSOP Options will become exercisable on the same timeline, and in the same proportions, that the corresponding original Ordinary Shares would have become freely transferable on the terms on which they were held. The Options are not subject to the satisfaction of performance conditions. The fair value of the CSOP was measured at the grant date using the Black-Scholes model.

No further awards under this scheme were granted in the years ended 31 December 2022 and 31 December 2021.

CEO Recruitment Award

On his appointment on 9 March 2020, Carl D'Ammassa was granted 900,000 nil cost options by way of a Recruitment Award. In the year ended 31 December 2021, the Group's Remuneration Committee agreed that the final performance conditions relating to 400,000 shares have been satisfied in full and the entire share award shall vest in June 2023, subject to service conditions being met.

Senior Manager Award

Nil cost options over ordinary shares of GBP0.01 each of the current share capital of the Company were granted to certain senior managers. All of these share awards have been granted in line with our PSP rules and have performance conditions aligned to financial performance, risk management and cultural objectives.

-- In the year ended 31 December 2022, Senior Managers were granted additional awards based on either promotion, recruitment incentives, or performance. Performance conditions are included for 1,090,000 options of the 1,765,000 awards granted, and all awards vest over a period of 3 years subject to service conditions being met.

Leader & High Performer Award

In the year ended 31 December 2022, the Group awarded nil cost options over ordinary shares of GBP0.01 each of the current share capital of the Company to non-senior managers of the Group. This scheme does not include performance conditions and vest over a period of 3 years subject to service conditions being met.

Sharesave Scheme

In the year ended 31 December 2022, the Group introduced a 'Save As You Earn' scheme ('SAYE' or 'Sharesave Scheme') which is available to all UK-based employees. This is a HMRC-approved share scheme, whereby the scheme allows employees to purchase options by saving a fixed amount of between GBP10 and GBP500 per month over a period of three years at the end of which the options, subject to leaver provisions, are usually exercisable. If not exercised, the amount saved is returned to the employee. During the year ended 31 December 2022, the Group has offered this scheme twice with grant dates of 1 January 2022 and 1 August 2022. The option price is calculated using the closing bid-market price of a Distribution Finance Capital Holdings plc ordinary share over the five dealing days prior to the Invitation Date and applying a discount of 20%.

Director share awards:

The below table summarises share options which have been awarded to Directors as part of long-term incentive schemes:

 
                                                                         Options                                             Options                     Options                     Options 
                                                Options                  granted                   Options                 exercised                 outstanding                 exercisable 
                                            outstanding                   during                 forfeited                    during                      at end                      at end 
                                               at start                      the                    during                       the                      of the                      of the 
                                                of year                     year                  the year                      year                        year                        year 
               Plan                                 No.                      No.                       No.                       No.                         No.                         No. 
---------------------------  --------------------------  -----------------------  ------------------------  ------------------------  --------------------------  -------------------------- 
 
               Year ended 
               31 December 
               2022 
               Carl 
               D'Ammassa: 
               General 
                Award 2020                        5,000                        -                         -                         -                       5,000                           - 
               CEO 
                Recruitment 
                Award                           900,000                        -                         -                         -                     900,000                           - 
               Senior 
                Manager 
                Award 
                2022                                  -                  400,000                         -                         -                     400,000                           - 
               Sharesave 
                Scheme                                -                   60,000                         -                         -                      60,000                           - 
                                                905,000                  460,000                         -                         -                   1,365,000                           - 
               Gavin 
               Morris: 
               General 
                Award 2020                        5,000                        -                         -                         -                       5,000                           - 
               Manager CSOP 
                Award                            74,074                        -                         -                         -                      74,074                           - 
               Manager PSP 
                Award                            19,733                        -                         -                         -                      19,733                      19,733 
               Senior 
                Manager 
                Award 
                2020                            200,000                        -                         -                         -                     200,000                           - 
               Senior 
                Manager 
                Award 
                2022                                  -                  200,000                         -                         -                     200,000                           - 
               Sharesave 
                Scheme                                -                   60,000                         -                         -                      60,000                           - 
                                                298,807                  260,000                         -                         -                     558,807                      19,733 
 
               Total 
                Director 
                awards                        1,203,807                  720,000                         -                         -                   1,923,807                      19,733 
---------------------------  --------------------------  -----------------------  ------------------------  ------------------------  --------------------------  -------------------------- 
 
               Year ended 
               31 December 
               2021 
               Carl 
               D'Ammassa: 
               General 
                Award 2020                        5,000                        -                         -                         -                       5,000                           - 
               CEO 
                Recruitment 
                Award                           900,000                        -                         -                         -                     900,000                           - 
                                                905,000                        -                         -                         -                     905,000                           - 
               Gavin 
               Morris: 
               General 
                Award 2020                        5,000                        -                         -                         -                       5,000                           - 
               Manager CSOP 
                Award                            74,074                        -                         -                         -                      74,074                           - 
               Manager PSP 
                Award                            19,733                        -                         -                         -                      19,733                           - 
               Senior 
                Manager 
                Award 
                2020                            200,000                        -                         -                         -                     200,000                           - 
                                                298,807                        -                         -                         -                     298,807                           - 
 
               Total 
                Director 
                awards                        1,203,807                        -                         -                         -                   1,203,807                           - 
---------------------------  --------------------------  -----------------------  ------------------------  ------------------------  --------------------------  -------------------------- 
 

See above section within this note for further details of the schemes, including the fair value (market price) at grant date. Performance conditions are attached to the Senior Manager Award 2022 for both Carl D'Ammassa and Gavin Morris. All awards are subject to service conditions being met over the vesting period.

10. Other operating expenses

 
                                                                                 2022                              2021 
                                             Note                             GBP'000                           GBP'000 
============================  ====================  =================================  ================================ 
 
               Finance costs                  11                                   21                                19 
               Depreciation                  16,17                                318                               259 
               Amortisation 
                of 
                intangible 
                assets                        18                                  382                               314 
               Loss on 
                disposal of 
                fixed 
                assets                        16                                    -                                 3 
               Professional 
                services 
                expenses                                                        1,831                             1,858 
               IT-related 
                expenses                                                        1,862                             1,688 
               Other 
                operating 
                expenses                                                        1,569                             1,245 
               Total other 
                operating 
                expenses                                                        5,983                             5,386 
----------------------------  --------------------  ---------------------------------  -------------------------------- 
 

11. Finance costs

 
                                                                 2022                    2021 
                                                              GBP'000                 GBP'000 
=============================================  ======================  ====================== 
 
               Interest on lease liabilities                       21                      19 
               Total finance costs                                 21                      19 
---------------------------------------------  ----------------------  ---------------------- 
 

12. Provisions

Analysis for movements in other provisions:

 
                                                                                            Onerous 
                                                          Leasehold                        supplier 
                                                      dilapidations                       contracts                             Total 
                                                            GBP'000                         GBP'000                           GBP'000 
---------------------------  --------------------------------------  ------------------------------  -------------------------------- 
 
               Year ended 
               31 December 
               2022 
               At start of 
                year                                             73                               -                                73 
               Additions                                          -                               -                                 - 
               Utilisation 
               of provision                                       -                               -                                 - 
               Unused 
               amounts 
               reversed                                           -                               -                                 - 
               Unwinding of 
                discount                                          4                               -                                 4 
               At end of 
                year                                             77                               -                                77 
---------------------------  --------------------------------------  ------------------------------  -------------------------------- 
 
               Year ended 
               31 December 
               2021 
               At start of 
                year                                             58                              25                                83 
               Additions                                         70                               -                                70 
               Utilisation 
                of 
                provision                                      (29)                            (16)                              (45) 
               Unused 
                amounts 
                reversed                                       (29)                             (9)                              (38) 
               Unwinding of 
                discount                                          3                               -                                 3 
               At end of 
                year                                             73                               -                                73 
---------------------------  --------------------------------------  ------------------------------  -------------------------------- 
 

13. Net impairment loss on financial assets

 
                                                                                   2022                           2021 
                                                                                GBP'000                        GBP'000 
=======================================================  ==============================  ============================= 
 
               Movement in impairment allowance in 
                the year                                                          2,028                            384 
               Write-offs                                                           268                            173 
               Write-back of amounts written-off                                      -                            (1) 
               Total net impairment losses on financial 
                assets                                                            2,296                            556 
-------------------------------------------------------  ------------------------------  ----------------------------- 
 

See note 19 on further analysis of the movement in impairment allowances on loans and advances to customers.

Analysis of write-offs:

 
                                                                                2022                              2021 
                                                Note                         GBP'000                           GBP'000 
===============================  ===================  ==============================  ================================ 
 
               Realised losses 
                on loan 
                receivables                      19                              186                                98 
               Realised losses 
                on trade 
                receivables                      23                               19                                54 
               Recovery 
                transaction 
                costs                                                             63                                39 
               Bad debt VAT 
                relief                                                             -                              (18) 
               Total write-offs                                                  268                               173 
-------------------------------  -------------------  ------------------------------  -------------------------------- 
 

14. Profit/(Loss) before taxation

Profit/(Loss) before taxation is stated after charging:

 
                                                                           2022                                   2021 
                                                                        GBP'000                                GBP'000 
=========================================  ====================================  ===================================== 
 
               Depreciation of property, 
                plant and 
                equipment                                                    95                                    105 
               Depreciation of 
                right-of-use assets                                         223                                    154 
               Amortisation of intangible 
                assets                                                      382                                    314 
               Loss on disposal of 
                property, plant 
                and equipment                                                 -                                      3 
               Loss on disposal of 
                intangible assets                                             -                                      - 
               Allowance for credit 
                impaired assets                                           2,028                                    384 
               Staff costs                                               10,848                                  9,121 
               Auditor's remuneration                                       290                                    253 
                                                                         13,866                                 10,334 
-----------------------------------------  ------------------------------------  ------------------------------------- 
 

Analysis of auditor's remuneration:

 
                                                                           2022                                   2021 
                                                                        GBP'000                                GBP'000 
==========================================  ===================================  ===================================== 
 
               Audit services: 
               Fees payable to the 
                Company's auditor 
                for the audit of the 
                Company's annual 
                accounts                                                     58                                     50 
               Fees payable to the 
                Company's auditor 
                for the audit of its 
                subsidiaries                                                177                                    153 
               Fees paid to the Company's 
                auditors 
                relating to prior periods                                     1                                      - 
               Total audit services fees                                    236                                    203 
------------------------------------------  -----------------------------------  ------------------------------------- 
 
               Assurance services: 
               Interim review                                                54                                     50 
               Total assurance services 
                fees                                                         54                                     50 
------------------------------------------  -----------------------------------  ------------------------------------- 
 
               Total auditor's 
                remuneration                                                290                                    253 
------------------------------------------  -----------------------------------  ------------------------------------- 
 

15. Taxation

Analysis of tax charge recognised in the period:

 
                                                                            2022                                  2021 
                                                                         GBP'000                               GBP'000 
======================================  ========================================  ==================================== 
 
               Current taxation 
                charge/(credit): 
               UK corporation tax on 
                profit/(loss) 
                for the current period                                       586                                     - 
               Adjustments in respect 
                of prior years                                                 -                                     - 
               SME R&D tax relief                                              -                                  (59) 
               Total taxation 
                charge/(credit)                                              586                                  (59) 
 
               Deferred taxation 
                (credit)/charge: 
               Current year                                              (9,043)                                     - 
               Adjustments in respect 
                of prior years                                                 -                                     - 
               Total deferred taxation 
                (credit)/charge                                          (9,043)                                     - 
 
               Total taxation 
                (credit)/charge                                          (8,457)                                  (59) 
--------------------------------------  ----------------------------------------  ------------------------------------ 
 

Reconciliation of profit/(loss) before taxation to total tax credit recognised:

 
                                                                              2022                     2021 
                                                                           GBP'000                  GBP'000 
=========================================================  =======================  ======================= 
 
               Profit/(Loss) on ordinary activities 
                before taxation                                              1,304                  (3,735) 
 
               Taxation on profit/(loss) on ordinary 
                activities at standard corporation tax 
                rate of 19% (2021:19%)                                         248                    (710) 
 
               Effects of: 
               Disallowable expenses                                           118                       50 
               Other short-term timing differences 
                for which no deferred tax asset has 
                been recognised                                                  1                       50 
               Current year losses for which no deferred 
                tax asset has been recognised                                  219                      610 
               Recognition of deferred taxation asset                      (9,043)                        - 
               Total tax (credit)/charge                                   (8,457)                        - 
---------------------------------------------------------  -----------------------  ----------------------- 
 

Current tax on profits reflects UK corporation tax levied at a rate of 19% for the year ended 31 December 2022 (31 December 2021: 19%) and the banking surcharge levied at a rate of 8% on the profits of banking companies chargeable to corporation tax after an allowance of GBP25 million per annum.

Expenses that are not deductible in determining taxable profits/losses include impairment losses, amortisation of intangible assets, depreciation of fixed assets, client and staff entertainment costs, and professional fees which are capital in nature.

On 17 October 2022, the Chancellor of the Exchequer confirmed that the UK corporation tax rate will increase to 25% from 1 April 2023. On 17 November 2022 it was confirmed that the previously enacted reduction in Banking Surcharge to 3%, with an allowance of GBP100m, would proceed, also from 1 April 2023. These enacted tax rates have been used to determine the deferred tax balances at 31 December 2022.

A deferred tax asset is only recognised to the extent the Group finds it probable that the prior taxable losses can be utilised against future taxable profits. As at 31 December 2022, the Group has an estimated unrecognised deferred tax asset of GBP0.7m (31 December 2021: GBP7.3m) from prior taxable losses.

In the year ended 31 December 2022, the Group has recognised a deferred tax asset in respect of future taxable profits. Further detail on the deferred tax is provided in note 25.

16. Property, plant and equipment

 
                                                                                           Furniture, 
                                                         Leasehold                           Fixtures                         Computer                                     Telephony                         Motor 
                                                      Improvements                         & Fittings                         Hardware                              & Communications                      Vehicles                     Total 
                                                           GBP'000                            GBP'000                          GBP'000                                       GBP'000                       GBP'000                   GBP'000 
=========================  =======================================  =================================  ===============================  ============================================  ============================  ======================== 
 
               Cost: 
               As at 1 
                January 
                2021                                            26                                137                              247                                             6                             -                       416 
-------------------------  ---------------------------------------  ---------------------------------  -------------------------------  --------------------------------------------  ----------------------------  ------------------------ 
               Additions                                        10                                 24                               34                                             -                             -                        68 
               Disposals 
               and write 
               offs                                            (3)                                (9)                              (5)                                             -                             -                      (17) 
               As at 31 
               December 
               2021                                             33                                152                              276                                             6                             -                       467 
-------------------------  ---------------------------------------  ---------------------------------  -------------------------------  --------------------------------------------  ----------------------------  ------------------------ 
               Additions                                         -                                  -                               87                                             -                           954                     1,041 
               Disposals 
                and write 
                offs                                          (23)                              (128)                            (204)                                           (6)                             -                     (361) 
               As at 31 
               December 
               2022                                             10                                 24                              159                                             -                           954                     1,147 
-------------------------  ---------------------------------------  ---------------------------------  -------------------------------  --------------------------------------------  ----------------------------  ------------------------ 
 
               Accumulated depreciation: 
               As at 1 
               January 
               2021                                             20                                 99                              152                                             6                             -                       277 
-------------------------  ---------------------------------------  ---------------------------------  -------------------------------  --------------------------------------------  ----------------------------  ------------------------ 
               Charge for 
               the year                                          6                                 34                               65                                             -                             -                       105 
               Disposals 
               and write 
               offs                                            (2)                                (9)                              (3)                                             -                             -                      (14) 
               As at 31 
               December 
               2021                                             24                                124                              214                                             6                             -                       368 
-------------------------  ---------------------------------------  ---------------------------------  -------------------------------  --------------------------------------------  ----------------------------  ------------------------ 
               Charge for 
               the year                                          4                                 16                               59                                             -                            16                        95 
               Disposals 
                and write 
                offs                                          (23)                              (128)                            (204)                                           (6)                             -                     (361) 
               As at 31 
                December 
                2022                                             5                                 12                               69                                             -                            16                       102 
-------------------------  ---------------------------------------  ---------------------------------  -------------------------------  --------------------------------------------  ----------------------------  ------------------------ 
 
               Carrying 
                amount: 
               At 31 
                December 
                2021                                             9                                 28                               62                                             -                             -                        99 
               At 31 
                December 
                2022                                             5                                 12                               90                                             -                           938                     1,045 
-------------------------  ---------------------------------------  ---------------------------------  -------------------------------  --------------------------------------------  ----------------------------  ------------------------ 
 

In the year ended 31 December 2022, the Group wrote off fully depreciated assets of GBP361,000. During the year ended 31 December 2021, the Group wrote off GBP17,000 of assets with a disposal value of GBP3,000.

17. Right-of-use assets

 
                                                                   Buildings 
                                                                     GBP'000 
=========================================  ================================= 
 
               Cost: 
               As at 1 January 2021                                      407 
               Additions                                                 789 
               Disposals and write offs                                    - 
               Lease modifications                                      (58) 
               As at 31 December 2021                                  1,138 
-----------------------------------------  --------------------------------- 
               Additions                                                   4 
               Disposals and write offs                                    - 
               Lease modifications                                        11 
               As at 31 December 2022                                  1,153 
-----------------------------------------  --------------------------------- 
 
               Accumulated depreciation: 
               At 1 January 2021                                         343 
               Charge for the year                                       154 
               Disposals and write offs                                    - 
               At 31 December 2021                                       497 
-----------------------------------------  --------------------------------- 
               Charge for the year                                       223 
               Disposals and write offs                                    - 
               At 31 December 2022                                       720 
-----------------------------------------  --------------------------------- 
 
               Carrying amount: 
               At 31 December 2021                                       641 
               At 31 December 2022                                       433 
-----------------------------------------  --------------------------------- 
 

During the year ended 31 December 2022, the Group is engaged in leasing agreements for office premises, motor vehicles and IT equipment. IT equipment leases are low in value and the Motor Vehicles are leased for a term of less than 12 months, resultantly, the Group have opted not to classify these leases as right-of-use assets.

During the year ended 31 December 2022, a lease modification of GBP11,000 was recognised due changes in rental payments due to inflationary price increases and an extension of 1-month for the Group's London Office, for which the lease agreement terminated on 31 January 2023.

The maturity analysis of lease liabilities is presented in note 32.

Amounts recognised in the income statement:

 
                                                                               2022                               2021 
                                                                            GBP'000                            GBP'000 
=================================================  ================================  ================================= 
 
               Depreciation expense on 
                right-of-use 
                assets                                                          223                                154 
               Interest expense on lease 
                liabilities                                                      21                                 19 
               Expense relating to short-term 
                leases                                                           44                                  - 
               Expense relating to leases of low 
                value 
                assets                                                            6                                  6 
               Expenses relating to variable 
                lease 
                payments not included in 
                measurement 
                of lease liability                                               90                                 92 
               Total amounts recognised in the 
                income 
                statement                                                       384                                271 
-------------------------------------------------  --------------------------------  --------------------------------- 
 

Some of the property leases in which the Group is the lessee contain variable lease payment terms relating to service charges and insurance costs which are included within the contractual terms of the lease agreement. The breakdown of the lease payments for these property leases are as follows:

 
                                                                 2022                             2021 
                                                              GBP'000                          GBP'000 
====================================  ===============================  =============================== 
 
               Buildings: 
               Fixed payments                                     141                              147 
               Variable payments                                   98                               73 
               Total lease payments                               239                              220 
------------------------------------  -------------------------------  ------------------------------- 
 

1 8 . Intangible assets

 
                                                                              Computer Software 
                                                                                        GBP'000 
====================================================  ========================================= 
 
               Cost: 
               At 1 January 2021                                                          1,189 
----------------------------------------------------  ----------------------------------------- 
               Additions from internal development                                          280 
               Additions from separate acquisitions                                         306 
               Disposals and write offs                                                       - 
----------------------------------------------------  ----------------------------------------- 
               At 31 December 2021                                                        1,775 
----------------------------------------------------  ----------------------------------------- 
               Additions from internal development                                          193 
               Additions from separate acquisitions                                           - 
               Disposals and write offs                                                    (27) 
----------------------------------------------------  ----------------------------------------- 
               At 31 December 2022                                                        1,941 
----------------------------------------------------  ----------------------------------------- 
 
               Accumulated amortisation: 
               At 1 January 2021                                                            395 
----------------------------------------------------  ----------------------------------------- 
               Charge for the year                                                          314 
               Disposals and write offs                                                       - 
----------------------------------------------------  ----------------------------------------- 
               At 31 December 2021                                                          709 
----------------------------------------------------  ----------------------------------------- 
               Charge for the year                                                          382 
               Disposals and write offs                                                    (27) 
----------------------------------------------------  ----------------------------------------- 
               At 31 December 2022                                                        1,064 
----------------------------------------------------  ----------------------------------------- 
 
               Carrying amount: 
               At 31 December 2021                                                        1,066 
----------------------------------------------------  ----------------------------------------- 
               At 31 December 2022                                                          877 
----------------------------------------------------  ----------------------------------------- 
 

In the year ended 31 December 2022, the Group capitalised GBP172,000 (2021: GBP152,000) of consultancy costs, GBPnil of third-party purchased software (2021: GBP35,000) and GBP21,000 (2021: GBP93,000) of employee costs in relation to the development of software platforms aimed at improving the commercial lending processes, customer journey for commercial clients and development of retail customer deposits platform. The amortisation period for these software costs is within a range of 3-5 years following an individual assessment of the asset's expected life. The Group performed an impairment review at 31 December 2022 and concluded an impairment of GBPnil (2021: GBPnil).

In the year ended 31 December 2022, the Group wrote off fully depreciated intangible assets of GBP27,000 (2021: GBPNil).

19. Loans and advances to customers

 
                                                                         2022                                     2021 
                                                                      GBP'000                                  GBP'000 
=========================================  ==================================  ======================================= 
 
               Gross carrying amount                                  441,284                                  249,454 
               Less: impairment allowance                             (3,720)                                  (1,718) 
               Less: effective interest 
                rate adjustment                                       (1,681)                                    (531) 
               Total loans and advances 
                to customers                                          435,883                                  247,205 
-----------------------------------------  ----------------------------------  --------------------------------------- 
 

Refer to note 36 for details on the expected maturity analysis of the gross loans receivable balance.

Refer to note 13 and 36 for further details on the impairment losses recognised in the periods.

Ageing analysis of gross loan receivables:

 
                                                                       2022                                       2021 
                                                                    GBP'000                                    GBP'000 
===================================  ======================================  ========================================= 
 
               Not in default: 
               Not yet past due                                     422,845                                    247,974 
               Past due: 1 - 30 
                days                                                    136                                        105 
               Past due: 31 - 60 
                days                                                  1,074                                        834 
               Past due: 61 - 90 
                days                                                     25                                          - 
               Past due: 90+ days                                         -                                          - 
-----------------------------------  --------------------------------------  ----------------------------------------- 
                                                                    424,080                                    248,913 
 
               Defaulted: 
               Not yet past due and 
                past due 1 
                - 90 days                                            11,319                                        377 
               Past due 90+ days                                      5,885                                        164 
-----------------------------------  --------------------------------------  ----------------------------------------- 
                                                                     17,204                                        541 
 
               Total gross loan 
                receivables                                         441,284                                    249,454 
-----------------------------------  --------------------------------------  ----------------------------------------- 
 

Analysis of gross loans and advances to customers:

 
                                                                                  Stage                    Stage 
                                                      Stage 1                         2                        3                    Total 
                                                      GBP'000                   GBP'000                  GBP'000                  GBP'000 
===================================  ========================  ========================  =======================  ======================= 
 
               As at 1 January 2022                   239,327                     9,585                      542                  249,454 
-----------------------------------  ------------------------  ------------------------  -----------------------  ----------------------- 
 
               Transfer to Stage 1                      6,920                   (6,597)                    (323)                        - 
               Transfer to Stage 2                   (29,077)                    29,081                      (4)                        - 
               Transfer to Stage 3                    (1,731)                  (16,739)                   18,470                        - 
               Net 
                lending/(repayment)                   195,333                   (2,007)                  (1,310)                  192,016 
               Write-offs                                (16)                         -                    (170)                    (186) 
-----------------------------------  ------------------------  ------------------------  -----------------------  ----------------------- 
               Total movement in 
                gross loan 
                receivables                           171,429                     3,738                   16,663                  191,830 
 
               As at 31 December 
                2022                                  410,756                    13,323                   17,205                  441,284 
-----------------------------------  ------------------------  ------------------------  -----------------------  ----------------------- 
 
               Loss allowance 
                coverage at 
                31 December 2022                        0.47%                     0.63%                    9.84%                    0.84% 
 
 
                                                        Stage                     Stage                   Stage 
                                                            1                         2                       3                   Total 
                                                      GBP'000                   GBP'000                 GBP'000                 GBP'000 
===================================  ========================  ========================  ======================  ====================== 
               As at 1 January 2021                   103,823                     8,726                     710                 113,259 
-----------------------------------  ------------------------  ------------------------  ----------------------  ---------------------- 
 
               Transfer to Stage 1                      2,038                   (2,038)                       -                       - 
               Transfer to Stage 2                   (19,388)                    19,388                       -                       - 
               Transfer to Stage 3                      (134)                     (569)                     703                       - 
               Net 
                lending/(repayment)                   152,993                  (15,922)                   (778)                 136,293 
               Write-offs                                 (5)                         -                    (93)                    (98) 
-----------------------------------  ------------------------  ------------------------  ----------------------  ---------------------- 
               Total movement in 
                gross loan 
                receivables                           135,504                       859                   (168)                 136,195 
 
               As at 31 December 
                2021                                  239,327                     9,585                     542                 249,454 
-----------------------------------  ------------------------  ------------------------  ----------------------  ---------------------- 
 
               Loss allowance 
                coverage at 31 
                December 2021                           0.48%                     1.62%                  77.68%                   0.69% 
 

Analysis of impairment losses on loans and advances to customers:

 
                                                      Stage                   Stage                   Stage 
                                                          1                       2                       3                   Total 
                                                    GBP'000                 GBP'000                 GBP'000                 GBP'000 
===================================  ======================  ======================  ======================  ====================== 
 
               As at 1 January 2022                   1,142                     155                     421                   1,718 
-----------------------------------  ----------------------  ----------------------  ----------------------  ---------------------- 
 
               Transfer to Stage 1                       76                    (73)                     (3)                       - 
               Transfer to Stage 2                    (146)                     146                       -                       - 
               Transfer to Stage 3                     (13)                   (421)                     434                       - 
               Remeasurement of 
                impairment 
                allowance                              (24)                     143                   1,028                   1,147 
               Net 
                lending/(repayment)                     908                     134                    (17)                   1,025 
               Write-offs                                 -                       -                   (170)                   (170) 
-----------------------------------  ----------------------  ----------------------  ----------------------  ---------------------- 
               Total movement in 
                loss allowance                          801                    (71)                   1,272                   2,002 
 
               As at 31 December 
                2022                                  1,943                      84                   1,693                   3,720 
-----------------------------------  ----------------------  ----------------------  ----------------------  ---------------------- 
 
 
 
                                                      Stage                   Stage                   Stage 
                                                          1                       2                       3                   Total 
                                                    GBP'000                 GBP'000                 GBP'000                 GBP'000 
===================================  ======================  ======================  ======================  ====================== 
 
               As at 1 January 2021                     645                      49                     594                   1,288 
-----------------------------------  ----------------------  ----------------------  ----------------------  ---------------------- 
 
               Transfer to Stage 1                       20                    (20)                       -                       - 
               Transfer to Stage 2                    (139)                     139                       -                       - 
               Transfer to Stage 3                        -                     (1)                       1                       - 
               Remeasurement of 
                impairment 
                allowance                              (13)                      93                      77                     157 
               Net 
                lending/(repayment)                     629                   (105)                   (175)                     349 
               Write-offs                                 -                       -                    (76)                    (76) 
-----------------------------------  ----------------------  ----------------------  ----------------------  ---------------------- 
               Total movement in 
                loss allowance                          497                     106                   (173)                     430 
 
               As at 31 December 
                2021                                  1,142                     155                     421                   1,718 
-----------------------------------  ----------------------  ----------------------  ----------------------  ---------------------- 
 

20. Debt securities

 
                                                                               2022                               2021 
                                                                            GBP'000                            GBP'000 
=================================================  ================================  ================================= 
 
               FVOCI debt securities: 
               Treasury bills                                                     -                             53,085 
               UK government gilts                                           22,964                             55,782 
               Total FVOCI debt securities                                   22,964                            108,867 
-------------------------------------------------  --------------------------------  --------------------------------- 
 
               Analysis of movements during the year: 
               At 1 January                                                 108,867                             66,601 
-------------------------------------------------  --------------------------------  --------------------------------- 
               Purchased debt securities                                          -                            350,980 
               Proceeds from sold or maturing 
                securities                                                 (85,070)                          (307,955) 
               Coupons received                                               (746)                              (549) 
               Interest income                                                    9                               (42) 
               Realised gains/losses                                           (17)                                (3) 
               Unrealised losses                                               (96)                              (165) 
               Amounts transferred to the income 
                statement                                                        17                                  - 
               At 31 December                                                22,964                            108,867 
-------------------------------------------------  --------------------------------  --------------------------------- 
 
               Maturity profile of debt 
                securities: 
               Within 12 months                                              22,964                             24,602 
               Over 12 months                                                     -                             84,265 
-------------------------------------------------  --------------------------------  --------------------------------- 
 

The securities are valued at fair value through other comprehensive income ("FVTOCI") using closing bid prices at the reporting date.

In accordance with IFRS 9, all debt securities were assessed for impairment and treated as Stage 1 assets in both reporting periods.

Refer to note 36 for details of the maturity profile of these securities.

21. Derivatives

The table below reconciles the gross amount of derivative contracts to the carrying balance shown in the Consolidated statement of financial position:

 
                                                                                                            Net amount 
                                                                                                          of financial                        Cash collateral 
                                                                                                assets / (liabilities)                      paid / (received) 
                                                           Gross amount                                   presented in                             not offset 
                                                          of recognised                                  the Statement                       in the Statement 
                                                              financial                                   of Financial                           of Financial 
                                                 assets / (liabilities)                                       Position                               Position                      Net amount 
                                                                GBP'000                                        GBP'000                                GBP'000                         GBP'000 
----------------------------  =========================================  =============================================  =====================================  ============================== 
 
               31 December 
               2022 
               Derivative 
               assets: 
               Interest rate 
                risk 
                hedging                                            57                                               57                                   (28)                              29 
 
               Derivative liabilities: 
               Interest rate 
                risk 
                hedging                                           (42)                                            (42)                                    98                               56 
 
 

In the year ended 31 December 2021, the Group entered into an International Swaps and Derivatives Association (ISDA) agreement with a broker to enable the Group to transact in derivative instruments for managing interest rate risk. However, no swap agreements were executed until 2022, resultantly, there is no comparatives presented for the year ended 31 December 2021.

All derivative instruments which have been entered into are transacted against SONIA.

Derivative assets and liabilities include a variation margin of GBP70,000 with swap counterparties. Further, the Group holds GBP500,000 of independent collateral with banks for the swap facility, which is not included within the above table. See note 26 for the balance of cash collateral held with banks.

The table below profiles the maturity of nominal amounts for interest rate risk hedging derivatives based on contractual maturity:

 
                                                                        Less 
                                               Total                    than                                                                    More 
                                             nominal                       3                  3 - 12                   1 - 5                  than 5 
                                              amount                  months                  months                   years                   years 
                                             GBP'000                 GBP'000                 GBP'000                 GBP'000                 GBP'000 
---------------------------  =======================  ======================  ======================  ======================  ====================== 
 
               31 December 
               2022 
               Derivative 
                assets                        70,000                       -                  30,000                  40,000                       - 
               Derivative 
                liabilities                   20,000                   5,000                       -                  15,000                       - 
                                              90,000                   5,000                  30,000                  55,000                       - 
---------------------------  -----------------------  ----------------------  ----------------------  ----------------------  ---------------------- 
 

The Group has 6 (2021: Nil) derivative contracts with an average fixed rate of 4.21% (2021: n.a).

22. Hedge Accounting

 
                                                                    2022                                             2021 
                                                                 GBP'000                                          GBP'000 
-----------------------------  =========================================  =============================================== 
 
               Hedged 
                liabilities: 
               Current hedge 
                relationships                                       (77)                                                - 
               Swap inception 
                adjustment                                           (7)                                                - 
               Fair value 
                adjustments 
                on hedged 
                liabilities                                         (84)                                                - 
-----------------------------  -----------------------------------------  ----------------------------------------------- 
 

As at the year ended 31 December 2022, the Group presently only hedges liabilities in the form of its customer deposits. The Group does not hedge its loans and advances to customers given these assets are expected to reprice within a short time frame. Refer to note 36 for further details on the Group's interest rate risk management.

The swap inception adjustment relates to hedge accounting adjustments arising when hedge accounting commences, primarily on derivative instruments previously taken out against new retail deposits.

At present, the Group expects its hedging relationships to be highly effective as the Group hedges fixed term deposit accounts for which the fair value movements between the hedged item and hedging instrument are expected to be highly correlated. Further, the Group does not anticipate having to rebalance the relationship once entered into due to the contractual terms of the fixed term deposits with depositors. In the year ended 31 December 2022, there has been no cancelled or de-designated hedge relationships due to failed hedge accounting relationships.

The tables below analyse the Group's portfolio hedge accounting for fixed rate amounts owed to retail depositors:

 
                                                            2022                                               2021 
                              =================================================  ================================================= 
                                              Hedged                    Hedging                  Hedged                    Hedging 
                                                item                 instrument                    item                 instrument 
                                             GBP'000                    GBP'000                 GBP'000                    GBP'000 
============================  ======================  =========================  ======================  ========================= 
 
               Customer 
                deposits: 
               Carrying 
                amount of 
                hedged 
                item/nominal 
                value of 
                hedging 
                instrument                    90,505                     90,000                       -                          - 
               Cumulative 
                fair value 
                adjustments                     (84)                          -                       -                          - 
               Fair value 
                adjustments 
                for the 
                period                          (84)                          -                       -                          - 
----------------------------  ----------------------  -------------------------  ----------------------  ------------------------- 
 

In the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position, GBP57,000 (2021: GBPnil) of hedging instruments were recognised within derivative assets; and GBP42,000 (2021: GBPnil) within derivative liabilities.

23. Trade and other receivables

 
                                                                              2022                                2021 
                                                                           GBP'000                             GBP'000 
=============================================  ===================================  ================================== 
 
               Trade receivables                                               850                                 355 
               Impairment allowance                                          (101)                                (75) 
---------------------------------------------  -----------------------------------  ---------------------------------- 
                                                                               749                                 280 
 
               Other debtors                                                   273                                 278 
               Accrued Income                                                   94                                 192 
               Prepayments                                                     408                                 324 
---------------------------------------------  -----------------------------------  ---------------------------------- 
                                                                               775                                 794 
 
               Total trade and other 
                receivables                                                  1,524                               1,074 
---------------------------------------------  -----------------------------------  ---------------------------------- 
 

All trade receivables are due within one year, refer to note 36 for the expected maturity profile.

The trade receivable balances are assessed for expected credit losses (ECL) under the 'simplified approach', which requires the Group to assess all balances for lifetime ECLs and is not required to assess significant increases in credit risk.

Ageing analysis of trade receivables:

 
                                                                             2022                                 2021 
                                                                          GBP'000                              GBP'000 
==========================================  =====================================  =================================== 
 
               Not in default: 
               Not yet past due                                               563                                  276 
               Past due: 1 - 30 days                                           27                                    7 
               Past due: 31 - 60 days                                           2                                    1 
               Past due: 61 - 90 days                                           -                                    - 
               Past due: 90+ days                                               -                                    - 
------------------------------------------  -------------------------------------  ----------------------------------- 
                                                                              592                                  284 
               Defaulted: 
               Not yet past due and past 
                due 1 - 90 
                days                                                          194                                   10 
               Past due 90+ days                                               64                                   61 
------------------------------------------  -------------------------------------  ----------------------------------- 
                                                                              258                                   71 
 
               Total gross trade 
                receivables                                                   850                                  355 
------------------------------------------  -------------------------------------  ----------------------------------- 
 

Analysis of movement of impairment losses on trade receivables:

 
                                                                             2022                                 2021 
                                                                          GBP'000                              GBP'000 
==========================================  =====================================  =================================== 
 
               Balance at 1 January                                            75                                  121 
------------------------------------------  -------------------------------------  ----------------------------------- 
 
               Amounts written off                                           (19)                                 (26) 
               Amounts recovered                                                -                                    - 
               Change in loss allowance 
                due to new 
                trade and other 
                receivables originated 
                net of those derecognised 
                due to settlement                                              45                                 (20) 
               Balance at 31 December                                         101                                   75 
------------------------------------------  -------------------------------------  ----------------------------------- 
 

24. Current taxation asset

 
                                                                            2022                                  2021 
                                                                         GBP'000                               GBP'000 
=======================================  =======================================  ==================================== 
 
               At 1 January                                                   59                                     - 
               (Charge)/credit to 
                profit and loss account                                    (586)                                    59 
               Repayments                                                      4                                     - 
               Adjustments in respect 
                of prior years                                                 -                                     - 
               Utilisation of deferred 
                taxation asset                                               586                                     - 
               At 31 December                                                 55                                    59 
---------------------------------------  ---------------------------------------  ------------------------------------ 
 

As detailed in note 1.4 of these consolidated financial statements, the Group elected to reclassify a taxation asset of GBP59,000 in the year ended 31 December 2021 from trade and other receivables into current taxation asset within the statement of financial position.

Refer to note 25 for further details of the deferred taxation asset.

25. Deferred taxation asset

Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognised on temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities in the balance sheet and the amounts attributed to such assets and liabilities for tax purposes. Deferred tax liabilities are generally recognised for all taxable temporary differences and deferred tax assets are recognised to the extent it is probable that future taxable profits will be available against which deductible temporary differences can be utilised. Deferred tax is determined using tax rates and legislation in force at the balance sheet date and is expected to apply when the deferred tax asset is realised, or the deferred tax liability is settled.

Refer to note 3 of these consolidated financial statements for critical accounting judgements in regards to the recognition of a deferred taxation asset.

The table below shows the movement in net deferred tax assets:

 
                                                                            2022                                  2021 
                                                                         GBP'000                               GBP'000 
======================================  ========================================  ==================================== 
 
               At 1 January                                                    -                                     - 
               Credit/(charge) to 
                profit and loss 
                account                                                    8,457                                     - 
               Adjustments in respect 
                of prior years                                                 -                                     - 
               At 31 December                                              8,457                                     - 
--------------------------------------  ----------------------------------------  ------------------------------------ 
 

See below for an analysis of the deferred taxation asset balance:

 
                                                                            2022                                  2021 
                                                                         GBP'000                               GBP'000 
=======================================  =======================================  ==================================== 
 
               Losses                                                      8,730                                     - 
               Short term timing 
                differences                                                    8                                     - 
               Fixed assets                                                (281)                                     - 
               Deferred taxation asset                                     8,457                                     - 
---------------------------------------  ---------------------------------------  ------------------------------------ 
 

The Group has recognised a deferred tax asset in relation to tax losses carried forward of GBP35m, short term timing difference of GBP30,000, and a deferred tax liability in relation to tangible fixed assets of GBP1.1m.

The Group has an unrecognised deferred tax asset value of GBP0.7m (2021:GBP7.3m) which is not expected to be utilised for the foreseeable future.

On 17 October 2022, the Chancellor of the Exchequer confirmed that the UK corporation tax rate will increase to 25% from 1 April 2023. On 17 November 2022 it was confirmed that the previously enacted reduction in Banking Surcharge to 3%, with an allowance of GBP100m, would proceed, also from 1 April 2023. These enacted tax rates have been used to determine the deferred tax balances at 31 December 2022.

26. Loans and advances to banks

 
                                                                              2022                               2021 
                                                                           GBP'000                            GBP'000 
======================================================  ==========================  ================================= 
 
               Included in cash and cash equivalents: 
                balances with less than three months 
                to maturity at inception                                     3,277                             29,597 
               Cash collateral on derivatives placed 
                with banks                                                     571                                  - 
               Total loans and advances to banks                             3,848                             29,597 
------------------------------------------------------  --------------------------  --------------------------------- 
 

As detailed in note 1.4 of these consolidated financial statements, the Group elected to reclassify cash and cash equivalents of GBP29,597,000 in the year ended 31 December 2021 from cash and cash equivalents into loans and advances to banks within the statement of financial position. This change is prompted by the Group having cash and balances at central banks.

The cash and cash equivalents balances are included in the consolidated cash flow statement as detailed further in note 27.

In the year ended 31 December 2022, the Group began transacting in derivative instruments to manage interest rate risk for which the cash collateral on derivatives placed with banks solely relates to. The cash collateral on derivatives placed with banks is recognised on a net basis. Refer to note 21 for further details on derivative instruments.

27. Notes to the cash flow statement

See below for reconciliation of balances classified as cash and cash equivalents, which are recognised within the consolidated cash flow statement:

 
                                                                                 2022                            2021 
                                                                              GBP'000                         GBP'000 
--------------------------------------------------  ---------------------------------  ------------------------------ 
 
               Cash and balances at central banks                             107,353                               - 
               Loans and advances to banks                                      3,277                          29,597 
               Total cash and cash equivalents                                110,630                          29,597 
--------------------------------------------------  ---------------------------------  ------------------------------ 
 

Adjustments for non-cash items and other adjustments included in the income statement:

 
                                                                                       2022                                    2021 
                                             Note                                   GBP'000                                 GBP'000 
============================  ===================  ========================================  ====================================== 
 
               Depreciation 
                of property, 
                plant 
                and 
                equipment                     16                                         95                                     105 
               Depreciation 
                of 
                right-of-use 
                assets                        17                                        223                                     154 
               Loss on 
                disposal of 
                property, 
                plant 
                and 
                equipment                     16                                          -                                       3 
               Amortisation 
                of 
                intangible 
                assets                        18                                        382                                     314 
               Loss on 
                disposal of 
                intangible 
                assets                        18                                          -                                       - 
               Share based 
                payments                      9                                         499                                     362 
               Impairment 
                allowances 
                on 
                receivables                   13                                      2,296                                     556 
               Movement in 
                other 
                provisions                    12                                          4                                    (10) 
               Interest 
                income on 
                debt 
                securities                    20                                        (9)                                      42 
               Finance costs                  11                                         21                                      19 
               Unwind of 
                discount                      12                                          4                                       3 
               Interest in 
                suspense                                                              1,149                                   (102) 
               Total 
                non-cash 
                items and 
                other 
                adjustments                                                           4,664                                   1,446 
----------------------------  -------------------  ----------------------------------------  -------------------------------------- 
 

Net change in operating assets:

 
                                                                               2022                             2021 
                                                                            GBP'000                          GBP'000 
 =======================================================  =========================  =============================== 
 
               Increase in loans and advances to 
                customers                                                 (190,709)                        (136,202) 
               Derivative financial instruments                                (57)                                - 
               Increase in other assets                                     (2,423)                             (42) 
               Increase in operating assets                               (193,189)                        (136,244) 
--------------------------------------------------------  -------------------------  ------------------------------- 
 

Net change in operating liabilities:

 
                                                                        2022                                    2021 
                                                                     GBP'000                                 GBP'000 
 ==================================================  =======================  ====================================== 
 
               Increase in customer deposits                         182,879                                 150,874 
               Derivative financial instruments                           42                                       - 
               Fair value adjustments for portfolio 
                hedged risk                                             (84)                                       - 
               Increase in other liabilities                             972                                     837 
               Repayment of financial liabilities                          -                                       - 
               Increase in operating liabilities                     183,809                                 151,711 
---------------------------------------------------  -----------------------  -------------------------------------- 
 

Changes in liabilities arising from financing activities:

The table below details changes in the Group's liabilities arising from financing activities, including both cash and non-cash changes. Liabilities arising from financing activities are those for which cash flows were, or future cash flows will be, classified in the Group's consolidated cash flow statement as cash flows from financing activities.

 
                                                                      2022                                                                       2021 
                              =====================================================================  ============================================================================== 
                                                  Lease liabilities                                                      Lease liabilities 
                                                          (see note                                                              (see note 
                                                                32)                           Total                                    32)                                    Total 
                                                            GBP'000                         GBP'000                                GBP'000                                  GBP'000 
============================  =====================================  ==============================  =====================================  ======================================= 
 
               At 1 January                                     504                             504                                     57                                       57 
----------------------------  -------------------------------------  ------------------------------  -------------------------------------  --------------------------------------- 
 
               Financing 
                cash flows: 
               Interest 
                payments                                      (141)                           (141)                                  (147)                                    (147) 
               Non-cash 
                movements: 
               Recognition 
                of lease 
                liabilities                                       -                               -                                    604                                      604 
               Interest 
                expense on 
                lease 
                liabilities                                      21                              21                                     19                                       19 
               Lease 
                modification                                     11                              11                                   (29)                                     (29) 
               At 31 
                December 
                2022                                            395                             395                                    504                                      504 
----------------------------  -------------------------------------  ------------------------------  -------------------------------------  --------------------------------------- 
 

28. Investment in subsidiaries

 
                                                                                                 Class                        Country 
                                          Principal                 Shareholding                 of                           of                            Registered 
               Subsidiary                  Activity                  %                           shareholding                 incorporation                 Address 
=========================  ========================  ===========================  ===========================  ============================  ========================== 
 
                                                                                                                                                            St James' 
                                                                                                                                                            Building, 
                                                                                                                                                            61-95 
               DF Capital                                                                                                                                   Oxford St, 
               Bank                       Financial                                                                                                         Manchester, 
               Limited                     Services                 100%                         Ordinary                     UK                            M1 6EJ 
 

During the year ended 31 December 2022, there were no changes to the ownership of subsidiaries of the Group (2021: none).

29. Equity

 
                                                     2022                          2021                    2022                    2021 
                                                      No.                           No.                 GBP'000                 GBP'000 
===========================  ============================  ============================  ======================  ====================== 
 
               Authorised: 
               Ordinary 
                shares of 
                1p each                       179,369,199                   179,369,199                   1,793                   1,793 
               Allotted, 
                issued and 
                fully paid: 
                Ordinary 
                shares of 
                1p each                       179,369,199                   179,369,199                   1,793                   1,793 
 

Analysis of the movements in equity:

 
                                                                          No. of                 Issue                   Share                   Share                  Merger 
                                                Date                      shares                 Price                 Capital                 Premium                  Relief                   Total 
                                                                               #                   GBP                 GBP'000                 GBP'000                 GBP'000                 GBP'000 
=========================  =========================  ==========================  ====================  ======================  ======================  ======================  ====================== 
 
               At 1 January 2021                                     106,641,926                                         1,066                       -                  94,911                  95,977 
====================================================  ==========================  ====================  ======================  ======================  ======================  ====================== 
 
               Issue of 
                new 
                shares                     22-Feb-21                  72,727,273                  0.55                     727                  39,273                       -                  40,000 
 
               At 31 December 2021                                   179,369,199                                         1,793                  39,273                  94,911                 135,977 
----------------------------------------------------  --------------------------  --------------------  ----------------------  ----------------------  ----------------------  ---------------------- 
 
               No 
               movements 
               in the 
               year 
 
               At 31 December 2022                                   179,369,199                                         1,793                  39,273                  94,911                 135,977 
----------------------------------------------------  --------------------------  --------------------  ----------------------  ----------------------  ----------------------  ---------------------- 
 

30. Own shares

At 31 December 2022 the Group's Employee Benefit Trust held 2,963,283 (2021: 2,963,283) ordinary shares in Distribution Finance Capital Holdings plc to meet obligations under the Company's share and share option plans. The shares are stated at cost and their market value at 31 December 2022 was GBP992,700 (2021: GBP1,452,009).

 
                                                         2022                                                     2021 
                                                      GBP'000                                                  GBP'000 
 
               At 1 
                January                                 (364)                                                    (364) 
               Employee 
                Benefit 
                Trust                                       -                                                        - 
               At 31 
                December                                (364)                                                    (364) 
 

31. Merger reserve

There were no movements relating to the merger reserve account during years ended 31 December 2022 and 31 December 2021.

32. Lease liabilities

 
                                                                  2022                             2021 
                                                               GBP'000                          GBP'000 
 
               At 1 January                                        504                               57 
               Initial recognition                                   -                              604 
               Interest expense                                     21                               19 
               Interest payments                                 (141)                            (147) 
               Lease modification                                   11                             (29) 
               At 31 December                                      395                              504 
 

During the year ended 31 December 2022, a lease modification of GBP11,000 was recognised due changes in rental payments due to inflationary price increases and an extension of 1-month for the Group's London Office, for which the lease agreement terminated on 31 January 2023.

The fair value of the Group's lease obligations as at 31 December 2021 is estimated to be GBP394,681 (2021: GBP503,816) using a 5% discount rate. The 5% discount rate is equivalent to the Group's incremental borrowing rate which would be incurred for the financing of a similar asset under similar terms as the lease arrangement.

The Group does not face a significant liquidity risk with regard to its lease liabilities. Lease liabilities are monitored within the Group's treasury function.

All lease obligations are denominated in currency units.

The maturity analysis of lease liabilities is as follows:

 
                                                                      2022                               2021 
                                                                   GBP'000                            GBP'000 
 
               Analysed as: 
               Non-current                                             145                                109 
               Current                                                 250                                395 
                                                                       395                                504 
 
               Maturity analysis: 
               Year 1                                                  162                                131 
               Year 2                                                  184                                161 
               Year 3                                                   79                                184 
               Year 4                                                    -                                 79 
               Year 5                                                    -                                  - 
               Onwards                                                   -                                  - 
                                                                       425                                555 
 
               Less: unearned interest                                (30)                               (51) 
 
               Total lease liabilities                                 395                                504 
 

33. Customer deposits

 
                                                                                2022                              2021 
                                                                             GBP'000                           GBP'000 
 
               Retail deposits                                               479,736                           296,856 
               Total customer deposits                                       479,736                           296,856 
 
               Amounts repayable within one 
                year                                                         364,674                           249,930 
               Amounts repayable after one 
                year                                                         115,062                            46,926 
                                                                             479,736                           296,856 
 

Refer to note 36 for the maturity profile of the customer deposit balances.

34. Financial liabilities

 
                                                                            2022                                2021 
                                                                         GBP'000                             GBP'000 
 
               Lease liabilities                                             395                                 504 
               Preference Shares                                              50                                  50 
               Total financial liabilities                                   445                                 554 
 

Lease liabilities:

See note 32 for further details on the lease liabilities of the Group.

Preference shares:

In April 2019, a sole member decision was granted the allocation of 50,000 non-voting paid up redeemable preference shares of GBP1.00 each. The preference shares have no attached interest rate, dividends or return on capital. These preference shares are deemed as paid in full with the Director undertaking to pay the consideration of the preference shares by 1 April 2024. The preference shares have no contractual maturity date but will be redeemed in the future out of the proceeds of any issue of new ordinary shares by the Company or when it has available distributable profits. Given these characteristics the preference shares are recognised as a non-current liability with no equity component.

The maturity profile of the financial liabilities are as follows:

 
                                                                           2022                               2021 
                                                                        GBP'000                            GBP'000 
 
               Current liabilities                                          145                                109 
               Non-current liabilities                                      300                                445 
               Total financial liabilities                                  445                                554 
 

Reconciliation of movement in financial liabilities:

 
                                                          Preference 
                                                              shares                    Lease liabilities                               Total 
                                                             GBP'000                              GBP'000                             GBP'000 
 
               Balance at 1 
                January 2021                                      50                                   57                                 107 
               Financing cash 
               flows: 
               Repayment of 
                lease 
                liabilities                                        -                                (147)                               (147) 
                                                                   -                                (147)                               (147) 
               Non-cash 
               movements: 
               Additions                                           -                                  604                                 604 
               Interest 
                expense                                            -                                   19                                  19 
               Lease 
                modifications                                      -                                 (29)                                (29) 
                                                                   -                                  594                                 594 
 
               Balance at 31 
                December 2021                                     50                                  504                                 554 
 
               Financing cash 
               flows: 
               Repayment of 
                lease 
                liabilities                                        -                                (141)                               (141) 
                                                                   -                                (141)                               (141) 
               Non-cash 
               movements: 
               Interest 
                expense                                            -                                   21                                  21 
               Lease 
                modifications                                      -                                   11                                  11 
                                                                   -                                   32                                  32 
 
               Balance at 31 
                December 2022                                     50                                  395                                 445 
 

35. Trade and other payables

 
                                                                             2022                             2021 
                                                                          GBP'000                          GBP'000 
 
               Current liabilities: 
               Trade payables                                                 218                              282 
               Social security and other taxes                                360                              275 
               Other creditors                                              2,993                            2,422 
               Accruals                                                     2,446                            2,032 
               Total current liabilities                                    6,017                            5,010 
 
               Non-current liabilities: 
               Social security and other taxes                                 24                               57 
               Total non-current liabilities                                   24                               57 
 
               Total trade and other payables                               6,041                            5,067 
 

36. Financial instruments

The Directors have performed an assessment of the risks affecting the Group through its use of financial instruments and believe the principal risks to be: Treasury (covering capital management, liquidity and interest rate risk); and Credit risk.

This note describes the Group's objectives, policies and processes for managing the material risks and the methods used to measure them. The significant accounting policies regarding financial instruments are disclosed in note 2.

Capital management

The Group manages its capital to ensure that it will be able to continue as a going concern while providing an adequate return to shareholders.

The capital structure of the Group consists of financial liabilities (see note 34) and equity (comprising issued capital, merger relief, reserves, own shares and retained earnings - see notes 29 to 31).

As a regulated banking Group, the Group is required by the Prudential Regulation Authority (PRA) to hold sufficient regulatory capital. The Group is required by the PRA to conduct an Internal Capital Adequacy Assessment Process ("ICAAP") to assess the appropriate amount of regulatory capital to be held by the Group as a measure of its risk weighted assets ("RWAs"), in accordance with the Group's risk management framework. The ICAAP identifies all key risks to the Bank and how the Group manages these risks. The document outlines the capital resources of the Group, its perceived capital requirements, and capital adequacy over a 3-year period. Within this process the Group conducts a stress testing process to identify key risks, the potential capital requirements and whether the Group has sufficient capital buffers to sustain such events. The Group uses the Standardised Approach (SA) for calculating the capital requirements for credit risk, and Counterparty Credit Risk (SA-CCR) and the Basic Indicator Approach (BIA) for operational risk. The ICAAP is approved by the Group Board at least annually.

The regulatory capital resources of the Group were as follows:

 
                                                                                2022                              2021 
                                                                             GBP'000                           GBP'000 
 
               CET1 capital: instruments and 
                reserves 
               Called up share capital                                         1,793                             1,793 
               Share premium accounts                                         39,273                            39,273 
               Retained earnings account                                    (28,447)                          (28,946) 
               Accumulated other comprehensive 
                income 
                & other reserves                                              83,620                            73,939 
               CET1 capital before regulatory 
                adjustments                                                   96,239                            86,059 
 
               CET1 capital: regulatory adjustments 
               Intangible assets                                               (877)                           (1,066) 
               Investment in own shares                                      (2,303)                           (2,303) 
               Prudent valuation adjustment                                     (23)                                 - 
               Deferred tax asset                                            (8,457)                                 - 
               CET1 capital                                                   84,579                            82,690 
 
               T1 capital                                                     84,579                            82,690 
 
               Total regulatory capital                                       84,579                            82,690 
 

The return on assets of the Group (calculated as profit/(loss) after taxation divided by average total assets) was 2.2% (2021: -1%).

Information disclosure under Pillar 3 of the Capital Requirements Directive is published on the Group's website at www.dfcapital-investors.com

Principal financial instruments

The principal financial instruments to which the Group is party, and from which financial instrument risk arises, are as follows:

   --      Cash and balances at central banks, which are considered risk free; 

-- Loans and advances to banks, which can be a source of credit risk but are primarily liquid assets available to further business objectives or to settle liabilities as necessary;

-- Loans and advances to customers, primarily credit risk, interest rate risk, and liquidity risk;

   --      Debt securities, source of interest rate risk; 
   --      Derivative instruments, credit and liquidity risk; 
   --      Trade receivables, primarily credit risk and liquidity risk; 
   --      Trade and other payables, primarily credit risk and liquidity risk; 
   --      Customer deposits, primarily interest rate risk and liquidity risk; 

Summary of financial assets and liabilities:

Below is a summary of the financial assets and liabilities held on the Group's statement of financial position at the reporting dates. These values are reflected at their carrying amounts at the respective reporting date:

 
                                                                                                          Fair value                               Fair value 
                                                                                                       through other                                  through 
                                                             Amortised                                 comprehensive                                profit or 
                                                                  cost                                        income                                     loss                                Total 
               31 December 
               2022                                            GBP'000                                       GBP'000                                  GBP'000                              GBP'000 
 
               Financial 
               assets: 
               Cash and 
                balances at 
                central 
                banks                                  107,353                                                     -                                        -                         107,353 
               Loans and 
               advances to 
               banks                                        3,848                                                  -                                        -                             3,848 
               Debt 
                securities                                           -                                  22,964                                              -                           22,964 
               Derivative 
                assets                                               -                                             -                                     57                                     57 
               Loans and 
               advances to 
               customers                               435,883                                                     -                                        -                         435,883 
               Trade 
               receivables                                     749                                                 -                                        -                                 749 
               Other 
               receivables                                     273                                                 -                                        -                                 273 
               Total 
                financial 
                assets                                         548,106                                        22,964                                       57                              571,127 
 
               31 December 
               2022 
 
               Financial 
               liabilities: 
               Customer 
               deposits                                479,736                                                     -                                        -                         479,736 
               Derivative 
                liabilities                                          -                                             -                                     42                                     42 
               Other 
                financial 
                liabilities                                    395                                                 -                                        -                                 395 
               Trade 
                payables                                       218                                                 -                                        -                                 218 
               Other 
                payables                                    3,377                                                  -                                        -                             3,377 
               Preference 
                shares                                           50                                                -                                        -                                   50 
               Total 
                financial 
                liabilities                                    483,776                                             -                                       42                              483,818 
 
 
                                                                                                          Fair value 
                                                                                                       through other                               Fair value 
                                                                                                       comprehensive                           through profit 
                                                        Amortised Cost                                        income                                  or loss                                Total 
               31 December 
               2021                                            GBP'000                                       GBP'000                                  GBP'000                              GBP'000 
 
               Financial 
               assets: 
               Loans and 
                advances 
                to banks                                        29,597                                             -                                        -                               29,597 
               Debt 
                securities                                           -                                       108,867                                        -                              108,867 
               Loans and 
               advances 
               to customers                                    247,205                                             -                                        -                              247,205 
               Trade 
               receivables                                         280                                             -                                        -                                  280 
               Other 
               receivables                                         337                                             -                                        -                                  337 
               Total 
                financial 
                assets                                         277,419                                       108,867                                        -                              386,286 
 
               31 December 
                2021 
 
               Financial 
                liabilities: 
               Customer 
                deposits                                       296,856                                             -                                        -                              296,856 
               Other 
                financial 
                liabilities                                        504                                             -                                        -                                  504 
               Trade 
                payables                                           282                                             -                                        -                                  282 
               Other 
                payables                                         2,753                                             -                                        -                                2,753 
               Preference 
                shares                                              50                                             -                                        -                                   50 
               Total 
                financial 
                liabilities                                    300,445                                             -                                        -                              300,445 
 

Analysis of financial instruments by valuation model

The Group measures fair values using the following hierarchy of methods:

   --      Level 1 - Quoted market price in an active market for an identical instrument 

-- Level 2 - Valuation techniques based on observable inputs. This category includes instruments valued using quoted market prices in active markets for similar instruments, quoted prices for similar instruments that are considered less than active, or other valuation techniques where all significant inputs are directly or indirectly observable from market data

   --      Level 3 - Inputs for the assets or liabilities that are not based on observable market data (unobservable inputs). 

Financial assets and liabilities that are not measured at fair value:

 
                                                         Carrying                     Fair                    Level                                Level                                  Level 
                                                           amount                    value                        1                                    2                                      3 
               31 December 
               2022                                       GBP'000                  GBP'000                  GBP'000                              GBP'000                                GBP'000 
 
               Financial 
               assets not 
               measured at 
               fair value: 
               Cash and 
                balances at 
                central 
                banks                                     107,353                  107,353                  107,353                                    -                                      - 
               Loans and 
                advances 
                to banks                                    3,848                    3,848                    3,848                                    -                                      - 
               Loans and 
                advances 
                to 
                customers                                 435,883                  435,883                        -                                    -                                435,883 
               Trade 
                receivables                                   749                      749                        -                                    -                                    749 
               Other 
                receivables                                   273                      273                        -                                    -                                    273 
                                                          548,106                  548,106                  111,201                                    -                                436,905 
 
               31 December 
               2022 
 
               Financial 
               liabilities 
               not 
               measured at 
               fair value: 
               Customer 
                deposits                                  479,736                  478,800                        -                                    -                                478,800 
               Other 
                financial 
                liabilities                                   395                      395                        -                                    -                                    395 
               Trade 
                payables                                      218                      218                        -                                    -                                    218 
               Other 
                payables                                    3,377                    3,377                        -                                    -                                  3,377 
               Preference 
                shares                                         50                       50                        -                                    -                                     50 
                                                          483,776                  482,840                        -                                    -                                482,840 
                                                          Carrying                    Fair                    Level                                Level                                Level 
                                                            amount                   value                        1                                    2                                    3 
               31 December 2021                            GBP'000                 GBP'000                  GBP'000                              GBP'000                              GBP'000 
 
               Financial assets not 
               measured at fair 
               value: 
               Loans and advances to 
                banks                                       29,597                  29,597                   29,597                                    -                                    - 
               Loans and advances to 
                customers                                  247,205                 247,205                        -                                    -                              247,205 
               Trade receivables                               280                     280                        -                                    -                                  280 
               Other receivables                               337                     337                        -                                    -                                  337 
                                                           277,419                 277,419                   29,597                                    -                              247,822 
                                                                    ---------------------- 
 
               31 December 2021 
                                                                    ====================== 
 
               Financial liabilities 
                not 
               measured at fair 
               value: 
               Preference shares                                50                      50                        -                                    -                                   50 
               Customer deposits                           296,856                 296,856                        -                                    -                              296,856 
               Other financial 
                liabilities                                    504                     504                        -                                    -                                  504 
               Trade payables                                  282                     282                        -                                    -                                  282 
               Other payables                                2,753                   2,753                        -                                    -                                2,753 
                                                           300,445                 300,445                        -                                    -                              300,445 
                                                                    ---------------------- 
 
 

Fair values for level 3 assets were calculated using a discounted cash flow model and the Directors consider that the carrying amounts of financial assets and liabilities recorded at amortised cost are approximate to their fair values.

Cash and balances at central banks

This represents cash held at central banks where fair value is considered to be equal to carrying value.

Loans and advances to banks

This mainly represents the Group's working capital current accounts with other banks with an original maturity of less than three months. Fair value is not considered to be materially different to carrying value.

Loans and advances to customers

Due to the short-term nature of loans and advances to customers, their carrying value is considered to be approximately equal to their fair value. These items are short term in nature such that the impact of the choice of discount rate would not make a material difference to the calculations.

Trade and other receivables, other borrowings and other liabilities

These represent short-term receivables and payables and as such their carrying value is considered to be equal to their fair value.

Financial assets and liabilities included in the statement of financial position that are measured at fair value:

 
                                                       Carrying                             Principal                                  Level                                Level                                Level 
                                                         Amount                                Amount                                      1                                    2                                    3 
               31 December 
               2022                                     GBP'000                               GBP'000                                GBP'000                              GBP'000                              GBP'000 
 
               Financial 
               assets 
               measured at 
               fair value: 
               Debt 
                securities                               22,964                                23,000                                 22,964                                    -                                    - 
               Derivative 
                assets                                       57                                70,000                                      -                                   57                                    - 
                                                         23,021                                93,000                                 22,964                                   57                                    - 
 
               Financial 
               liabilities 
               measured at 
               fair value: 
               Derivative 
                liabilities                                  42                                20,000                                      -                                   42                                    - 
                                                             42                                20,000                                      -                                   42                                    - 
 
 
                                                  Carrying                            Principal                            Level                                Level                                Level 
                                                    Amount                               Amount                                1                                    2                                    3 
               31 December 
               2021                                GBP'000                              GBP'000                          GBP'000                              GBP'000                              GBP'000 
 
               Financial 
               assets 
               measured at 
               fair value: 
               Debt 
                securities                         108,867                              108,085                          108,867                                    -                                    - 
                                                   108,867                              108,085                          108,867                                    -                                    - 
 

Debt securities

The debt securities carried at fair value by the Company are treasury bills and government gilts. Treasury bills and government gilts are traded in active markets and fair values are based on quoted market prices.

There were no transfers between levels during the periods, all debt securities have been measured at level 1 from acquisition.

Derivatives

Derivative instruments fair values are provided by a third party and are based on the market values of similar financial instruments. The fair value of investment securities held at FVTPL is measured using a discounted cash flow model.

Financial risk management

The Group's activities and the existence of the above financial instruments expose it to a variety of financial risks.

The Board has overall responsibility for the determination of the Group's risk management objectives and policies. The overall objective of the Board is to set policies that seek to reduce ongoing risk as far as possible without unduly affecting the Group's competitiveness and flexibility.

The Group is exposed to the following financial risks:

   --      Credit risk 
   --      Liquidity risk 
   --      Interest rate risk 

Further details regarding these policies are set out below.

Credit risk

Credit risk is the risk that a customer or counterparty will default on its contractual obligations resulting in financial loss to the Group. One of the Group's main income generating activities is lending to customers and therefore credit risk is a principal risk. Credit risk mainly arises from loans and advances to customers. The Group considers all elements of credit risk exposure such as counterparty default risk, geographical risk and sector risk for risk management purposes.

Credit risk management

The Group has a dedicated credit risk function, which is responsible for individual credit assessment, portfolio management, collections and recoveries. Furthermore, it manages the Group's credit risk by:

-- Ensuring that the Group has appropriate credit risk practices, including an effective system of internal control;

-- Identifying, assessing and measuring credit risks across the Group from an individual instrument to a portfolio level;

-- Creating relevant policies to protect the Group against the identified risks including the requirements to obtain collateral from borrowers, to perform robust ongoing credit assessment of borrowers and to continually monitor exposures against internal risk limits;

-- Limiting concentrations of exposure by type of asset, counterparty, industry, credit rating, geographic location;

-- Establishing a robust control framework regarding the authorisation structure for the approval and renewal of credit facilities;

   --      Established practises to identify and manage risks within the portfolio; 

-- Developing and maintaining the Group's risk grading to categorise exposures according to the degree of risk default. Risk grades are subject to regular reviews; and

-- Developing and maintaining the Group's processes for measuring Expected Credit Loss (ECL) including monitoring of credit risk, incorporation of forward-looking information and the method used to measure ECL.

Significant increase in credit risk

The Group continuously monitors all assets subject to Expected Credit Loss as to whether there has been a significant increase in credit risk since initial recognition, either through a significant increase in Probability of Default ("PD") or in Loss Given Default ("LGD").

The following is based on the procedures adopted by the Group for the year ended 31 December 2022:

Granting of credit

The commercial team prepare a Credit Application which sets out the rationale and the pricing for the proposed loan facility, and confirms that it meets the Group's product, manufacturer programme and pricing policies. The Application will include the proposed counterparty's latest financial information and any other relevant information but as a minimum:

   --      Details of the limit requirement e.g. product, amount, tenor, repayment plan etc, 
   --      Facility purpose or reason for increase, 
   --      Counterparty details, background, management, financials and ratios (actuals and forecast), 
   --      Key risks and mitigants for the application, 

-- Conditions, covenants & information (and monitoring proposals) and security (including comments on valuation),

   --      Pricing, 
   --      Confirmation that the proposed exposure falls within risk appetite, 
   --      Clear indication where the application falls outside of risk appetite. 

Other information which can be considered includes (where necessary and available):

-- Existing counterparty which has met all obligations in time and in accordance with loan agreements,

   --      Counterparty known to credit personnel who can confirm positive experience, 

-- Additional security, either tangible or personal guarantees where there is verifiable evidence of personal net worth,

-- A commercial rationale for approving the application, although this mitigant will generally be in addition to at least one of the other mitigants.

The credit risk function will analyse the financial information, obtain reports from a credit reference agency, allocate a risk rating, and make a decision on the application. The process may require further dialogue with the Business Development Team to ascertain additional information or clarification.

Each mandate holder is authorised to approve loans up to agreed financial limits and provided that the risk rating of the counterparty is within agreed parameters. If the financial limit requested is higher than the credit authority of the first reviewer of the loan facility request, the application is sent to the next credit authority level with a recommendation.

Transactional Credit Committee considers all applications that are outside the credit approval mandate of the Director - Credit due to the financial limit requested. There is an agreed further escalation to the Board Risk Committee for the largest transactions which fall outside of the Transactional Credit Committee.

Identifying significant increases in credit risk

The short tenor of the current loan facilities reduces the possible adverse effect of changes in economic conditions and/or the credit risk profile of the counterparty.

The Group nonetheless measures a change in a counterparty's credit risk mainly on payment performance and end of contract repayment behaviour. The regular collateral audit process and interim reviews may highlight other changes in a counterparty's risk profile, such as the security asset no longer being under the control of the borrower. The Group views a significant increase in credit risk as:

-- A two-notch reduction in the Company's counterparty's risk rating, as notified through the credit rating agency alert system.

-- a presumption that an account which is more than 30 days past due has suffered a significant increase in credit risk. IFRS 9 allows this presumption to be rebutted, but the Group believes that more than 30 days past due to be an appropriate back stop measure and therefore has not rebutted the presumption.

   --      A counterparty defaults on a payment due under a loan agreement. 
   --      Late contractual payments which although cured, re-occur on a regular basis. 

-- Counterparty confirmation that it has sold Group financed assets but delays in processing payments.

-- Evidence of a reduction in a counterparty's working capital facilities which has had an adverse effect on its liquidity.

-- Evidence of actual or attempted sales out of trust or of double financing, of assets funded by the Group.

An increase in significant credit risk is identified when any of the above events happen after the date of initial recognition.

Identifying loans and advances in default and credit impaired

The Group's definition of default for this purpose is:

-- A counterparty defaults on a payment due under a loan agreement and that payment is more than 90 days overdue;

-- A counterparty commits an event of default under the terms and conditions of the loan agreement which leads the lending company to believe that the borrower's ability to meet its credit obligations to the lending company is in doubt; or

-- The Group is made aware of a severe deterioration of the credit profile of the customer which is likely to impede the customers' ability to satisfy future payment obligations.

In the normal course of economic cyclicality, the short tenor of the loans extended by the Group means that significant economic events are unlikely to influence counterparties' ability to meet their obligations to the Group.

Exposure at default (EAD)

Exposure at default ("EAD") is the expected loan balance at the point of default. Where a receivable is not classified as being in default at the reporting date, the Group have included reasonable assumptions to add unaccrued interest and fees up to the receivable becoming 91 days past due, which is considered to be the point of default.

Expected credit losses (ECL)

The ECL on an individual loan is based on the credit losses expected to arise over the life of the loan, being defined as the difference between all the contractual cash flows that are due to the Group and the cash flows that it expects to receive. This difference is then discounted at the original effective interest rate on the loan to reflect the disposal period of such assets underlying the original contract.

Regardless of the loan status stage, the aggregated ECL is the value that the Group expects to lose on its current loan book having assessed each loan individually.

To calculate the ECL on a loan, the Group considers:

   1.     Counterparty PD; and 
   2.     LGD on the asset 

whereby: ECL = EAD x PD x LGD

Forward looking information

In its ECL models, the Group applies sensitivity analysis of forward-looking economic inputs. When formulating the economic scenarios, the Group considers both macro-economic factors and other specific drivers which may trigger a certain stress scenario. The impact of movements in these macro-economic factors are assessed on a 12-month basis from the reporting date (31 December).

Maximum exposure to credit risk:

 
                                                                       2022                                       2021 
                                                                    GBP'000                                    GBP'000 
 
               Loans and advances to 
                banks                                                 3,848                                     29,597 
               Derivative assets                                         57                                          - 
               Loans and advances to 
                customers                                           435,883                                    247,205 
               Trade and other 
                receivables                                           1,022                                        617 
                                                                    440,810                                    277,419 
 

Collateral held as security:

 
                                                                       2022                                       2021 
                                                                    GBP'000                                    GBP'000 
 
               Fully collateralised: 
               Loan-to-value* ratio: 
               Less than 50%                                          2,798                                      1,698 
               51% to 70%                                            36,764                                     13,106 
               71% to 80%                                            63,239                                     29,724 
               81% to 90%                                            69,499                                     29,302 
               91% to 100%                                          264,118                                    175,125 
                                                                    436,418                                    248,955 
 
               Partially 
               collateralised (loans 
               over 100% 
               loan-to-value)                                             -                                          - 
 
               Unsecured lending                                      4,866                                        499 
 

* Calculated using wholesale collateral values. Wholesale collateral values represent the invoice total (including applicable VAT) from the invoice received from the supplier of the product. The wholesale amount is less than the recommended retail price (RRP) of the product.

The Group's lending activities are asset based so it expects that the majority of its exposure is secured by the collateral value of the asset that has been funded under the loan agreement. The Group has title to the collateral which is funded under loan agreements. The collateral includes boats, motorcycles, recreational vehicles, caravans, light commercial vehicles, industrial and agricultural equipment. The collateral has low depreciation and is not subject to rapid technological changes or redundancy. There has been no change in the Group's assessment of collateral and its underlying value in the reporting period.

The assets are generally in the counterparty's possession, but this is controlled and managed by the asset audit process. The audit process checks on a periodic basis that the asset is in the counterparty's possession and has not been sold out of trust or is otherwise not in the counterparty's control. The frequency of the audits is initially determined by the risk rating assessed at the time that the borrowing facility is first approved and is assessed on an ongoing basis.

Additional security may also be taken to further secure the counterparty's obligations and further mitigate risk. Further to this, in many cases, the Group is often granted, by the counterparty, an option to sell-back the underlying collateral.

Based on the Group's current principal products, the counterparty repays its obligation under a loan agreement with the Group at or before the point that it sells the asset. If the asset is not sold and the loan agreement reaches maturity, the counterparty is required to pay the amount due under the loan agreement plus any other amounts due. In the event that the counterparty does not pay on the due date, the Group's customer management process will maintain frequent contact with the counterparty to establish the reason for the delay and agree a timescale for payment. Senior Management will review actions on a regular basis to ensure that the Group's position is not being prejudiced by delays.

In the event the Group determines that payment will not be made voluntarily, it will enforce the terms of its loan agreement and recover the asset, initiating legal proceedings for delivery, if necessary. If there is a shortfall between the net sales proceeds from the sale of the asset and the counterparty's obligations under the loan agreement, the shortfall is payable by the counterparty on demand.

Concentration of credit risk

The Group maintains policies and procedures to manage concentrations of credit at the counterparty level and industry level to achieve a diversified loan portfolio.

Credit quality

The Risk Rating is an internal rating system of counterparty credit risk whereby the Group will allocate a rating from 1 to 9, 1 being the highest level of credit quality and 9 being the lowest level of credit quality. The Group uses Experian Delphi scores to set Risk Ratings which in turn determine the probability of default for each Counterparty. In the majority of cases, the Experian Delphi score will be used without management override adjustments. However, where the Delphi score differs from the Group's assessment of credit risk and / or where a Delphi score cannot be derived such as in the case of sole traders or unincorporated partnerships, either a Delphi score uplift or a Delphi score equivalent is utilised to calculate DFC's internal risk rating. The Risk Rating for each counterparty is reviewed on an ongoing basis and recorded as at the reporting date.

An analysis of the Group's credit risk exposure for loan and advances to customers, internal rating and "stage" is provided in the following tables. A description of the meanings of Stages 1, 2 and 3 was given in the accounting policies set out above. See below table of gross loan receivables by Risk Rating and IFRS 9 stage allocation:

 
                                                                                       Stage 
                                                             Stage 1                       2                                Stage 3                        2022 Total 
               31 December 2022                              GBP'000                 GBP'000                                GBP'000                           GBP'000 
 
               Credit rating: 
               Above average 
                (Risk rating 
                1-2)                                         267,000                   6,629                                      -                           273,629 
               Average (Risk 
                rating 3-5)                                  110,818                   5,433                                 14,757                           131,008 
               Below average 
                (Risk rating 
                6+)                                           32,938                   1,261                                  2,448                            36,647 
               Gross carrying 
                amount                                       410,756                  13,323                                 17,205                           441,284 
 
               Loss allowance                                (1,943)                    (84)                                (1,693)                           (3,720) 
 
               Carrying amount                               408,813                  13,239                                 15,512                           437,564 
 
 
                                                                        Stage                                             2021 
                                              Stage 1                       2                 Stage 3                    Total 
               31 December 
               2021                           GBP'000                 GBP'000                 GBP'000                  GBP'000 
                                                       ====================== 
 
               Credit 
               rating: 
               Above average 
                (Risk 
                rating 1-2)                   142,119                       -                       -                  142,119 
               Average (Risk 
                rating 
                3-5)                           77,286                   8,758                       -                   86,044 
               Below average 
                (Risk 
                rating 6+)                     19,922                     827                     542                   21,291 
               Gross 
                carrying 
                amount                        239,327                   9,585                     542                  249,454 
                                                       ---------------------- 
 
               Loss 
                allowance                     (1,142)                   (155)                   (421)                  (1,718) 
 
               Carrying 
                amount                        238,185                   9,430                     121                  247,736 
                                                       ---------------------- 
 

See note 19 for analysis of the movements in gross loan receivables and impairment allowances in terms of IFRS 9 staging.

Analysis of credit quality of trade receivables:

 
                                                                              2022                                2021 
                                                                           GBP'000                             GBP'000 
============================================= 
 
               Status at balance sheet date: 
               Not past due, nor impaired                                      563                                 276 
               Past due but not impaired                                        29                                   8 
               Impaired                                                        258                                  71 
               Total gross carrying amount                                     850                                 355 
 
               Loss allowance                                                (101)                                (75) 
 
               Carrying amount                                                 749                                 280 
 

See note 23 for analysis of the movements in gross trade receivables and impairment allowances in terms of IFRS 9 staging.

Amounts written off

The contractual amount outstanding on financial assets that were written off during the reporting period and are still subject to enforcement activity is GBPnil at 31 December 2022 (31 December 2021: GBP49,000).

Liquidity risk

Liquidity risk is the risk that the Group does not have sufficient financial resources to meet its obligations as they fall due or will have to do so at an excessive cost. This risk arises from mismatches in the timing of cash flows which is inherent in all finance operations and can be affected by a range of Group-specific and market-wide events.

Liquidity risk management

The Group has in place a policy and control framework for managing liquidity risk. The Group's Asset and Liability Management Committee (ALCO) is responsible for managing the liquidity risk via a combination of policy formation, review and governance, analysis, stress testing, limit setting and monitoring. The ALCO meets on a monthly basis to review the liquidity position and risks.

The Bank has a comprehensive suite of liquidity management processes in place, which allow the Bank to monitor liquidity risk on a daily basis. Daily liquidity reporting is supplemented by Early Warning Indicators and a Liquidity Contingency Plan.

Liquidity stress testing

Stress Testing is a key risk management tool for the Bank and is used to inform the setting of risk appetite limits and required buffers.

A range of liquidity stress scenarios has been conducted (as detailed in the Internal Liquidity Adequacy Assessment Process "ILAAP" document), which demonstrates that the Group's liquidity profile is sufficient to withstand a severe stress.

Maturity analysis for financial assets:

The following maturity analysis is based on expected gross cash flows:

 
                                                                        Gross                     Less                                          3 months 
                                            Carrying                  nominal                   than 1                      1 -                     to 1                     1 -                      >5 
                                              amount                   inflow                    month                 3 months                     year                 5 years                   years 
               31 December 
               2022                          GBP'000                  GBP'000                  GBP'000                  GBP'000                  GBP'000                 GBP'000                 GBP'000 
 
               Cash and 
                balances at 
                central 
                banks                        107,353                  107,353                  107,353                        -                        -                       -                       - 
               Loans and 
                advances 
                to banks                       3,848                    3,848                    3,277                       75                     (58)                     554                       - 
               Debt 
                securities                    22,964                   23,233                   13,008                      113                   10,112                       -                       - 
               Derivative 
                assets                            57                       20                        -                        -                       39                    (19)                       - 
               Loans and 
                advances 
                to 
                customers                    435,883                  439,282                   58,593                  138,833                  219,829                  22,027                       - 
               Trade 
                receivables                      749                      850                      850                        -                        -                       -                       - 
               Other 
                receivables                      273                      273                        1                        -                        8                     154                     110 
                                             571,127                  574,859                  183,082                  139,021                  229,930                  22,716                     110 
 
 
                                                                                 Gross                            Less 
                                                Carrying                       nominal                          than 1                           1 - 3                         3 months                            1 - 
                                                  amount                        inflow                           month                          months                        to 1 year                        5 years                        >5 years 
               31 December 
               2021                              GBP'000                       GBP'000                         GBP'000                         GBP'000                          GBP'000                        GBP'000                         GBP'000 
 
 
               Loans and 
                advances 
                to banks                          29,597                        29,597                          29,597                               -                                -                              -                               - 
               Loans and 
                advances 
                to 
                customers                        247,205                       249,240                          24,953                          56,140                          128,226                         39,921                               - 
               Debt 
                securities                       108,867                       108,085                          24,600                          38,000                           22,485                         23,000                               - 
               Trade 
                receivables                          280                           355                             355                               -                                -                              -                               - 
               Other 
                receivables                          337                           337                               9                              59                                9                            260                               - 
                                                 386,286                       387,614                          79,514                          94,199                          150,720                         63,181                               - 
 

Maturity analysis for financial liabilities:

The following maturity analysis is based on contractual gross cash flows:

 
                                                                        Gross                    Less                     1 -                 3 months 
                                            Carrying                  nominal                    than                       3                     to 1                     1 -                      >5 
                                              amount                  outflow                 1 month                  months                     year                 5 years                   years 
               31 December 
               2022                          GBP'000                  GBP'000                 GBP'000                 GBP'000                  GBP'000                 GBP'000                 GBP'000 
                                                      ======================= 
 
               Customer 
                deposits                     479,736                  491,911                  47,861                  43,564                  278,483                 122,003                       - 
               Derivative 
                liabilities                       42                       68                      51                       -                        -                      17                       - 
               Other 
                financial 
                liabilities                      395                      425                       -                      23                      139                     263                       - 
               Trade 
                payables                         218                      218                     218                       -                        -                       -                       - 
               Other 
                payables                       3,377                    3,249                   3,212                       -                     (33)                      70                       - 
               Preference 
                shares                            50                       50                       -                       -                        -                      50                       - 
                                             483,818                  495,921                  51,342                  43,587                  278,589                 122,403                       - 
                                                      ----------------------- 
 
               Loan 
                commitments                        -                   10,663                  10,663                       -                        -                       -                       - 
 
 
                                                                                                                                                    3 
                                                                        Gross                    Less                     1 -                  months 
                                            Carrying                  nominal                    than                       3                    to 1                     1 -                      >5 
                                              amount                  outflow                 1 month                  months                    year                 5 years                   years 
               31 December 
               2021                          GBP'000                  GBP'000                 GBP'000                 GBP'000                 GBP'000                 GBP'000                 GBP'000 
 
               Customer 
                deposits                     296,856                  299,371                   4,684                  29,798                 217,159                  47,730                       - 
               Other 
                financial 
                liabilities                      504                      555                       4                      31                      96                     424                       - 
               Trade 
                payables                         282                      282                     282                       -                       -                       -                       - 
               Other 
                payables                       2,753                    2,864                   2,666                       -                      35                     163                       - 
               Preference 
                shares                            50                       50                       -                       -                       -                      50                       - 
                                             300,445                  303,122                   7,636                  29,829                 217,290                  48,367                       - 
 
               Loan 
                commitments                        -                    3,892                   3,892                       -                       -                       -                       - 
 

Market risk

Market risk is the risk that movements in market factors, such as foreign exchange rates, interest rates, credit spreads, equity prices and commodity prices will reduce the Group's income or the value of its assets.

The principal market risk to which the Group is exposed is interest rate risk.

Interest rate risk management

The Group is exposed to the risk of loss from fluctuations in the future cash flows or fair values of financial instruments because of the change in market interest rates.

The Group's borrowings are either fixed rate, or administered, (being products where the rate is set at the DFC's discretion). The Group has no exposure to LIBOR. These borrowings fund loans and advances to customers at fixed rate.

The limited average duration of the loan and deposit book provide a natural mitigant against interest rate risk. Additionally, during 2022 interest rate swap lines were incepted which allow the Bank to use interest rate swaps as a further mitigation tool for interest rate risk.

The Bank evaluates changes in the economic value of equity calculated under the following six supervisory shock scenarios referred to in Rule 9.7 of the ICAA Part of the PRA Rulebook as issued by the Prudential Regulation Authority (PRA).

The impact of changes in interest rates has been assessed in terms of economic value of equity (EVE) and profit or loss. Economic value of equity (EVE) is a cash flow calculation that takes the present value of all asset cash flows and subtracts the present value of all liability cash flows. This is a long-term economic measure used to assess the degree of interest rate risk exposure.

The estimate that a 200bps upward and downward movement in interest rates would have impacted the economic value of equity (EVE) is as follows:

 
                                                                        2022                                      2021 
                                                                     GBP'000                                   GBP'000 
 
               Change in interest rate (basis points): 
               Sensitivity of EVE 
                +200bps                                                  658                                        15 
               Sensitivity of EVE 
                -200bps                                                (681)                                         6 
 

The estimate of the effect on the next 12 months net interest income using a 200bps upward and 200bps downward movement in interest rates is as follows:

 
                                                                          2022                                    2021 
                                                                       GBP'000                                 GBP'000 
 
               Change in interest rate (basis points): 
               Sensitivity of profit 
                +200bps                                                  1,868                                   2,998 
               Sensitivity of profit 
                -200bps                                                (2,522)                                     147 
 

In preparing the sensitivity analyses above, the Group makes certain assumptions consistent with the expected and contractual re-pricing behaviour as well as behavioural repayment profiles under the two interest rate scenarios.

37. Earnings per share

Analysis of number of shares in the periods:

 
                                                                            2022                                  2021 
                                                                             No.                                   No. 
 
               Number of shares: 
               At period end                                         179,369,199                           179,369,199 
 
               Basic: 
               Weighted average number of 
                shares 
                in issue 
                in the year                                          179,369,199                           168,808,800 
 
               Diluted: 
               Effect of weighted average 
                number 
                of options outstanding 
                for the 
                year                                                           -                                     - 
               Diluted weighted average 
                number 
                of shares 
                and options for the year                             179,369,199                           168,808,800 
                                           ------------------------------------- 
 

Earnings attributable to equity holders:

 
                                                                               2022                               2021 
                                                                            GBP'000                            GBP'000 
 
               Earnings attributable to 
                ordinary shareholders: 
               Profit/(loss) after tax 
                attributable 
                to the shareholders                                           9,761                            (3,676) 
 

Earnings per share calculation:

 
                                                                      2022                                  2021 
                                                                     pence                                 pence 
 
               Earnings per share: 
               Basic                                                     5                                   (2) 
               Diluted                                                   5                                   (2) 
 

38. Related party disclosures

In the year ended 31 December 2022, Directors were awarded share based payments, refer to note 9 for further details.

Directors' emoluments are disclosed in note 8 of these consolidated financial statements.

39. Subsequent events

In January 2023, the Bank agreed an initial GBP175m ENABLE Guarantee with the British Business Bank, which may also be increased in the future to GBP350m. As a regulated bank, this scheme enables the Bank to benefit from a zero risk-weighted HM Government guarantee on a fixed percentage of credit losses in excess of an agreed first loss threshold on the loan portfolio originated under the Guarantee. This zero-risk weighting of assets above this threshold provides the Group with incremental capacity to scale its loan book without the need for additional Tier 1 equity capital. The Bank commenced using the Guarantee effective from 31 March 2023.

The Company Statement of Financial Position

 
                                                                                   As at                                As at 
                                                                             31 December                          31 December 
                                                                                    2022                                 2021 
                                             Note                                GBP'000                              GBP'000 
 
               Assets: 
               Loans and 
                advances to 
                banks(1)                      5                                      146                                  530 
               Trade and 
                other 
                receivables                   7                                      155                                  119 
               Investment in 
                subsidiaries                  8                                  134,213                              134,213 
               Total assets                                                      134,514                              134,862 
 
               Liabilities: 
               Amounts 
                payable to 
                Group 
                Undertakings                  9                                    5,522                                5,110 
               Trade and 
                other 
                payables                      10                                     700                                  545 
               Financial 
                liabilities                   11                                      50                                   50 
               Total 
                liabilities                                                        6,272                                5,705 
 
               Equity: 
               Issued share 
                capital                       12                                   1,793                                1,793 
               Share premium                  12                                  39,273                               39,273 
               Merger relief                  12                                  94,911                               94,911 
               Retained loss                                                     (7,371)                              (6,456) 
               Own shares                                                          (364)                                (364) 
               Total equity                                                      128,242                              129,157 
 
               Total equity 
                and 
                liabilities                                                      134,514                              134,862 
 

(1) During the year ended 31 December 2022, the Company reclassified 'cash and cash equivalents' to 'loans and advances to banks' in the statement of financial position to be consistent with the consolidated financial statements. See note 1.4 of the consolidated financial statements for details of this reclassification.

The notes on pages 184 to 189 are an integral part of these financial statements.

Distribution Finance Capital Holdings plc recorded loss after taxation for the year ended 31 December 2022 of GBP1,414,000 (2021: loss of GBP868,000). These financial results are derived entirely from continuing operations.

These financial statements were approved by the Board of Directors and authorised for issue on 18 April 2023. They were signed on its behalf by:

.................................

Carl D'Ammassa

Director

18 April 2023

Registered number: 11911574

The Company Cash Flow Statement

 
                                                                              2022                                 2021 
                                             Note                          GBP'000                              GBP'000 
                              ===================  =============================== 
 
               Cash flows 
                from 
                operating 
                activities: 
               Loss before 
                taxation                      4                            (1,414)                                (868) 
               Adjustments 
                for non-cash 
                items 
                and other 
                adjustments 
                included 
                in the 
                income 
                statement                     6                            (1,029)                              (1,366) 
               Decrease in 
                operating 
                assets                                                        (34)                                   35 
               Increase in 
                operating 
                liabilities                                                    155                                  282 
               Taxation paid                                                     -                                    - 
                              ------------------- 
               Net cash used 
                in operating 
                activities                                                 (2,322)                              (1,917) 
                              ------------------- 
 
               Cash flows 
                from 
                financing 
                activities: 
               Issue of new 
                shares                        12                                 -                               38,645 
               Acquisition 
                of shares in 
                DF Capital 
                Bank Limited                  8                                  -                             (38,600) 
               Proceeds from 
                intercompany 
                loan                                                         1,938                                2,199 
                              ------------------- 
               Net cash from 
                financing 
                activities                                                   1,938                                2,244 
                              ------------------- 
 
               Net increase 
                in cash and 
                cash 
                equivalents                                                  (384)                                  327 
               Cash and cash 
                equivalents 
                at start 
                of the year                                                    530                                  203 
                              ------------------- 
               Cash and cash 
                equivalents 
                at end 
                of the year                   6                                146                                  530 
                              ------------------- 
 

The Company Statement of Changes in Equity

 
                                          Issued 
                                           share                   Share                  Merger                 Retained                     Own 
                                         capital                 premium                  relief                     loss                  shares                    Total 
                                         GBP'000                 GBP'000                 GBP'000                  GBP'000                 GBP'000                  GBP'000 
 
               Balance 
                at 1 
                January 
                2021                       1,066                       -                  94,911                  (4,595)                   (364)                   91,018 
 
               Loss 
                after 
                taxation                       -                       -                       -                    (868)                       -                    (868) 
               Employee 
               Benefit 
               Trust                           -                       -                       -                        -                       -                        - 
               Share 
                based 
                payments                       -                       -                       -                      362                       -                      362 
               Issue of 
                new 
                shares                       727                  39,273                       -                  (1,355)                       -                   38,645 
 
               Balance 
                at 31 
                December 
                2021                       1,793                  39,273                  94,911                  (6,456)                   (364)                  129,157 
 
               Loss 
                after 
                taxation                       -                       -                       -                  (1,414)                       -                  (1,414) 
               Share 
                based 
                payments                       -                       -                       -                      499                       -                      499 
               Issue of 
               new 
               shares                          -                       -                       -                        -                       -                        - 
 
               Balance 
                at 31 
                December 
                2022                       1,793                  39,273                  94,911                  (7,371)                   (364)                  128,242 
 

Notes to the Company Financial Statements

Basis of preparation

1.1 Accounting basis

These standalone financial statements for Distribution Finance Capital Holdings plc (the "Company") have been prepared and approved by the Directors in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards ("IFRSs") as adopted by the United Kingdom (UK) and interpretations issued by the IFRS Interpretations Committee (IFRS IC).

1.2 Going concern

As detailed in note 1 to the consolidated financial statements, the Directors have performed an assessment of the appropriateness of the going concern basis. The Directors consider that it is appropriate to continue to adopt the going concern basis in preparing the financial statements.

1.3 Income statement

Under Section 408 of the Companies Act 2006 the Company is exempt from the requirement to present its own income statement.

2. Summary of significant accounting policies

These financial statements have been prepared using the significant accounting policies as set out in note 2 to the consolidated financial statements. Any further accounting policies provided below are solely applicable to the Company financial statements.

2.1 Investment in subsidiaries

In accordance with IAS 27 Separate Financial Statements the Company has elected to account for an investment in subsidiary at cost. The Company performs an impairment assessment on the investment in subsidiary at each reporting date to assess whether the cost basis reflects an accurate value of the investment at the reporting date.

3. Critical accounting judgements and key sources of estimation uncertainty

In the financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2022, the Company has not made any critical accounting judgements and key sources of estimation which are considered to be material in value or significance to the performance of the Company.

4. Net loss attributable to equity shareholders of the Company

 
                                                                                2022                            2021 
                                                                             GBP'000                         GBP'000 
 
               Net loss attributable to equity shareholder 
                of the Company                                               (1,414)                           (868) 
 

5. Loans and advances to banks

 
                                                                                 2022                            2021 
                                                                              GBP'000                         GBP'000 
 
               Included in cash and cash equivalents: 
                balances with 
                less than three months to maturity 
                at inception                                                      146                             530 
               Total loans and advances to banks                                  146                             530 
 

As detailed in note 1.4 of the consolidated financial statements, the Group reclassified cash and cash equivalents of GBP530,000 in the year ended 31 December 2021 from 'cash and cash equivalents' into 'loans and advances to banks' within the statement of financial position. This change has been reflected in the Company financial statements to remain consistent with the consolidated financial statements.

6. Notes to the cash flow statement

See below for reconciliation of balances classified as cash and cash equivalents, which are recognised within the cash flow statement:

 
                                                                          2022                            2021 
                                                                       GBP'000                         GBP'000 
 
               Loans and advances to banks                                 146                             530 
               Total cash and cash equivalents                             146                             530 
 

Adjustments for non-cash items and other adjustments included in the income statement:

 
                                                                               2022                      2021 
                                                                            GBP'000                   GBP'000 
 
               Management fee recharge                                      (1,205)                   (1,502) 
               Movement in other provisions                                       -                         - 
               Share based payments                                             176                       136 
               Total non-cash items and other adjustments                   (1,029)                   (1,366) 
 

Changes in liabilities arising from financing activities:

The Company had no changes in the Company's liabilities arising from financing activities, including both cash and non-cash changes, for the years ended 31 December 2022 and 31 December 2021.

7. Trade and other receivables

 
                                                                                2022                              2021 
                                                                             GBP'000                           GBP'000 
 
               Other debtors                                                      50                                50 
               Indirect taxes                                                      4                                 2 
               Prepayments                                                       101                                67 
               Total trade and other receivables                                 155                               119 
 

8. Investment in subsidiaries

 
                                                                                                                              Country 
                                          Principal                 Shareholding                 Class of                     of                            Registered 
               Subsidiary                  Activity                  %                           shareholding                 incorporation                 Address 
                                                                                                                                                            St James' 
                                                                                                                                                            Building, 
                                                                                                                                                            61-95 
                                                                                                                                                            Oxford St, 
               DF Capital                                                                                                                                   Manchester, 
               Bank                       Financial                                                                                                         M1 
               Limited                     Services                 100%                         Ordinary                     UK                            6EJ 
 

In the years ended 31 December 2022, there was no changes to investment in subsidiaries.

In February 2021, the Company undertook a placing of new ordinary shares rais ing GBP40.0 million of additional capital before expenses and approximately GBP38.6 million after expenses. Following the placing, DF Capital Bank Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Group, issued 38,600,000 ordinary shares of GBP1.00 nominal value each to Distribution Finance Capital Holdings plc at a price of GBP1.00 per share giving an aggregate sub-scription price of GBP38 .6 million

For the year ended 31 December 2022, the Company conducted an impairment assessment of the investment in subsidiaries and concluded that there is no impairment required (2021:GBPnil).

9. Amounts payable to Group undertakings

 
                                                                                   2022                           2021 
                                                                                GBP'000                        GBP'000 
 
               Amounts payable to DF Capital 
                Bank 
                Limited                                                           5,522                          5,110 
               Total amounts payable to Group 
                undertakings                                                      5,522                          5,110 
 

10. Trade and other payables

 
                                                                                 2022                             2021 
                                                                              GBP'000                          GBP'000 
 
               Trade payables                                                       -                               21 
               Accruals                                                           654                              488 
               Social security taxes                                               46                               36 
               Total trade and other 
                payables                                                          700                              545 
 

11. Financial liabilities

 
                                                                        2022                             2021 
                                                                     GBP'000                          GBP'000 
 
               Preference shares                                          50                               50 
               Total financial liabilities                                50                               50 
 

Reconciliation of movements in financial liabilities:

 
                                                                                   Preference Shares 
                                                                                             GBP'000 
 
               Balance at 1 January 2021                                                          50 
 
               No transactions in the year                                                         - 
 
               Balance at 31 December 2021                                                        50 
 
               No transactions in the year                                                         - 
 
               Balance at 31 December 2022                                                        50 
 

12. Share capital

 
                                                   2022                        2021                              2022                              2021 
                                                    No.                         No.                           GBP'000                           GBP'000 
                             ==========================  ==========================  ================================  ================================ 
               Authorised: 
               Ordinary 
                shares of 
                1p each                     179,369,199                 179,369,199                             1,793                             1,793 
               Allotted, 
                issued and 
                fully 
                paid: 
                Ordinary 
                shares of 
                1p 
                each                        179,369,199                 179,369,199                             1,793                             1,793 
 
 
                                                                             No. of                 Issue                   Share                   Share                  Merger 
                                                Date                         shares                 Price                 Capital                 Premium                  Relief                   Total 
                                                                                  #                   GBP                 GBP'000                 GBP'000                 GBP'000                 GBP'000 
 
               Balance at 1 January 
                2021                                                    106,641,926                                         1,066                       -                  94,911                  95,977 
 
               Issue of new 
                shares                       22-Feb-21                   72,727,273                  0.55                     727                  39,273                       -                  40,000 
 
               Balance at 31 December 
                2021                                                    179,369,199                                         1,793                  39,273                  94,911                 135,977 
 
               No 
               transactions 
               in the year                                                        -                     -                       -                       -                       -                       - 
 
               Balance at 31 December 
                2022                                                    179,369,199                                         1,793                  39,273                  94,911                 135,977 
 

13. Financial instruments

The Group monitors and manages risk management at a group-level and, therefore, the Risk Management Framework stipulated in note 36 of the consolidated financial statements encompasses the Company risk management environment.

The Company and Directors believe the principal risks of the Company to be credit risk and liquidity risk. The Directors have evaluated the following risks to either not be relevant to the Company or of immaterial significance: market risk, interest rate risk and exchange rate risk.

See note 36 of the consolidated financial statements for further details on how the Company defines and manages credit risk and liquidity risk.

Financial assets and financial liabilities included in the statement of financial position that are not measured at fair value:

 
                                                      Carrying                              Fair                             Level                             Level                             Level 
                                                        amount                             value                                 1                                 2                                 3 
               31 December 
               2022                                    GBP'000                           GBP'000                           GBP'000                           GBP'000                           GBP'000 
 
               Financial 
               assets not 
               measured at 
               fair value: 
               Loans and 
                advances to 
                banks                                   146                               146                               146                                    -                                 - 
               Other 
                receivables                               54                                54                                   -                                 -                              54 
                                                           200                               200                               146                                 -                                54 
 
               31 December 
               2022 
 
               Financial 
               liabilities 
               not 
               measured at 
               fair value: 
               Amounts 
                payable to 
                Group 
                Undertakings                         5,522                             5,522                                     -                                 -                         5,522 
               Trade 
               payables                                      -                                 -                                 -                                 -                                 - 
               Other 
                payables                                  46                                46                                   -                                 -                              46 
               Preference 
                shares                                    50                                50                                   -                                 -                              50 
                                                         5,618                             5,618                                 -                                 -                             5,618 
 
 
                                                             Carrying                    Fair                   Level                   Level                   Level 
                                                               amount                   value                       1                       2                       3 
               31 December 
               2021                                           GBP'000                 GBP'000                 GBP'000                 GBP'000                 GBP'000 
 
               Financial 
               assets not 
               measured at 
               fair value: 
               Loans and 
                advances to 
                banks                                             530                     530                     530                       -                       - 
               Other 
                receivables                                        52                      52                       -                       -                      52 
                                                                  582                     582                     530                       -                      52 
 
               31 December 
               2021 
 
               Financial 
               liabilities 
               not 
               measured at 
               fair value: 
               Amounts 
                payable to 
                Group 
                Undertakings                                    5,110                   5,110                       -                       -                   5,110 
               Trade 
                payables                                           21                      21                       -                       -                      21 
               Other 
                payables                                           36                      36                       -                       -                      36 
               Preference 
                shares                                             50                      50                       -                       -                      50 
                                                                5,217                   5,217                       -                       -                   5,217 
 

Maximum exposure to credit risk:

 
                                                                       2022                            2021 
                                                                    GBP'000                         GBP'000 
 
               Loans and advances to banks                              146                             530 
               Trade and other receivables                               54                              52 
                                                                        200                             582 
 

Maturity analysis for financial assets

The following maturity analysis is based on expected gross cash flows:

 
                                                                                                                                                   3 
                                                                       Gross                    Less                     1 -                  months 
                                            Carrying                 nominal                  than 1                       3                    to 1                     1 -                      >5 
                                              amount                  inflow                  months                  months                    year                 5 years                   years 
               31 December 
               2022                          GBP'000                 GBP'000                 GBP'000                 GBP'000                 GBP'000                 GBP'000                 GBP'000 
 
               Loans and 
                advances to 
                banks                            146                     146                     146                       -                       -                       -                       - 
               Other 
                receivables                       54                      54                       4                       -                       -                      50                       - 
                                                 200                     200                     150                       -                       -                      50                       - 
 
 
                                                                                                Less                                               3 
                                                                       Gross                    than                     1 -                  months 
                                            Carrying                 nominal                       1                       3                    to 1                     1 -                      >5 
                                              amount                  inflow                  months                  months                    year                 5 years                   years 
               31 December 
               2021                          GBP'000                 GBP'000                 GBP'000                 GBP'000                 GBP'000                 GBP'000                 GBP'000 
               Loans and 
                advances 
                to banks                         530                     530                     530                       -                       -                       -                       - 
               Other 
                receivables                       52                      52                       2                       -                       -                      50                       - 
                                                 582                     582                     532                       -                       -                      50                       - 
 

Maturity analysis for financial liabilities

The following maturity analysis is based on contractual gross cash flows:

 
                                                                                                                                                    3 
                                                                        Gross                    Less                     1 -                  months 
                                             Carrying                 nominal                  than 1                       3                    to 1                     1 -                      >5 
                                               amount                 outflow                  months                  months                    year                 5 years                   years 
               31 December 
               2022                           GBP'000                 GBP'000                 GBP'000                 GBP'000                 GBP'000                 GBP'000                 GBP'000 
 
               Amounts 
                payable to 
                Group 
                Undertakings                    5,522                   5,522                       -                       -                   5,522                       -                       - 
               Other 
                payables                           46                      80                       1                       -                      51                      28                       - 
               Preference 
                shares                             50                      50                       -                       -                       -                      50                       - 
                                                5,618                   5,652                       1                       -                   5,573                      78                       - 
 
 
                                                                                                           Less                                               3 
                                                                                  Gross                    than                     1 -                  months 
                                             Carrying                           nominal                       1                       3                    to 1                            1 -                      >5 
                                               amount                           outflow                  months                  months                    year                        5 years                   years 
               31 December 
               2021                           GBP'000                           GBP'000                 GBP'000                 GBP'000                 GBP'000                        GBP'000                 GBP'000 
               Amounts 
                payable to 
                Group 
                Undertakings                    5,110                             5,110                       -                       -                   5,110                              -                       - 
               Trade 
                payables                           21                                21                      21                       -                       -                              -                       - 
               Other 
                payables                           36                                82                       -                       -                       1                             81                       - 
               Preference 
                shares                             50                                50                       -                       -                       -                             50                       - 
                                                5,217                             5,263                      21                       -                   5,111                            131                       - 
 

14. Subsequent events

There have been no subsequent events between 31 December 2022 and the date of this report which would have a material impact on the financial position of the Company.

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April 19, 2023 02:00 ET (06:00 GMT)

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