TIDMICB 
 
ICB FINANCIAL GROUP HOLDINGS AG ("ICB") 
 
2008 ANNUAL REPORT 
 
Following is a copy of ICB's 2008 Annual Report dispatched to shareholders on 
Tuesday, 14 April 2009. 
 
A pdf version is available from the Company's website (www.icbankingroup.com). 
 
The Company's AIM nominated adviser is RFC Corporate Finance Ltd. Contact 
Stephen Allen or Trinity McIntyre on +61894802500. 
 
CONTENTS 
 
Group's Global Presence                                     02 - 03 
 
Corporate Information                                       04 
 
Board of Directors                                          05 - 06 
 
Chairman's Statement                                        07 - 08 
 
Corporate Governance Report                                 09 - 11 
 
Financial Statements 
 
- Statement by Directors                                    12 
 
- Report of the Statutory Auditors                          13 - 14 
 
- Consolidated Income Statement                             15 
 
- Consolidated Balance Sheet                                16 
 
- Consolidated Cash Flow Statement                          17 - 18 
 
- Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity               19 - 20 
 
- Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements            21 - 69 
 
 
VISION 
 
To be a globally-recognised international banking group with a primary focus 
on emerging economies. 
 
GROUP'S GLOBAL PRESENCE 
 
(REFER TO THE COMPANY'S WEBSITE WWW.ICBANKINGROUP.COM FOR A LOCATION MAP OF 
THE GROUP'S OPERATIONS) 
 
HOLDING COMPANY 
ICB Financial Group Holdings A.G. 
(Incorporated in Switzerland) 
 
EUROPE 
International Commercial Bank SH.A. 
(Incorporated in Albania) 
100% 
 
AFRICA 
International Commercial Bank Ltd. 
(Incorporated in Ghana) 
100% 
 
International Commercial Bank (Djibouti) S.A. 
(Incorporated in Djibouti) 
99.9% 
 
International Commercial Bank (Sierra Leone) Ltd. 
(Incorporated in Sierra Leone) 
99.9% 
 
International Commercial Bank (Gambia) Ltd. 
(Incorporated in Gambia) 
99.1% 
 
International Commercial Bank (Mozambique) S.A. 
(Incorporated in Mozambique) 
99.9% 
 
International Commercial Bank S.A. 
(Incorporated in Guinea) 
97% 
 
International Commercial Bank Ltd. 
(Incorporated in Malawi) 
100% 
 
International Commercial Bank (Tanzania) Ltd. 
(Incorporated in Tanzania) 
20% 
 
International Commercial Bank Senegal S.A. 
(Incorporated in Senegal) 
20% 
 
ASIA 
ICB Global Management Sdn. Bhd. 
(Incorporated in Malaysia) 
100% 
 
PT Bank Bumiputera Indonesia Tbk 
(Incorporated in Indonesia) 
67.1% 
 
International Commercial Bank Lao Ltd. 
(Incorporated in Lao) 
100% 
 
ICB Islamic Bank Ltd. 
(Incorporated in Bangladesh) 
50.1% 
 
CORPORATE INFORMATION 
 
D I R E C T O R S 
 
MICHAEL ROBERT HANLON 
Chairman/Independent Director 
(Member of Audit and 
Risk Management Committee) 
 
JOSEPHINE PREMLA SIVARETNAM 
Non-Independent Director 
(Member of Nomination Committee 
and Remuneration Committee) 
 
RENÉ FRITSCHI 
Independent Director 
(Chairman of Nomination Committee) 
 
KENNETH KWAMI KWAKU 
Independent Director 
(Chairman of Remuneration Committee) 
 
PAUL ROBERT PHILIPPS 
BRIDGES 
Independent Director 
(Chairman of Audit and 
Risk Management Committee) 
 
LIM TEONG LIAT 
Independent Director 
(Member of Audit and 
Risk Management Committee) 
 
OFFICES 
 
Registered Office (Switzerland) 
Schulhausstrasse I 
CH-8834 Schindellegi 
Switzerland 
Tel: +41 44 687 4550 
Fax: +41 44 687 4551 
 
Management Office (Malaysia) 
No. 3, Jalan Sri Hartamas 7 
50480 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia 
Tel: +603 6201 6051 
 
WEBSITE 
www.icbankingroup.com 
 
NOMINATED ADVISER 
RFC Corporate Finance Limited 
Level 14, 19-31 Pitt Street 
Sydney NSW 2000 
Australia 
Level 15, QV1 Building 
250 St Georges Terrace 
Perth WA 6000, Australia 
 
BROKER 
Keith, Bayley, Rogers & Co. Limited 
2nd Floor Finsbury Tower 
103-105 Bunhill Row 
London EC1Y 8LZ 
 
COMPANY AUDITOR 
BDO Visura, 
Fabrikstrasse 50 
8031 Zurich, 
Switzerland 
 
SHARE REGISTRAR 
In Switzerland 
(Shares) 
ShareCommService AG 
Europastrasse 29 
CH-8152 Glattbrugg, Switzerland 
Tel: +044 809 5858 
Fax: +044 809 5859 
 
In the UK 
(CREST Depositary Interests) 
Euroclear UK & Ireland Limited 
33 Cannon Street 
London EC4M 5SB, United Kingdom 
 
LISTING 
AIM Market, London Stock Exchange 
Listed on 17th May 2007 
 
STOCK CODE 
ICB 
 
BOARD OF DIRECTORS 
 
MICHAEL ROBERT HANLON 
 
Chairman/Independent Director 
 
Michael Hanlon was appointed as the Chairman of ICB Financial Group Holdings 
AG, the holding company of the ICB Banking Group since 7 March 2007. He is 
also a member of the Audit and Risk Management Committee. He has a total of 44 
years commercial banking experience, most of which was in the retail area. He 
spent 34 years with Barclays Bank Plc in the UK where he held a number of 
Senior Management and Senior Executive appointments, including Regional 
Director for the Bank's retail banking in Central London. Later, he joined the 
Raiffeisen Banking Group of Austria as Managing Director for retail banking at 
the Bank's Polish subsidiary, Raiffeisen Bank Polksa SA, where he was 
responsible for the creation and development of a retail banking capability. 
Michael joined the Islamic Bank of Britain in April 2003 as Managing Director 
where he had the responsibility of creating the very first Sharia compliant 
retail banking business in the UK and Western Europe. He retired from the Bank 
in 2006. An Associate of the Chartered Institute of Bankers, he regularly 
speaks at international conferences. Michael is married with two adult 
children. He enjoys travel, art, music, cycling and swimming. 
 
JOSEPHINE PREMLA SIVARETNAM 
 
Non-Independent Director 
 
Josephine Sivaretnam was appointed as a Non-Independent Non-Executive Director 
of ICB Financial Group Holdings AG on 7 March 2007. She is also a member of 
both the Nomination and Remuneration Committees. Through Panhelligan 
Investments Limited, she is a substantial shareholder in the Company. A lawyer 
by profession, Josephine spent her early career in the Malaysian Judicial and 
Legal Services as a Deputy Public Prosecutor until 1992 after which she 
commenced private practice. Josephine was responsible for the early 
establishment of the ICB Banks in Europe, Africa and for acquisitions made by 
the Group. She is a Non-Executive Director of a Malaysian listed company, The 
Nomad Group Bhd. Josephine graduated with a LLB (Hons) from University of 
Malaya and a LLM from the London School of Economics and Political Science. 
 
RENÉ FRITSCHI 
 
Independent Director 
 
René Fritschi was appointed as an Independent Non-Executive Director of ICB 
Financial Group Holdings AG since 20 July 2006. He is also the Chairman of the 
Nomination Committee. René started his career in 1973 as a trainee at the 
Handelsbank NW Zurich, Switzerland and in 1978 moved to Manufacturers Hanover 
Trust Co Zurich, Switzerland. He later worked for Bank Audi in Zurich before 
joining Fundus Treuhand AG in 1989. René then joined Deutsche Bank in 1994. 
Since 1998 he has been Chairman of Medio Consult where his experience as a 
senior bank director in international trade, major commercial banking, private 
banking, estate planning and asset management has been an advantage. René is a 
Swiss resident and is fully conversant in English, German and French. He was 
born in 1948 and is married with two adult daughters. He graduated in 
economics in 1979. His hobbies include long distance running and cross country 
skiing. He is familiar with Asia and Africa where he has travelled 
extensively. 
 
KENNETH KWAMI KWAKU 
 
Independent Director 
 
Ken Kwaku was appointed as an Independent Non-Executive Director of ICB 
Financial Group Holdings AG since 7 March 2007. He is also the Chairman of the 
Remuneration Committee. Ken, who hails from Ghana, speaks English, French, 
Portuguese and Swahili; holds a PhD from University of Toronto and a First 
Class in Economics and Political Science from McGill University. He has also 
attended Harvard's Graduate School of Business. Since 2004 Ken has been 
Special Advisor to President MKapa (now retired) of Tanzania, Special Advisor 
Investment Climate Facility for Africa, Advisor to the Director General UNIDO, 
Chairman DCDM Africa and Advisor Hifadhi Business Park, East Africa. Ken 
served with the World Bank Group from 1976 to 2004 and held positions 
including Chief MIGA Africa Representative 2002 - 2004 and Manager for Africa 
1998 - 2002. Between 1995 and 1998, he was seconded from the World Bank Group 
as Advisor to the Namibian Government. Ken, who has numerous academic and 
professional awards and publications, regularly speaks at international conferences. 
 
PAUL ROBERT PHILIPPS BRIDGES 
 
Independent Director 
 
Paul Bridges was appointed as an Independent Non-Executive Director of ICB 
Financial Group Holdings AG since 7 March 2007. He is also the Chairman of the 
Audit and Risk Management Committee. He is an experienced banker and was with 
Standard Chartered Bank from 1962 to 1998. He held senior managerial roles in 
Credit Risk Management and served in East and South East Asia, USA, Middle 
East and Africa. Paul was also responsible for the Financial Analysis Expert 
System, the creation of a global database and was actively involved in the 
global credit reengineering programme. Since retiring from Standard Chartered, 
Paul has focused on the development and facilitation of programmes on Credit 
Risk Management, Total Risk Management, Credit Audit, Problem Loan Management, 
Debt Recovery and Financial Risk Analysis for several banks. Paul's main 
expertise is in risk management and he has been a consultant to banks where he 
has carried out diagnostic studies and training programmes in credit risk and 
debt recovery. His other projects include management of NPLs, analysis and 
restructuring of assets. He is married and has two adult daughters. Paul also 
speaks Bahasa Indonesia. 
 
LIM TEONG LIAT 
 
Independent Director 
 
Lim Teong Liat was appointed as an Independent Non-Executive Director of ICB 
Financial Group Holdings AG since 18 December 2007. He is also a member of the 
Audit and Risk Management Committee. He is a Fellow member of The Institute Of 
Chartered Accountants in England and Wales. Mr Lim started his banking career 
in 1986 as a Management Accountant at Standard Chartered Bank, Malaysia, 
working his way up to senior management roles in Internal Control and Audit. 
He later worked from 1994 to 2001 for the Hong Leong Banking Group, a 
Malaysian bank as General Manager Operations and subsequently General Manager 
Consumer Division. He was then appointed as Independent Director of Alliance 
Bank Berhad, Malaysia from 2004 to 2006 where he also served as a member of 
the Risk Management and Audit Committee. Mr Lim is also presently a member of 
the Board of Commissioners of PT Bank Bumiputera, Indonesia. 
 
 
 
CHAIRMAN'S STATEMENT 
 
Dear Shareholders, 
 
2008 has been a year which has seen unprecedented turmoil in world financial 
markets. The reach of the global economic decline has been such that trading 
across the Group has not escaped impact, although I am pleased to say that the 
influence of this has been limited as a consequence of the geographic spread 
of business and the fact that operations are centred exclusively on the 
provision of retail banking services. 
 
Profit after tax amounted to US$13m, marginally down from the 2007 result of 
US$14.8m. Trading in all the countries has been challenging, but most of the 
operations in Africa did well, the region delivering a contribution of 
US$6.3m, compared to US$4.1m in 2007. Elsewhere, Europe and Asia, results were 
well down on the achievements of 2007. Performances by the Asian region were 
seriously affected by poor results from ICB Islamic Bank, Bangladesh (formerly 
the Oriental Bank in which the Group acquired a 50.1% interest in March 2008) 
and Bank Bumiputera in Indonesia. Difficult trading conditions in Indonesia 
resulted in lower loan growth in Bank Bumiputera leading to a much reduced 
contribution for the year. Within ICB Islamic Bank, Bangladesh it was 
necessary to make additional provisions of US$17m for loan loss impairment and 
contingent liabilities. Overall the performance for Asia was that of a 
negative result of US$16.4m. The European region, which is represented by 
Albania, also delivered a negative result of US$2.1m. This was primarily due 
to accounting adjustments required to achieve conformity with IFRS reporting 
requirements. 
 
Group net interest income amounted to US$48.8m (US$48.5m in 2007). With the 
notable exception of Indonesia most countries within the Group reported 
increased income in comparison to 2007. In addition, recent investments, 
Bangladesh, Malawi and Laos provided added contributions. 
 
In contrast, Group expenses increased by 41%, rising to US$63.7m (US$45.0 in 
2007). Much of this increase reflects the cost of consolidating the Bangladesh 
operation within the Group, which in turn has been primarily responsible for 
the deterioration in the cost/income ratio for the Group to 84% (65% in 2007). 
 
Impairment charges for loans amounted to US$14.4m (US$13.0m in 2007). In 2007 
the figures were adversely affected by a high level of provisions arising 
within Bank Bumiputera, Indonesia. I am pleased to report that the position 
here has much improved during the past year with the charge being reduced from 
US$12.2m in 2007 to US$3.4m for 2008. However, this improvement was off-set by 
a new charge arising within ICB Islamic Bank, Bangladesh at US$10.1m. 
 
As anticipated, the downturn in the world economies has resulted in loan 
growth slowing in all the regions. I have mentioned above the difficulties 
that were experienced in the Indonesian market which resulted in a reduction 
of some US$39.4m in loans. Taking into consideration the contribution of 
US$86.5m from recent investments in Bangladesh, Laos and Malawi, the year end 
total for the Group is US$588.0m as at December 2008 compared to US$540.6m at 
the end of 2007. 
 
"Most of the operations in Africa did well, the region delivering a 
contribution of US$6.3m, compared to US$4.1m in 2007." 
 
Another feature of the economic uncertainty has been seen within deposit 
growth with a more cautious market approach being adopted by consumers. The 
Group results reflect an overall increase in deposits of 4.1%, although here 
again the recent investments, Bangladesh, Laos and Malawi have added US$152.9m 
new deposits for the year. 
 
In June 2008, I reported to shareholders the successful sale of the Group's 
investment in an associate, Sorak Financial Holdings Pte, which was completed 
in March. This resulted in an extraordinary gain of US$77.5m, although the 
benefit of this has been reduced through a charge of US$50m reflecting an 
impairment of `goodwill' arising on the acquisition of the 50.1% stake in ICB 
Islamic Bank. After consideration the Group Board concluded that the level of 
goodwill at US$100.6m was unlikely to be adequately supported by future 
expected cash flows and in recognition of this it was considered prudent to 
make an impairment charge of US$50m. 
 
The Group continues to develop and expand its delivery channel capability to 
meet customer needs. The branch network remains the preferred customer point 
of contact and in support of this the ATM network is being rapidly expanded. 
During 2008 the network of branches has increased with additions in Ghana, 
Mozambique, Djibouti, Guinea, Sierra Leone, Albania and Indonesia. These 
together with the new investments have added further to the overall branch 
network, taking the total Group operating network to 141 branches at the end 
of 2008. 
 
I am delighted to once again inform shareholders of the Group's success in the 
Banker and Global Finance Awards for 2008. ICB Albania, ICB Djibouti and ICB 
Guinea all received `Bank of the Year' awards; for ICB Guinea this was the 5th 
consecutive year that such an award has been received and this represents a 
truly remarkable achievement. Our congratulations go to the Management and 
staff of each country for this success. 
 
In March 2009 the Board appointed Mr. Prem Kumar as Group CEO. He takes over 
from Mr. Harith Harun who has, for an extended period, held the responsibility 
as Acting CEO of the Group. Mr. Kumar, who graduated from the Asia Pacific 
Institute, New Zealand and is an Associate of the Australian Institute of 
Bankers, is a banker of some 35 years experience. Prior to joining ICB he was 
with the HSBC Group where he held Senior Management positions covering a wide 
range of business disciplines. I take this opportunity to welcome him to the 
Group and at the same time I extend to Mr. Harun our appreciation for his 
services as Acting CEO. I am pleased to say that Mr. Harun remains as a senior 
member of the Group's management team. 
 
With unfavourable world economic conditions likely to continue, the year ahead 
will remain one of uncertainty. However, I believe that the geographical 
diversity of the Group coupled with the conservative nature of its business 
model, position it well to respond to the challenges ahead. Whilst the 
strategy of building a wider geographic presence in countries with emerging 
economies remains, the immediate emphasis for the year ahead is to concentrate 
efforts towards a strengthening of performances particularly in the Asian 
region. The new investment in Bangladesh holds much potential and whilst there 
remains much to be done towards achieving such a goal, good progress is being 
made in both integrating ICB Islamic Bank within the Group and re-positioning 
it within its domestic market. 
 
In conclusion, I must extend gratitude on behalf of the Board to our 
shareholders, customers, business associates and the various regulatory 
authorities who have all provided sound support in a year of unprecedented 
uncertainty. We are indeed most grateful for this. The Board's sincere 
appreciation is also extended to the Management and staff employed across the 
Group. Their commitment and dedication to satisfying customer needs is very 
much reflected in the overall growth of the Group and its growing prominence 
as an international retail banking business. 
 
Michael R. Hanlon 
 
Chairman 
 
 
 
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE REPORT 
 
ICB Financial Group Holdings AG ("the Company") has in place a Policy 
Statement on Corporate Governance ("the Policy Statement") with the objective 
of promoting a culture of accountability, transparency and practice of sound 
judgment in the Company's pursuit of generating stakeholders' value amidst an 
increasingly competitive global market. 
 
The implementation of this Policy Statement is aimed at providing an 
operational framework for good corporate governance in the following areas: 
 
(a) provides guidance in defining the roles and responsibilities of the Board 
of Directors ("the Board"); 
 
(b) implements the operational framework of the Board; 
 
(c) establishment of appropriate committees to undertake the tasks and 
responsibilities of Board; 
 
(d) ensures strategic and business plans are developed; 
 
(e) implements risk management framework to cultivate a risk awareness culture 
within the organisation; 
 
(f) provides transparency in disseminating financial and non-financial 
information; 
 
(g) provides transparency in managing conflict of interest involving both 
internal and external parties; 
 
(h) provides guidance in developing key control mechanisms to ensure that both 
financial and non-financial information are accurate, adequate, complete and 
timely. 
 
This report describes how the Board has implemented the policies and 
provisions as set out in the Policy Statement. 
 
THE BOARD 
 
1. Composition 
 
1.1 As at the date of this report, the Board comprises six (6) members who are 
all Non-Executive Directors. Members of the Board are appointed for a one-year 
term until the next annual general meeting. Members may be re-elected. 
 
1.2 The Board periodically reviews its composition in terms of the balance of 
Independent and Non-Independent Directors and the professional qualifications, 
experience and the necessary skills expected of its members to enable the 
Board to carry out its roles and responsibilities effectively. 
 
2. Duties and Responsibilities 
 
2.1 The Board is principally responsible for the overall business performance 
and corporate governance strategy of the Company. It provides stewardship in 
the development of the Company's strategic and business plans. 
 
2.2 The Board is led by the Chairman, Mr Michael Hanlon, Independent 
Non-Executive Director. 
 
3. Board Meetings 
 
3.1 The Board meets at least twice a year (in 2008 the Board met eight (8) 
times) to review business performance, strategies, business plans and 
significant policies as well as to consider business and other proposals which 
require the Board's approval. 
 
3.2 The number of Board meetings and the attendance for the financial year in 
review are set out below: 
 
DIRECTORS                    HELD DURING TENURE IN OFFICE            ATTENDED 
 
Michael Hanlon                             8                            8 
 
Josephine Sivaretnam                       8                            8 
 
Paul Bridges                               8                            8 
 
Ken Kwaku                                  8                            3 
 
René Fritschi                              8                            8 
 
Lim Teong Liat                             8                            8 
 
 
4. Delegation of Authority and Function 
 
4.1. In order to support the effectiveness of the implementation of its roles 
and responsibilities, the Board has set up the following committees: 
 
(i) Audit and Risk Management Committee; 
 
(ii) Nomination Committee; and 
 
(iii) Remuneration Committee. 
 
 
Audit and Risk Management Committee 
 
The members of the Audit and Risk Management Committee are: 
 
Paul Bridges (Chairman) 
 
Michael Hanlon 
 
Lim Teong Liat 
 
The principal duties and responsibilities of the Audit and Risk Management 
Committee include the following: 
 
Audit 
 
- Approve the appointments of the internal auditors; review the adequacy of 
the scope of audits conducted by internal audit as well as its functions and resources, and 
evaluate the performance of the audit staff; 
 
- Assess and recommend the appointment of the external auditors; review their 
audit plan, scope of their audits and their audit reports; 
 
-Assess the performance of the external auditors and makes recommendations to 
the Board on their re-appointment or removal; 
 
- Review the internal and external audit reports to ensure that appropriate 
and adequate remedial actions are taken by management on significant lapses 
and controls and procedures that are identified; 
 
- Review the financial statements of the Company for recommendation to the 
Board for approval. 
 
 
Risk 
 
- Review the adequacy and effectiveness of risk management, internal control 
and governance system; 
 
- Review management's strategies and plans for mitigation of all types of 
risks faced by the business units; 
 
-Ensure risk management framework for various risks are set up and documented; 
 
-Approve risk management policies, risk management measurements and 
methodologies, risk exposures, tolerance limits and risk management processes. 
 
 
Nomination Committee 
 
The members of the Nomination Committee are: 
 
René Fritschi (Chairman) 
 
Josephine Sivaretnam 
 
The principal duties and responsibilities of the Nomination Committee are as 
follows: 
 
- Establish the policy and guidelines in regard to the appointment and 
re-appointment of members of the Board, appointments of chief executive 
officer and senior management and determining the requirements on their 
skills, experience, qualifications and other core competencies; 
 
- Assess and recommend candidates to fill vacancies for directors, chief 
executive officer and senior management; 
 
- Review the overall composition of the Board, in terms of the appropriate 
size and skills, and the balance between Independent and Non-Independent 
Directors; 
 
- Ensure that proper recruitment processes, training programmes as well as 
performance appraisal systems are established for employees at all levels. 
 
 
Remuneration Committee 
 
Members of the Remuneration Committee comprise the following: 
 
Ken Kwaku (Chairman) 
 
Josephine Sivaretnam 
 
The principal duties and responsibilities of the Remuneration Committee are: 
 
- Establish the remuneration policy for directors, chief executive officer and 
senior management; 
 
- Periodically review the terms and conditions of employment of directors, 
chief executive officer and senior management and when necessary, recommend 
changes. 
 
 
5. Financial Reporting and Internal Control 
 
5.1 The Board is responsible for ensuring the proper maintenance of accounting 
records of the Company. The Board is to ensure that the financial reports are 
prepared in accordance with the accounting policies, standards and guidelines 
of the relevant authorities. 
 
5.2 The Board is to provide a balanced, clear and meaningful assessment of the 
financial position and prospects of the Company in all disclosure to 
shareholders, investors and the regulatory authorities. 
 
5.3 The Board has the responsibility to develop, assess, review and maintain a 
system of internal controls covering financial controls as well as controls 
relating to operational, compliance and risk management. 
 
5.4 The Board approves the annual business plans and budgets and periodically 
reviews reports from the management covering financial performances and key 
business indicators to monitor any significant variances of actual 
performances and budgets. 
 
6. Remuneration of Directors 
 
The remuneration of Directors during the financial year is disclosed in Note 
29 of the Audited Financial Statements. 
 
7. Compliance Statement 
 
The Board considers that it has complied with the Company's Policy Statement 
on Corporate Governance for the financial year ended 31 December 2008. 
 
Statement by Directors 
 
We, Michael Robert Hanlon and Lim Teong Liat, being two of the 
directors of ICB Financial Group Holdings AG, do hereby state that in the 
opinion of the directors, the consolidated financial statements set out on 
pages 4 to 68 are drawn up in accordance with applicable International 
Financial Reporting Standards so as to give a true and fair view of the state 
of affairs of the Group as at 31 December 2008 and of the results and the cash 
flow of the Group for the financial year ended on that date. 
 
Signed on behalf of the Board of Directors in accordance with a resolution of 
the Directors 
 
Michael Robert Hanlon 
 
Lim Teong Liat 
 
Date: 31 March 2009 
 
 
 
Report of the Statutory Auditors 
on the consolidated financial statements to the general meeting of 
ICB Financial Group Holdings AG, Schindellegi 
 
As statutory auditor, we have audited the accompanying consolidated 
financial statements of ICB Financial Group Holdings AG, which comprise the 
income statement, balance sheet, cash flow statement, statement of changes in 
equity and notes (pages 4 to 68) for the year ended 31 December 2008. 
 
BOARD OF DIRECTORS` RESPONSIBILITY 
 
The Board of Directors is responsible for the preparation and fair 
presentation of the consolidated financial statements in accordance with 
International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) and the requirements of 
Swiss law. This responsibility includes designing, implementing and 
maintaining an internal control system relevant to the preparation and fair 
presentation of consolidated financial statements that are free from material 
misstatement, whether due to fraud or error. The Board of Directors is further 
responsible for selecting and applying appropriate accounting policies and 
making accounting estimates that are reasonable in the circumstances. 
 
AUDITOR'S RESPONSIBILITY 
 
Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated 
financial statements based on our audit. We conducted our audit in accordance 
with Swiss law and Swiss Auditing Standards and International Standards on 
Auditing. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain 
reasonable assurance whether the consolidated financial statements are free 
from material misstatement. 
 
An audit involves performing procedures to obtain audit evidence 
about the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial statements. 
The procedures selected depend on the auditor's judgment, including the 
assessment of the risks of material misstatement of the consolidated financial 
statements, whether due to fraud or error. In making those risk assessments, 
the auditor considers the internal control system relevant to the entity's 
preparation and fair presentation of the consolidated financial statements in 
order to design audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, 
but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the 
entity's internal control system. An audit also includes evaluating the 
appropriateness of the accounting policies used and the reasonableness of 
accounting estimates made, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of 
the consolidated financial statements. We believe that the audit evidence we 
have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our audit 
opinion. 
 
OPINION 
 
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements for the year 
ended 31 December 2008 give a true and fair view of the financial position, 
the results of operations and the cash flows in accordance with International 
Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) and comply with Swiss law. 
 
Report of the Group Auditors 
 
REPORT ON OTHER LEGAL REQUIREMENTS 
 
We confirm that we meet the legal requirements on licensing 
according to the Auditor Oversight Act (AOA) and independence (article 728 CO) 
and that there are no circumstances incompatible with our independence. 
 
In accordance with article 728a paragraph 1 item 3 CO and Swiss 
Auditing Standard 890, we confirm that an internal control system exists, 
which has been designed for the preparation and fair presentation of 
consolidated financial statements according to the instructions of the Board 
of Directors. 
 
We recommend that the consolidated financial statements submitted to you be 
approved. 
 
Zurich, 31 March 2009. 
 
BDO Visura 
 
Markus Eugster 
 
Auditor in Charge 
Swiss Certified Accountant 
Licensed Audit Expert 
 
Markus Egli 
 
Swiss Certified Accountant 
Licensed Audit Expert 
 
 
CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENT 
 
FOR THE FINANCIAL YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2008 
 
                                                            2008      2007 
                                                  Notes  USD'000   USD'000 
 
Interest income                                          101,707    96,609 
Interest expense                                        (52,892)  (48,044) 
Net interest income                                 4     48,815    48,565 
Fee and commission income                                 11,360    10,574 
Fee and commission expense                                 (163)     (145) 
Net fee and commission income                       5     11,197    10,429 
 
Foreign currency gain                               6      3,593     3,078 
Gains less losses from financial investments               1,247     1,552 
Gain on disposal of associate                      30     77,584     3,670 
Other operating income                                     1,616     2,570 
Impairment charges for loans and advances to       12   (14,422)  (13,051) 
customers 
Impairment of goodwill                             16   (50,000)         - 
Operating expenses                                  7   (63,752)  (45,076) 
Operating profit                                          15,878    11,737 
Share of results of associates                     15       (33)     5,823 
Profit before taxation                                    15,845    17,560 
Tax expense                                         9    (2,840)   (2,702) 
Profit for the period                                     13,005    14,858 
 
Attributable to: 
- Shareholders of the Company                             21,282    13,988 
- Minority interests                                     (8,277)       870 
                                                          13,005    14,858 
Earnings per share attributable to shareholders 
of the Company 
- Basic and diluted (Expressed in USD per share)   10       0.12      0.09 
 
 
The accompanying notes form an integral part of the financial statements. 
 
 
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2008 
 
                                                            2008      2007 
                                            Notes        USD'000   USD'000 
 
ASSETS 
 
Cash and bank balances                         11        276,738   239,769 
Loans and advances to customers                12        588,058   540,683 
Financial investments                          13        122,539    93,221 
Foreclosed properties                          14         17,728    21,056 
Investment in associates                       15          1,846    74,364 
Goodwill and other intangible assets           16         55,036     5,341 
Prepaid lease payments                         17            107       165 
Property and equipment                         18         17,083     9,251 
Other assets                                   19         36,443    40,489 
Deferred tax assets                            20          4,537     1,945 
Total assets                                           1,120,115 1,026,284 
 
LIABILITIES 
 
Deposits from other bank                                 133,470    39,157 
Deposit from customers                         21        777,652   746,734 
Other liabilities                              22         56,442    39,326 
Tax liabilities                                            3,046     2,093 
Deferred tax liabilities                       20            303       192 
Total liabilities                                        970,913   827,502 
 
EQUITY 
 
Paid up share capital                          23        145,960   145,960 
Share premium                                                782       782 
Retained earnings                              24         45,012    34,903 
Other reserves                                 25        (2,655)   (2,341) 
Equity attributable to shareholders 
of the Company                                           189,099   179,304 
Minority interest                                       (39,897)    19,478 
                                                         149,202   198,782 
Total equity and liabilities                           1,120,115 1,026,284 
 
 
The accompanying notes form an integral part of the financial statements. 
 
 
CONSOLIDATED CASH FLOW STATEMENT 
 
FOR THE FINANCIAL YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2008 
 
                                                            2008      2007 
                                                         USD'000   USD'000 
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES 
Profit before taxation                                    15,845    17,560 
Adjustment for : 
Impairment charges for loans and advances to customers    14,422    13,051 
Amortisation of prepaid lease rental                          37        46 
Amortisation of intangible assets                            397       417 
Depreciation of property and equipment                     3,096     2,185 
Loss on disposal of property and equipment                    20         6 
Gain on disposal of associate                           (77,584)   (3,670) 
Negative goodwill                                              -       (2) 
Impairment of goodwill                                    50,000         - 
Recovery of loan                                           (601)     (690) 
Share of results of associates                                33   (5,823) 
Gain on foreign exchange translation                     (3,593)   (3,078) 
Cash flow from operations before working capital 
changes                                                    2,072    20,002 
Increase in operating assets                            (21,778) (106,457) 
(Decrease)/increase in operating liabilities            (34,009)   150,004 
Cash (used in)/generated from operations                (53,715)    63,549 
Tax paid                                                 (1,994)   (2,263) 
Net cash (used in)/from operating activities            (55,709)    61,286 
 
 
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES 
 
Acquisition of a subsidiary, net of cash acquired       (38,474)         - 
Proceeds from sale of associate                          142,006     6,068 
Purchase of property and equipment                       (5,376)   (4,570) 
Purchase of intangible assets                              (489)     (374) 
Proceeds from sale of property and equipment                  24        12 
Dividend received                                          2,086     2,912 
Increase in investment in associate                            -     (982) 
Decrease in financial investments                         38,159    29,687 
Increase in financial investments                       (30,998)  (14,135) 
Net cash from investing activities                       106,938    18,618 
 
 
CONSOLIDATED CASH FLOW STATEMENT - CONT'D 
 
FOR THE FINANCIAL YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2008 
 
                                                            2008      2007 
                                                         USD'000   USD'000 
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES 
Repayment of shareholder's advances                            -  (13,866) 
Dividend paid to minority interest                         (156)      (79) 
Net proceeds received from issuance of shares by Company       -     9,017 
Net cash used in financing activities                      (156)   (4,928) 
 
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents                 51,073    74,976 
Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the year   194,224   108,951 
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash        (16,653)    10,297 
equivalents 
Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the year 
(Note 26)                                                228,644   194,224 
 
The accompanying notes form an integral part of the financial statements. 
 
 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY 
 
FOR THE FINANCIAL YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2008 
 
                          <--ATTRIBUTABLE TO SHAREHOLDERS--> 
                                     OF THE COMPANY 
 
                             SHARE   SHARE    OTHER RETAINED MINORITY    TOTAL 
                           CAPITAL PREMIUM RESERVES EARNINGS INTEREST  USD'000 
                           USD'000 USD'000  USD'000  USD'000  USD'000 
 
At 1 January 2008          145,960     782  (2,341)   34,903   19,478  198,782 
Currency translation 
differences arising 
from translation to              -       -  (9,734)        -  (2,471) (12,205) 
presentation currency 
Loss in fair value on            -       -  (1,753)        -    (861)  (2,614) 
available-for-sale 
securities 
Transfer of reserve to 
retained earnings 
arising from disposal            -       -   11,173 (11,173)        -        - 
of associate 
Net income and expenses          -       -    (314) (11,173)  (3,332) (14,819) 
recognised directly in 
equity 
Profit for the year              -       -        -   21,282  (8,277)   13,005 
Total recognised income          -       -    (314)   10,109 (11,609)  (1,814) 
and expense for the period 
Minority interest from           -       -        -        - (47,610) (47,610) 
business combination 
Dividend paid to                 -       -        -        -    (156)    (156) 
minority interest 
At 31 December 2008        145,960     782  (2,655)   45,012 (39,897)  149,202 
 
 
 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY - CONT'D 
 
FOR THE FINANCIAL YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2008 
 
                          <------Attributable to shareholders-----> 
                                        of the Company 
 
                          Share   Share Shareholder's    Other Retained Minority 
                        Capital Premium      Advances Reserves Earnings Interest    Total 
                        USD'000 USD'000       USD'000  USD'000  USD'000  USD'000  USD'000 
 
At 31 December 2006      59,549       -        91,618    (372)   24,212   19,508  194,515 
Currency translation 
differences arising 
from translation              -       -           424    5,087        -    (783)    4,728 
to presentation 
currency 
Loss in fair value 
on available-for-sale 
securities                    -       -             -     (62)        -     (30)     (92) 
Transfer of realised 
translation reserve 
to retained earnings 
arising from 
capitalisation and 
repayment of 
shareholder's advances        -       -             -    3,187  (3,187)        -        - 
Share of post- 
acquisition reserves 
of associates                 -       -             - (10,291)        -        - (10,291) 
Transfer of reserve 
to retained earnings 
arising from                  -       -             -      110    (110)        -        - 
disposal of associate 
Net income and 
expenses recognised 
directly in equity            -       -           424  (1,969)  (3,297)    (813)  (5,655) 
Profit for the year           -       -             -        -   13,988      870   14,858 
Total recognised 
income and expense 
for the year                  -       -           424  (1,969)   10,691       57    9,203 
Conversion of 
shareholder's advances 
to share capital         78,176       -      (78,176)        -        -        -        - 
Repayment of                  -       -      (13,866)        -        -        - (13,866) 
shareholder's advances 
Acquisition of minority 
interest in a 
subsidiary                    -       -             -        -        -     (15)     (15) 
Dividend paid to              -       -             -        -        -     (79)     (79) 
minority interest 
Issue of shares           8,235     782             -        -        -        7    9,024 
At 31 December 2007     145,960     782             -  (2,341)   34,903   19,478  198,782 
 
 
The accompanying notes form an integral part of the financial statements. 
 
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - 31 December 2008 
 
1. CORPORATE INFORMATION 
 
ICB Financial Group Holdings AG (the "Company") is a limited 
liability company and is incorporated and domiciled in Switzerland. The 
address of its registered office is Schulhausstrasse 1, CH-8834 Schindellegi, 
Switzerland. 
 
The principal activity of the Company is that of an investment 
holding company. The principal activities of the subsidiaries are stated in 
Note 27. 
 
These consolidated financial statements have been approved for 
issue by the Board of Directors on 31 March 2009. 
 
In conjunction with the implementation of the new provisions 
governing control processes during the preparation of financial statements and 
consolidated financial statements according to the Swiss Code of Obligations, 
existing control processes that are performed as part of operational business 
processes and in connection with the preparation of financial statements and 
consolidated financial statements have been reviewed and further optimized. As 
well as ensuring compliance with legal/regulatory requirements, the focus is 
on ensuring the effectiveness, efficiency and reliability of business 
processes as well as the adequacy of financial flows and financial 
information. All controls are reviewed regularly, "key controls" on an annual 
basis and are adjusted if necessary, the results reported to the Audit 
Committee. 
 
2. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES 
 
(a) Basis of Preparation 
 
The financial statements of the Group have been prepared and 
approved by the directors in accordance with International Financial Reporting 
Standards ("IFRS"). The consolidated financial statements have been prepared 
under the historical cost convention, as modified by the revaluation of 
available-for-sale financial assets, financial assets and financial 
liabilities held at fair value through profit or loss. 
 
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with IFRS 
requires the use of certain critical accounting estimates. It also requires 
management to exercise its judgement in the process of applying the Group's 
accounting policies. The areas involving a higher degree of judgement or 
complexity, or areas where assumptions and estimates are significant to the 
consolidated financial statements, are disclosed in Note 3. 
 
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - 31 December 2008 
 
2. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES - CONT'D 
 
(a) Basis of Preparation - Cont'd 
 
As of 1 January 2008 different new interpretations stepped into 
force (Amendments to IAS 39 and IFRS 7, IFRIC 11 (International Financial 
Reporting Interpretations Committee-IFRIC), IFRIC 12 and IFRIC 14). These did 
not have any influence on the consolidated financial statements of the 
Company. 
 
The Company has chosen not to early adopt the following standards 
and interpretations that were issued but not yet effective for accounting 
periods beginning 1 January 2008: 
 
- IAS 23             Borrowing Costs (Amendment) 
- IFRS 2             Share-based Payment: Vesting Conditions and 
                     Cancellations (Amendment) 
- IAS 1              Presentation of Financial Statements: A Revised 
                     Presentation (Amendment) 
- IAS 27             IAS 27 Consolidated and Separate Financial 
                     Statements (Amendment) 
- IAS 32 & IAS 1     Puttable Financial Instruments and Obligations 
                     Arising on Liquidation (Amendment) 
- IFRS 1 and IAS 27  Cost of an Investment in a subsidiary, jointly- 
                     controlled entity or association (Amendment) 
- IAS 39             Financial Instruments: Recognition and Measurement: 
                     Eligible Hedged Items (Amendment) 
- IFRS 7             Improving Disclosures about Financial Instruments 
                     (Amendment) 
- IFRIC 13           Customer Loyalty Programmes 
- IFRIC 15           Agreements for the Construction of Real Estate 
- IFRIC 16           Hedges of a Net Investment in a Foreign Operation 
- IFRIC 17           Distributions of Non-cash Assets to Owners 
- IFRIC 18           Transfer of Assets from Customers 
 
The Company has considered these amendments and does not expect 
them to have a significant effect on the financial statements. 
 
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - 31 December 2008 
 
2. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES - CONT'D 
 
(b) Basis of Consolidation 
 
(i) Subsidiaries 
 
Subsidiaries are all entities over which the Group has the power to 
directly or indirectly govern the financial and operating policies, generally 
accompanying a shareholding of more than one half of the voting rights. 
Subsidiaries are fully consolidated from the date on which control is 
transferred to the Group. They are deconsolidated from the date that control 
ceases. 
 
The acquisition method of accounting is used to account for the 
acquisition of subsidiaries by the Group. The cost of an acquisition is 
measured as the fair value of the assets given, equity instruments issued and 
liabilities incurred or assumed at the date of exchange, plus costs directly 
attributable to the acquisition. Identifiable assets acquired are fair valued 
at the acquisition date, irrespective of the extent of any minority interest. 
The excess of the cost of acquisition over the fair value of the Group's share 
of the identifiable net assets acquired is recorded as goodwill. If the cost 
of acquisition is less than the fair value of the net assets of the subsidiary 
acquired, the difference is recognised directly in the income statement. 
 
Inter-company transactions, balances and unrealised gains or 
transactions between Group companies are eliminated. Unrealised losses are 
also eliminated unless the transaction provides evidence of impairment of the 
asset transferred. 
 
(ii) Associates 
 
Associates are entities over which the Group has significant 
influence but not control, generally accompanying a shareholding between 20% 
to 50% of the voting rights. Investment in associates is accounted for by the 
equity method of accounting and are initially recognised at cost. The Group's 
investment in associates includes goodwill (net of any accumulated impairment 
loss) identifiable on acquisition. 
 
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - 31 December 2008 
 
2. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES - CONT'D 
 
 (b) Basis of Consolidation - cont'd 
 
(ii) Associates - cont'd 
 
The Group's share of its associates' post-acquisition profits or 
losses is recognised in the income statement, and its share of 
post-acquisition movements in reserves is recognised in reserves. The 
cumulative post-acquisition movements are adjusted against the carrying amount 
of the investment. When the Group's share of losses in an associate equals or 
exceeds its interest in the associate, including any other unsecured 
receivables, the Group does not recognise further losses, unless it has 
incurred obligations or made payments on behalf of the associate. 
 
Unrealised gains on transactions between the Group and its 
associates are eliminated to the extent of the Group's interest in the 
associates. Unrealised losses are also eliminated unless the transaction 
provides evidence of an impairment of the asset transferred. 
 
(c) Segmental Reporting 
 
A geographical segment is engaged in providing products or services 
within a particular economic environment that are subject to risks and returns 
that are different from those of segments operating in other economic 
environments. A business segment is a group of assets and operations engaged 
in providing products and services that are subject to risks and returns that 
are different from those of other business segments. 
 
(d) Foreign Currency Translation 
 
(i) Functional and Presentation Currency 
 
The consolidated financial statements are presented in US dollars 
(USD), because the currency is more commonly used in international trade. All 
values are rounded to the nearest thousand (USD'000) except when otherwise 
indicated. 
 
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - 31 December 2008 
 
2. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES - CONT'D 
 
(d) Foreign Currency Translation - cont'd 
 
(i) Functional and Presentation Currency 
 
The functional currency of the Company, subsidiaries and associates 
are as follows: 
 
The Company 
 
ICB Financial Group Holdings AG                             Swiss Francs (CHF) 
 
Subsidiaries 
 
ICB-Banco Internacional De Comércio, S.A.R.L                Mozambique Metical (MZN) 
 
International Commercial Bank (Gambia) Ltd.                 Gambian Dalasi (GMD) 
 
International Commercial Bank (Sierra Leone) Limited        Sierra Leone Leones (SLL) 
 
International Commercial Bank SH.A.                         Albanian Lek (ALL) 
 
International Commercial Bank S.A.                          Guinea Francs (GNF) 
 
PT Bank Bumiputera Indonesia Tbk                            Indonesian Rupiah (IDR) 
 
International Commercial Bank Limited                       Ghana Cedis (GHS) 
 
ICB Global Management Sdn. Bhd.                             Malaysian Ringgit (MYR) 
 
International Commercial Bank (Djibouti) S.A.               Djibouti Franc (DJF) 
 
ICB Islamic Bank Ltd                                        Bangladeshi Taka (BDT) 
 
International Commercial Bank Ltd-Malawi                    Malawi Kwacha (MWK) 
 
International Commercial Bank (Lao) Ltd                     Lao Kip (LAK) 
 
Associates 
 
International Commercial Bank Senegal S.A.                  Communauté Financière 
 
                                                            Africaine Francs BCEAO (XOF) 
 
International Commercial Bank (Tanzania) Limited            Tanzanian Schilings (TZS) 
 
Sorak Financial Holdings Pte. Ltd.                          Singapore Dollar (SGD) 
 
 
(ii) Transactions and balances 
 
Foreign currency transactions are translated into the functional 
currency using the prevailing exchange rates at the date of the transactions. 
Foreign exchange gains and losses resulting from the settlement of such 
transactions and from the translation at year-end exchange rates of monetary 
assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are recognised in the 
income statement. Non-monetary assets and liabilities that are measured in 
terms of historical cost in a foreign currency are translated into the 
functional currency using the rate of exchange at the date of initial 
transaction. 
 
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - 31 December 2008 
 
2. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES - CONT'D 
 
(d) Foreign Currency Translation - cont'd 
 
(iii) Group Companies 
 
The results and financial position of the holding company, 
subsidiaries and associates (none of which has the currency of a 
hyperinflationary economy) that have different functional currencies compared 
to the presentation currency are translated into the presentation currency as 
follows: 
 
i. assets and liabilities for each balance sheet presented are 
translated at the closing rate at the balance sheet date; 
 
ii. income and expenses for each income statement are translated at 
average exchange rates (unless this average is not a reasonable approximation 
of the cumulative effect of the rates prevailing on the transaction dates, in 
which case income and expenses are translated at the dates of the 
transactions); and 
 
iii. all resulting exchange differences are recognised as a 
separate component of equity. 
 
On consolidation, exchange differences arising from the translation 
of the net investment in foreign entities, and of borrowings, are taken into 
shareholders' equity. When a foreign operation is sold, such exchange 
differences are recognised in the income statement as part of the gain or loss 
on sale. 
 
Goodwill and fair value adjustments arising from the acquisition of 
a foreign entity are treated as assets and liabilities of the foreign entity 
and translated at the closing rate. 
 
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - 31 December 2008 
 
2. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES - CONT'D 
 
(d) Foreign Currency Translation - cont'd 
 
(iii) Group Companies - cont'd 
 
The average and closing rates used in the translation of financial 
statements from functional currency to presentation currency are as follows : 
 
 
                           Average rate           Closing rate 
 
                        2008         2007        2008      2007 
 
1 CHF                 0.9235       0.8403      0.8724    0.8850 
1 SGD                      -       0.6641           -    0.6917 
1 MYR                 0.2997       0.2916      0.2887    0.3021 
1 GMD                 0.0450       0.0402      0.0373    0.0469 
1 MZN                 0.0411       0.0388      0.0416    0.0420 
1 GHS                 0.9416       1.0741      0.8241    1.0447 
1000 SLL              0.3376       0.3407      0.3333    0.3378 
1000 ALL             11.9366      11.1200     11.3753   12.0600 
1000 GNF              0.2155       0.2418      0.1938    0.2400 
1000 IDR              0.1027       0.1091      0.0917    0.1065 
1000 DJF              5.6268       5.6268      5.6268    5.6268 
1000 XOF              2.2239       2.0998      2.1216    2.2442 
1000 TZS              0.8321       0.8081      0.7811    0.8834 
1000 BDT             14.5499            -     14.5191         - 
1000 LAK              0.1170            -      0.1175         - 
1000 MWK              7.1429            -      7.1429         - 
 
 
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - 31 December 2008 
 
2. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES - CONT'D 
 
(e) Interest Income and Expense 
 
Interest income and expenses for all interest-bearing financial 
instruments except for those classified as held-for-trading or designated at 
fair value (other than debt issued by the Group) are recognised in the income 
statement using the effective interest rates of the financial assets or 
financial liabilities to which they relate. 
 
The effective interest rate is the rate that exactly discounts 
estimated future cash receipts or payments earned or paid on a financial asset 
or financial liability through its expected life or, where appropriate, a 
shorter period, to the net carrying amount of the financial asset or financial 
liability. When calculating the effective interest rate, the Group estimates 
cash flows considering all contractual terms of the financial instrument but 
not future credit losses. The calculation includes all amounts paid or 
received by the Group that are an integral part of the effective interest 
rate, including transaction costs and all other premiums or discounts. 
 
Interest on impaired financial assets is calculated by applying the 
original effective interest rate of the financial asset to the carrying amount 
as reduced by any allowance for impairment. 
 
(f) Non-interest income 
 
 (i) Fees and Commissions 
 
 Fees and commissions are accounted for as follows: 
 
- income earned from the provision of services over a period of 
time is recognised over the service period during which the related service is 
provided or credit risk is undertaken; and 
 
- income which forms an integral part of the effective interest 
rate of a financial instrument is recognised and recorded as interest income. 
 
 (ii) Dividend income 
 
Dividend income is recognised when the right to receive payment is 
established. 
 
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - 31 December 2008 
 
2. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES - CONT'D 
 
(g) Financial Assets 
 
The Group determines the classification of its investments at 
initial recognition and classifies its financial assets as follows: 
 
(a) Classification 
 
 (i) Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss 
 
This category has two sub-categories: financial assets held for 
trading, and those designated at fair value through profit or loss at 
inception. A financial asset is classified in this category if acquired 
principally for the purpose of selling in the short term if so designated by 
management. 
 
Financial assets may be designated at fair value through profit or 
loss when: 
 
a) the designation eliminates or significantly reduces a 
measurement or recognition inconsistency that would otherwise arise from 
measuring assets on a different basis, or 
 
b) a group of financial assets are managed and its performance 
evaluated on a fair value basis. 
 
(ii) Loans and receivables 
 
Loans and receivables are non-derivative financial assets with 
fixed or determinable payments that are not quoted in an active market. They 
arise when the Group provides money or services directly to a debtor with no 
intention of trading the receivables. 
 
(iii) Held-to-maturity investments 
 
Held-to-maturity investments are non-derivative financial assets 
with fixed or determinable payments and fixed maturities that the Group's 
management has the positive intention and ability to hold to maturity. If the 
Group sells other than an insignificant amount of held-to-maturity assets, the 
entire category would be tainted and reclassified as available-for-sale. 
 
(iv) Available-for-sale investments 
 
Available-for-sale investments are those intended to be held for an 
indefinite period of time, which may be sold in response to needs for 
liquidity or changes in interest rates, exchange rates or equity prices. 
 
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - 31 December 2008 
 
2. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES - CONT'D 
 
(g) Financial Assets - Cont'd 
 
(b) Recognition and Derecognition 
 
(i) Initial Recognition 
 
Purchases and sales of financial assets at fair value through 
profit or loss, held-to-maturity and available-for-sale are recognised on 
trade-date (the date on which the Group commits to purchase or sell the 
asset). Loans are recognised when cash is advanced to the borrowers. Financial 
assets are initially recognised at fair value plus, for those financial assets 
not carried at fair value through profit or loss, directly attributable 
transaction costs. 
 
(ii) Subsequent measurement 
 
Financial assets held at fair value through profit or loss are 
subsequently carried at fair value, with gains and losses arising from changes 
in fair value taken directly to the income statement. 
 
Available-for sale financial investments are subsequently carried 
at fair value, with gains and losses arising from changes in fair value taken 
to a separate component of equity until the asset is sold or is impaired, when 
the cumulative gain or loss is transferred to the income statement. 
 
Loans and receivables and held to maturity financial assets are 
subsequently carried at amortised cost using the effective interest method. 
 
The fair values of quoted financial assets in active markets are 
based on current prices. If the market for a financial asset is not active and 
for unlisted securities, the Group establishes fair value by using valuation 
techniques. These include the use of recent arm's length transactions, 
discounted cash flow analysis, option pricing models and other valuation 
techniques commonly used by market participants. 
 
(iii) Reclassifications 
 
Reclassification of financial assets other than as disclosed below 
between categories are not permitted following their initial recognition. 
 
Held-to-maturity assets are reclassified to the available-for-sale 
category if the portfolio becomes tainted following the sale of other than and 
insignificant amount of held-to-maturity assets prior to their maturity. 
 
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - 31 December 2008 
 
2. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES - CONT'D 
 
(g) Financial Assets - Cont'd 
 
(b) Recognition and Derecognition - Cont'd 
 
(iv) Renegotiated loans 
 
Loans whose original terms have been modified are considered 
renegotiated loans. If the renegotiation occurs before a customer is either 
past due or impaired and the revised terms are consistent with those readily 
available on the market, the account will not be considered past due. If the 
renegotiations are on terms that are not consistent with those readily 
available on the market, this provides objective evidence of impairment and 
the loan will remain past due until the customer complies with the revised 
terms. 
 
(v) Derecognition 
 
Financial assets are derecognised when the rights to receive cash 
flows from the financial assets have expired or where the Group has 
transferred substantially all risks and rewards of ownership. If substantially 
all the risks and rewards have been neither retained nor transferred and the 
Group has retained control, the assets continue to be recognised to the extent 
of the Group's continuing involvement. 
 
(vi) Income recognition 
 
For available-for-sale investments and financial assets held at 
amortised cost, interest income and interest expense is recognised in the 
income statement using the effective interest method. Gains and losses arising 
from changes in fair value of financial assets at fair value through profit or 
loss are included in the income statement in the period which they arise. 
Contractual interest income and expense on financial assets designated at fair 
value through profit or loss is recognised within net interest income. 
 
Gains and losses arising form changes in the fair value of 
available-for sale financial investments, other than foreign exchange gains 
and losses from monetary items, are recognised directly in equity, until the 
financial asset is derecognised or impaired at which time the cumulative gain 
or loss previously recognised in equity is recognised in profit or loss. 
Dividends on equity instruments are recognised in the income statement when 
the Group's right to receive payment is established. 
 
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - 31 December 2008 
 
2. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES - CONT'D 
 
(h) Offsetting Financial Instruments 
 
Financial assets and liabilities are offset and the net amount 
reported in the balance sheet when there is a legally enforceable right to 
offset the recognised amounts and there is an intention to settle on a net 
basis, or realise the asset and settle the liability simultaneously. 
 
(i) Impairments of financial assets 
 
 (i) Assets Carried at Amortised Cost 
 
The Group assesses at each balance sheet date whether there is 
objective evidence that a financial asset or group of financial assets is 
impaired. A financial asset or a group of financial assets is impaired and 
impairment losses are incurred if, and only if, there is objective evidence of 
impairment as a result of one or more events that occurred after the initial 
recognition of the asset (a 'loss event') and that loss event (or events) has 
an impact on the estimated future cash flows of the financial asset or group 
assets that can be reliably estimated. Objective evidence that a financial 
asset or group of assets is impaired includes observable data that comes to 
the attention of the Group about the following loss events: 
 
- significant financial difficulty of the issuer or obligor; 
 
- a breach of contract, such as a default or delinquency in 
interest or principal payments; 
 
- the Group granting to the borrower, for economic or legal reasons 
relating to the borrower's financial difficulty, a concession that the lender 
would not otherwise consider; 
 
- it becoming probable that the borrower will enter bankruptcy or 
other financial reorganisation; 
 
- the disappearance of an active market for that financial asset 
because of financial difficulties; or 
 
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - 31 December 2008 
 
2. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES - CONT'D 
 
 (i) Impairments of Financial Assets - cont'd 
 
(i) Assets Carried at Amortised Cost - cont'd 
 
- observable data indicating that there is a measurable decrease in 
the estimated future cash flows from a group of financial assets since the 
initial recognition of those assets, although the decrease cannot yet be 
identified with the individual financial assets in the Group, including: 
 
- adverse changes in the payment status of borrowers in the Group; 
or 
 
- national or local economic conditions that correlate with 
defaults on the assets in the Group. 
 
The Group first assesses whether objective evidence of impairment 
exists individually for financial assets that are individually significant, or 
collectively for financial assets that are not individually significant. If 
the Group determines that no objective evidence of impairment exists for an 
individually assessed financial asset, whether significant or not, it includes 
the asset in a group of financial assets with similar credit risk 
characteristics and collectively assesses them for impairment. 
 
Assets that are individually assessed for impairment and for which 
an impairment loss is or continues to be recognised are not included in a 
collective assessment of impairment if there is objective evidence that an 
impairment loss on loans and receivables or held-to-maturity investments 
carried at amortised cost has been incurred, the amount of the loss is 
measured as the difference between the asset's carrying amount and the present 
value of estimated future cash flows (excluding future credit losses that have 
not been incurred) discounted at the financial asset's original effective 
interest rate. The carrying amount of the asset is reduced through the use of 
an allowance account and the amount of the loss is recognised in the income 
statement. 
 
If a loan or held-to-maturity investment has a variable interest 
rate, the discount rate for measuring any impairment loss is the current 
effective interest rate determined under the contract. As a practical 
expedient, the Group may measure impairment on the basis of an instrument's 
fair value using an observable market price. 
 
The calculation of the present value of the estimated future cash 
flows of a collateralised financial asset reflects the cash flows that may 
result from foreclosure less costs for obtaining and selling the collateral, 
whether or not foreclosure is probable. 
 
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - 31 December 2008 
 
2. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES - CONT'D 
 
(i) Impairments of Financial Assets - cont'd 
 
 (i) Assets carried at amortised cost - cont'd 
 
For the purposes of a collective evaluation of impairment, 
financial assets are grouped on the basis of similar credit risk 
characteristics (i.e., on the basis of the Group's grading process that 
considers asset type, industry, geographical location, collateral type, 
past-due status and other relevant factors). These characteristics are 
relevant to the estimation of future cash flows for groups of such assets by 
being indicative of the debtors' ability to pay all amounts due according to 
the contractual terms of the assets being evaluated. 
 
Future cash flows in a group of financial assets that are 
collectively evaluated for impairment are estimated on the basis of the 
contractual cash flows of the assets in the Group and historical loss 
experience for assets with credit risk characteristics similar to those in the 
Group. Historical loss experience is adjusted on the basis of current 
observable data to reflect the effects of current conditions that did not 
affect the period on which the historical loss experience is based and to 
remove the effects of conditions in the historical period that do not exist 
currently. 
 
Estimates of changes in future cash flows for groups of assets 
should reflect and be directionally consistent with changes in related 
observable data from period to period (for example, changes in unemployment 
rates, property prices, payment status or other factors indicative of changes 
in the probability of losses in the group and their magnitude). The 
methodology and assumptions used for estimating future cash flows are reviewed 
regularly by the Group to reduce any differences between loss estimates and 
actual loss experience. 
 
When a loan is uncollectable, it is written off against the related 
provision for loan impairment. Such loans are written off after all the 
necessary procedures have been completed and the amount of the loss has been 
determined. Subsequent recoveries of amounts previously written off decrease 
the amount of the provision for loan impairment in the income statement. 
 
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - 31 December 2008 
 
2. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES - CONT'D 
 
(i) Impairments of Financial Assets - cont'd 
 
(i) Assets carried at amortised cost - cont'd 
 
If in a subsequent period, the amount of the impairment loss 
decreases and the decrease can be related objectively to an event occurring 
after the impairment was recognised (such as an improvement in the debtor's 
credit rating), the previously recognised impairment loss is reversed by 
adjusting the allowance account. The amount of the reversal is recognised in 
the income statement. 
 
 (ii) Assets carried at fair value 
 
The Group assesses at each balance sheet date whether there is 
objective evidence that a financial asset or a group of financial assets is 
impaired. 
 
In the case of equity investments classified as available-for-sale, 
a significant or prolonged decline in the fair value of the security below its 
cost is considered in determining whether the assets are impaired. If any such 
evidence exists for available-for-sale financial assets, the cumulative loss 
(measured as the difference between the acquisition cost and the current fair 
value, less any impairment loss on that financial asset previously recognised 
in profit or loss) is removed from equity and recognised in the income 
statement. Impairment losses recognised in the income statement on equity 
instruments are not reversed through the income statement until the 
investments are sold. 
 
If in a subsequent period, the fair value of a debt instrument 
classified as available for sale increases and the increase can be objectively 
related to an event occurring after the impairment loss was recognised in 
profit or loss, the impairment loss is reversed through the income statement. 
 
Restructured loans, whose terms have been renegotiated and 
modified, are accounted for prospectively from the restructuring date. The 
carrying amount of the loan is not changed, except when the carrying amount 
exceeds the future cash receipts based on the new terms of the loan, which is, 
recognised as loss on restructuring. Thereafter, all cash receipts under the 
new term shall be accounted for as recovery of principal and the related 
interest revenue is recognized proportionately. 
 
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - 31 December 2008 
 
2. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES - CONT'D 
 
(j) Acceptance Receivables and Payables 
 
Acceptance receivables and payables are stated at the value of the 
Letter of Credit or realised value of the Letter of Credit accepted by 
accepting banks. The acceptance receivables are presented net of allowance for 
possible losses. 
 
 (k) Foreclosed Properties 
 
Foreclosed properties are recorded at the lower of its fair value 
(less costs to sell) and the carrying amount of the loan (net of impairment 
allowance) at the date of foreclosure. No depreciation is provided in respect 
of foreclosed properties. Any subsequent write down of foreclosed properties 
to fair value (less cost to sell) is recorded as a fair value change and 
included in the income statement. Any subsequent increase of the fair value 
(less cost to sell), to the extent this does not exceed the cumulative fair 
value change, is recognised in the income statement. 
 
(l) Prepaid Lease Payments 
 
Leasehold land that normally has an indefinite economic life and 
title is not expected to pass to the lessee by the end of the lease term is 
treated as an operating lease. The payment made on entering into or acquiring 
a leasehold land is accounted as prepaid lease payments that are amortised 
over the lease term in accordance with the pattern of benefits provided. 
 
(m) Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets 
 
 (i) Goodwill 
 
Goodwill represents the excess of the cost of an acquisition over 
the fair value of the Group's share of the net identifiable assets of the 
acquired subsidiary/associate at the date of acquisition. Goodwill on 
acquisitions of subsidiaries is included in 'goodwill and other intangible 
assets'. Goodwill on acquisitions of associates is included in 'investments in 
associates'. By contrast, if the interest in the fair value of the net 
identifiable assets of an acquired business is greater than the cost to 
acquire, the excess (negative goodwill) is recognised immediately in the 
income statement. 
 
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - 31 December 2008 
 
2. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES - CONT'D 
 
(m) Intangible Assets 
 
 (i) Goodwill - cont'd 
 
Goodwill is allocated to cash-generating units and is tested 
annually for impairment. Goodwill is carried at cost less accumulated 
impairment losses, if any. Gains and losses on the disposal of an entity 
include the carrying amount of goodwill relating to the entity sold. 
 
(ii) Computer Software 
 
Acquired computer software licenses are capitalised on the basis of 
the costs incurred to acquire and bring to use the specific software. These 
costs are amortised on straight-line basis over the expected useful lives of 
three to five years. 
 
Costs associated with developing or maintaining computer software 
programmes are recognised as an expense as incurred. Costs that are directly 
associated with the production of identifiable and unique software products 
controlled by the Group and that will probably generate economic benefits 
exceeding costs beyond one year are recognised as intangible assets. 
 
(n) Property and Equipment 
 
Buildings comprise mainly of bank branches and offices. All 
property and equipment are stated at historical cost less any impairment 
losses and depreciation. Historical cost includes expenditure that is directly 
attributable to the acquisition of the items. Subsequent costs are included in 
the asset's carrying amount or are recognised as a separate asset as 
appropriate, only when it is probable that future economic benefits associated 
with the items will flow to the Group and the cost of the items can be 
measured reliably. All other repairs and maintenance are charged to the income 
statement during the financial period in which they are incurred. 
 
Construction in progress is not depreciated. The accumulated costs 
will be reclassified to the appropriate category at the time the construction 
is completed and ready for its intended use. Depreciation on other assets is 
calculated using the straight-line method to allocate their cost to their 
residual values over their estimated useful lives, as follows: 
 
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - 31 December 2008 
 
2. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES - CONT'D 
 
(n) Property and Equipment - cont'd 
 
 Buildings                                        5 to 20 years 
 
 Furniture and fittings, office equipment         3 to 15 years 
 
 Motor vehicles                                   4 to 5 years 
 
 Computer hardware                                5 years 
 
 Renovation                                       5 years 
 
The assets' residual values and useful lives are reviewed, and 
adjusted if appropriate, at each balance sheet date. 
 
Property and equipment is subject to an impairment review if there 
are events or changes in circumstances which indicate that the carrying amount 
may not be recoverable. 
 
(o) Income Tax 
 
Income tax on the profit or loss for the year comprises current tax 
and deferred tax. Income tax is recognised in the income statement except to 
the extent that it relates to items recognised directly in shareholders' 
equity, in which case it is recognised in equity. 
 
Current tax is the tax expected to be payable on the taxable profit 
for the year, using tax rates enacted or substantively enacted at the balance 
sheet date, and any adjustment to tax payable in respect of previous years. 
 
Deferred tax is recognised, using the liability method, 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 calculated using the tax rates expected to apply in 
the periods in which the assets will be realised or the liabilities settled. 
 
Deferred tax related to fair value re-measurement of 
available-for-sale investments, which are charged or credited to equity, is 
also credited or charged directly to equity and is subsequently recognised in 
the income statement together with the deferred gain or loss. 
 
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - 31 December 2008 
 
2. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES - CONT'D 
 
(p) Cash and Cash Equivalents 
 
For the purposes of the cash flow statement, cash and cash 
equivalents include highly liquid investments that are readily convertible to 
known amounts of cash and which are subject to an insignificant risk of change 
in value. Such investments include cash and non-restricted balances with the 
central banks, loans and advances to banks and amounts due from other banks. 
 
(q) Employee Benefits 
 
The Group has both defined benefit and defined contribution plans. 
A defined benefit plan is a pension plan that defines an amount of pension 
benefit that an employee will receive on retirement, usually dependent on one 
or more factors such as age, years of service and compensation. A defined 
contribution plan is a pension plan under which the Group pays fixed 
contributions into a separate entity. The Group has no legal or constructive 
obligations to pay further contributions if the fund does not hold sufficient 
assets to pay all employees the benefits relating to employee service in the 
current and prior periods. 
 
For defined benefit plans, the liability recognised in the balance 
sheet is the present value of the defined benefit obligation at the balance 
sheet date, together with adjustments for unrecognised actuarial gains or 
losses and past service costs. The defined benefit obligation is calculated 
annually by independent actuaries using the projected unit credit method. The 
present value of the defined benefit obligation is determined by discounting 
the estimated future cash outflows using interest rates of high-quality 
corporate bonds that are denominated in the currency in which the benefits 
will be paid, and that have terms to maturity approximating the terms of the 
related pension liability. 
 
Accumulated unrecognised actuarial gains and losses arising from 
experience adjustments and changes in actuarial assumptions that exceed 10% of 
the defined benefit obligations are charged or credited to income on a 
straight-line basis over the expected average remaining working lives of the 
participating employees. Past-service costs are recognised immediately in 
income, unless the changes to the pension plan are conditional on the 
employees remaining in service for a specified period of time (the vesting 
period). In this case, the past-service costs are amortised on a straight-line 
basis over the vesting period. 
 
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - 31 December 2008 
 
2. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES - CONT'D 
 
(q) Employee Benefits - Cont'd 
 
For defined contribution plans, the Group pays contributions to 
publicly or privately administered pension insurance plans on a mandatory, 
contractual or voluntary basis. The Group has no further payment obligations 
once the contributions have been paid. The contributions are recognised as 
employee benefit expense when they are due. Prepaid contributions are 
recognised as an asset to the extent that a cash refund or a reduction in the 
future payments is available. 
 
(r) Share Capital 
 
 (i) Capital 
 
The primary objectives of the Group's capital management are to 
ensure that the Group complies with externally imposed capital requirements 
and that the Group maintains strong credit ratings and healthy capital ratios 
in order to support its business and to maximise shareholders' value. The 
Group's ordinary shares are classified as equity instruments. The Group 
considers its capital to comprise its ordinary share capital, share premium, 
accumulated retained earnings, shareholder's advances and other reserves. 
There have been no changes in what the Group considers to be capital since the 
previous period. The Group's subsidiaries are subject to their respective 
countries capital regulatory requirements imposed by the Central Banks and as 
such must ensure that it has sufficient capital as defined by the Central 
Banks, to meet its requirements as set out by the Central Banks. 
 
(ii) Share Issue Costs 
 
Incremental costs directly attributable to the issue of new shares 
or options or to the acquisition of a business are shown in equity as a 
deduction, net of tax, from the proceeds. 
 
(iii) Dividends on Shares 
 
Dividends on shares are recognised in equity in the period in which 
they are approved by the Company's shareholders. 
 
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - 31 December 2008 
 
3. CRITICAL ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES AND JUDGEMENTS IN APPLYING 
ACCOUNTING POLICIES 
 
The Group makes estimates and assumptions that affect the reported 
amounts of assets and liabilities within the next financial year. Estimates 
and judgements are continually evaluated and are based on historical 
experience and other factors, including expectations of future events that are 
believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. 
 
(a) Impairment Losses on Loans and Advances 
 
The Group's accounting policy for losses in relation to the 
impairment of customer loans and advances is described in Note 2(i). Where 
there is an impairment, the recoverable amount of the loan is estimated by 
discounting the projected cash flows (including the realisable value of the 
collateral) at the loan's original effective interest rate. The determination 
of both the timing and quantum of the projected cash flows including the 
realisable value of the collateral requires considerable judgement, and the 
actual outcome may differ from the estimates. 
 
 (b) Goodwill Impairment 
 
The Group's accounting policy for goodwill is described in Note 
2(m). The recoverable amounts of cash-generating units have been determined 
based on value-in-use calculations. These calculations require the use of 
estimates. Further detail is discussed in Note 16 'Impairment testing for 
cash-generating unit containing goodwill'. 
 
(c) Valuation of Financial Instruments 
 
The Group's accounting policy for valuation of financial instruments is included in Note 2(g). 
 
(d) Pensions 
 
The assumptions used are disclosed in Note 32 'Defined Benefit Plan'. 
 
(e) Income Taxes 
 
The Group is subject to income taxes in various jurisdictions. 
Determining income tax provisions involves judgement in determining the tax 
depreciation and deductibility of certain expenses during the estimation of 
the provision for income taxes. Deferred tax asset is recognised on unutilised 
tax losses and temporary differences where it is probable that there will be 
taxable revenue against which it can be offset. Management has made judgements 
as to the probability of tax losses being available for offset at a later 
date. 
 
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - 31 December 2008 
 
 
4. NET INTEREST INCOME                            2008    2007 
 
                                               USD'000 USD'000 
 
Interest Income 
 
Loans and advances to customers                 82,044  80,496 
Investment securities                           12,685  10,484 
Cash and short term funds                        6,967   5,591 
Others                                              11      38 
                                               101,707  96,609 
Interest Expense 
 
Banks and customers deposits                    48,019  45,440 
Debt securities in issue                         3,397     870 
Others                                           1,476   1,734 
                                                52,892  48,044 
Net Interest Income                             48,815  48,565 
 
 
5. NET FEE AND COMMISSION INCOME                  2008    2007 
 
                                               USD'000 USD'000 
 
Fee and Commission Income 
 
Account maintenance and other management fees    3,678   4,299 
Credit related fees and commissions              6,061   6,124 
Others                                           1,621     151 
                                                11,360  10,574 
Fee and Commission Expense 
 
Treasury operation and inter-bank transactions     117     102 
Others                                              46      43 
                                                   163     145 
Net Fee and Commission Income                   11,197  10,429 
 
 
6. FOREIGN CURRENCY GAINS 
 
Foreign currency gains relate to net transaction and translation gains of 
subsidiaries. 
 
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - 31 December 2008 
 
7. OPERATING EXPENSES                             2008    2007 
 
                                               USD'000 USD'000 
 
Auditors' remuneration                             555     398 
Amortisation of intangible assets (Note 16)        397     417 
Depreciation (Note 18)                           3,096   2,185 
Employee compensation and benefits (Note 8)     22,504  17,163 
Amortisation of prepaid lease rental (Note 17)      37      46 
Loss on disposal of foreclosed properties        1,670     352 
Data communication, rental and related 
maintenance expense                              6,506   8,444 
 
Provision for contingent liability               1,964       - 
Other provisions                                 5,598       - 
Other general and administrative expenses       21,425  16,071 
                                                63,752  45,076 
 
 
8. EMPLOYEE COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS             2008    2007 
 
                                               USD'000 USD'000 
 
Salaries and wages                              15,941  10,258 
Bonus                                            1,054   1,669 
Social security costs                                -      78 
Pension costs 
- Defined contribution plan                        670     547 
- Defined benefit plan (Note 32)                   510     442 
Other staff related expenses                     4,329   4,169 
                                                22,504  17,163 
 
 
9. TAX EXPENSE                                    2008    2007 
 
                                               USD'000 USD'000 
 
Current year's provision                       (3,137) (2,833) 
Deferred taxation (Note 20)                        297     129 
Over provision of taxation in prior year             -       2 
                                               (2,840) (2,702) 
 
 
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - 31 December 2008 
 
9. TAX EXPENSE (CONT'D) 
 
The tax on the Group's profit before taxation differs from the theoretical 
amount that would arise using the basic tax rate of the Company as follows: 
 
 
                                                  2008    2007 
 
                                               USD'000 USD'000 
 
Profit before taxation                          15,845  17,560 
 
Tax calculated at a rate of 16% (2007 : 16%)     2,535   2,810 
Effect of different tax rates of subsidiaries 
operating in other jurisdictions              (17,734)   1,185 
Impact of profits in associates                      -   (932) 
Expenses not deductible for tax purposes        10,487     192 
Income not subject to tax                        (217)   (551) 
Deferred tax asset not recognised in respect 
of current year tax losses                       1,975       - 
Deferred tax asset not recognised in respect 
of temporary differences                         5,794       - 
Over provision of income tax                         -     (2) 
Tax expense for the year                         2,840   2,702 
 
 
10. EARNINGS PER SHARE 
 
Basic earnings per share is calculated by dividing the net profit 
attributable to shareholders of the Company by the weighted average number of 
shares in issue during the year. There are no options or other instruments in 
issue that would dilute earnings per share. 
 
                                                  2008    2007 
 
Profit attributable to shareholders of 
the Company (USD'000)                           21,282  13,988 
 
Weighted average number of shares in issue 
('000)                                         180,000 148,589 
 
Basic and diluted earnings per share 
(expressed in USD per share)                      0.12    0.09 
 
 
 
11. CASH AND BANK BALANCES                        2008    2007 
 
                                               USD'000 USD'000 
 
Cash in hand                                    34,169  14,397 
Placements with other banks                    170,207  80,849 
Deposits with central banks other than 
mandatory reserves                              23,600  97,757 
Included in cash and cash equivalents 
(Note 26)                                      227,976 193,003 
Mandatory reserve deposits with central banks   48,762  46,766 
 
                                               276,738 239,769 
 
 
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - 31 December 2008 
 
11. CASH AND BANK BALANCES - CONT'D 
 
The Group is required to maintain minimum deposits with central 
banks of countries where the Group has operations as liquidity/mandatory 
reserve. Deposits in mandatory reserves are not available for use in the 
Group's day to day operations. 
 
12. LOANS AND ADVANCES TO CUSTOMERS               2008    2007 
 
                                               USD'000 USD'000 
 
Gross loans and advances                       713,674 554,203 
Less: Allowance for losses on loans 
and advances                                 (125,616)(13,520) 
                                               588,058 540,683 
 
 
As at year end, loans classified according to collectability are as follows : 
 
                                                  2008    2007 
 
                                               USD'000 USD'000 
 
Current                                        481,364 478,276 
Special mention                                 34,290  38,828 
Substandard                                      9,114   3,938 
Doubtful                                        15,674   3,612 
Loss                                           173,232  29,549 
                                               713,674 554,203 
Less: Allowance for losses on loans 
and advances                                 (125,616)(13,520) 
 
                                               588,058 540,683 
 
 
Movement in allowance for losses on loans and advances: 
 
At 1 January                                    13,520   8,746 
Acquisition of subsidiary during the year      103,432       - 
Impairment charges during the year 
(included in the income statement)              14,422  13,051 
Loans written off during the year              (2,674) (7,367) 
Recoveries of loans written off                  (601)   (690) 
Currency translation differences               (2,483)   (220) 
At 31 December                                 125,616  13,520 
 
 
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - 31 December 2008 
 
13. FINANCIAL INVESTMENTS                         2008    2007 
 
                                               USD'000 USD'000 
 
Securities held-to-maturity 
 
Treasury bills                                  47,781  28,016 
Government debt securities                      45,108  38,765 
                                                92,889  66,781 
Less : Unamortised discount                      (106)   (189) 
 
                                                92,783  66,592 
 
Securities available-for-sale Securities 
- at fair value: 
 
Government debt securities                      29,756  15,912 
Private debt securities                              -  10,717 
                                                29,756  26,629 
                                               122,539  93,221 
 
14. FORECLOSED PROPERTIES 
 
Foreclosed properties are repossessed properties that were pledged as 
collateral for loans and advances that have defaulted. 
 
                                                  2008    2007 
 
                                               USD'000 USD'000 
 
Carrying Value 
 
At 1 January                                    23,983  16,731 
Additions                                        3,244  12,755 
Disposal                                       (3,716) (4,312) 
Reclassification                                     -   (497) 
Currency translation differences               (3,203)   (694) 
At 31 December                                  20,308  23,983 
 
Changes in fair value 
 
At 1 January                                     2,927   3,053 
Reclassification                                    56       - 
Currency translation differences                 (403)   (126) 
                                                 2,580   2,927 
                                                17,728  21,056 
 
 
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - 31 December 2008 
 
15. INVESTMENT IN ASSOCIATES                      2008    2007 
 
                                               USD'000 USD'000 
 
At 1 January                                    74,364  78,279 
Dividend received                              (2,086) (2,912) 
Additional investment in associate                   -     947 
Disposal of an associate (Note 30a)           (70,231) (2,398) 
Share of profits                                  (33)   5,823 
Share of other reserves                              -(10,291) 
Currency translation differences                 (168)   4,916 
At 31 December                                   1,846  74,364 
 
 
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - 31 December 2008 
 
15. INVESTMENT IN ASSOCIATES - CONT'D 
 
The Group's share of the results of its associates, all of which are unlisted, 
and its share of the assets (including goodwill and liabilities) are as 
follows: 
                                                                               Profit 
                           Country % effective    Assets Liabilities Revenue  /(Loss) 
                         of incor-    interest   USD'000     USD'000 USD'000  USD'000 
Name                      poration        Held 
2008 
International Commercial 
Bank (Tanzania) Limited 
 
                          Tanzania         20%     6,603       5,594     657       83 
International Commercial 
Bank Senegal S.A. 
 
                           Senegal         20%     6,316       5,483     351    (116) 
                                                  12,919      11,077   1,008     (33) 
2007 
International Commercial 
Bank (Tanzania) Limited 
                          Tanzania         20%     6,628       5,575     432      106 
International Commercial 
Bank Senegal S.A. 
                           Senegal         20%     4,558       3,564     161    (250) 
IC Bank ZRT                Hungary      20.96%         -           -       -     (36) 
Sorak Financial Holdings Singapore         20% 1,172,320   1,045,346  76,451    6,003 
Pte. Ltd. 
                                               1,183,506   1,054,485  77,044    5,823 
 
 
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - 31 December 2008 
 
16. GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS 
 
                                                      2008     2007 
                                                   USD'000  USD'000 
(a) Goodwill arising on business combination 
    Cost 
    At 1 January                                     4,370    4,410 
    Acquisition of subsidiary                      100,698        - 
    Currency translation differences               (1,013)     (40) 
    At 31 December                                 104,055    4,370 
 
    Impairment                                    (50,000)        - 
    Net Book Value                                  54,055    4,370 
 
(b) Purchased software 
    Cost 
    At 1 January                                     2,679    2,188 
    Additions                                          489      374 
    Acquisition of subsidiary                            5        - 
    Disposal                                             -      (7) 
    Reclassification                                     -      105 
    Currency translation differences                 (329)       19 
    At 31 December                                   2,844    2,679 
    Accumulated amortisation 
    At 1 January                                     1,708    1,219 
    Amortisation charge for the year (Note 7)          397      417 
    Disposal                                             -      (2) 
    Reclassification                                     -       60 
    Currency translation differences                 (242)       14 
    At 31 December                                   1,863    1,708 
    Net Book Value                                     981      971 
 
    Total                                           55,036    5,341 
 
 
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - 31 December 2008 
 
16. GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS - CONT'D 
 
Impairment test for goodwill. 
 
Goodwill is allocated to the Group's Cash Generating Units ("CGU") 
for impairment testing purposes. The Group considers each individual 
investment as a separate CGU and measures its recoverable value based either 
on fair values less costs to sell, which is determined using an observable 
market price for each CGU, or value-in-use calculations from a discounted cash 
flow model using cash flow projections based on financial budgets and 
forecasts. 
 
Goodwill has been allocated to the Group's CGU as follows: 
 
                                                 2008      2007 
 
                                              USD'000   USD'000 
 
PT Bank Bumiputera Indonesia TBK                3,092     3,587 
ICB-Banco Internacional De Comércio, S.A.R.L      389       384 
International Commercial Bank S.A                 247       304 
ICB Islamic Bank Ltd                           50,238         - 
Others                                             89        95 
                                               54,055     4,370 
 
For impairment testing of goodwill for the year, the Group measures 
the recoverable value of the CGU based on value-in-use ("VIU") calculations 
from a discounted cash flow model using cash flow projections based on 
financial budgets and forecasts. 
 
During the year, the Group carried out a review of the recoverable 
amount of goodwill. The review has led to the recognition of an impairment 
loss of USD50,000,000 in relation to ICB Islamic Bank Ltd CGU as the goodwill 
was not sufficiently supported by future expected cash flows. 
 
For each significant CGU, the VIU is calculated by discounting 
management's cash flow projections for each CGU based on the 2009 financial 
budget and projected cash flow for the next 10 years based on country and 
industry specific growth rates covering a 10 year period. Estimated growth 
rate is used to extrapolate the cash flows in perpetuity beyond the 10 year 
period and discounted using discount rate which reflect the specific risks 
relating to the CGU, because of the long-term perspective within the Group of 
the business units making up the CGUs. 
 
The following describes each key assumption on which management has 
based its cash flow projections for VIU calculations of ICB Islamic Bank Ltd 
CGU: 
 
(i) Growth rate used to extrapolate cash flow projections is estimated to be 
0%; and 
 
(ii) The discount rate applied to the cash flow projections is estimated to be 
at 18% per annum. 
 
Changes to the assumptions used by management, particularly the 
discount rate and the growth rate, may not significantly affect the results of 
the impairment. 
 
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - 31 December 2008 
 
17. PREPAID LEASE PAYMENTS 
 
                                                   2008    2007 
 
                                                USD'000 USD'000 
Cost 
At 1 January                                        286     298 
Currency translation differences                   (42)    (12) 
At 31 December                                      244     286 
 
Accumulated amortisation 
At 1 January                                        121      99 
Amortisation for the year (Note 7)                   37      46 
Reclassification                                      -    (18) 
Currency translation differences                   (21)     (6) 
At 31 December                                      137     121 
Net Book Value                                      107     165 
 
 
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - 31 December 2008 
 
18. PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT 
 
                                                   Furniture 
                                                         and 
                                                   fittings, 
                                          Computer    Office    Motor           Construction   Total 
                           Land Buildings hardware equipment vehicles Renovation in progress 
 
                            USD       USD      USD       USD      USD        USD         USD     USD 
                           '000      '000     '000      '000     '000       '000         000    '000 
Cost 
At 1 January 2008             -     1,604    2,832     5,962    2,079      6,037       1,718  20,232 
Additions                     -       416      497     2,411      458      1,315         279   5,376 
Acquisition of subsidiary 4,667     1,094        -     2,916      417          -           -   9,094 
Disposals                     -         -      (1)      (33)     (67)        (2)       (461)   (564) 
Reclassification              -       837       78        38      (4)         12       (981)    (20) 
Currency translation 
differences                (21)      (17)    (305)     (818)    (303)      (768)        (59) (2,291) 
At 31 December 2008       4,646     3,934    3,101    10,476    2,580      6,594         496  31,827 
 
Accumulated depreciation 
At 1 January 2008             -       176    1,931     3,591    1,267      4,016           -  10,981 
Charge for the year           -       175      375     1,409      346        791           -   3,096 
Acquisition of subsidiary     -         -        -     2,018      365          -           -   2,383 
Disposals                     -         -        -      (22)     (63)        (2)           -    (87) 
Reclassification              -         -        9      (14)        5       (14)           -    (14) 
Currency translation 
differences                   -      (18)    (230)     (569)    (217)      (581)           - (1,615) 
At 31 December 2008           -       333    2,085     6,413    1,703      4,210           -  14,744 
 
Net Book Value 
At 31 December 2008       4,646     3,601    1,016     4,063      877      2,384         496  17,083 
At 31 December 2007           -     1,428      901     2,371      812      2,021       1,718   9,251 
Depreciation charge           -        75      245       750      293        822           -   2,185 
for 2007 
 
 
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - 31 December 2008 
 
18. PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT - CONT'D 
 
                                            Furniture 
                                        and fittings, 
                               Computer        Office    Motor            Construction   Total 
                     Buildings hardware     equipment vehicles Renovation  in progress 
                       USD'000  USD'000       USD'000  USD'000    USD'000      USD'000 USD'000 
Cost 
At 1 January 2007        1,379    2,210         4,738    1,926      5,362          367  15,982 
Additions                    1      596         1,195      243        940        1,595   4,570 
Disposals                    -      (2)          (68)     (76)       (10)            -   (156) 
Reclassification           168       56            61        -      (149)        (241)   (105) 
Currency translation        56     (28)            36     (14)      (106)          (3)    (59) 
differences 
At 31 December 2007      1,604    2,832         5,962    2,079      6,037        1,718  20,232 
 
Accumulated 
depreciation 
At 1 January 2007          103    1,713         2,974    1,060      3,296            -   9,146 
Charge for the year         75      245           750      293        822            -   2,185 
Disposals                    -        -          (59)     (68)        (7)            -   (134) 
Reclassification             -        -          (60)        -          -            -    (60) 
Currency translation       (2)     (27)          (14)     (18)       (95)            -   (156) 
differences 
At 31 December 2007        176    1,931         3,591    1,267      4,016            -  10,981 
 
Net Book Value 
At 31 December 2007      1,428      901         2,371      812      2,021        1,718   9,251 
At 31 December 2006      1,276      497         1,764      866      2,066          367   6,836 
Depreciation charge         64      193           595      378        779            -   2,009 
for 2006 
 
 
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - 31 December 2008 
 
19. OTHER ASSETS 
 
                                                       2008      2007 
 
                                                    USD'000   USD'000 
 
Acceptance receivables                                3,448     3,804 
Accrued interest receivables                          6,439     9,149 
Prepayments                                           3,891     4,380 
Items in the course of collection (Note 26)             668     1,221 
Others                                               21,997    21,935 
                                                     36,443    40,489 
20. DEFERRED TAXATION 
 
                                                       2008      2007 
 
                                                    USD'000   USD'000 
 
At 1 January                                          1,753     1,659 
Acquisition of subsidiary                             1,621         - 
Transfer from/(to) tax charge for the year (Note 9)     297       129 
Transfer from/(to) equity for the year                  841        39 
Currency translation differences                      (278)      (74) 
At 31 December                                        4,234     1,753 
 
Deferred tax assets                                   4,537     1,945 
Deferred tax liabilities                              (303)     (192) 
                                                      4,234     1,753 
 
 
Deferred tax assets and liabilities are attributable to the following items: 
 
                                                       2008      2007 
 
                                                    USD'000   USD'000 
Deferred tax assets 
Allowance for losses on loans and advances            1,171     1,096 
Decelerated tax depreciation                            405       454 
Tax losses carried forward                            1,674         - 
Defined benefit plan                                    393       363 
Unrealised loss on fair value of financial investments  894        32 
                                                      4,537     1,945 
Deferred tax liabilities 
Accelerated tax depreciation                            295       183 
Other temporary differences                               8         9 
                                                        303       192 
 
 
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - 31 December 2008 
 
21. DEPOSIT FROM CUSTOMERS 
 
                                                       2008     2007 
 
                                                    USD'000  USD'000 
 
Current accounts                                    103,771  155,299 
Savings accounts                                    106,367   96,430 
Time deposits                                       522,583  489,984 
Others                                               44,931    5,021 
                                                    777,652  746,734 
 
22. OTHER LIABILITIES 
 
                                                       2008     2007 
 
                                                    USD'000  USD'000 
 
Acceptance payables                                   4,355    4,066 
Accrued interest payables                             3,021    3,034 
Accruals                                                985    2,480 
Items in the course of transmission                   1,400      550 
Guarantee deposits                                      501    1,081 
Defined benefit plan obligation (Note 32)             1,405    1,211 
Others                                               44,775   26,904 
                                                     56,442   39,326 
 
 
23. PAID-UP SHARE CAPITAL 
 
                                     No. of Shares         Amount 
                                    2008      2007      2008    2007 
                                   ' 000     ' 000   USD'000 USD'000 
At 1 January 
Shares of CHF1 each              180,000         -   145,960       - 
Shares of CHF1,000 each                -        75         -  59,549 
Change in nominal value from 
CHF1,000 each to CHF1 each             -    75,000         -  59,549 
Conversion of shareholder's 
advances                               -    95,000         -  78,176 
Issues of shares                       -    10,000         -   8,235 
At 31 December                   180,000   180,000   145,960 145,960 
 
 
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - 31 December 2008 
 
24. RETAINED EARNINGS 
 
                                                        2008    2007 
 
                                                     USD'000 USD'000 
Movements in retained earnings were as follows: 
 
At 1 January                                          34,903  24,212 
Profit attributable to the shareholders 
of the Company                                        21,282  13,988 
Realisation of translation reserve arising 
from capitalisation and repayment of 
shareholder's advances 
                                                           - (3,187) 
Transfer of reserve arising from disposal 
of associate                                        (11,173)   (110) 
At 31 December                                        45,012  34,903 
 
 
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - 31 December 2008 
 
25. OTHER RESERVES 
 
                                                                Share 
                              Capital Translation Fair Value   Option 
                             Reserves    Reserves   Reserves Reserves    Total 
 
                              USD'000     USD'000    USD'000  USD'000  USD'000 
2008 
At 1 January                    2,415     (2,527)    (3,155)      926  (2,341) 
Loss in fair value of 
available-for-sale                  -           -    (1,753)        -  (1,753) 
securities 
Currency translation 
differences 
arising from translation to 
presentation currency               -     (9,734)          -        -  (9,734) 
Disposal of associate               -       8,811      3,288    (926)   11,173 
At 31 December                  2,415     (3,450)    (1,620)        -  (2,655) 
 
2007 
At 1 January                    2,170     (3,914)        579      793    (372) 
Shares of post-acquisition 
Reserves of associates              -     (6,752)    (3,672)      133 (10,291) 
Loss in fair value of 
available-for-sale                  -           -       (62)        -     (62) 
securities 
Currency translation 
differences 
arising from translation to 
presentation currency               -       5,087          -        -    5,087 
Transfer of realised 
translation 
reserve to retained earnings 
arising from capitalisation 
and 
repayment of shareholder's 
advances                            -       3,187          -        -    3,187 
Transfer of reserve to 
retained 
earnings arising from 
disposal 
of associate                        -       (135)          -        -    (135) 
Disposal of associate             245           -          -        -      245 
At 31 December                  2,415     (2,527)    (3,155)      926  (2,341) 
 
 
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - 31 December 2008 
 
26. CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS 
 
For the purposes of the cash flow statement, cash and cash equivalents 
comprise the following balances: 
 
                                                         2008    2007 
 
                                                      USD'000 USD'000 
 
Cash and bank balances (Note 11)                      227,976 193,003 
Items in the course of collection (Note 19)               668   1,221 
 
                                                      228,644 194,224 
 
 
27. SUBSIDIARIES 
 
Details of subsidiaries are as follows: 
 
                           Country of      % effective 
                                          interest held 
 
Name of subsidiaries       Incorporation   2008    2007   Principal Activities 
 
International Commercial 
Bank (Gambia) Ltd.         Gambia         99.10   99.10   Commercial bank 
International Commercial 
Bank S. A.                 Guinea         97.00   97.00   Commercial bank 
International Commercial 
Bank (Sierra Leone) Ltd.   Sierra Leone   99.98   99.98   Commercial bank 
International Commercial 
Bank SH. A                 Albania       100.00   100.00  Commercial bank 
ICB-Banco Internacional 
De Comércio, S.A.R.L       Mozambique     99.99   99.99   Commercial bank 
International Commercial 
Bank Limited               Ghana         100.00   100.00  Commercial bank 
PT Bank Bumiputera 
Indonesia Tbk              Indonesia      67.07   67.07   Commercial bank 
International Commercial 
Bank 
(Djibouti) S.A.            Djibouti       99.90   99.90   Commercial bank 
ICB Global Management                                     Providing technical 
                                                          and 
Sdn. Bhd.                  Malaysia      100.00   100.00  management services 
ICB Islamic Bank Ltd       Bangladesh     50.1      -     Islamic bank 
International Commercial   Laos            100      -     Commercial bank 
Bank Lao Ltd 
International Commercial   Malawi          100      -     Commercial bank 
Bank Ltd - Malawi 
 
 
* All subsidiaries are audited by firms of auditors other than BDO. 
 
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - 31 December 2008 
 
27. SUBSIDIARIES - CONT'D 
 
On 28 February 2008, the Company entered into a share sale and 
purchase agreement ("SSPA") to acquire a 50.1% equity interest in ICB Islamic 
Bank Ltd (formerly The Oriental Bank Limited), a bank incorporated in 
Bangladesh by way of subscription of new ordinary shares amounting to 
3,506,743 for a total cash consideration of BDT3,506,743,888 (USD51,148,000). 
The acquisition was completed on 27 March 2008. The goodwill recognised on the 
subscription amounted to USD100,698,000. 
 
For the year ending 31 December 2008 the acquired subsidiary 
contributed a loss for the year of USD16.8 million in the Group's consolidated 
financial statements. If the acquisition have occurred on 1 January 2008 the 
acquired subsidiary would have contributed USD9.2 million and USD89.2 million 
of revenue and loss for the year respectively to the Group's consolidated 
financial statements. 
 
Details of the fair value of the assets and liabilities acquired 
are as follows: 
 
                                                                 2008 
 
                                                              USD'000 
 
Cash and bank balances                                         12,674 
Financial investments held to                                  51,043 
maturity 
Loans and advances to customers                               104,162 
Property and equipment                                          6,711 
Other assets                                                    1,309 
Deferred tax assets                                             1,621 
Deposit from customers                                      (272,753) 
Other liabilities                                             (3,670) 
Fair value of net assets                                     (98,903) 
Minority interest                                              49,353 
Group's share of net assets                                  (49,550) 
Goodwill on acquisition (Note 16)                             100,698 
Purchase consideration                                         51,148 
 
 
The goodwill recognised on the acquisitions is mainly attributable 
to the synergies expected to arise from the acquired business. The fair value 
of the assets and liabilities recognised on acquisition are based on 
management's estimates. 
 
The following are the effects on cash flows arising from the 
acquisition: 
 
                                                                 2008 
 
                                                              USD'000 
 
Purchase consideration settled in cash                         51,148 
Cash and cash equivalents in subsidiaries acquired           (12,674) 
Cash inflow on acquisition                                     38,474 
 
 
 
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - 31 December 2008 
 
28. SEGMENT INFORMATION 
 
The primary segment reporting format is determined to be the 
geographical segments as the Group's risks and return varies in different 
economic environment, and the operating business is organised according to the 
location of the Group's assets in three continents, Europe, Africa and Asia. 
Hence, the geographical segment information is presented based on the location 
of the Group's assets. The Company is not an operational unit and has no 
significant assets. 
 
 The Group's business segments mainly comprise commercial banking 
operation. Business segmental information has therefore not been prepared as 
all the Group's operating income, operating profit, assets employed, 
liabilities, depreciation and amortisation and non-cash expenses are mainly 
confined to one business segment. 
 
                                      Europe         Africa     Asia            Group 
2008                                 USD'000        USD'000  USD'000          USD'000 
 
Net interest income                    4,021         11,371   33,423           48,815 
Net fee and commission                   373          4,282    6,542           11,197 
income 
Foreign currency gains                 (997)          4,631     (41)            3,593 
Gain on disposal of                   77,584              -        -           77,584 
associate 
Other operating income                 8,116            591  (5,844)            2,863 
Total operating income                89,097         20,875   34,080          144,052 
 
Segment results                       84,191          6,308 (24,621)           65,878 
Share of results of                     (33)              -        -             (33) 
associate 
Impairment of goodwill                     -              -        -         (50,000) 
Profit before taxation                                                         15,845 
Tax expense                                                                   (2,840) 
Profit for the year                                                            13,005 
 
Segment Assets                       306,433        163,974  647,862        1,118,269 
Associates                                 -          1,846        -            1,846 
Total Assets                                                                1,120,115 
 
Segment liabilities                   43,495        152,151  775,267          970,913 
 
Other segment items 
Capital expenditure                      371          2,063    2,942            5,376 
Depreciation and amortisation            190          1,256    2,047            3,493 
Loan impairment charges                  148            660   13,614           14,422 
 
 
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - 31 December 2008 
 
28. SEGMENT INFORMATION - CONT'D 
 
Capital expenditure comprises additions to Property and Equipment (Note 18) 
and Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Note 16). 
 
                                      Europe    Africa     Asia       Group 
2007                                 USD'000   USD'000  USD'000     USD'000 
 
Net interest income                    2,875     9,787   35,903      48,565 
Net fee and commission                   353     3,472    6,604      10,429 
income 
Foreign currency gains                   535     2,529       14       3,078 
Gain on disposal of                    3,670         -        -       3,670 
associate 
Other operating income                   609       429    3,084       4,122 
Total operating income                 8,042    16,217   45,605      69,864 
 
Segment results                        3,826     4,126    3,785      11,737 
Share of results of                     (36)     (144)    6,003       5,823 
associate 
Profit before taxation                                               17,560 
Tax expense                                                         (2,702) 
Profit for the year                                                  14,858 
 
Segment Assets                       158,159   177,814  615,947     951,920 
Associates                              (88)     2,133   72,319      74,364 
Total Assets                                                      1,026,284 
 
Segment liabilities                   44,187   164,985  618,330     827,502 
 
Other segment items 
Capital expenditure                      818     2,250    1,876       4,944 
Depreciation and                         183       990    1,429       2,602 
amortisation 
Loan impairment charges                   28       818   12,205      13,051 
 
 
Capital expenditure comprises additions to Property and Equipment 
(Note 18) and Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Note 16) including 
additions resulting from acquisitions through business combinations. 
 
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - 31 December 2008 
 
29. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS 
 
A party is related to an entity if: 
 
(a) directly, or indirectly through one or more intermediaries, the party: 
 
(i) controls, is controlled by, or is under common control with, the entity 
(this includes parents, subsidiaries and fellow subsidiaries); 
 
(ii) has an interest in the entity that gives it significant influence over 
the entity; or 
 
(iii) has joint control over the entity; 
 
(b) the party is an associate of the entity; 
 
(c) the party is a joint venture in which the entity is a venturer 
 
(d) the party is a member of the key management personnel of the entity or its 
parent; 
 
(e) the party is a close member of the family of any individual referred to in 
(a) or (d); 
 
(f) the party is an entity that is controlled, jointly controlled 
or significantly influenced by, or for which significant voting power in such 
entity resides with, directly or indirectly, any individual referred to in (d) 
or (e); or 
 
(g) the party is a post-employment benefit plan for the benefit of employees 
of the entity, or of any entity that is a related party of the entity. 
 
Parties related to the Group are as follows: 
 
(a) Party that directly controls the Company is Tun Daim Zainuddin, 
the founder and principal shareholder of ICB Financial Group Holdings AG, who 
owned 71.3% of equity interest in ICB Financial Group Holdings AG, as of 31 
December 2008. The remaining 28.7% interest is held by individual shareholders 
of which, 13.1% is held by a director related company. By virtue of his 
interest in shares in the Company, he is also deemed interested in shares of 
all the Company's subsidiaries to the extent the Company has an interest. As 
of 31 December 2008, he also has an equity interest of 79.95% in one of the 
Company's associates, International Commercial Bank Senegal S.A ("ICB 
Senegal"). 
 
(b) Details relationship of the associates of the Group is disclosed in Note 
15. 
 
(c) Key management personnel are those persons having authority and 
responsibility for planning, directing and controlling activities of the 
entity, directly or indirectly, including any director (whether executive or 
otherwise). The Group refers key management personnel to the members of the 
Board of Directors and the CEOs of the Company and its subsidiaries. 
 
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - 31 December 2008 
 
29. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS- CONT'D 
 
The following transactions were carried out with related parties: 
 
(a) Key management compensations                      2008     2007 
 
                                                   USD'000  USD'000 
 
Directors 
- Fee                                                  190      169 
 
Directors of the subsidiaries 
- Fee                                                  282      290 
 
- Salaries and other short term employee benefits      986      756 
 
Key management personnel other than 
Directors - Salaries and other short term 
employee benefits                                      827      495 
 
                                                     2,285    1,710 
 
 
(b) Transactions with principal shareholder 
 
Advances from and repayment to the principal shareholder during the year is 
disclosed in the Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity 
 
(c) Transactions with an associate in which the principal shareholder also has 
a majority shareholding, ICB Senegal 
 
                                                      2008     2007 
 
                                                   USD'000  USD'000 
 
Support service fee received from ICB Senegal           24       12 
 
(d) Transactions with other associates 
 
Support service fee received from associates           120       45 
 
 
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - 31 December 2008 
 
29. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS - CONT'D 
 
The following are related party balances as at year end: 
 
(a) Amount due from an associate in which the principal shareholder also has a 
majority shareholding, ICB Senegal. 
 
                                                      2008     2007 
 
                                                   USD'000  USD'000 
 
Amount due from ICB Senegal                              2        4 
 
 
The amount is unsecured, interest free and has no fixed term of repayment. 
 
(b) Amounts due from other associates 
 
                                                      2008     2007 
 
                                                   USD'000  USD'000 
 
Amounts due from other associates                       33        3 
 
 
The amounts are unsecured, interest free and have no fixed term of repayment. 
 
30. SIGNIFICANT EVENTS AND EVENTS SUBSEQUENT TO YEAR END 
 
Significant Events 
 
(a) On 5 December 2007, the Company entered into a sale and 
purchase agreement ("SPA") to dispose of its entire equity interest in Sorak 
Financial Holdings Pte. Ltd. (Sorak), for a total cash consideration of 
SGD211,625,592. The disposal has resulted in a gain of USD77,584,000. The 
disposal was completed on 8 January 2008. 
 
(b) On 28 February 2008, the Company entered into a share sale and 
purchase agreement ("SSPA") to acquire a 50.1% equity interest in ICB Islamic 
Bank Ltd (formerly The Oriental Bank Limited), a bank incorporated in 
Bangladesh by way of subscription of new ordinary shares amounting to 
3,506,743 for a total cash consideration of BDT3,506,743,888. The acquisition 
was completed on 27 March 2008. 
 
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - 31 December 2008 
 
30. SIGNIFICANT EVENTS AND EVENTS SUBSEQUENT TO YEAR END - CONT'D 
 
Significant Events - Cont'd 
 
(c) On 2 October 2008 , the Company incorporated International 
Commercial Bank Lao Ltd ("ICB Laos") in Laos with an equity interest of 100% 
at USD11,593,144 in cash. ICB Laos commenced operations as a bank in October 
2008. 
 
(d) On 26 October 2007, the Company incorporated International 
Commercial Bank Ltd - Malawi ("ICB Malawi") in Malawi with an equity interest 
of 100%. On 7 July 2008, an amount of USD3,000,000 in cash was transferred as 
share capital. ICB Malawi commenced operations as a bank in December 2008. 
 
(e) On 12 September 2008, the Company provided a Corporate 
Guarantee to INTL Global Currencies Ltd for the purpose of providing fund 
transfer facilities to certain of its subsidiaries and associated companies. 
The aggregate amount of the claims shall not exceed USD2,000,000. 
 
There are no significant events subsequent to year end. 
 
31. CONTINGENT LIABILITIES AND COMMITMENTS 
 
In the normal course of business, the Group makes various commitments and 
incur certain contingent liabilities with legal recourse to its customers. 
 
The exposures of the Group as at the end of financial year are as follows: 
 
                                                             2008    2007 
 
                                                          USD'000 USD'000 
Commitment receivables 
Forward foreign currency purchased                          6,568   4,951 
 
Commitment liabilities 
Unused loan commitments granted to customers               43,899  22,721 
Outstanding irrevocable foreign letters of credit (LC)      2,011   1,539 
Outstanding irrevocable local letters of credit (LC)           73   1,532 
Unsettled spot foreign currencies                           1,761   1,963 
Total Commitment Liabilities                               47,744  27,755 
 
Contingent liabilities 
Guarantees, indemnities and bonds                          13,517  16,875 
Letters of credit                                           2,051     903 
Total Contingent liabilities                               15,568  17,778 
 
 
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - 31 December 2008 
 
32. DEFINED BENEFIT PLAN 
 
Bank Bumiputera, a subsidiary, records its defined benefit plan based on 
labour law of the country. No funding of benefits has been made to date. The 
number of employees entitled to the benefits in 2008 is 1,249 (2007 : 1,138). 
 
The amounts recognised in income statement is as follows: 
 
                                                             2008    2007 
 
                                                          USD'000 USD'000 
 
Current service cost                                          366     332 
Interest cost                                                 133     103 
Past service cost                                              11       7 
Total                                                         510     442 
 
Movement in the net liabilities recognised in the balance sheet is as follows: 
 
                                                             2008    2007 
 
                                                          USD'000 USD'000 
 
At 1 January                                                1,211   1,014 
Charges for the year (Note 8)                                 510     442 
Benefits payment                                            (105)   (197) 
Currency translation differences                            (211)    (48) 
Total                                                       1,405   1,211 
 
 
                                                             2008    2007 
 
Discount rate                                                 12%     11% 
Future salary increment rate                                7.75%      6% 
 
 
                                         2008     2007      2006     2005 
 
                                      USD'000  USD'000   USD'000  USD'000 
 
Present value of obligations            1,472    1,304       935      676 
Unrecognised actuarial cost              (67)    (229)      (43)     (56) 
Present value of other                      -      136       122        - 
liabilities 
Total                                   1,405    1,211     1,014      620 
 
 
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - 31 December 2008 
 
33. FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT 
 
(a) Strategy in using financial instruments 
 
By their nature, the Group's activities are principally related to 
the use of financial instruments. The Group accepts deposits from customers at 
both fixed and floating rates and for various periods and seeks to earn 
above-average interest margins by investing these funds in high-quality 
assets. The Group seeks to increase these margins by consolidating short-term 
funds and lending for longer periods at higher rates while maintaining 
sufficient liquidity to meet all claims that might fall due. 
 
The Group also seeks to raise its interest margins by obtaining 
above-average margins, net of allowances, through lending to commercial and 
consumer borrowers with a range of credit standing. Such exposures involve not 
just on-balance sheet loans and advances; the Group also enters into 
guarantees and other commitments such as letters of credit and performance and 
other bonds. 
 
(b) Credit risk 
 
The Group takes on exposure to credit risk, which is the risk that 
a counter party will be unable to pay as per the agreed terms. Impairment 
provisions are provided for losses that have been incurred at the balance 
sheet date. Significant changes in the economy or in the health of a 
particular industry segment that represents a concentration in the Group's 
portfolio, could result in losses that are different from those provided for 
at the balance sheet date. Management therefore carefully manages its exposure 
to credit risk. 
 
The Group structures the levels of credit risk it undertakes by 
placing limits on the amount of risk accepted in relation to single borrower 
or group of borrowers and to geographical and industry segments. 
 
The Group's lending activities are guided by the credit policy 
manual and all personnel involved in the extension of credit are expected to 
strictly observe the policy. A Loan Committee is established to formulate, 
implement and review the credit policy including approving credit proposal. 
 
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - 31 December 2008 
 
33. FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT - CONT'D 
 
(b) Credit risk - cont'd 
 
Exposure to credit risk is managed through regular analysis of the 
ability of borrowers and potential borrowers to meet interest and capital 
repayment obligations and by changing these lending limits where appropriate. 
Exposure to credit risk is also managed in part by obtaining collateral and 
corporate and personal guarantees. The policy outlines the criteria for 
acceptable collateral and margin of advances. 
 
The Group also provides guarantees and standby letters of credit - 
which represent irrevocable assurances that the Group will make payments in 
the event that a customer cannot meet its obligations to third parties. Such 
instruments carry the same credit risk as loans. Documentary and commercial 
letters of credit - which are written undertakings by the Group on behalf of a 
customer authorising a third party to draw drafts on the Group up to a 
stipulated amount under specific terms and conditions - are collateralised by 
the underlying shipments of goods to which they relate and therefore carry 
less risk than a direct borrowing. Commitments to extend credit represent 
unused portions of authorisations to extend credit in the form of loans, 
guarantees or letters of credit. With respect to credit risk on commitments to 
extend credit, the Group is potentially exposed to loss in an amount equal to 
the total unused commitments. However, the likely amount of loss is less than 
the total unused commitments, as most commitments to extend credit are 
contingent upon customers maintaining specific credit standards. The Group 
monitors the term to maturity of credit commitments because longer-term 
commitments generally have a greater degree of credit risk than shorter-term 
commitments. 
 
The Group has developed an internal rating system used as a basis 
of classifying the relative risk of exposure to a counterparty. The system 
assesses the probability of default by considering external market information 
past experience and financial information provided as part of the loan 
application process. After the initial grading, the Credit Committee 
constantly monitors the exposure by considering market conditions, repayment 
patterns, financial information and other relevant information. The Group is 
constantly reviewing its exposure and the classification of loans may change 
subject to conditions arising that would affect the recoverability of a 
receivable. 
 
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - 31 December 2008 
 
33. FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT - CONT'D 
 
(b) Credit risk - cont'd 
 
The rating system used to analyse loans also considers the overdue 
aging pattern as follows: 
 
Current                      1 month or less 
 
Special mention              > 1 month < 3 months 
                                       - 
 
Substandard                  > 3 months < 6 months 
                                        - 
 
Doubtful                     > 6 months < 1 year 
                                        - 
 
Loss                         > 1 year 
 
 
 
(i) Exposure to credit risk 
 
Exposure to credit risk as at 31 December is as follows: 
 
                             Loans and         Financial 
                             advances         Investments 
                           to customers 
 
                            2008      2007       2008    2007 
 
                         USD'000   USD'000    USD'000 USD'000 
 
Total Gross              713,674   554,203    122,539  93,221 
Specific allowances    (122,353)   (9,082)          -       - 
for impairment 
Collective allowances    (3,263)   (4,438)          -       - 
for impairment 
                         588,058   540,683    122,539  93,221 
 
As at 31 December 2008, the amount of unimpaired balances stood at 
USD 481 million (2007: USD 473 million). The maximum exposure to credit risk 
is the carrying amount of the financial asset receivable balances as at 31 
December 2008 and 31 December 2007. 
 
(ii) Write-off policy 
 
The Group writes off a loan (and any related allowances for 
impairment) when the balance is uncollectible. This determination is reached 
after considering information such as the occurrence of significant changes in 
the counterparty's financial position such that the counterparty can no longer 
pay the obligation, or that the proceeds from collateral will not be 
sufficient to pay back their entire exposure. 
 
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - 31 December 2008 
 
33. FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT - CONT'D 
 
(b) Credit risk - cont'd 
 
(iii) Collateral 
 
The Group holds collateral against secured advances made to 
businesses and consumers, in the form of charges over properties, other 
registered securities over assets and sovereign/other bank's guarantees. 
Estimates of fair value are based on the value of collateral assessed at the 
time of financing and are updated on a periodic basis. The estimated fair 
value of collateral held against financial assets as at 31 December 2008 is 
USD 678 million (2007: USD525 million). 
 
 
(iv) Concentration of credit risk 
 
The Group monitors concentrations of credit risk by sector and 
geographical location. An analysis of concentrations of credit risk at the 
reporting date is shown below: 
 
Concentration by sector: 
 
                                       Loans and advances 
                                          to customers 
 
                                          2008      2007 
 
                                       USD'000   USD'000 
 
Business loan                          232,786   178,205 
Consumer                               355,272   362,478 
                                       588,058   540,683 
 
Concentration by location: 
 
                     Loans and advances      Financial 
                        to customers        Investments 
 
                         2008      2007     2008    2007 
 
                      USD'000   USD'000  USD'000 USD'000 
 
Asia                  515,892   468,808   49,235  30,876 
Europe                 19,330    15,008   17,199  12,562 
Africa                 52,836    56,867   56,105  49,783 
 
                      588,058   540,683  122,539  93,221 
 
(c) Market risk 
 
The Group takes on exposure to market risk. Market risks arise from 
open positions in interest rate, currency and equity products, all of which 
are exposed to general and specific market movements. The Assets and 
Liabilities Committee of each country is responsible to manage risk on 
interest rate and foreign exchange. 
 
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - 31 December 2008 
 
33. FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT - CONT'D 
 
(c) Market risk - Cont'd 
 
 (i) Currency risk 
 
The Group takes on exposure to effects of fluctuations in the 
prevailing foreign currency exchange rates on its financial position and cash 
flow. The banks treasury division will monitor their exchange rate risk based 
on the regulation of the central bank in their respective countries. 
 
The table below summarises the Group's exposure to foreign currency 
exchange rate risk at 31 December. Included in the table are the Group's 
financial instruments at carrying amounts, categorised by currency. 
 
                           USD     IDR    GHS    ALL    MZN    GNF     BDT  OTHERS     TOTAL 
 
                           USD     USD    USD    USD    USD    USD     USD     USD       USD 
                          '000    '000   '000   '000   '000   '000    '000    '000      '000 
Assets 
Cash and bank          102,278  37,886  8,843  2,289  2,113  9,194  41,226  72,909   276,738 
balances 
Loans and 
advances 
to customers            50,780 392,723 23,241  3,652  2,038 12,840  85,381  17,403   588,058 
Financial investments   20,070  17,684 31,413 17,200  6,712      -  15,199  14,261   122,539 
Other assets             9,437  11,484  6,811    138    355  1,828   9,909 (3,519)    36,443 
Total financial assets 182,565 459,777 70,308 23,279 11,218 23,862 151,715 101,054 1,023,778 
 
 
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - 31 December 2008 
 
33. FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT - CONT'D 
 
(c) Market risk - Cont'd 
 
 (i) Currency risk 
 
                           USD     IDR    GHS    ALL    MZN    GNF     BDT   OTHERS    TOTAL 
 
                           USD     USD    USD    USD    USD    USD     USD      USD      USD 
                          '000    '000   '000   '000   '000   '000    '000     '000     '000 
 
Liabilities 
Deposit from 
other banks                  -  26,265      -      -      -      -  107,205       -  133,470 
Customers' 
accounts                98,746 392,565 51,595 18,989  6,525 17,399  151,376  40,457  777,652 
Other liabilities          900  12,023  2,392    132  1,617    222   37,229   1,927   56,442 
Total financial 
liabilities             99,646 430,853 53,987 19,121  8,142 17,621  295,810  42,384  967,564 
 
                        82,919  28,924 16,321  4,158  3,076  6,241(144,095)  58,670   56,214 
At 31 December 2007 
Total financial 
assets                 156,160 557,845 66,120 18,443 16,637 28,293        -  70,657  914,155 
Total financial 
liabilities            129,019 533,530 66,202 19,797 13,926 21,712        -  41,031  825,217 
 
                        27,141  24,315   (82)(1,354)  2,711  6,581        -  29,626   88,938 
 
 
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - 31 December 2008 
 
33. FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT - CONT'D 
 
(c) Market risk - Cont'd 
 
 (i) Currency risk- Cont'd 
 
There are material exposures in IDR, GHS and BDT in the balance 
sheet so standard scenarios that are considered on a regular basis include a 
10.00% rise or fall of these rates against the USD. An analysis at the balance 
sheet date of the components of the shareholder's equity sensitivity to an 
increase or decrease in these rates, all other variables constant, is as 
follows: 
 
                      IDR +10% IDR -10% GHS +10% GHS -10% BDT +10% BDT -10% 
 
31 December 2008         2,662  (2,662)      812    (812)   14,410 (14,410) 
 
31 December 2007         2,978  (2,978)      204    (204)      n/a      n/a 
 
 
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - 31 December 2008 
 
33. FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT - CONT'D 
 
(c) Market risk - Cont'd 
 
(ii) Cash flow and fair value interest rate risk 
 
The Group is exposed to various risks associated with the effects 
of fluctuations in the prevailing levels of market interest rates on the 
financial position and cash flows. 
 
                                                                         NON 
                     UP TO     1-3     3-12  1-5 YEARS     OVER     INTEREST 
                                                                     BEARING 
                   1 MONTH  MONTHS   MONTHS              5 YEARS                 TOTAL 
 
                   USD'000 USD'000  USD'000    USD'000   USD'000     USD'000   USD'000 
Assets 
Cash and bank      178,301  28,556   10,991         -          -      58,890   276,738 
balances 
Loans and 
advances 
                    25,740  29,425   92,157    217,922   222,814           -   588,058 
to customers 
Financial           24,879  18,079   26,288     27,780    24,505       1,008   122,539 
investments 
Other assets         4,381      60      901      6,611     7,642      16,848    36,443 
Total financial    233,301  76,120  130,337    252,313   254,961      76,746 1,023,778 
assets 
 
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - 31 December 2008 
 
33. FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT - CONT'D 
 
(c) Market risk - Cont'd 
 
(ii) Cash flow and fair value interest rate risk - cont'd 
 
                                                                        NON 
                      UP TO     1-3     3-12 1-5 YEARS    OVER     INTEREST 
                                                                    BEARING 
                    1 MONTH  MONTHS   MONTHS           5 YEARS                TOTAL 
 
                    USD'000 USD'000  USD'000   USD'000 USD'000      USD'000 USD'000 
Liabilities 
Deposit from other 
banks                24,863     328      887    75,187       -       32,205 133,470 
Customers'          236,539  68,003  150,028   131,787     292      191,003 777,652 
accounts 
Other liabilities     9,729     119    4,991    22,376      29       19,198  56,442 
Total financial 
liabilities         271,131  68,450  155,906   229,350     321      242,406 967,564 
                   (37,830)   7,670 (25,569)    22,963 254,640    (165,660)  56,214 
 
At 31 December 
2007 
Total financial     277,528  42,459  147,730   318,694  76,645       51,099 914,155 
assets 
Total financial 
liabilities         409,005 121,365  110,865   158,100       -       25,882 825,217 
                  (131,477)(78,906)   36,865   160,594  76,645       25,217  88,938 
 
 
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - 31 December 2008 
 
33. FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT - CONT'D 
 
 (c) Market risk - Cont'd 
 
(ii) Cash flow and fair value interest rate risk - cont'd 
 
Standard scenarios that are considered on a regular basis include a 
1.00% rise or fall in effective average rates. An analysis of the Company's 
income statement sensitivity to an increase or decrease in effective rates 
(assuming no asymmetrical movement and a constant balance sheet position) is 
as follows: 
 
                                                 1% parallel         1% parallel 
                                                    increase            decrease 
 
31 December 2008                                       1,428              (1,428) 
 
31 December 2007                                         632                (632) 
 
 (d) Liquidity risk 
 
Liquidity risk is the risk that the Group is unable to meet its 
payment obligations associated with its financial liabilities when they fall 
due and to replace funds when they are withdrawn. The consequence may be the 
failure to meet obligations to repay depositors and fulfill commitments to 
lend. 
 
The Group's liquidity management process, as carried out within the 
Group and monitored by the respective bank's Treasury team, includes: 
 
- Day-to-day funding, managed by monitoring future cash flow to 
ensure that requirements can be met. This includes replenishment of funds as 
they mature or are borrowed by customers; 
 
- Monitoring balance sheet liquidity ratios against internal and 
regulatory requirements; and 
 
- Managing the concentration and profile of deposit and debt 
maturities. 
 
The table below analyses the Group's financial instruments into 
relevant maturity groupings based on the remaining period of balance sheet 
date to the contractual maturity date. 
 
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - 31 December 2008 
 
33. FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT - CONT'D 
 
(d) Liquidity risk - Cont'd 
 
                                 UP TO      1-3         3-12    1-5 YEARS    OVER 
 
                               1 MONTH   MONTHS       MONTHS              5 YEARS     TOTAL 
 
                               USD'000  USD'000      USD'000      USD'000 USD'000   USD'000 
Assets 
Cash and bank balances         117,712   39,059        8,893      110,827     247   276,738 
Loans and advances 
to customers                    23,159   40,342      138,196      198,463 187,898   588,058 
Financial investments           18,408   25,406       26,255       27,965  24,505   122,539 
Other assets                    10,707    3,448        5,613        8,826   7,849    36,443 
Total financial assets         169,986  108,255      178,957      346,081 220,499 1,023,778 
 
Liabilities 
Deposit form other banks        24,863      328          914       75,318  32,047   133,470 
Customers' accounts            278,838   72,149      179,084      167,267  80,314   777,652 
Other liabilities               10,439    2,375        7,209       32,818   3,601    56,442 
Total financial 
liabilities                    314,140   74,852      187,207      275,403 115,962   967,564 
                             (144,154)   33,403      (8,250)       70,678 104,537    56,215 
 
At 31 December 2007 
Total financial assets         289,165   67,453      151,219      333,464  72,854   914,155 
Total financial liabilities    426,917  126,466      115,260      155,112   1,462   825,217 
                             (137,752) (59,013)       35,959      178,352  71,392    88,938 
 
 
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - 31 December 2008 
 
33. FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT - CONT'D 
 
 (e) Operational risk 
 
 Operational risk is the risk of direct or indirect loss arising 
from a wide variety of causes associated with the Group's processes, 
personnel, technology and infrastructure, and from external factors other than 
credit, market and liquidity risks. 
 
The Group's objective in managing operational risk is to implement 
an integrated internal control structure that supports process efficiency and 
customer needs, whilst effectively reducing the risk of error and financial 
loss in a cost effective manner. The overall operational risk framework is set 
by the Board of Directors. Primary responsibility for the development and 
implementation of internal controls is assigned to senior management within 
each business department. Adherence to overall operational risk policies and 
procedures is regularly reviewed by Internal Audit and findings are reported 
to the Audit Committee. 
 
 (f) Fair value of financial assets and liabilities 
 
The fair value of financial instruments is the amount at which the 
financial asset could be exchanged or financial liability could be settled. 
The fair value of financial instruments approximates their carrying value. The 
following methods and assumptions are used to estimate the fair values of the 
following classes of financial instruments: 
 
(i) Cash and bank balances 
 
 The carrying amount approximates fair value due to the relatively 
short maturity of the financial instruments. 
 
(ii) Loans and advances to customers 
 
 Loans and advances are net of provisions for impairment. The 
estimated fair value of loans and advances represents the discounted amount of 
estimated future cash flow expected to be received. Expected cash flows are 
discounted at current market rates to determine fair value. 
 
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - 31 December 2008 
 
33. FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT - CONT'D 
 
(f) Fair value of financial assets and liabilities - Cont'd 
 
(iii) Trading securities and financial investments 
 
 Fair value is based on market prices. Where this information is 
not available, fair value has been estimated using quoted market prices for 
securities with similar credit, maturity and yield characteristics or pricing 
models or discounted cash flow techniques. 
 
(iv) Deposits and borrowings 
 
The estimated fair value of deposits with no stated maturity, which 
includes non-interest-bearing deposits, is the amount repayable on demand. The 
estimated fair value of fixed interest-bearing deposits and other borrowings 
without quoted market price is based on discounted cash flow using interest 
rates for new debts with similar remaining maturity. 
 
(v) Debt securities in issue 
 
 The aggregate fair values are calculated based on quoted market 
price. For those notes where quoted market prices are not available, a 
discounted cash flow model is used based on a current yield curve appropriate 
for the remaining term to maturity. 
 
GROUP DIRECTORY 
 
SWITZERLAND 
ICB Financial Group Holdings AG 
Schulhausstrasse 1 
CH-8834 Schindellegi 
Switzerland 
Tel: +41 44 687 4550 
Fax: +41 44 687 4551 
Email: icbhq@icbankingroup.com 
Website: www.icbankingroup.com 
 
ALBANIA 
International Commercial Bank Sh.A. 
Rruga Murat Toptani 
(next to Gjergji Centre) 
Tirana, Albania 
Tel: +355 42 256254/254372 
Fax: +355 42 254368 
Email: info@icbank-albania.com 
Website: www.icbank-albania.com 
 
BANGLADESH 
ICB Islamic Bank Ltd. 
T. K. Bhaban (14th, 15th, 16th Floor) 
13, Kazi Nazrul Islam Avenue 
Kawran Bazar 
Dhaka 1215, Bangladesh 
Tel: +880 2 914 3361-5 
Fax: +880 2 911 1994 
Email: info@icbislamic-bd.com 
Website: www.icbislamic-bd.com 
 
DJIBOUTI 
International Commercial Bank (Djibouti) S.A. 
Immeuble No. 15, Place Du 27 Juin 
Rue D'Ethiopie, Djibouti 
Tel: +253 355 006/011/012 
Fax: +253 355 003 
Email: info@icbank-djibouti.com 
Website: www.icbank-djibouti.com 
 
GHANA 
International Commercial Bank Limited 
Meridian House, Ring Road Central 
Private Mail Bag No. 16 
Accra North, Accra, Ghana 
Tel: +233 21 236 136/235 819 
Fax: +233 21 238 228 
Email: icb@icbank-gh.com 
Website: www.icbank-gh.com 
 
GUINEA 
International Commercial Bank S.A. 
Ex-cité Chemins de Fer 
Immeuble Mamou 
Conakry, Republic of Guinea 
Tel: +224 30 412 590/591/592 
Fax: +224 30 412 450 
Email: arukappalliap@icb-guinea.com 
Website: www.icbank-guinea.com 
 
INDONESIA 
PT Bank Bumiputera Indonesia Tbk 
Wisma Bumiputera Lt 14 
Jalan Jenderal Sudirman Kav 75 
Jakarta 12910, Indonesia 
Tel: +62 21 570 1626 
Fax: +62 21 525 5244 
Email: bank@bumiputera.co.id 
Website: www.bumiputera.co.id 
 
LAO 
 
International Commercial Bank Lao Limited 
127/07, Hatsady Road 
Hatsady Tai Village 
Chanthaboury 
Vientiane Capital, Lao PDR 
Tel: +856 21 250 420 
Fax: +856 21 250 479 
Email: enquiry@icb-lao.com 
 
MALAYSIA 
ICB Global Management Sdn Bhd 
No. 3, Jalan Sri Hartamas 7 
Sri Hartamas 
50480 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia 
Tel: +6 03 6201 6051 
Fax: +6 03 6201 6053 
Email: icbhq@icbglobal.com.my 
 
MALAWI 
International Commercial Bank Limited 
Plot BC 92-93 
Stansfield House 
Halle Sellasie Road 
Blantyre, Malawi 
Tel: +265 1 847 901/2/3/4 
Fax: +265 1 847 905 
Email: enquiry@icb-malawi.com 
 
MOZAMBIQUE 
ICB-Banco Internacional de Comércio S.A.R.L. 
25 de Setembro Avenue 
No. 1915, 1st Floor, Maputo 
Mozambique 
Tel: +258 21 311 111/314 801 
Fax: +258 21 314 797 
Email: icbm@icbank-mz.com 
Website: www.icbank-mz.com 
 
SENEGAL 
International Commercial Bank Senegal S.A. 
18, Avenue Leopold S. Senghor 
B. P. 32310 Dakar, Ponty 
Senegal 
Tel: +221 338 420742/235647 
Fax: +221 338 422585 
Email: info@icbank-senegal.com 
Website: www.icbank-senegal.com 
 
SIERRA LEONE 
International Commercial Bank (Sierra Leone) Limited 
22 Rawdon Street 
Freetown 
Sierra Leone 
Tel: +232 22 222 877/273/814 
Fax: +232 22 290 002 
Email: icb@icbank-sl.com 
 
TANZANIA 
International Commercial Bank (Tanzania) Limited 
1st Floor, Jamhuri Street/Morogoro Road 
Dar es Salaam, Tanzania 
Tel: +255 22 2133 766/767/769 
Fax: +255 22 2134 286 
Email: enquiry@icbank-tz.com 
Website: www.icbank-tz.com 
 
THE GAMBIA 
International Commercial Bank (Gambia) Limited 
Ground Floor, GIPFZA House 
48, Kairaba Avenue, Serrekunda KSMD 
Banjul, The Gambia 
Tel: +220 437 7878/7877 
Fax: +220 437 7880 
Email: icbank@icbank-gambia.com 
 
 
 
END 
 

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