Principles underlying financial-statement reporting and notes

VP Bank Ltd, which has its registered office in Vaduz, Liechtenstein, was established in 1956 and is one of the three largest banks in Liechtenstein. Today, VP Bank Group has subsidiaries in Zurich, Luxembourg, the British Virgin Islands and Hong Kong, a branch in Singapore as well as a representative office in Hong Kong. As of 31 December 2019, VP Bank Group employed 873.7 persons, expressed as full-time equivalents (as of the end of the previous year: 868.4).

Asset management and investment consulting services for private and institutional investors, as well as lending, constitute its core activities.

Amounts disclosed in the financial statements are expressed in thousands of Swiss francs. The 2019 financial statements were drawn up in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS). IFRS contain provisions requiring the Management of VP Bank Group to make assumptions and estimates in drawing up the consolidated financial statements. The most important fundamental principles underlying financial-statement reporting are described in this section to show how their application impacts the reported results and informational disclosures of VP Bank Group.

There were no post-balance-sheet-date events that materially affect the consolidated balance sheet and Group income statement for 2019.

The Board of Directors reviewed and approved the consolidated financial statements in its meeting of 20 February 2020. These consolidated financial statements will be submitted for approval to the Annual General Meeting of 24 April 2020.

IFRS contain guidelines which require certain assumptions and estimates to be made by the Management of VP Bank Group in drawing up the consolidated financial statements. The assumptions and estimates are continually reviewed and are based upon historical experience and other factors, including anticipated developments arising from probable future events. Actual future occurrences may differ from these estimates.

No material changes in accounting estimates were made or applied. Further details on estimates are described in the tables included in the Notes (e.g. goodwill, litigation, taxes on income, retirement-benefit schemes etc.).

The consolidated financial statements encompass the financial statements of VP Bank Ltd, Vaduz, as well as those of its subsidiary companies, which are all presented as a single economic unit. Subsidiary companies which are directly or indirectly controlled by VP Bank Group are consolidated. Subsidiary companies are consolidated as of the date on which control is transferred and deconsolidated as of the date control ends.

Capital consolidation is undertaken in accordance with the purchase method, whereby the shareholders’ equity of the consolidated company is netted against the carrying value of the shareholding in the parent company as of the date of acquisition or the date of establishment. 

After initial consolidation, changes arising from business activities which are reflected in the current results of the accounting period in the consolidated financial statements are allocated to income reserves. The effects of intra-group transactions are eliminated in preparing the consolidated annual financial statements.

The share of non-controlling interests in shareholders’ equity and Group net income is shown separately in the consolidated balance sheet and income statement.

Shareholdings on which VP Bank Group exercises a material influence are recorded using the equity method. A material influence is generally assumed to exist whenever VP Bank Group holds, directly or indirectly, 20 to 50 per cent of voting rights.

According to the equity method of accounting, the shares of an entity are accounted for at acquisition cost. After acquisition, the carrying value of the associate is increased or reduced by the Group’s share of the profits or losses and of the non-income-statement-related movements in the shareholders’ equity of the associate.

After applying the equity method, the Group ascertains whether it is necessary to recognise an additional impairment loss for its investments in associates. As of each ­balance-sheet date, the Group determines whether objective indications exist that the investment in an associated company may be value-impaired. Should this be the case, the difference between the realisable value of the share in the associate and its carrying value is dealt with in the income statement.

The trade-date method of recording purchases or sales of financial assets and liabilities is applied. This means that transactions are recorded in the balance sheet as of the date when the trade is entered into and not on the date when trade is subsequently settled.

Revenues from services are recorded when the related service is rendered. Portfolio management fees, securities account fees and similar revenues are recorded on a pro-rata basis over the period during which the service is ­rendered. Interest is recorded in the period during which it accrues. Dividends are recorded as and when they are received.

Functional currency and reporting currency:

The consolidated financial statements are expressed in Swiss francs.

The foreign-currency translation into the functional currency is undertaken at the rate of exchange prevailing as of the date of the transaction. Translation differences arising from such trans­actions and gains and losses arising from translation at balance-sheet date rates for monetary financial assets and financial liabilities in foreign currencies are recognised in the income statement.

Unrealised foreign-currency translation differences in non- monetary financial assets are part of the movement in their fair value.

For the purpose of drawing up the consolidated financial statements, balance sheets of Group companies denominated in a foreign currency are translated in Swiss francs at the year-end exchange rate. Average exchange rates for the reporting period are applied for the translation of income-­statement captions as well as those in the statements of other comprehensive income and of cash flows. Foreign-­currency translation differences resulting from exchange rate movements between the beginning and end of the year and the difference in annual results at average and closing exchange rates are recognised in other comprehensive income.

All balance-sheet captions (excluding shareholders’ equity) are translated into the Group reporting currency at the rate of exchange prevailing as of the balance-sheet date. The individual items in the income statement are translated at average rates for the period. Foreign-currency translation differences arising from the translation of financial statements expressed in foreign currencies are dealt within shareholders’ equity without impacting income. 

Foreign-currency translation differences arising in connection with net investments in foreign companies are reflected under shareholders’ equity. Upon disposal, such foreign-­currency translation differences are recorded in the income statement as a part of the gain or loss on disposal. 

Goodwill and fair-value adjustments from acquisitions of foreign companies are treated as receivables and liabilities of these foreign companies and are translated at the closing rates prevailing on the balance-sheet date.

The term “domestic” also includes Switzerland.

Cash and cash equivalents encompass the captions “cash and cash equivalents”, “receivables from money-market paper” with an initial maximum term of three months as well as “sight balances due from banks”.

VP Bank Group subdivides the financial instruments, to which traditional financial assets and liabilities as well as equity capital instruments also belong, as follows: 

financial instruments to be recorded over the income statement (“fair value through profit or loss” (FVTPL)) – “trading portfolios” and “financial instruments at fair value”

financial instruments valued at amortised cost

financial instruments at fair value with changes in value and impairment losses recorded in other comprehensive income (“fair value through other comprehensive income (FVTOCI)”).

The classification of financial instruments is made at the time of initial recognition using the criteria set out in IFRS 9. Since 1 January 2011, VP Bank Group has applied IFRS 9 (2010), and since 1 January 2015, has made early application of IFRS 9 (2013). Should the hedging conditions be met, VP Bank Group has made early application of hedge accounting in accordance with IFRS 9 (2013). IFRS 9 (2014) including the ECL model is applied for the first time from the 2018 financial year onwards (see also Chapter 4).

Trading portfolios comprise equity shares, bonds, precious metals and structured products. Financial assets held for trading purposes are valued at fair value. Short positions in securities are disclosed as liabilities arising from trading portfolios. Realised and unrealised gains and losses are recorded in income from trading activities after deduction of related transaction costs. Interest and dividends from trading activities are recorded under trading income. 

Fair values are based on quoted market prices if an active market exists. Should no active market exist, the fair value is determined by reference to traders’ quotes or external pricing models.

Investments where the objective consists of holding the financial asset in order to realise the contractual payment flows therefrom and which are made up solely of interest as well as the redemption of parts of the nominal value are recognised at amortised cost using the effective interest method. 

A financial investment recognised at amortised cost is ­classified as being value-impaired whenever it is probable that the total contractually agreed amount due will not be collected in full. Causes giving rise to an impairment loss can be counterparty-specific or country-specific. Whenever impairment occurs, the carrying value of the financial investment is reduced to its realisable value by charges to income and is reported under the item income from financial investments. 

Interest is recognised in the period when it accrues using the effective interest method and is reported in interest income under “interest income from financial instruments at amortised cost”.

Financial instruments not meeting the aforementioned criteria are recorded at fair value. The ensuing gains/losses are reported in “income on financial instruments at fair value” under income from financial investments. 

Insofar as the criteria of IFRS 9 are met, a financial instrument may also be designated and recorded under this ­category upon initial recognition. Liquid equity instruments that are managed on a benchmark basis with a medium-­term investment horizon are measured at fair value through profit or loss (FVTPL).

Interest and dividend income are recorded in income from financial investments under the captions “interest income from FVTPL financial instruments” and “dividend income from FVTPL financial instruments”.

Investments in equity instruments are recognised in the balance sheet at fair value. Changes in value are taken to income, except in those cases for which VP Bank Group has decided that they are to be recognised at fair value through other comprehensive income. 

For illiquid equity instruments (private equity) and investments in high-dividend individual shares, the OCI option is applied, resulting in a valuation at fair value (FVOCI) not affecting net income. In the case of these investments, the focus is on long-term value generation. 

Dividends are reported in income from financial investments under the caption “dividend income from FVTOCI financial instruments”.

At the time of their initial recognition, loans to banks and clients are valued at their effective cost, which equates to fair value at the time the loans are granted. Subsequent measurement thereof is made at amortised cost, with the effective interest method being applied. Interest on non-overdue loans is accounted for using the accrual method and reported under interest income using the effective interest method. 

The carrying value of receivables for which micro fair-value hedge accounting is applied, is adjusted by the changes in fair value attributable to the hedged risk. In the cases when portfolio fair value hedge accounting is applied, the changes in fair value are recognised in the balance-sheet caption other assets. 

In accordance with the International Accounting Standard IFRS 9 Impairment for the determination of valuation allowances for credit risks, all positions on the asset side that are exposed to a potential credit risk and are not already recognised at fair value through profit or loss are allocated to one of the three stages:

stage 1 (performing)

stage 2 (under-performing)

stage 3 (non-performing)

The financial instruments concerned are initially classified as "performing" (stage 1) when they are entered into or purchased. Should the credit risk of the financial instruments in question increase significantly during the term to maturity, the position is considered as "underperforming" (stage 2). If a counterparty has defaulted or a further payment unlikely, the position is classified as "non-performing" (stage 3).

For stage 1, the expected credit loss arising from credit events within the following 12 months must be computed and recorded, whereas for stages 2 and 3 it must be ­computed and recorded over the remaining life of the instrument.

The expected credit loss under IFRS 9 must represent an undistorted and probability-weighted amount determined by assessing a range of possible scenarios and taking into account fair value. In addition, all available information on past events and current conditions must be appropriately considered.

All asset positions that are subject to potential credit risk are included, unless they are already recognised at fair value through profit or loss. These include in particular due from clients and banks, financial investments measured at amortised cost, money-market paper and cash and cash equivalents. Off-balance sheet items such as loan collateral and performance guarantees and irrevocable loan commitments are also affected.

At VP Bank, the modelling of expected credit losses is performed according to specific segments of the balance sheet. In the segmentation, a distinction is made in particular as to whether an external or internal rating is available.

In the case of positions with an external rating from Moody’s or Standard & Poor’s, this is used as the main criterion for the allocation to stages. Stage 1 generally applies to investment grade positions in accordance with internal guidelines. If a rating shifts outside the investment grade range or outside the specifications for banks or financial investments, stage 2 shall apply. If there is a default according to external rating agencies, the instrument falls into stage 3.

For positions with an internal rating of VP Bank, any default of the debtor with respect to interest or capital is taken into consideration. From 31 days onwards from being overdue, a position falls into stage 2, from 90 days or more into stage 3. In addition, a deterioration of the internal rating or a classification as a loan with an increased risk of default is used for the stage allocation.

In the case of positions without an internal or external rating, which primarily include lombard loans, the management of risk is primarily based on the underlying collateral. The criteria as to which stage is to be assigned are a pos­sible default of the debtor with regard to interest or amortization over 30 or 90 days or a classification as a credit as being subjected to increased risk. In addition, any shortfalls in collateral for these positions are taken into account.

In the case of positions where financial security or a guarantee of a third party with an external rating exists, the borrower’s credit risk is substituted by that of the guarantor or third party (substitution approach). In this case, the stage allocation is determined on the basis of a combination of the above criteria.

At VP Bank, the ECL is modelled, in principle, at the level of individual transactions and based on various risk parameters (in particular, probability of default, recovery rate, receivable amount and discount rate).

Wherever possible, external data is used to corroborate the probability of default. This is particularly the case if an external rating is available. Internal ratings are approximately mapped to external rating classes. In determining the recovery rate, the collateralisation of the credit is taken as the primary basis. Market-based assumptions are made for unsecured receivables with external ratings.

As an alternative to determining the probability of default and recovery rate separately, a blanket approach for individual port­folios can be used to calculate the ECL. This applies primarily to lombard loans. In such cases, VP Bank uses a combined loss rate.

In estimating the ECL, VP Bank uses not only past and present information but also forward-looking information, in particular, forecasts regarding future economic developments.

For positions with an external rating, the ECL is initially estimated on the basis of parameters that are independent of economic cycles. The inclusion of forward-looking information builds on existing early warning systems and adjustments to default probabilities. Rating outlooks are also taken into account.

For positions with an internal rating, the ECL is also calculated on the basis of forward-looking, cyclical parameters. In the case of mortgage loans and related contingent liabilities, for example, this primarily concerns the recovery rate. In this way, possible changes in property prices are mapped.

The ECL calculation is based on a base scenario and two alter­native scenarios that map different macroeconomic conditions. The base scenario reflects the future economic development that is considered most likely, whilst an up and down scenario represents a relative improvement or deterioration of the overall economic situation. The assumed probabilities of occurrence of the up and down scenarios are identical.

Whenever micro fair-value hedge accounting is applied, secured liabilities are adjusted by the changes in fair value attributable to the hedged risk. In the cases when portfolio fair value hedge accounting is applied, the changes in fair value are recognised in the balance-sheet caption other liabilities. 

Derivative financial instruments are measured and disclosed in the balance sheet at their fair value. The fair value is determined on the basis of stock-exchange quotations or option pricing models. Realised and unrealized gains and losses are taken to income.

VP Bank Group deploys the following derivatives both for trading and hedging purposes. They may be sub-divided into the following categories:

Swaps: Swaps are transactions in which two parties swap cash flows for a defined nominal amount during a period agreed in advance. 

Interest-rate swaps: Interest-rate swaps are interest-rate derivatives which protect fixed-interest-bearing instruments (e.g. non-structured, fixed-interest-bearing bonds or covered bonds) against changes in fair value as a result of changes in market interest rates. 

Currency swaps: Currency swaps comprise the swapping of interest payments which are based on two base amounts with two differing currencies and reference interest rates and encompass in general also the swapping of nominal amounts at the inception or end of the contractually stipulated duration. Currency swaps are usually traded over the counter.

Forward contracts and futures: Forward contracts and futures are contractual obligations to purchase or sell a financial instrument or commodities at a future date and at a stipulated price. Forward contracts are customised agreements which are transacted between parties over the counter (OTC). Futures, on the other hand, are standardised contracts which are entered into on regulated exchanges. 

Options and warrants: Options and warrants are contractual agreements as part of which the seller (writer) grants the acquirer, in general, the right but not the obligation, to purchase (call option) or sell (put option) a specified quantity of a financial instrument or commodity at a price agreed in advance on or prior to a stipulated date. The acquirer pays the seller a premium for this right. There are also options with more complex payment structures. Options can be traded over the counter or on regulated exchanges. They may also be traded in the form of a ­security (warrant).

VP Bank Group has applied IFRS 9 (2010) since 1 January 2011 and has made early application of IFRS 9 (2013) since 1 January 2015. Should the hedging conditions be met, VP Bank Group applies hedge accounting in accordance with IFRS 9 (2013) and IFRS 9 (2014), respectively. There were no changes between these two versions.

In accordance with the Risk Policy of the Group, VP Bank deploys certain derivatives for hedging purposes. From an economic point of view, the opposing valuation effects resulting from the under­lying and hedging transactions offset each other. As these transactions do not, however, correspond to the strict and specific IFRS provisions, there ensues an asymmetrical representation, in bookkeeping terms, of the changes in value of the underlying transaction and the hedge. Fair-value changes of such derivatives are reported in trading and interest income, respectively, in the appropriate period. 

The rules of hedge accounting can be applied voluntarily. Under certain conditions, the use of hedge accounting enables the risk-management activities of a company to be represented in the annual financial statements. This occurs through the juxta-positioning of expenses and income from hedging instruments with those from the designated underlying transactions with regard to certain risks. 

A hedging relationship qualifies for hedge accounting if all of the following qualitative attributes are fulfilled:

the hedging relationship consists of eligible hedging instruments and eligible underlying transactions;

at the inception of the hedging relationship, a formal designation and documentation of the hedging relationship is at hand which makes reference to the company’s risk-management strategy and objective for this hedge;

the hedging relationship meets the effectiveness requirements.

The hedging relationship must be documented at inception. The documentation must encompass, in particular, the identification of the hedging instrument and of the hedged underlying trans­action as well as designating the hedged risk and the method to determine the effectiveness of the hedging relationship. In order to qualify for hedge accounting, the hedging relationship must satisfy the following effectiveness requirements at the inception of each hedging period:

there must exist an economic relationship between the under­lying transaction and the hedging instrument;

default risk does not dominate the changes in value resulting from the economic hedge; and 

the hedge ratio accurately reflects the quantity of the underlying transaction used for the actual economic hedge as well as the quantity of the hedging instrument.

Derivative financial instruments are employed by the Group for risk management principally to steer interest-rate and foreign-currency risks. Whenever derivative and non-derivative financial instruments fulfil defined criteria, they may be classified as hedging instruments and namely, to hedge fair-value changes in rec­ognised assets and liabilities (fair-value hedge accounting), to hedge fluctuations in anticipated future cash-flows which are allocated to recognised assets and liabilities or anticipated transactions occurring with a high degree of probability (cash-flow hedge accounting) or to hedge a net investment in a foreign business operation (hedge of net investments). 

IFRS 9 provides for the use of fair-value hedge accounting to avoid one-sided resultant effects for derivatives which serve to hedge the fair value of on-balance-sheet assets or liabilities against one or several defined risks. Exposed to market risk and/or interest-rate risk, in particular, are the Group’s credit transactions and its portfolio of securities insofar as they relate to fixed interest-­bearing paper. Interest-rate swaps are used primarily to hedge these risks. In accordance with fair-value hedge-accounting rules, the derivative financial instruments at fair value deployed for hedging purposes are recorded as market values from derivative hedging instruments. For the hedged asset and/or hedged liability, the opposing changes in fair value resulting from the hedged risk are also to be recognised in the balance sheet. The opposing valuation changes from the hedging instruments as well as from the hedged underlying items are recognised in the income statement as gains/losses from hedge accounting. That portion of the changes in fair value which is not related to the hedged risk is dealt with in accordance with the rules pertaining to the respective valuation category. 

Cash-flow hedge accounting as well as portfolio fair-value hedges were used neither in the current financial year, nor the prior year. 

Medium-term notes are recorded at their issuance price and measured subsequently at amortised cost. 

At the time of their initial recording, debentures are recognised at their fair value less transaction costs. The fair value equates to the consideration received. Subsequently, they are measured at amortised cost for balance-sheet purposes. In this connection, the effective interest method is employed in order to amortise the difference between the issue price and redemption amount over the term of the debt instrument.

Shares in VP Bank Ltd, Vaduz, held by VP Bank Group are disclosed as treasury shares and the acquisition cost thereof is deducted from shareholders’ equity. Changes in fair value are not recognised. The difference between sales proceeds of treasury shares and the related acquisition cost is shown under capital reserves.

Repurchase and reverse-repurchase transactions serve to refinance or finance, respectively, or to acquire securities of a certain class. These are recorded as an advance against collateral in the form of securities or as a cash deposit with collateral in the form of own securities. 

Securities received and delivered are only recorded in the balance sheet or closed out when the control over the contractual rights (risks and opportunities of ownership) inherent in these securities has been ceded. The fair values of the securities received or delivered are monitored on an ongoing basis to provide or demand additional collateral in accordance with the contractual agreements.

Financial instruments which are lent out or borrowed and valued at fair value and for which VP Bank Group acts as principal, are recorded in the balance sheet under amounts due to/from customers and banks. Securities lending and borrowing trans­actions in which VP Bank Group acts as agent are recorded under off-balance-sheet items. 

Fees received or paid are recorded under commission income.

Provisions are only recorded in the balance sheet if VP Bank Group has a liability to a third party which is to be attribut­able to an occurrence in the past, if the outflow of resources with economic benefit to fulfil this liability is probable, and if the liability can be reliably estimated. If an outflow of funds is unlikely to occur or the amount of the liability cannot be reliably estimated, a contingent liability is shown.

The value of property, plant and equipment is always reviewed whenever the carrying value appears to be over-­valued because of events or changed circumstances. If the carrying value exceeds the realisable value, a valuation allowance is recorded. Any subsequent recovery in value is taken to income. 

The intrinsic value of goodwill is reviewed at least once a year. If the carrying value exceeds the realisable value, an extraordinary write-down is made.

Property, plant and equipment comprises bank premises, other real estate, furniture and equipment, as well as IT systems. Property, plant and equipment is measured at acquisition cost less operationally necessary depreciation and amortisation. 

Property, plant and equipment is capitalised provided its purchase or manufactured cost can be determined reliably, it exceeds a minimum limit for capitalisation and the amounts capitalised benefit future accounting periods.

Depreciation and amortisation is charged on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives:

The depreciation and amortisation methods and useful lives are subject to review at each year-end. 

Purchases of minor value are charged directly to general and administrative expenses. Maintenance and renovation expenses are generally recorded under general and administrative expenses. If the expense is substantial and results in a significant increase in value, the amounts are capitalised. These are depreciated or amortised over their useful lives. Gains on disposal of property, plant and equipment are disclosed as other income. Losses on sale lead to additional depreciation and amortisation on property, plant and equipment.

In the case of a business combination, should the acquisition costs be greater than the net assets acquired valued in accordance with uniform Group guidelines (including identifiable and capitalizable intangible assets), the remaining amount constitutes the acquired goodwill. Goodwill is capitalised and subject to annual review for any required valuation allowances. The recognition of goodwill is made in the original currency and is translated on the balance-­sheet date at rates prevailing at year-end.

Purchased software is capitalised and amortised over three to seven years. Minor purchases are charged directly to general and administrative expenses.

Internally generated intangible assets such as software are capitalised insofar as the prerequisites for capitali­- sation set forth in IAS 38 are met, i.e. it is probable that the Group will derive a future economic benefit from the asset and the costs of the asset can be both identified and measured in a reliable manner. Internally produced software meeting these criteria and purchased software are recorded in the balance sheet under software. The amounts so capitalised are amortised on a straight-line basis over their useful lives. The period of amortisation is three to seven years.

Other intangible assets include separately identifiable intangible assets arising from business combinations, as well as certain purchased client-related assets and the like and are amortised on a straight-line basis over an ­estimated useful life of five to ten years. Other intangible assets are recorded in the balance sheet at purchase cost at the time of acquisition. 

Current income taxes are computed based on the applicable tax­ation laws in the individual countries and are booked as expense in the accounting period in which the under­lying profits arise. They are shown as tax liabilities in the balance sheet.

The taxation effects of temporary differences between the values attributed to the assets and liabilities as reported in the consolidated balance sheet and their values reported for tax reporting purposes are recorded as deferred tax assets or deferred tax liabilities. Deferred tax assets arising from temporary differences or from the utilisation of tax loss carry-forwards are only recognised when it is probable that sufficient taxable profits will be available against which these temporary differences or tax loss carry-­forwards can be offset.

Deferred tax assets and tax liabilities are computed using the rates of taxation which are expected to apply in the accounting period in which these tax assets will be realised, or tax liabilities will be settled. 

Tax assets and tax liabilities are netted if they relate to the same taxable entity, concern the same taxing jurisdiction and an enforceable right of offset exists. 

Deferred taxes are credited or charged directly to shareholders’ equity if the tax relates to items which are directly credited or debited to shareholders’ equity in the same or another period. 

The tax savings anticipated from the utilisation of estimated future realisable loss carry-forwards are capitalised. The probability of realising expected taxation benefits is considered when valuing a capitalised asset for future taxation relief. Tax assets arising from future taxation relief encompass deferred taxes on temporary differences between the carrying values of assets and liabilities in the consolidated balance sheet and those used for taxation purposes as well as tax savings from future estimated realisable loss carry-forwards. Deferred taxation receivables in one sovereign taxation jurisdiction are offset against deferred taxation liabilities of the same jurisdiction if the enterprise has a right of offset of actual taxation liabilities and tax claims and the taxes are levied by the same taxing autho­rities.

VP Bank Group maintains several retirement pension plans for employees domestically and abroad, among which there are both defined-benefit and defined-contribution plans. In addition, there are schemes for long-service ­anniversaries which qualify as other long-term benefits to employees. 

The computation of accrued amounts and amounts due to these pension funds is based on statistical and actuarial calculations of experts.

As regards defined-benefit pension plans, pension costs are determined based on various economic and demographic assumptions using the projected unit credit method, which takes account of the number of insurance years actually earned through the date of valuation. Amongst the computational assumptions taken into account by the Group are, inter alia, the expected future rate of salary increases, long-term interest earned on ­retirement assets, retirement patterns and life expectancy. The valuations are undertaken annually by independent actuaries. Plan assets are re-measured annually at fair ­values.

Pension costs comprise three components:

service costs which are recognised in the income ­statement;

net interest expense, which is also recognised in the income statement; and

revaluation components which are recognised in the statement of comprehensive income.

Service costs encompass current service costs, past service costs and gains and losses from non-routine plan settlements. Gains and losses from plan curtailments are deemed to equate to past service costs.

Employee contributions and contributions from third ­parties reduce service cost expense and are deducted therefrom provided that these derive from pension plan rules or a de facto obligation. 

Net interest expense corresponds to the amount derived from multiplying the discount rate with the pension liability or plan assets at the beginning of the year. In the process, capital flows of less than one year and movements thereof are taken into account on a weighted basis. 

Revaluation components encompass actuarial gains and losses from the movement in the present value of pension obligations and plan assets. Actuarial gains and losses result from changes in assumptions and experience adjustments. Gains and losses on plan assets equate to the income from plan assets minus the amounts contained in net interest expense. Revaluation components also encompass movements in unrecognised assets less the effects contained in net interest expense. Revaluation components are recognised in the statement of comprehensive income and cannot be reclassified to income in future periods (recycling). The amounts recognised in the statement of comprehensive income can be reclassified within shareholders’ equity. Service costs and net interest expense are recorded in the consolidated financial statements under personnel expense. Revaluation components are recognised in the statement of comprehensive income. 

The pension liabilities or plan assets recognised in the consolidated financial statements correspond to the deficit or excess of funding of defined-benefit pension plans, respectively. The recognised pension assets are limited to the present value of the economic benefit to the Group arising from the future reduction in contributions or repayments. 

Liabilities arising in connection with the termination of employment are recognised at the time when the Group has no other alternative but to finance the benefits offered. In any event, the expense is to be recorded at the earliest when the other restructuring cost is also recognised. 

For other long-term benefits, the present value of the acquired liability is recognised as of the balance-sheet date. Movements in present values are recorded directly in the income statement as personnel expense. 

Employer contributions to defined-contribution pension plans are recognised in personnel expense at the date when the employee becomes entitled thereto.

Since 1 January 2019, the following new or revised Standards or Interpretations have taken effect:

In December 2017, the IASB published several amendments to existing IFRS as part of its annual improvement project “Improvements to IFRS 2015–2017 Cycles”. These encompass both amendments to various IFRS impacting the ­recognition, measurement and disclosure of business transactions as well as terminological and editorial corrections. The amendments have no material impact on the consolidated financial statements. 

The International Accounting Standards Board has published IFRS 16 Leases which regulates the accounting for lease arrangements. For lessees, the new Standard provides for a new accounting model which does away with a differentiation between finance leases and operating leases. In future, most leasing agreements will require to be recognised in the balance sheet. For lessors, the rules of IAS 17 Leases will continue to largely apply with the result that here the differentiation between finance leases and operating leases will continue to be made as at present with the related differing accounting consequences. IFRS 16 replaces IAS 17 as well as the related interpretations and is to be applied for the first time for accounting periods beginning on or after 1 January 2019. 

At VP Bank, the implementation of the new standard is carried out according to the modified retrospective approach. As a result of the implementation, as of 1 January 2019, right-of-use assets and leasing liabilities in the amount of CHF 34.3 million were recognised. In this ­process, the leasing liabilities are valued at the present value of the remaining leasing payments, discounted at the marginal interest rate of the lessee as of 1 January 2019. The weighted average marginal borrowing rate in accordance with IFRS 16.C12(a) for the leasing liabilities at VP Bank recognised upon initial adoption amounts to approximately 1.1%. Lease agreements exist for rents for real estate and premises as well as motor vehicles. The balance sheet total increased by approximately CHF 34 million. As of 2019, in the place of rental expenses (approx. CHF 6 million), depreciation (approx. CHF 5.5 million) and interest expenses (approx. CHF 0.5 million) are now charged in the income statement.

The Group rents various office and warehouse buildings ­ as well as motor vehicles. Rental agreements are generally concluded for fixed periods of 2 to 8 years but may have renewal options.

Until 31 December 2018, leasing arrangements at VP Bank were recorded on a straight-line basis over the term of the leasing arrangement with a corresponding effect on income. As of 1 January 2019, leasing arrangements are recognised in the balance sheet at their net present value at the time at which the leased object is available for use by the Group as a right-of-use asset with a corresponding leasing liability valued at the marginal interest rate of VP Bank corresponding to the interest rate that VP Bank would have to pay if it had to borrow the funds to acquire an asset of a comparable value and on comparable conditions in a comparable economic environment. Each leasing instalment is divided into capital repayment amount and financing expenses. The finance expenses are charged to interest income over the lease term so as to produce, for each period, a constant periodic rate of interest on the remaining balance of the leasing liability. The right-of-use asset is amortised on a straight-line basis over the lease term in the income-statement caption depreciation and amortisation of property, plant and equipment. In the ­balance sheet, the right-of-use asset is capitalized under property, plant and equipment and the lease liabilities are included in other liabilities. The difference between the amount of CHF 34.3 million recognised in the balance sheet as of 1 January 2019 and the future obligations from operating leasing of CHF 39.6 million shown in the 2018 annual report resulted from the following net effects: the lease liabilities as of 1 January 2019 is the present value of the leasing payments and services that no longer qualify as leasing under IFRS 16 (services).

In applying IFRS 16 for the first time, VP Bank has availed itself of the following concessions:

As of 1 January 2019, VP Bank applies the modified retrospective approach whereby, upon initial recognition, the leasing liability and the right-of-use asset are recorded at the present value of the outstanding leasing instalments on the basis of the marginal financing rate of the Group.

Leasing contracts with a remaining term of less than 12 months as of 1 January 2019 were recognised, in accordance with IFRS16 C10(c), as current leasing arrangements and thus continue to be recorded as expense.

Leasing contracts with a right-of-use value of less than CHF 5,000 were not capitalised but recognised in the income statement due to the small amount of underlying assets. 

In the measurement of the right-of-use assets upon initial adoption as of 1 January 2019, VP Bank, in accordance with IFRS 16.C10(d), disregarded the initial direct costs (e.g. costs for building permits) and thus did not consider them as part of the right-of-use asset. 

The modification of the accounting provision in IAS 19 ­concerns benefits payable to employees in the event of a change, curtailment or settlement of a defined-benefit retirement-pension plan. In future, in the case of a change, curtailment or settlement of a defined-benefit retirement-­pension plan, it will be mandatory that the current service cost and net interest cost for the remaining business year be recomputed using the current actuarial assumptions which were used for the required revaluation of the net liability (asset). Furthermore, supplementary disclosures were added which clarify the impact of a change, curtailment or settlement on the asset ceiling rules. The modi­­fications take effect in respect of accounting periods ­beginning on or subsequent to 1 January 2019. They had no impact on the consolidated financial statements of VP Bank Group.

The Interpretation is to be applied in respect of taxable profits (tax losses), tax assessment bases, unused tax-loss carry-forwards, unused tax credits and tax rates whenever uncertainty as to the treatment for income tax purposes under IAS 12 exists. An entity shall apply discretion in determining whether each tax treatment is to be assessed individually or several tax treatments are to be assessed jointly. The decision shall be based on which approach enables a better prediction to remove the uncertainty. 

An entity shall consider whether it is probable that the ­taxing authority in question will accept the respective tax treatment (or combination of tax treatments) which it has applied or intends to apply in its tax declaration. In assessing the probability of the competent tax authority accepting an uncertain tax treatment, an entity shall always ­presume that a tax authority will exercise its right to review amounts and that such review will be carried out in full knowledge of all relevant information.

If an entity concludes that it is not probable, then it shall use the most probable value for the tax treatment. The decision should be based on the method which helps to better predict a resolution of the uncertainty. 

IFRIC 23 takes effect for accounting periods beginning on or after 1 January 2019. Earlier adoption is permitted but VP Bank Group did not avail itself of this possibility. The adoption of the amendments will have no material impact on the consolidated financial statements of VP Bank Group. 

Numerous new standards, revisions and interpretations of existing Standards were published, the application of which is mandatory for accounting periods commencing on or after 1 January 2020. The following new or amended IFRS standards and/or interpretations are currently being analysed or are without significance for VP Bank Group. VP Bank Group did not avail itself of the possibility of early adoption thereof. 

In September 2019, the IASB published amendments to IFRS 9, IAS 39 and IFRS 7, completing the first phase of its work in response to the impact of the reform of Interbank Offered Rate (IBOR) on financial reporting.

The amendments provide for temporary relief that allows hedge accounting to continue during the period of ­uncertainty before an existing benchmark interest rate is replaced by an alternative, nearly risk-free rate (RFR).

The amendments contain a number of alleviations that apply to all hedging relationships directly affected by the reform of the interest-rate benchmark. A hedging relationship is affected if the reform creates uncertainty about the timing and/or amount of the benchmark-based cash flows of the hedged item or hedging instrument. 

The application of the relief is mandatory. The first three alleviations relate to:

the assessment of whether a forecast transaction (or a component thereof) is highly probable 

the assessment as to when to reclassify the amount in the cash-flow hedge reserve to the income statement

the assessment of the economic relationship between the hedged item and the hedging instrument

For each of these alleviations, it is assumed that they relate to the benchmark on which the hedged cash flows are based (whether or not contractually specified) and/or for alleviation three, the benchmark on which the cash flows of the hedging instrument are based, will not be changed by the IBOR reform.

The fourth alleviation provides that, for a benchmark component of interest-rate risk affected by the IBOR reform, the requirement that the risk component be separately identifiable only needs to be met at the inception of the hedging relationship. If hedging instruments and hedged items can be added to or removed from an open portfolio as part of a continuous hedging strategy, the separately identifiable requirement need only be met if hedged items are designated for the first time within the hedging relationship.

To the extent that a hedging instrument is modified so that its cash flows are based on an RFR but the hedged item continues to be based on IBOR (or vice versa), there is no relief in the measurement and recognition of ineffectiveness arising from differences in changes in fair value.

The relief will continue indefinitely provided that none of the events described in the proposed amendments have occurred. If an entity designates a group of positions as the hedged item, the requirements for the date on which the relief ends are applied separately to each item within the designated group of positions. The amendments also introduce specific disclosure requirements for hedging relationships to which the relief applies.

The project team is currently analysing the effects on VP Bank Group. The amendments are effective for reporting periods beginning on or after 1 January 2020. VP Bank Group did not make use of the possibility of early adoption.

In October 2018, the IASB published amendments to IAS 1 and IAS 8 to modify the definition of “material” across the standards and to clarify certain aspects of the definition. The amendments clarify that materiality depends on the nature or scope of the information, or both. An entity must assess whether the information is material, either individually or in combination with other information, in the context of the financial statements. 

The proposed amendments explain that information is considered concealed if it is provided in a manner that has an effect similar to omitting or misstating the information. For example, material information may be obscured when information about a material item, transaction or other event is scattered throughout the financial statements or disclosed in vague or unclear language. Material information may also be obscured when different elements, transactions or other events are inappropriately aggregated, or conversely, when similar elements are inappropriately disaggregated.

The amendments have replaced the “could influence” threshold indicating that a potential influence by users must be taken into account, and in defining the term “material”, the concept of “to be expected” is to be taken into account. The amended definition therefore clarifies that in assessing materiality, only the influence on the economic decisions of the primary users which can reasonably be expected, must be considered.

The amendments take effect for reporting periods beginning on or after 1 January 2020. VP Bank Group did not avail itself of the possibility of early adoption. 

The focus of value-oriented risk management is to achieve a sustainable return on the capital invested and one which, from the shareholders’ perspective, is commensurate with the risks involved. To achieve this goal, VP Bank supports a rigorous dovetailing of profitability and risk within the scope of the management of its own equity resources; it consciously does away with the goal of gaining short-term interest advantages at the expense of the security of ­capital. VP Bank avoids extreme risks which can jeopardise risk tolerance and thus the health and the very existence of the Group and manages all risks within the annual risk budget laid down by the Board of Directors. Thanks to its strong capital base, VP Bank can invest in the growth of its business. In managing the equity resources, VP Bank measures both the equity required (minimum amount of equity to cover the Bank’s risks in accordance with the requirements of applicable supervisory law) and the ­available eligible equity (VP Bank’s equity computed in accordance with the criteria of the supervisory authorities) and projects their future development. Equity resources which the Bank does not need for its growth or business activities are returned through dividend payments according to its long-term distribution policy. Thus, through active management, VP Bank is able to maintain its robust capitalisation as well as its credit rating and continues to create sustainable value for the shareholders.

The determination of the required capital and tier capital pursuant to Basel III is undertaken based on the IFRS consolidated financial statements, whereby unrealised gains are deducted from core capital. Total capital (core capital and supplementary capital) must amount to a minimum of 13 per cent of the risk-weighted assets. 

Risk-weighted assets as of 31 December 2019 aggregated CHF 4.8 billion as compared to CHF 4.5 billion in the prior year. Core capital as of 31 December 2019 was CHF 979.0 million as compared to CHF 942.8 million in the prior year. The overall equity ratio declined by 0.7 percentage points from 20.9 per cent at 31 December 2018 to 20.2 per cent at 31 December 2019. Both as at 31 December 2018 and 31 December 2019, VP Bank Group was adequately capitalised in accordance with the respective guidelines of the FMA and the BIS currently in force.