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恒生银行(00011) - 一套总协议下的持续关连交易
2024-11-29 09:59
c 香港交易及結算所有限公司及香港聯合交易所有限公司對本公告的內容概不負責,對其準確性或完整 性亦不發表任何聲明,並明確表示,概不對因本公告全部或任何部分內容而產生或因倚賴該等內容而引 致的任何損失承擔任何責任。 恒生集團過往一直基於與滙豐集團成員訂立的個別合約。於本公告所述的過往期間, 只要是恒生集團與直屬控股公司、其附屬公司、同母系附屬公司及聯營公司之重大關 聯方交易是與支付予滙豐集團的營業支出有關,恒生集團已按照並根據香港財務報告 準則(「香港財務報告準則」)的規定於相應經審核財務報表中披露上述交易的金 額。該等過往金額亦包括獲全面豁免的持續關聯交易。另外,不涉及營業支出之過往 金額主要為利息及其他營業收入,並按香港財務報告準則已披露於恒生集團的經審核 財務報表中。香港財務報告準則下有關關聯方交易的披露規定與《上市規則》下有關 持續關連交易的披露規定有所不同。 恒生集團最近注意到,由於對《上市規則》第14A.98條(共用行政管理服務)的應用 範圍詮釋有偏差,以致忽略了並未根據《上市規則》第14A.81及14A.84條(將交易合 併計算)事先向聯交所進行諮詢。因此,未完全依據該等《上市規則》(第14A.3 ...
恒生银行(00011) - 薪酬委员会的职权范围
2024-11-26 10:01
恒生銀行有限公司 薪酬委員會之職權範圍 1. 宗旨 3. 出席會議 4. 會議及法定人數 5. 職責範圍 恒生銀行有限公司(「本行」)董事會授權及提供充足資源予薪酬委員會(「委 員會」)監督有關影響本行及其附屬公司(「本集團」)薪酬事宜,特別是: 2. 成員 1 (a) 確保該薪酬架構能吸引、保留並激發具素質的個別人員,支持本行的成功 發展; (b) 監督本行薪酬政策的執行及運作情況,與滙豐集團薪酬架構一致; (c) 確保該薪酬架構符合任何相關當地法律、規則或法例;及 (d) 確保該薪酬架構符合本行承受風險水平、業務策略、文化與價值及長遠利 益。 2.1 委員會須由不少於三位董事組成,包括最少兩位非執行董事,並以獨立非執行 董事佔大多數(包括委員會主席),或遵循香港聯合交易所有限公司(「聯交 所」)之證券上市規則(「上市規則」)之規定。 2.2 委員會主席須由董事會於獨立非執行董事中委任。 2.3 委員會成員的委任須經香港上海滙豐銀行有限公司(「滙豐香港」)薪酬委員 會審議。 2.4 委員會成員應共同在薪酬政策和慣例、風險管理和監督工作方面均具備適當的 知識、專長及經驗。 2.5 委員會成員毋須參與委員會審議 ...
恒生银行(00011) - 提名委员会的职权范围
2024-11-26 09:49
恒生銀行有限公司 提 名 委 員 會 之 職 權 範 圍 1. 宗旨 4. 會議及法定人數 1 2.1 委員會須由董事長、行政總裁及不少於三位非執行董事組成。 2.2 委員會主席須由董事長擔任。 2.3 董事會可不時增委董事為委員會成員,而委員會成員須以獨立非執行董事佔大多數。 2.4 委員會主席及每位成員最初的任期須與其擔任非執行董事的任期一致,隨後附加之委任 期須提呈董事會審議及通過。 4.1 委員會須在給予充分通知下,按其認為適合的次數及時間召開會議,而每年召開之會議 次數須不少於兩次。 4.2 會議的法定人數為二人,而其中一人須為委員會主席,如其因特殊情況未能出席會議則 除外。 4.3 委員會的秘書須由公司秘書及企業管治主管或其指定的人員擔任,其須就委員會的運作 及會議安排向委員會主席及成員提供協助。 5. 職責範圍 在不限制委員會職責的一般性原則下,委員會擁有下列之責任、權力、職能及決定權: 恒生銀行有限公司(「本行」)提名委員會(「委員會」)須就領導董事委任程序,以及 物色和提名董事人選予董事會通過之事宜,向董事會負責。委員會亦須根據有關職位及 其責任,以及該職位所需之知識、經驗與能力,甄選及提名 ...
恒生银行(00011) - 风险委员会的职权范围
2024-11-26 09:35
恒生銀行有限公司 風險委員會之職權範圍 1. 宗旨 恒生銀行有限公司(「本行」)董事會授權並提供足夠資源予風險委員會(「委員 會」),負責監督影響本行及其附屬公司(「本集團」)的風險相關事項及企業風險、 風險管治,以及企業文化相關事項。 2. 成員 3. 出席會議 4. 會議及法定人數 4.1 在符合監管要求的前提下,委員會須在給予充分通知下,按其認為適合的次數和時間召 開會議。 1 2.1 委員會須由不少於三位非執行董事組成,其中(包括委員會主席)須以獨立非執行董事 佔大多數,或遵循香港聯合交易所有限公司(「聯交所」)之證券上市規則(「上市規 則」)之規定。 2.2 委員會主席須由董事會於獨立非執行董事中委任。 2.3 委員會成員的委任須經香港上海滙豐銀行有限公司 (「滙豐香港」) 風險委員會審議。 2.4 至少一位委員會成員須具備會計、銀行或金融相關的最新經驗或風險管理方面的專業知 識。於委任董事為委員會成員時,董事會須從委員會的整體考慮,使委員會具備適合於 金融服務業相關的風險管理專業技能和經驗。 2.5 委員會主席及每位成員最初的任期須與其擔任非執行董事的任期一致,隨後附加之委任 期須提呈董事會審議及 ...
恒生银行(00011) - 审核委员会的职权范围
2024-11-26 09:30
恒生銀行有限公司 審核委員會之職權範圍 1. 宗旨 恒生銀行有限公司(「本行」)董事會授權及提供充足資源予審核委員會(「委員 會」)負責監督有關財務報告及內部監控的事宜,特別是檢討: 2. 成員 3. 出席會議 3.1 僅委員會成員有權出席委員會會議。惟委員會可在其認為適當時,邀請任何董事、行 政人員、外聘核數師或其他人士(包括但不限於財務總監、風險監控及合規總監及稽 核主管)列席整個或部分委員會會議,協助委員會履行其職責。 1 1.1 財務報表、銀行業披露報表、有關財務表現的正式公告及披露之完整性; 1.2 內部稽核及外部審核程序的成效;及 1.3 內部監控制度的成效(同時須考慮本行風險委員會的意見)。 2.1 委員會須由不少於三位非執行董事組成,其中(包括委員會主席)須以獨立非執行董 事佔大多數,或遵循香港聯合交易所有限公司(「聯交所」)之證券上市規則(「上 市規則」)之規定。 2.2 委員會主席須由董事會於獨立非執行董事中委任。 2.3 委員會成員的委任須經香港上海滙豐銀行有限公司 (「滙豐香港」) 審核委員會審議。 2.4 至少一位委員會成員須具備會計、銀行或金融相關的最新經驗。於委任董事為委員會 成 ...
恒生银行(00011) - 董事名单及其角色与职能
2024-10-24 08:44
股份代號: 11(港幣櫃台)及 80011(⼈⺠幣櫃台) 董事 名 單及 其 角色 與職 能 自 2024 年 10 月 25 日 起,周 蓉 獲 委 任 為 恒 生 銀 行 有 限 公 司(「 本 行 」)非 執 行 董 事。 於 周 女 士 的 委 任 生 效 後 , 本 行 董 事 會 (「 董 事 會 」) 成 員 載 列 如 下 : 獨 立 非 執 行 董 事 ⻑ 利 蘊 蓮 執 行 董 事 非 執 行 董 事 顏 杰 慧 廖 宜 建 周 蓉 獨 立 非 執 行 董 事 鍾 郝 儀 郭 敬 文 林 詩 韻 林 慧 如 王 小 彬 | 董 事 | 執 行 委 員 會 * | 審 核 委 員 會 | 風 險 委 員 會 | 提 名 委 員 會 | 薪 酬 委 員 會 | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | 利 蘊 蓮 | | M | M | C | M | | 施 穎 茵 | C | | | M | | | 鍾 郝 儀 | | | | M | C | | 郭 敬 文 | | C | | | | | 林 詩 韻 | | | | M | M | | 廖 宜 建 | ...
恒生银行(00011) - 董事会成员之变更
2024-10-24 08:39
香港交易及結算所有限公司及香港聯合交易所有限公司對本公告的內容概不負責,對其準確性或完整性亦 不發表任何聲明,並明確表示,概不對因本公告全部或任何部份內容而產生或因倚賴該等內容而引致的任 何損失承擔任何責任。 股份代號: 11(港幣櫃台)及80011(人民幣櫃台) 董事會成員之變更 恒生銀行有限公司(「本行」)董事會(「董事會」) 欣然宣佈下列有關本行董事會 成員之變更。 委任周蓉 滙豐集團財富管理及個人銀行業務環球首席資訊科技總監周蓉已獲委任為本行非執 行董事,由2024年10月25日起生效。 * 獨立非執行董事 恒生銀行有限公司 根據本行章程細則規定,周女⼠的委任將於本行 2025 年股東周年常會 (「股東 會」) 結束後屆滿,待其於 2025 年股東會獲股東選舉為董事後,其董事任期為 3年,並將於本行2028年股東會結束後屆滿。 關於周女⼠之履歷現列於本公告之附註。 除本文所披露者外,周女⼠現時並無於本行或其附屬公司擔當任何其他職務,彼與 本行其他董事、高層管理人員、主要股東或控股股東並無任何關係,彼亦無擁有 《證券及期貨條例》第XV部所指之本行任何股份權益。就周女⼠之委任,並無其 他需要本行股東關注之 ...
恒生银行(00011) - 2024 - 中期财报
2024-08-19 08:34
Financial Performance - Net operating income before expected credit loss changes and other credit impairment provisions increased to HKD 20,431 million, up from HKD 19,940 million year-on-year, representing a growth of 2.5%[3] - Profit before tax rose to HKD 11,307 million, compared to HKD 10,961 million in the previous year, reflecting a year-on-year increase of 3.2%[3] - The bank's net interest income for the first half of 2024 increased by 2% year-on-year to HKD 15.48 billion, with a net interest margin improvement of 20 basis points to 2.29%[10] - The bank's pre-tax profit increased by 3% year-on-year to HKD 11.31 billion, while net profit attributable to shareholders rose by 1% to HKD 9.89 billion[12] - Total operating income net of expected credit loss changes was HKD 18,931 million, an increase from HKD 18,016 million year-over-year, representing a growth of 5.1%[133] - The company reported a profit for the period of HKD 9,888 million, slightly up from HKD 9,822 million in the previous year, indicating a growth of 0.7%[133] Customer Growth and Engagement - The number of new affluent customers increased by 147% year-on-year, while new private banking accounts grew by 15%[6] - Active retail customers engaging in investment transactions rose by 41% year-on-year, driven by the launch of the "Wealth Master" feature[22] - The affluent customer base grew by 14% year-on-year, with newly acquired affluent customers increasing by 147%[21] - The number of new accounts opened by mainland customers increased by 166% year-on-year, reflecting the demand for wealth management services in the Greater Bay Area[21] Asset and Liability Management - The bank's total assets increased to HKD 1,708,453 million, up from HKD 1,692,094 million year-on-year[3] - Customer deposits rose by 2%, driven primarily by growth in time deposits[10] - Total liabilities increased to HKD 1,542,086 million from HKD 1,523,910 million[136] - The bank's equity decreased by HKD 2 billion, or 1%, to HKD 166 billion, impacted by a slight reduction in retained earnings[28] Non-Interest Income - The bank's non-interest income grew by 4% year-on-year, with retail investment fund fee income increasing by 20% and insurance services rising by 16%[6] - Non-interest income grew by 4%, mainly due to increased trading activities and retail investment fund performance[13] - Net service fee income decreased by HKD 102 million, or 4%, to HKD 2.564 billion, primarily due to a decline in credit facilitation service fees offsetting a 20% increase in retail investment fund income[15] Credit Risk and Provisions - The non-performing loan ratio increased to 5.32%, but the impact on financial performance is minimal due to collateral backing most loans[6] - The expected credit loss provisions decreased by 22% to HKD 1.5 billion, reflecting improved credit quality in the commercial real estate loan portfolio[10] - Total impaired loans increased from HKD 25 billion to HKD 46 billion, with the impaired loan ratio rising from 2.83% to 5.32%[17] - The expected credit loss provisions for customer loans as of June 30, 2024, amount to $15,258 million, an increase from $13,633 million on December 31, 2023[42] Capital and Risk Management - The bank's total capital ratio stood at 19.7% as of June 30, 2024, indicating a strong capital position to withstand unforeseen risks[10] - The Common Equity Tier 1 (CET1) capital ratio decreased to 16.6% as of June 30, 2024, down from 18.1% at the end of 2023, indicating a reduction in capital adequacy[102] - The company continues to monitor and identify risks, with key risks including credit risk, market risk, and regulatory compliance risk[29] - The risk management framework emphasizes the importance of safeguarding clients, business, employees, shareholders, and the community while supporting strategic growth[31] Dividends and Shareholder Returns - The bank declared a second interim dividend of HKD 1.20 per share, totaling HKD 2.40 per share for the first half of 2024, representing a 9% increase compared to the same period last year[9] - The bank's total shareholder return, including a share buyback plan of HKD 3 billion, reached HKD 7.6 billion, an 80% increase year-on-year[9] - The company announced a share buyback program of up to HKD 3 billion, expected to be completed by September 2024, with HKD 1 billion remaining as of June 30, 2024[138] Economic Outlook - The GDP growth rate for Hong Kong is projected to be 2.9% in 2024, while for mainland China it is expected to be 4.9%[53] - The unemployment rate is anticipated to remain at 3.0% for Hong Kong and rise slightly to 5.2% for mainland China in 2024[53] - Housing prices in Hong Kong are expected to decline by an average of 8.7% in 2024, while mainland China is projected to see a decrease of 5.7%[53] - The consensus downside scenario highlights risks from geopolitical tensions, which could lead to inflation and interest rate increases, potentially causing a global recession[56] Operational Efficiency - Operating expenses increased by HKD 367 million, or 5%, to HKD 7.523 billion, driven by higher processing service fees and continued investment in digital capabilities[17] - The cost-to-income ratio increased by 0.9 percentage points to 36.8% for the first half of 2024[18] - The company reported a total of HKD 7,523 million in expenses for the six months ended June 30, 2024, compared to HKD 7,156 million for the same period in 2023, reflecting a growth of 5.1%[155] Digital Transformation and Innovation - The bank is actively promoting digital transformation and green development through partnerships, including the establishment of an innovation lab for SMEs[8] - The bank's digital platform enhancements led to a 172% year-on-year increase in investment account openings via mobile devices[22] - The bank launched a HKD 33 billion SME Power Up financing fund to support the growth and digital transformation of SMEs[7]
恒生银行(00011) - 2024 - 中期财报
2024-08-09 08:45
Financial Performance - Net operating income before expected credit loss changes and other credit impairment charges increased to HKD 20,431 million, up from HKD 19,940 million year-on-year [3]. - Profit before tax rose by 3% to HKD 11,307 million, compared to HKD 10,961 million in the previous year [7]. - Earnings attributable to shareholders reached HKD 9,893 million, slightly up from HKD 9,827 million year-on-year [3]. - Return on average ordinary shareholders' equity was 12.4%, down from 12.8% in the previous year [3]. - Net interest income grew by 2% year-on-year, while non-interest income increased by 4% [7]. - The board declared a second interim dividend of HKD 1.20 per share, totaling HKD 2.40 per share for the first half of 2024, a 9% increase from the same period last year [10]. - The total amount returned to shareholders reached HKD 7.6 billion, an 80% increase compared to the previous year [10]. - The company reported a 25% increase in operating profit, amounting to HKD 23.08 billion, compared to the second half of 2023 [22]. - Pre-tax profit for wealth management and personal banking increased by 2% to HKD 7.16 billion, with net interest income growing by 4% year-on-year [24]. - The company reported a net gain of HKD 2,822 million from financial instruments measured at fair value through profit or loss, down from HKD 6,110 million in the previous year [124]. Credit Quality and Risk Management - The non-performing loan ratio increased to 5.32%, reflecting pressures on cash flow for some commercial real estate clients [7]. - Expected credit losses decreased by 22% year-on-year due to improved risk management in mainland commercial real estate [7]. - The expected credit loss provisions decreased by 22% to HKD 1.5 billion, reflecting improved credit quality in the commercial real estate loan portfolio [11]. - Total impaired loans increased to HKD 46 billion, with an impaired loan ratio of 5.32%, up from 2.83% at the end of 2023 [19]. - The group continues to monitor and identify risks, with key risks including credit risk, market risk, and regulatory compliance risk [33]. - The group has adjusted expected credit losses to reflect uncertainties from inflation and interest rate fluctuations, with a model redevelopment planned for implementation by the end of 2024 [33]. - The expected credit loss model reflects significant risks and uncertainties, with adjustments made by management when necessary [51]. - The company is closely monitoring credit risks, particularly in the real estate sector, where challenges persist due to funding pressures and rising default rates [40]. - The expected credit loss for personal loans is 399,907 million, with a coverage ratio of 0.43% for Stage 3 [50]. - The expected credit loss for corporate and commercial loans is 443,853 million, with a coverage ratio of 2.68% for Stage 3 [50]. Business Growth and Client Engagement - The number of new affluent clients rose by 147% year-on-year, with new private banking accounts increasing by 15% [7]. - Premium income from new life insurance increased by 80% year-on-year, ranking third in Hong Kong [9]. - The "Wealth Management Connect" product offerings increased to over 320, leading to a fourfold increase in southbound investment product sales [9]. - Digital account openings via mobile devices increased by 172% year-on-year, reflecting enhanced digital platform capabilities [26]. - Active retail clients engaging in investment transactions rose by 41% year-on-year, driven by the introduction of the "Wealth Master" feature [25]. - The bank's new life insurance business premiums surged by 80% year-on-year, securing the third position in the life insurance market [25]. - The bank launched a HKD 33 billion SME Power Up financing fund to support growth and digital transformation of SMEs [9]. Capital and Liquidity Management - The bank's common equity tier 1 capital ratio stood at 16.6% as of June 30, 2024, indicating a strong capital position [12]. - The bank aims to maintain strong capital to support business development while complying with regulatory capital requirements [88]. - The average liquidity coverage ratio as of June 30, 2024, is 277.2%, up from 260.6% as of December 31, 2023, significantly exceeding the regulatory requirement [108]. - The stable funding ratio as of June 30, 2024, is 168.2%, compared to 171.7% as of March 31, 2024, and 161.4% as of June 30, 2023 [111]. - The bank's total equity as of June 30, 2024, was reported at 149,659 million, a decrease from 166,320 million as of December 31, 2023 [93]. - The bank's retained earnings and other reserves are crucial for maintaining a prudent balance in capital allocation to subsidiaries [91]. Economic Outlook and Market Conditions - Economic outlook for most markets has improved compared to December 31, 2023, but key macroeconomic and regulatory issues remain [33]. - The consensus central scenario predicts a GDP growth rate of 2.9% for Hong Kong and 4.9% for mainland China in 2024, both lower than in 2023 [54]. - The unemployment rate is expected to remain at 3.0% in Hong Kong and 5.2% in mainland China for 2024, with slight increases projected in subsequent years [55]. - The company expects inflation rates to decline, with a return to central bank targets by 2025, driven by easing service sector inflation and wage growth [54]. - The company is closely monitoring the economic environment and will adjust its credit loss estimates based on evolving macroeconomic conditions [56]. - The company anticipates that policy interest rates have peaked and will begin to decline in 2024, although they are expected to remain above pre-pandemic levels in the long term [54]. Operational Efficiency and Cost Management - Operating expenses rose by HKD 367 million, or 5%, to HKD 7,523 million, driven by increased service fees and investments in digital capabilities [20]. - The cost-to-income ratio increased by 0.9 percentage points to 36.8% [22]. - The company reported a significant increase in operating expenses totaling (7,523) million, impacting overall profitability [155]. - The total operating expenses, excluding costs directly related to insurance business, amounted to HKD 3,159 million for the half-year ending June 30, 2024, compared to HKD 2,971 million in the previous year, reflecting an increase of about 6.3% [148]. Regulatory Compliance and Risk Management - The group has enhanced risk management in response to macroeconomic and geopolitical uncertainties, maintaining net interest income stability despite anticipated interest rate volatility [37]. - A comprehensive regulatory reporting plan is progressing, aimed at strengthening processes and improving consistency in regulatory reporting controls [37]. - The company continues to engage with regulatory bodies to address compliance and reputational risks arising from stricter data privacy and national security laws [39]. - The bank employs advanced internal rating-based approaches for calculating credit risk for most non-securitized exposures [91]. Investment and Market Strategy - The bank issued Hang Seng S&P 500 Index ETF and Hang Seng Japan TSE 100 Index ETF, expanding its global business [4]. - The bank's investment management arm launched Hong Kong's first S&P 500 Index ETF in April 2024, expanding its ETF offerings [26]. - The company plans to continue expanding its market presence and investing in new technologies to drive future growth [126]. - The company continues to focus on expanding its business segments, including commercial banking and global capital markets, to enhance overall performance and market presence [154].
恒生银行(00011) - 2024 - 中期业绩
2024-07-31 04:04
Financial Performance - Pre-tax profit increased by 3% year-on-year to HKD 11.307 billion, with a return on equity of 12.4%[3] - Operating profit increased by 5% to HKD 11.396 billion, reflecting strong business performance[3] - For the first half of 2024, the pre-tax profit increased by 24% compared to the second half of 2023, primarily due to a 65% reduction in expected credit loss changes and strong growth in non-interest income[14] - The profit attributable to shareholders for the period was HKD 9,888 million, up from HKD 9,822 million in the prior year, indicating a year-on-year increase of about 0.7%[37] - Basic and diluted earnings per share increased to HKD 5.04 from HKD 4.99, representing a growth of 1.0%[35] Income and Revenue - Net interest income grew by 2% to HKD 15.483 billion, with a net interest margin widening by 20 basis points to 2.29%[3] - Non-interest income rose by 4% year-on-year, contributing to overall revenue growth[2] - Non-interest income grew by 4% year-on-year, driven by a 20% increase in retail investment fund fees and a 16% increase in insurance services[7] - Operating income before expected credit loss changes increased by 2% year-on-year to HKD 20.43 billion, with non-interest income up by 4% due to increased retail investment fund and insurance business revenues[14] - Wealth management business revenue increased by HKD 58 million, or 2%, to HKD 3.177 billion, supported by strong growth in retail investment funds and life insurance income[16] Dividends and Shareholder Returns - Total shareholder capital return, including a HKD 3 billion share buyback plan, increased by 80% to HKD 7.6 billion[3] - The second interim dividend declared is HKD 1.20 per share, totaling HKD 2.40 per share for the first half of 2024, up 9% from the previous year[3] - The board declared an interim dividend of HKD 1.20 per share, totaling HKD 2.40 for the first half of 2024, a 9% increase from the previous year[10] - The board declared dividends totaling HKD 4,687 million for the first half of 2024, which includes HKD 2,282 million from the first interim dividend and HKD 2,835 million from the fourth interim dividend of 2023[39] Capital and Ratios - The common equity tier 1 capital ratio stands at 16.6%, down from 18.1% at the end of 2023[3] - The bank's capital ratios remain strong, with a Common Equity Tier 1 capital ratio of 16.6% and a total capital ratio of 19.7%[12] - Total Capital Ratio declined to 19.7% as of June 30, 2024, down from 21.4% as of December 31, 2023[68] - Leverage Ratio decreased to 8.1% as of June 30, 2024, from 8.5% as of December 31, 2023[70] Customer and Market Growth - The number of new affluent clients increased by 147% year-on-year, with new private banking accounts growing by 15% and new accounts from mainland clients rising by 166%[7] - Total customer deposits increased by 2%, mainly driven by growth in time deposits[11] - The affluent customer base grew by 14% year-on-year, with a 147% increase in newly acquired affluent customers[29] - Active foreign exchange trading customers increased by 15%, contributing to a 17% year-on-year growth in non-HKD deposits[29] Loans and Credit Quality - The bank's non-performing loan ratio increased to 5.32%, primarily due to the downgrade of the Hong Kong commercial real estate loan portfolio, but most loans are secured[12] - Total impaired loans increased from HKD 25 billion at the end of 2023 to HKD 46 billion by June 30, 2024, with the impaired loan ratio rising to 5.32%[18] - Customer loans (net of expected credit loss provisions) decreased by HKD 11 billion, or 1%, to HKD 850 billion, reflecting weak credit demand in a rising interest rate environment[22] - The expected credit loss for loans and other financial assets was HKD 1,500 million for the six months ending June 30, 2024, down from HKD 1,924 million in the previous year, indicating a reduction of 22%[45] Operating Expenses and Efficiency - The cost-to-income ratio is reported at 36.8%, compared to 35.9% in the previous year[3] - Operating expenses rose by HKD 3.67 billion, or 5%, totaling HKD 75.23 billion, driven by increased processing service fees and investments in digital capabilities[18] - Total operating expenses for the six months ending June 30, 2024, were HKD 7,523 million, an increase from HKD 7,156 million in the same period of 2023, resulting in a cost-to-income ratio of 36.8%, up from 35.9%[45] Strategic Initiatives - The bank continues to support SMEs with new initiatives and received recognition as the "Best Partner for SMEs" by the Hong Kong SME Association[5] - The bank launched a HKD 33 billion SME Power Up financing fund and an HKD 80 billion sustainable development financing fund to support business growth and green transformation[9] - The bank is expanding its global ETF business, launching new products and partnerships to strengthen Hong Kong's position as an ETF hub[5] Regulatory and Governance - The bank has fully complied with the corporate governance principles and codes as of June 30, 2024[84] - The board of directors includes independent non-executive directors and non-executive directors, ensuring diverse governance[85] - The bank has established a regulatory disclosure section on its website to comply with banking disclosure regulations[87] Forward-Looking Statements - The bank's forward-looking statements may involve significant assumptions and uncertainties, which could lead to actual results differing materially[88] - Important factors that may lead to significant differences between actual performance and the announcement are detailed in the 2023 annual report and the 2024 interim report[89]