HSBC Holdings (HBC2) Risk Analysis

We are exposed to many types of non-financial risks that are inherent in banking operations. Non-financial risk can be defined as the risk to HSBC of achieving its strategy or objectives as a result of inadequate or failed internal processes, people and systems, or from external events. It includes; fraudulent and other criminal activities (both internal and external), breakdowns in processes or procedures, breaches of regulations or law, financial reporting and tax errors, external events and systems failure or non-availability. These risks are also present when we rely on outside suppliers or vendors to provide services to us and our customers. In particular, fraudsters may target any of our products, services and delivery channels, including lending, internet banking, payments, bank accounts and cards. This may result in financial loss to the Group and/or our customers, an adverse customer experience, reputational damage and potential litigation, regulatory proceeding, administrative action or other adversarial proceeding in any jurisdiction in which we operate, depending on the circumstances of the event. These non-financial risks could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations, prospects, strategy and reputation.

The preparation of financial information requires management to make judgements and use estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, income and expenses. Due to the inherent uncertainty in making estimates, particularly those involving the use of complex models, actual results reported in future periods could differ from those on which management’s estimates are based. Estimates, judgements, assumptions and models 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 prevailing circumstances. The impacts of revisions to accounting estimates are recognised in the period in which the estimates are revised and in any future periods affected. Accounting policies deemed critical to our results and financial position are those that involve a high degree of uncertainty and have a material impact on the financial statements. In 2021 these include impairment of amortised cost financial assets and assets measured at fair value through other comprehensive income, impairment of goodwill and non-financial assets, valuation of financial instruments, deferred tax assets, provisions, impairment of interests in associates and post-employment benefit plans, which are discussed in detail in ‘Critical accounting estimates and judgements’ on page 90. The measurement of impairment of amortised cost financial assets and financial assets measured at fair value through other comprehensive income requires the selection and calibration of complex models and the use of estimates and assumptions to incorporate relevant information about past events, current conditions and forecasts of economic conditions. Additionally, significant judgement is involved in determining what is considered to be significant increases in credit risk and what the point of initial recognition is for revolving facilities. The assessment of whether goodwill and non-financial assets are impaired, and the measurement of any impairment, involves the application of judgement in determining key assumptions, including discount rates, estimated cash flows for the periods for which detailed cash flows are available and projecting the long-term pattern of sustainable cash flows thereafter. The recognition and measurement of deferred tax assets involves significant judgement regarding the probability and sufficiency of future taxable profits, taking into account the future reversal of existing taxable temporary differences and tax planning strategies, including corporate reorganisations. The recognition and measurement of provisions involve significant judgements due to the high degree of uncertainty in determining whether a present obligation exists, and in estimating the probability and amount of any outflows that may arise. The valuation of financial instruments measured at fair value can be subjective, in particular where models are used that include unobservable inputs. The assessment of interests in associates for impairment involves significant judgements in determining the value in use, in particular estimating the present values of cash flows expected to arise from continuing to hold the investment, based on a number of management assumptions. At 31 December 2021, we performed an impairment review of our investment in BoCom and concluded it was not impaired based on our value in use calculation. The calculation of the defined benefit pension obligation involves the determination of key assumptions, including discount rate, inflation rate, pension payments and deferred pension and pay and mortality. Given the uncertainty and subjectivity associated with the above critical accounting judgements and estimates, future outcomes may differ materially from those assumed using information available at the reporting date. The effect of these changes on the future results of operations and the future financial position of the Group may be material, and could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects. For further details, see ‘Critical accounting estimates and judgements’ on page 90.