ING Direct 2009 Annual Report Download - page 110

Deferred tax assets are recognised where it is probable that future taxable profit will be available against which the temporary differences
can be utilised. Deferred income tax is provided on temporary differences arising from investments in subsidiaries and associates, except
where the timing of the reversal of the temporary difference is controlled by the Group and it is probable that the difference will not
reverse in the foreseeable future. The tax effects of income tax losses available for carry forward are recognised as an asset where it is
probable that future taxable profits will be available against which these losses can be utilised.
Deferred tax related to fair value remeasurement of available-for-sale investments and cash flow hedges, which are charged or credited
directly to equity, is also credited or charged directly to equity and is subsequently recognised in the profit and loss account together with
the deferred gain or loss.
FINANCIAL LIABILITIES
Financial liabilities at amortised cost
Financial liabilities at amortised cost include the following sub-categories: preference shares, other borrowed funds, debt securities in issue,
subordinated loans, amounts due to banks and customer deposits and other funds on deposit.
Borrowings are recognised initially at their issue proceeds (fair value of consideration received) net of transaction costs incurred.
Borrowings are subsequently stated at amortised cost; any difference between proceeds, net of transaction costs, and the redemption
value is recognised in the profit and loss account over the period of the borrowings using the effective interest method.
If the Group purchases its own debt, it is removed from the balance sheet, and the difference between the carrying amount of the liability
and the consideration paid is included in the profit and loss account.
Financial liabilities at fair value through profit and loss
Financial liabilities at fair value through profit and loss comprise the following sub-categories: trading liabilities, non-trading derivatives and
other financial liabilities designated at fair value through profit and loss by management. Trading liabilities include equity securities, debt
securities, funds on deposit and derivatives. Designation by management will take place only if it eliminates a measurement inconsistency
or if the related assets and liabilities are managed on a fair value basis. ING Group has designated an insignificant part of the issued debt,
related to market-making activities, at fair value through profit and loss. This issued debt consists mainly of own bonds. The designation as
fair value through profit and loss eliminates the inconsistency in the timing of the recognition of gains and losses. All other financial
liabilities are measured at amortised cost.
Financial guarantee contracts
Financial guarantee contracts are contracts that require the issuer to make specified payments to reimburse the holder for a loss it incurs
because a specified debtor fails to make payments when due, in accordance with the terms of a debt instrument. Such financial
guarantees are initially recognised at fair value and subsequently measured at the higher of the discounted best estimate of the obligation
under the guarantee and the amount initially recognised less cumulative amortisation to reflect revenue recognition principles.
INSURANCE, INVESTMENT AND REINSURANCE CONTRACTS
Insurance contracts
Insurance policies which bear significant insurance risk and/or contain discretionary participation features are presented as insurance
contracts. Provisions for liabilities under insurance contracts represent estimates of future payouts that will be required for life and
non-life insurance claims, including expenses relating to such claims. For some insurance contracts the measurement reflects current
market assumptions.
Provision for life insurance
The Provision for life insurance is calculated on the basis of a prudent prospective actuarial method, taking into account the conditions for
current insurance contracts. Specific methodologies may differ between business units as they may reflect local regulatory requirements
and local practices for specific product features in the local markets.
Insurance provisions on traditional life policies are calculated using various assumptions, including assumptions on mortality, morbidity,
expenses, investment returns and surrenders. Assumptions for insurance provisions on traditional life insurance contracts, including
traditional whole life and term life insurance contracts, are based on best estimate assumptions including margins for adverse deviations.
The assumptions are set initially at the policy issue date and remain constant throughout the life of the policy, except in the case of
loss recognition.
Insurance provisions for universal life, variable life and annuity contracts, unit-linked contracts, etc. are generally set equal to the balance
that accrues to the benefit of the policyholders. Certain variable annuity products contain minimum guarantees on the amounts payable
upon death and/or maturity. The insurance provisions include the impact of these minimum guarantees, taking into account the difference
between the potential minimum benefit payable and the total account balance, expected mortality and surrender rates.
2.1 Consolidated annual accounts
ING Group Annual Report 2009
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Accounting policies for the consolidated balance sheet and profit and loss account of ING Group (continued)