HSBC 2012 Annual Report Download - page 281

279
Overview Operating & Financial Review Corporate Governance Financial Statements Shareholder Information
scheme’s trustees (where relevant). The defined benefit plans invest these contributions in a range of investments
designed to meet their long-term liabilities.
The level of these contributions has a direct impact on HSBC’s cash flow and would normally be set to ensure that
there are sufficient funds to meet the cost of the accruing benefits for the future service of active members. However,
higher contributions will be required when plan assets are considered insufficient to cover the existing pension
liabilities. Contribution rates are typically revised annually or triennially, depending on the plan. The agreed
contributions to the principal plan are revised triennially.
A deficit in a defined benefit plan may arise from a number of factors, including
• investments delivering a return below that required to provide the projected plan benefits. This could arise, for example, when there is a
fall in the market value of equities, or when increases in long-term interest rates cause a fall in the value of fixed income securities held;
• the prevailing economic environment leading to corporate failures, thus triggering write-downs in asset values (both equity and debt);
• a change in either interest rates or inflation which causes an increase in the value of the scheme liabilities; and
• scheme members living longer than expected (known as longevity risk).
A plan’s investment strategy is determined after taking into consideration the market risk inherent in the investments
and its consequential impact on potential future contributions. The long-term investment objectives of both HSBC
and, where relevant and appropriate, the trustees are:
• to limit the risk of the assets failing to meet the liabilities of the plans over the long-term; and
• to maximise returns consistent with an acceptable level of risk so as to control the long-term costs of the defined
benefit plans.
In pursuit of these long-term objectives, a benchmark is established for the allocation of the defined benefit plan
assets between asset classes. In addition, each permitted asset class has its own benchmarks, such as stock market or
property valuation indices and, where relevant, desired levels of out-performance. The benchmarks are reviewed
at least triennially within 18 months of the date at which an actuarial valuation is made, or more frequently if
required by local legislation or circumstances. The process generally involves an extensive asset and liability review.
Ultimate responsibility for investment strategy rests with either the trustees or, in certain circumstances, a
Management Committee. The degree of independence of the trustees from HSBC varies in different jurisdictions.
Pension plans in the UK
The largest plan globally exists in the UK, where the HSBC Bank (UK) Pension Scheme (‘the Scheme’) covers
employees of HSBC Bank plc and certain other employees of HSBC. This comprises a funded final salary defined
benefit plan (‘the principal plan’), which is closed to new entrants, and a defined contribution plan which was
established in July 1996 for new employees.
The principal plan, which accounts for approximately 70% of the obligations of our defined benefit pension plans,
is overseen by a corporate trustee who has a fiduciary responsibility for the operation of the pension scheme. The
Trustee is responsible for monitoring and managing the investment strategy and administration of scheme benefits.
The principal plan holds a diversified portfolio of investments to meet future cash flow liabilities arising from
accrued benefits as they fall due to be paid. The trustee of the principal plan is required to produce a written
Statement of Investment Principles which governs decision-making about how investments are made and the need
for adequate diversification is taken into account in the choice of asset allocation and manager structure in the
Defined Benefit Section.
Longevity risk in the principal plan is assessed as part of the measurement of the pension liability and managed
through the funding process of the scheme.
Pension plans in Hong Kong
In Hong Kong, the HSBC Group Hong Kong Local Staff Retirement Benefit Scheme covers employees of The
Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation and certain other employees of HSBC. The scheme comprises a
funded defined benefit scheme and a defined contribution scheme. The defined benefit section of the scheme is a
final salary lump sum scheme and therefore its exposure to longevity risk is limited; it was closed to new members
from 1999.