TIDML
RNS Number : 9885M
Sancus Lending Group Limited
20 September 2023
20 September 2023
Sancus Lending Group Limited
("Sancus", the "Company" or "Group")
Interim Results for the six-month period ended 30 June 2023
The Directors are pleased to announce the Company's half-year
results for the six months ending 30 June 2023.
HIGHLIGHTS
Rory Mepham, Chief Executive Officer of Sancus Lending Group
Limited, commented:
We started 2023 cautiously but with cause for optimism. However
the uncertainty in residential real estate markets in the
jurisdictions in which we operate, together with the impact of
inflation and rising interest rates, has led to a slow down in loan
origination in H1 2023 as we became more selective from both a
credit and loan pricing perspective.
The refinance and extension of the ZDP share final entitlement
to December 2027, and the increase and extension of the Pollen
Street Plc facility up to GBP125m (expiry not before November 2026)
at the end of 2022, provide the Company with a more stable base
from which to grow when the right opportunities present themselves,
in the meantime caution shall prevail.
Financial Highlights
-- New loan facilities written H1 2023 of GBP83m (H1 2022: GBP86m);
-- Group revenue H1 2023 of GBP5.4m (H1 2022: GBP4.8m);
-- Group operating loss H1 2023 of GBP3.8m (H1 2022: loss GBP2.1m);
-- GBP3m of ZDP shares held in Treasury were sold to the Group's
largest shareholder, Somerston, providing further growth
capital;
-- An increase in IFRS 9 provisions H1 2023 of GBP0.8m (H1 2022: GBPnil).
Operational Highlights
-- The Company completed its office rationalisation program in
H1 2023, and now operates from three locations, Jersey; Dublin and
London, to align with its core lending markets and optimise
costs.
-- Geographic focus remains unchanged, with three core markets
UK, Ireland and Offshore. Offshore represent 42% of the current
loan book, UK 39% and Ireland 19%. Ireland is the fastest growing
market with a 52% increase in loans under management in H1
2023.
-- The Company continues to seek ways to reduce its operational
costs. Headcount was further reduced during the period from 39 to
31 FTE.
-- Since onboarding Salesforce software at the end of 2022,
significant progress has been made with implementation and use of
technology to manage workflows, standardisation of process and
controls across the lending life cycle and integration with the
Company's propriety loan management system.
-- Focus on maintaining credit discipline has remained.
For further information, please contact:
Sancus Lending Group Limited
Rory Mepham +44 (0)1534 708 900
Liberum Capital (Nominated Adviser
and Corporate Broker)
Lauren Kettle
Chris Clarke
William King +44 (0) 20 3100 2000
Instinctif Partners (PR Adviser)
Tim Linacre
Victoria Hayns +44 (0)207 457 2020
Sanne Fund Services (Guernsey)
Limited
(Company Secretary)
Matt Falla +44 (0)1481 755530
CHAIRMAN'S STATEMENT
Introduction
In the last 12 months the Company has made advances in its
structural change program, and whilst operational progress is not
reflected in the results for the H1 2023, we expect to see benefits
in H2 2023 and beyond. In H1 2023 the Company reported a loss of
GBP3.3m, and the loan book has remained flat since Dec 2022 at
GBP169m, a reflection of robust credit discipline and a cautious
approach to loan deployment, particularly in the UK. The cost of
Funding has increased and we are now operating in the highest
interest rate environment since 2008. Careful use of Group capital,
and draw-down from our funding sources, is paramount to the
successful navigation of a very tough market environment, but in
spite of these exacting circumstances demand in our chosen markets
remains firm and we believe may present opportunities for the
Company to grow in the coming period.
Our People
As noted in our FY22 results, we did not expect to increase
headcount in 2023, and we took the opportunity to reduce Group
headcount further to 31 as at 30 June 2023 (31 December 2022:
39).
As detailed in the 2022 Annual Report, Tracy Clarke was
appointed as Group CFO on 30 March 2023 and Carlton Management
Services Limited was appointed to restructure the Group Finance
Function. The migration of the Group Finance Function under Tracy's
leadership was completed in Q2 2023.
Capital Raise
A significant milestone at the end of 2022 was the extension of
the ZDP final entitlement date from 5 December 2022 to 5 December
2027. In addition, GBP3m of ZDP shares held in Treasury were sold
to Somerston, the Company's largest shareholder, in April 2023,
providing the company with additional growth capital. I thank our
ZDP shareholders for their continued support.
Dividend and Shareholders
It is the Board's intention to reinvest surplus resources for
growth. As such, the Group does not intend to declare a dividend
for the period. The Board intends to revisit this policy at the
appropriate time, should the profitability and cash flow profile
support the reinstatement of a dividend.
On behalf of the Board, I would like to thank shareholders for
their continuing support and patience and for the efforts of the
management and employees.
As I noted in the Chairman's statement in the 2022 annual
report, we do not underestimate the scale and continuing challenges
ahead. I remain of the view that we have the right strategy,
systems and personnel to put the business onto a firmer footing and
return to profitability and I look forward to reporting more
positive developments in the coming period.
Steve Smith
Chairman
Date: 19 September 2023
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER'S REVIEW
Overview
In the first half year of 2023 we have taken a number of steps
to position the Company on the road to profitability and to
simplify the core business of residential development and bridge
financing. We reduced the number of physical office locations from
five to three with the sale of Gibraltar and closure of Guernsey
during the period.
Loan book origination in H1 2023 was GBP83m versus GBP86m
written in H1 2022. Opportunities to lend more have been considered
but rejected where the return to risk ratio was considered
inappropriate. The Credit team have adjusted their underwriting
approach and attitude to risk accordingly, to ensure optimal use of
Group capital, strict loan pricing discipline and particular focus
on valuation assessment in the current uncertain environment.
Despite some headwinds the residential lending market continues to
present significant opportunity for Alternative Lenders, including
Sancus, in all of our three core geographic markets.
Strategic KPIs
The Board are providing an update to the Strategic KPIs set out
in the 2022 Annual report:
-- Revenue growth
o Revenue is up 12% compared to the same period last year, with
new loan origination being almost exclusively being priced using
variable interest rates.
-- Growing loans under management
o Loan book / Assets Under Management remains unchanged from 31
December 2022 to 30 June 2023 at GBP169m.
-- Reducing cost of funding
o Reducing cost of Funding remains a priority, but also
continues to present a challenge in the current macro-economic
environment. It is pleasing to report we saw a modest increase in
Funding through the Sancus Loan Note program in H1 2023 of GBP10m,
an increase of 50%.
-- Become a capital efficient business
o The amount of own capital within loans continues to be
maintained at a low level, which at 30 June 2023 represented 4.5%
of the total loan book, in comparison to 4.2% at 30 June 2022.
-- Increasing operating profits - by increasing gross margin and reducing costs
o Gross profit margin in H1 2023 was GBP0.3m, compared to H1
2022, GBP1.2m. The reduction is due to the financing cost of GBP3m
additional ZDPs held by shareholders, an increase in the ZDP coupon
from 8% to 9% and the run off of the legacy loan book priced at
fixed interest rates whilst the cost of Funding those loans has
increased.
o Operating costs are flat compared to the same period last year
at GBP3.3m and are expected to reduce in the H2 2023 due to the
effect of Group cost saving initiatives, in particular, reduction
in headcount and premises costs.
-- Return on Equity ("ROE")
o Going forward we plan to become profitable and increase our
ROE. We are also focused on reducing the need for additional
capital to participate in Loan funding to support ROE.
-- Ensuring a risk based approach is taken on all decision making
o We have imbedded institutional credit processes across the
Group. We continue to increase our technology enablement to
streamline processes, improve the delivery and format of management
information to aid decision making and improve internal
controls.
Origination
We have new loan facilities written during the H1 2023 of GBP83m
compared with GBP86m in H1 2022 and GBP156m in FY 2022.
Maintaining a high-quality credit process whilst cautiously
scaling the quantity of new loans remains a priority. We expect to
see ample opportunities to lend in each of our markets and are
confident that our businesses in these jurisdictions are well
placed to execute as suitable opportunities arise.
Loan Management
Assets Under Management have not changed since the end of 2022
at GBP169m. With the number of new facilities written, and as we
see funds deployed, we expect to be reporting a moderate increase
in our loan book by 31 December 2023.
Continued emphasis has been placed on actively managing loans
once the initial drawdown has been made. This has been particularly
important during a time when various market related pressures such
as cost inflation are impacting our borrowers. Active management is
helping us to deal with issues before they become problems and we
are pleased to report that the percentage of loan book in recovery
continues to reduce.
Funding
We continue to concentrate on growing the funding capacity of
the business, on improved terms. This is particularly important in
the context of the wider economic climate where we are in a
significant inflationary environment. Additionally, we are seeking
to work with a diversified mix of funders, both private and
institutional, to match funders with loans meeting their varied
risk and reward criteria. Currently, th e Group is reliant on four
funding sources:
-- Co-Funders
-- Loan Note program
-- Institutional funders
-- Proprietary capital
Sancus has an institutional funding line from Pollen Street Plc
("Pollen), that is designed to complement our Co-Funder funding
base and Sancus Loan Note program. As at 30 June 2023 the total
drawn from the Pollen facility was GBP77.75m (31 December 2022:
GBP67.75m). The Pollen facility continues to be strategic for the
business.
The availability, cost and flexibility of funding is key to
achieving our growth ambitions and we are reviewing the capital
position of the business with a view to ensuring it is best placed
to grow funding capacity on market adjusted improved terms. During
the first half of 2023 the loan book funded by institutional
funding increased by 5% with the majority of the UK and Irish loan
book funded by this channel.
Finance & Operations
An emphasis on operational efficiencies within Finance &
Operations, driven by technology where possible, is well underway.
We continue to drive improvement in relation to Corporate
Governance, Compliance & Risk with the implementation of a
developed risk management structure to ensure the business is well
set for future growth plans.
Sancus has developed, and continues to evolve, its own
proprietary loan management system ("LMS") for the administration
of loans and customise the use of Salesforce as the Group's CRM
tool. A comprehensive review of the LMS system and our wider
Technology strategy was carried out in 2022, and in 2023 we are
focussed on implementation of our Technology strategy with good
progress being made.
We have seen our headcount reduce in the first H1 2023 as we
look for efficiencies and cost control. At 30 June 2023, the Group
headcount was 31 (31 December 2022: 39). We believe the business is
well resourced to meet its objectives and are focussing on
continuous improvement and development of our people.
ESG
At Sancus, we are committed to taking Environmental, Social and
Governance ("ESG") factors seriously. We recognise our
responsibility to incorporate sustainability throughout the
operations of our business, be custodians of the environment and
practice good stewardship of our stakeholders' interests.
In Q1 2023 we present our first Environmental, Social, and
Governance report, marking the start of our journey towards greater
transparency and sustainability. The report highlights our progress
and achievements in the areas of environmental protection, social
responsibility and governance, as well as the challenges and
opportunities that we face.
It is essential that we understand what ESG factors are most
important to internal and external stakeholders, such that we can
continue to improve and evolve in line with our ESG strategy
principals and are ready to take appropriate action.
Outlook
Whilst the outlook remains unclear, some of uncertainties
present at the end of 2022 have now played out to a greater extent.
For example, we have seen a series of rate rises from central banks
during H1 and whilst some further incremental increases are
possible, we are unlikely to see material further increases. In a
world of asset price uncertainty the Company remains optimistic
that the residential property market will remains resilient,
assisted by the perennial imbalance between supply and demand for
housing across our target markets.
A challenging dynamic remains but management have a clear plan
to navigate the current market, avoid taking undue risks and be
ready to take advantage of the opportunities that such times will
inevitably present.
Rory Mepham
Chief Executive Officer
19 September 2023
RISKS, UNCERTAINTIES AND RESPONSIBILITY STATEMENT
Risks and uncertainties
There are a number of potential risks and uncertainties which
could have a material impact on the Group's performance over the
remainder of the financial year. These include, but are not limited
to, Capital and liquidity risk, Regulatory and compliance risk,
Market risk, Credit risk with respect to the loan book (primarily
bridging loans and, increasingly, development loans), Operational
risk and the execution of Sancus strategy. These risks remain
unchanged from December 2022 and are not expected to change in the
6 months to the end of the 2023 financial year. Further details on
these risks and uncertainties can be found in the December 2022
Annual Report.
Responsibility statement
The Directors confirm that to the best of their knowledge:
-- The Interim Report has been prepared in accordance with the
AIM rules of the London Stock Exchange;
-- This financial information has been prepared in accordance
with IAS 34 as adopted by the UK;
-- The interim results include a fair review of the important
events during the first half of the financial year and their impact
on the financial information as required by DTR 4.2.7R; and
-- The interim results include a fair review of the disclosure
of related party transactions as required by DTR 4.2.8R.
Approved and signed on behalf of the Board of Directors
19 September 2023
INDEPENT REVIEW REPORT ON INTERIM FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Conclusion
We have been engaged by Sancus Lending Group Limited (the
'Company') to review the condensed set of consolidated financial
statements in the Interim Report for the six months ended 30 June
2023 which comprises the condensed consolidated statement of
comprehensive income, the condensed consolidated statement of
financial position, the condensed consolidated statement of changes
in shareholders' equity, the condensed consolidated statement of
cash flows and related Notes 1 to 19.
We have read the other information contained in the Interim
Report and considered whether it contains any apparent
misstatements or material inconsistencies with the information in
the condensed set of Consolidated Financial Statements.
Based on our review, nothing has come to our attention that
causes us to believe that the condensed set of consolidated
financial statements in the half-yearly financial report for the
six months ended 30 June 2023 is not prepared, in all material
respects, in accordance with International Accounting Standard 34
as adopted by the UK and the AIM Rules of the London Stock
Exchange.
Basis for Conclusion
We conducted our review in accordance with International
Standard on Review Engagements (UK) 2410, "Review of Interim
Financial Information Performed by the Independent Auditor of the
Entity" issued by the Auditing Practices Board for use in the
United Kingdom. A review of interim financial information consists
of making enquiries, primarily of persons responsible for financial
and accounting matters, and applying analytical and other review
procedures. A review is substantially less in scope than an audit
conducted in accordance with International Standards on Auditing
(UK) and consequently does not enable us to obtain assurance that
we would become aware of all significant matters that might be
identified in an audit. Accordingly, we do not express an audit
opinion.
As disclosed in note 2 of the interim condensed consolidated
financial statements, the financial statements of the Company are
prepared in accordance with IFRSs as adopted by the UK. The
condensed set of financial statements included in this half-yearly
financial report has been prepared in accordance with the
International Accounting Standard 34, "Interim Financial
Reporting", as adopted by the UK.
Conclusions Relating to Going Concern
Based on our review procedures, which are less extensive than
those performed in an audit as described in the Basis of Conclusion
section of this report, nothing has come to our attention to
suggest that management have inappropriately adopted the going
concern basis of accounting or that management have identified
material uncertainties relating to going concern that are not
appropriately disclosed.
This conclusion is based on the review procedures performed in
accordance with this ISRE, however future events or conditions may
cause the entity to cease to continue as a going concern.
Responsibilities of directors
The Interim Report is the responsibility of, and has been
approved by, the Directors. The Directors are responsible for
preparing the Interim Report in accordance with the AIM Rules of
the London Stock Exchange.
In preparing the half-yearly financial report, the directors are
responsible for assessing the Company's ability to continue as a
going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going
concern and using the going concern basis of accounting unless the
directors either intend to liquidate the Company or to cease
operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so.
Auditor's Responsibilities for the review of the financial
information
In reviewing the half-yearly report, we are responsible for
expressing to the Company a conclusion on the condensed set of
consolidated financial statements in the half-yearly financial
report. Our conclusion, including our Conclusions Relating to Going
Concern, are based on procedures that are less extensive than audit
procedures, as described in the Basis for Conclusion paragraph of
this report.
Moore Stephens Audit and Assurance (Jersey) Limited
1 Waverley Place,
Union Street,
St. Helier,
JE4 8SG, Jersey
19 September 2023
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(Unaudited)
Notes Period ended Period ended
30 June 2023 30 June 2022
(unaudited) (unaudited)
GBP'000 GBP'000
Revenue 4 5,407 4,823
Cost of sales 5 (5,105) (3,560)
Gross profit 302 1,263
Operating expenses 6 (3,318) (3,350)
Changes in expected credit losses 17 (799) -
------------- -------------
Operating loss (3,815) (2,087)
FinTech Ventures fair value movement 17 362 114
Other net gains/(losses) 37 (9)
Loss on disposal of subsidiary 19 (202) -
Profit on disposal of other assets 12 303 -
Loss for the period before tax (3,315) (1,982)
Income tax expense 2 -
------------- -------------
Loss for the period after tax (3,313) (1,982)
Items that may be reclassified subsequently
to profit and loss
Foreign exchange arising on consolidation (20) 10
------------- -------------
Other comprehensive (loss)/income for
the period after tax (20) 10
------------- -------------
Total comprehensive loss for the period (3,333) (1,972)
============= =============
Basic loss per Ordinary Share 7 (0.57)p (0.41)p
------------- -------------
Diluted loss per Ordinary Share (0.57)p (0.41)p
------------- -------------
The accompanying Notes form an integral part of these financial
statements.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION
(Unaudited)
30 June 2023
31 December
(unaudited) 2022 (audited)
ASSETS Notes GBP'000 GBP'000
Non-current assets
Fixed assets 8 211 425
Goodwill 9 14,255 14,255
Other intangible assets 10 - -
Sancus loans and loan equivalents 17 20,733 23,864
FinTech Ventures investments 17 237 -
Investments in joint ventures and associates - -
Other investments 100 100
------------- ---------------
Total non-current assets 35,536 38,644
------------- ---------------
Current assets
Other assets 12 - 706
Sancus loans and loan equivalents 17 64,209 52,261
Trade and other receivables 11 7,097 5,806
Cash and cash equivalents 4,293 4,134
Total current assets 75,599 62,907
------------- ---------------
Total assets 111,135 101,551
============= ===============
EQUITY
Share premium 13 118,340 118,340
Treasury shares 13 (1,172) (1,172)
Other reserves (113,327) (109,994)
------------- ---------------
Total Equity 3,841 7,174
------------- ---------------
LIABILITIES
Non-current liabilities
Borrowings 105,202 90,868
Other liabilities - 152
Total non-current liabilities 14 105,202 91,020
------------- ---------------
Current liabilities
Trade and other payables 14 611 1,708
Tax liabilities 14 169 145
Provisions 14 649 413
Other liabilities 14 663 1,091
------------- ---------------
Total current liabilities 2,092 3,357
------------- ---------------
Total liabilities 107,294 94,377
------------- ---------------
Total equity and liabilities 111,135 101,551
============= ===============
The financial statements were approved by the Board of Directors
on 19 September 2023 and were signed on its behalf by:
Director: John Whittle
The accompanying Notes form an integral part of these financial
statements.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS'
EQUITY (Unaudited)
Share Treasury Warrants Foreign Retained 207B Total
Premium Shares Outstanding Exchange Earnings/ 208B Equity
Reserve (Losses)
0B GBP'000 1B GBP'000 2B GBP'000 3B GBP'000 4B GBP'000 GBP'000
Balance at 31 December
2022 (audited) 118,340 (1,172) - 31 (110,025) 7,174
Transactions with owners 5B - 6B - 7B - 8B - 9B - -
------------------------- ------------ ------------ ------------- ----------- -------------- -------------
Total comprehensive
loss for the
period 10B - 11B - 12B - 13B (20) 14B (3,313) (3,333)
----------------------- ------------ ------------ ------------- ----------- -------------- -------------
Balance at 30 June 2023
(unaudited) 15B 118,340 16B (1,172) 17B - 18B 11 19B (113,338) 3,841
------------------------- ------------ ------------ ------------- ----------- -------------- -------------
Balance at 31 December
2021 (audited) 20B 116,218 21B (1,172) 22B 385 23B 11 24B (96,348) 19,094
Fair value of warrants 25B - 26B - 27B (385) 28B - 29B 385 -
Transactions with owners 30B - 31B - 32B (385) 33B - 34B 385 -
------------------------- ------------ ------------ ------------- ----------- -------------- -------------
Total comprehensive
profit/(loss)
for the period 35B - 36B - 37B - 38B 10 39B (1,982) (1,972)
----------------------- ------------ ------------ ------------- ----------- -------------- -------------
Balance at 30 June 2022
(unaudited) 40B 116,218 41B (1,172) 42B - 43B 21 44B (97,945) 17,122
------------------------- ------------ ------------ ------------- ----------- -------------- -------------
The accompanying Notes form an integral part of these financial
statements.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS (Unaudited)
Period ended Period ended
30 June 2023 30 June 2022
(unaudited) (unaudited)
Notes GBP'000 GBP'000
Cash outflow from operations, excluding
loan movements 15 (4,374) (626)
(Increase) / Decrease in Sancus loans (211) 195
Increase in loans through the Pollen
facility (9,237) (5,840)
Net cash outflow from operating activities (13,822) (6,271)
--------------------------- -------------
Cash inflows from investing activities
Divestment in IOM Preference Shares - 516
Net Repayments / (Investments) in
FinTech Ventures 125 (236)
Investment in joint ventures (50) (50)
Expenditure on Properties 12 - (178)
Sale of Properties 1,008 -
Expenditure on fixed assets and intangibles (5) (14)
--------------------------- -------------
Net cash inflow from investing activities 1,078 38
--------------------------- -------------
Cash inflows from financing activities
Draw down of Pollen facility 15 10,000 2,500
Capital element of lease payments 15 (109) (104)
Debt issue costs 32 -
Sale of ZDPs 15 3,000 -
--------------------------- -------------
Net cash inflow from financing activities 12,923 2,396
--------------------------- -------------
Effects of Foreign Exchange (20) 10
--------------------------- -------------
Net increase / (decrease) in cash
and cash equivalents 159 (3,827)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning
of period 4,134 12,436
Cash and cash equivalents at end
of period 4,293 8,609
=========================== =============
GBP2.2m of the GBP4.3m cash held at 30 June 2023 is for the
exclusive use of Sancus Loans Limited (June 2022: GBP3.2m of the
GBP8.6m)
The accompanying Notes form an integral part of these financial
statements.
NOTES TO THE CONDENSED INTERIM FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
1. GENERAL INFORMATION
Sancus Lending Group Limited (the "Company"), together with its
subsidiaries, (the "Group") was incorporated, and domiciled in
Guernsey, Channel Islands, as a company limited by shares and with
limited liability, on 9 June 2005 in accordance with The Companies
(Guernsey) Law, 1994 (since superseded by The Companies (Guernsey)
Law, 2008). Until 25 March 2015, the Company was an Authorised
Closed-ended Investment Scheme and was subject to the Authorised
Closed-ended Investment Scheme Rules 2008 issued by the Guernsey
Financial Services Commission ("GFSC"). On 25 March 2015, the
Company was registered with the GFSC as a Non-Regulated Financial
Services Business ("NRFSB"), at which point the Company's
authorised fund status was revoked. The Company's Ordinary Shares
were admitted to trading on the AIM market of the London Stock
Exchange on 5 August 2005 and its issued zero dividend preference
shares were listed and traded on the Standard listing Segment of
the main market of the London Stock Exchange with effect from 5
October 2015. The Company changed where its business is managed and
controlled, from Guernsey to Jersey, effective 1 April 2023. The
Board agreed that the Company should revoke its NRFSB status, which
was completed on 23 June 2023.
The Company does not have a fixed life and the Company's
Memorandum and Articles of Incorporation (the "Articles") do not
contain any trigger events for a voluntary liquidation of the
Company. The Company is an operating company for the purpose of the
AIM rules. The Executive Team is responsible for the management of
the Company.
The Company has taken advantage of the exemption conferred by
the Companies (Guernsey) Law, 2008, Section 244, not to prepare
company only financial statements which is consistent with the 2022
Annual Report.
2. ACCOUNTING POLICIES
(a) Basis of preparation
These condensed consolidated financial statements ("financial
statements") have been prepared in accordance with International
Financial Reporting Standard (IAS) 34 'Interim Financial
Reporting', as adopted by the United Kingdom and all applicable
requirements of Guernsey Company Law. They do not include all the
information and disclosures required in annual financial statements
and should be read in conjunction with the Company's annual audited
financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2022, which
have been prepared in accordance with International Financial
Reporting Standards ("IFRS") as adopted by the United Kingdom.
The Group does not operate in an industry where significant or
cyclical variations, as a result of seasonal activity, are
experienced during any particular financial period.
These financial statements were authorised for issue by the
Company Directors on 19 September 2023.
(b) Principal accounting policies
The same accounting policies and methods of computation are
followed in these financial statements as in the last annual
financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2022.
(c) Going Concern
The Directors have considered the going concern basis in the
preparation of the financial statements as supported by the
Director's assessment of the Company's and Group's ability to pay
its debts as they fall due and have assessed the current position
and the principal risks facing the business with a view to
assessing the prospects of the Company. Following the extension of
the ZDPs at the end of 2022, for a further 5 years to 5 December
2027 and with the Bonds maturity date not until 31 December 2025,
the Company does not have any debt liabilities that fall due within
the next 12 months. Based on this, the Directors are of the opinion
that the Company has adequate financial resources to continue in
operation and meet its liabilities as they fall due for the
foreseeable future.
It is however expected, whereby equity is required to facilitate
an increase in drawdown from institutional funding lines, that the
Company will require growth capital to fund the continued growth of
the loan book. The Company's largest shareholder, Somerston, has
indicated their willingness to support the Company's growth plans.
The Company will be looking at options available to raise
additional growth capital over the course of the year, which may
include a form of equity raise or sale by the Company of ZDP shares
held in treasury.
The Directors therefore believe it is appropriate to continue to
adopt the going concern basis in preparing the financial
statements.
(d) Critical accounting estimates and judgements in applying accounting policies
The critical accounting estimates and judgements are as outlined
in the financial statements for the year ended 31 December
2022.
3. SEGMENTAL REPORTING
Operating segments are reported in a manner consistent with the
manner in which the Executive Team reports to the Board, which is
regarded to be the Chief Operating Decision Maker (CODM) as defined
under IFRS 8. The main focus of the Group is Sancus. Bearing this
in mind the Executive team have identified 4 segments based on
operations and geography.
Finance costs and Head Office costs are not allocated to
segments as such costs are driven by central teams who provide,
amongst other services, finance, treasury, secretarial and other
administrative functions based on need. The Group's borrowings are
not allocated to segments as these are managed by the Central team.
Segment assets and liabilities are measured in the same way as in
these financial statements and are allocated to segments based on
the operations of the segment and the physical location of those
assets and liabilities.
The four segments based on geography, whose operations are
identical (within reason), are listed below. Note that Sancus Loans
Limited, although based in the UK, is reported separately as a
stand-alone entity to the Board and as such is considered to be a
segment in its own right.
1. Offshore
Contains the operations of Sancus Lending (Jersey) Limited,
Sancus Lending (Guernsey) Limited, Sancus Properties Limited,
Sancus Group Holdings Limited and Sancus Lending (Gibraltar)
Limited up to the date of its sale, 15 March 2023.
2. United Kingdom (UK)
Contains the operations of Sancus Lending (UK) Limited and
Sancus Holdings (UK) Limited.
3. Ireland
Contains the operations of Sancus Lending (Ireland) Limited.
4. Sancus Loans Limited
Contains the operations of Sancus Loans Limited.
Reconciliation to Consolidated Financial
Statements
Six months to FinTech
30 Sancus Ventures
June 2023 Loans Sancus SLL Fair Consolidated
Limited Debt Total Head Debt Value Financial
Offshore UK Ireland (SLL) Costs Sancus Office Costs & Forex Other Statements
GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000
Revenue 721 1,131 886 (603) - 2,135 - 3,272 - - 5,407
--------- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- --------- -------- -------------
Operating
Profit/(loss)
* (228) (160) 320 (625) - (693) (662) - - (9) (1,364)
Credit Losses (122) (29) - (648) - (799) - - - - (799)
Debt Costs - - - - (1,652) (1,652) - - - - (1,652)
Other
Gains/(losses) 101 - 8 84 - 193 - - 362 (5) 550
Loss on JVs and
associates - - - - - - - - - (50) (50)
Taxation 2 - - - - 2 - - - - 2
Profit After
Tax (247) (189) 328 (1,189) (1,652) (2,949) (662) - 362 (64) (3,313)
========= ======== ======== ======== ======== ======== ======== ======== ========= ======== =============
Six months to 30
June 2022
Revenue 658 1,386 752 (251) - 2,545 - 2,278 - - 4,823
------ ------ ---- ------ ------ -------- ------ ------ ---- ----- --------
Operating Profit/(loss)
* (481) (319) 467 (259) - (592) (618) - - (17) (1,227)
Credit Losses 191 - - (191) - - - - - - -
Debt Costs - - - - (860) (860) - - - - (860)
Other Gains/(losses) 24 - 5 (34) - (5) 5 - 155 - 155
Loss on JVs and associates - - - - - - - - - (50) (50)
Taxation - - - - - - - - - - -
Profit After Tax (266) (319) 472 (484) (860) (1,457) (613) - 155 (67) (1,982)
====== ====== ==== ====== ====== ======== ====== ====== ==== ===== ========
* Operating Profit/(loss) before credit losses and debt
costs
Sancus Loans Limited is consolidated into the Group's results as
it is a 100% owned subsidiary of the Group. Sancus Loans Limited is
considered a Co-Funder, the same as any other Co-Funder. As a
result the Board reviews the economic performance of Sancus Loans
Limited in the same way as any other Co-Funder, with revenue being
stated net of debt costs. Operating expenses include recharges from
UK to Offshore GBP244,000, Offshore to Ireland GBP37,000, Head
Office to Offshore GBP68,000 and UK to Head Office GBP96,000.
"Other" includes FinTech (excluding fair value and forex).
Reconciliation to Financial Statements
At 30 June 2023 Sancus
Loans Inter Consolidated
Limited Total Head Fintech Company Financial
Offshore UK Ireland (SLL) Sancus Office Portfolio Other Balances Statements
GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000
Total Assets 33,797 16,660 1,105 88,899 140,461 60,132 237 87 (89,782) 111,135
--------- --------- -------- --------- ---------- --------- ---------- -------- --------- --------------------
Total Liabilities (54,839) (18,516) (317) (94,738) (168,410) (28,342) - (324) 89,782 (107,294)
--------- --------- -------- --------- ---------- --------- ---------- -------- --------- --------------------
Net
Assets/(liabilities) (21,042) (1,856) 788 (5,839) (27,949) 31,790 237 (237) - 3,841
========= ========= ======== ========= ========== ========= ========== ======== ========= ====================
At 31 December
2022
Total Assets 37,724 14,855 1,133 78,952 132,664 44,214 - 93 (75,420) 101,551
--------- --------- ------ --------- ---------- ----------- ------ ----- --------- --------------
Total Liabilities (44,250) (16,528) (653) (83,205) (144,636) (25,068) - (93) 75,420 (94,377)
--------- --------- ------ --------- ---------- ----------- ------ ----- --------- --------------
Net
Assets/(liabilities) (6,526) (1,673) 480 (4,253) (11,972) 19,146 - - - 7,174
========= ========= ====== ========= ========== =========== ====== ===== ========= ==============
Head Office liabilities include borrowings GBP28.2m (December
2022: GBP24.0m). Other FinTech assets and liabilities are included
within "Other"
4. REVENUE
30 June 2023 30 June 2022
(unaudited) (unaudited)
45B GBP'000 46B GBP'000
Co-Funder fees 47B 1,228 48B 767
Earn out (exit) fees 49B 394 50B 260
Transaction fees 51B 1,024 52B 1,711
Total revenue from contracts with customers 53B 2,646 54B 2,738
-------------- --------------
Interest on loans 55B 86 56B 58
Sancus Loans Limited interest income 57B 2,669 58B 2,027
Other income 59B 6 60B -
-------------- --------------
Total Revenue 61B 5,407 62B 4,823
============== ==============
5. COST OF SALES
30 June 2023 30 June 2022
(unaudited) (unaudited)
63B GBP'000 64B GBP'000
Interest cost 65B 1,664 66B 881
Sancus Loans Limited interest cost 67B 3,272 68B 2,278
Other cost of sales 69B 169 70B 401
-------------- --------------
Total cost of sales 71B 5,105 72B 3,560
============== ==============
6. OPERATING EXPENSES
30 June 2023 30 June 2022
(unaudited) (unaudited)
73B GBP'000 74B GBP'000
Administration and secretarial fees 75B 47 76B 61
Amortisation and depreciation 77B 118 78B 157
Audit fees 79B 63 80B 69
Corporate Insurance 81B 4 82B 69
Directors Remuneration 83B 55 84B 64
Employment costs 85B 2,157 86B 2,201
Investor relations expenses 87B 30 88B 30
Legal and professional fees 89B 185 90B 82
Marketing expenses 91B 55 92B 126
NOMAD fees 93B 38 94B 38
Other office and administration costs 95B 502 96B 385
Pension costs 97B 46 98B 51
Registrar fees 99B 15 100B 15
Sundry 101B 3 102B 2
------------- -------------
Total operating expenses 103B 3,318 104B 3,350
============= =============
7. LOSS PER ORDINARY SHARE
Consolidated loss per Ordinary Share has been calculated by
dividing the consolidated loss attributable to Ordinary
Shareholders in the period by the weighted average number of
Ordinary Shares outstanding (excluding treasury shares) during the
period.
Note 13 describes the warrants in issue which are currently out
of the money, and therefore are not considered to have a dilutive
effect on the calculation of Loss per Ordinary Share.
30 June 2023 30 June 2022
(unaudited) (unaudited)
Number of shares in issue 105B 584,138,346 106B 489,843,477
Weighted average number of shares outstanding 107B 584,138,346 108B 477,990,801
Loss attributable to Ordinary Shareholders
in the period 109B GBP3,333,000 110B GBP1,982,000
Basic Loss per Ordinary Share 111B (0.57)p (0.41)p
Diluted Loss per Ordinary Share 113B (0.57)p 114B (0.41)p
8. FIXED ASSETS
Right of Property Total
use assets & Equipment
Cost GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000
At 31 December 2022 1,247 460 1,707
Additions in the period - 5 5
Disposals in the period (128) (44) (172)
At 30 June 2023 1,119 421 1,540
============ ============= ========
Accumulated depreciation GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000
At 31 December 2022 883 399 1,282
Charge in the period 92 26 118
Disposals in the period (29) (42) (71)
At 30 June 2023 946 383 1,329
======== ======== ========
Net book value 30 June 2023 173 38 211
======== ======== ========
Net book value 31 December 2022 364 61 425
======== ======== ========
9. GOODWILL
Goodwill at 30 June 2023 and 31 December
2022 comprises:
GBP'000
Sancus Lending (Jersey) Limited 14,255
Total 14,255
========
Impairment tests
The carrying amount of goodwill arising on the acquisition of
certain subsidiaries is assessed by the Board for impairment on an
annual basis or sooner if there has been any indication of
impairment. The Board last assessed the Goodwill for impairment on
the preparation of the 2023 interim accounts, with the next
assessment due on the preparation of the 2024 interim accounts,
assuming that there having been no indicators of impairment in the
interim period. There have been no indicators of impairment
relating to the Jersey goodwill so this will next be assessed for
impairment in June 2024.
At 30 June 2023 the value in use of Sancus Jersey was based on
an internal Discounted Cash Flow ("DCF") value-in-use analysis
using cash flow forecasts for the years 2023/24 to 2026/27. The
starting point for each of the cash flows was the revised forecast
for 2023 produced by Sancus Lending Jersey management. Management's
revenue forecasts applied a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) to
revenue of 27.9% and a cost of equity discount rate of 14.5%. The
resultant valuation indicated that no impairment of goodwill was
required.
Goodwill valuation sensitivities
When the discounted cash flow valuation methodology is utilised
as the primary goodwill impairment test, the variables which
influence the results most significantly are the discount rates
applied to the future cash flows and the revenue forecasts. The
table below shows the impact on the Consolidated Statement of
Comprehensive Income of stress testing the period end goodwill
valuation with a decrease in revenues of 10% and an increase in
cost of equity discount rate of 3%. These potential changes in key
assumptions fall within historic variations experienced by the
business (taking other factors into account) and are therefore
deemed reasonable. The current model reveals that a sustained
decrease in revenue of circa 12% or a sustained increase of circa
8% in the cost of Equity discount rate would remove the
headroom.
Sensitivity Applied
Total
GBP'000
10% decrease in revenue
per annum 4,228
3% increase in cost of
Equity discount rate 2,093
Neither a 10% decrease in revenue nor a 3% increase in the cost
of Equity discount rate implies a reduction of Goodwill in
Jersey.
10. OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS
GBP'000
Cost
At 30 June 2023 and 31 December 2022 1,584
==========
Amortisation
At 31 December 2022 1,584
Charge for the period -
----------
At 30 June 2023 1,584
==========
Net book value at 30 June 2023 -
==========
Net book value at 31 December 2022 -
==========
Other Intangible assets comprise capitalised contractors' costs
and costs related to core systems development. The assets have been
fully amortised.
11. TRADE AND OTHER RECEIVABLES
115B 30 June 116B 31 December
2023 2022
(unaudited) (audited)
Current 117B GBP'000 118B GBP'000
Loan fees, interest and similar receivable 119B 6,356 120B 4,673
Receivable from associated companies 121B - 122B 5
Taxation 123B 5 124B 58
Other trade receivables and prepaid expenses 125B 736 126B 1,070
127B 7,097 128B 5,806
============= ================
12. OTHER ASSETS
Development
properties
Cost GBP'000
At 31 December 2021 496
Additions 210
Disposals -
At 31 December 2022 706
Disposals (706)
At 30 June 2023 -
============
Other assets are development properties previously held as
security against certain loans which have defaulted. Other assets
are held at the lower of cost and net realisable value. All
development properties classified as Other Assets were sold during
the period with a profit on disposal of GBP303k recognised in the
Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income.
13 . SHARE CAPITAL, SHARE PREMIUM & DISTRIBUTABLE RESERVE
Sancus Lending Group Limited has the power under the Articles to
issue an unlimited number of Ordinary Shares of nil par value.
No Ordinary Shares were issued in the period to 30 June 2023
(Period to 30 June 2022: Nil).
Share Capital
Number of Ordinary Shares - nil par value
----------------
At 30 June 2023 (unaudited) and 31 December 2022 (audited) 129B 584,138,346
----------------
Share Premium
Ordinary Shares - nil par value 130B GBP'000
------------
At 30 June 2023 (unaudited) and 31 December 2022 (audited) 131B 118,340
------------
Ordinary shareholders have the right to attend and vote at
Annual General Meetings and the right to any dividends or other
distributions which the Company may make in relation to that class
of share.
Treasury Shares
132B 30 June 133B 31 December
2023 2022
(unaudited) (audited)
Number of Number of
shares shares
Balance at start and end of period/year 134B 11,852,676 135B 11,852,676
=============== ================
136B 30 June 137B 31 December
2023 2022
(unaudited) (audited)
GBP'000 GBP'000
Balance at start end of period/year 138B 1,172 139B 1,172
============= ================
Warrants in Issue
As at 30 June 2023 there were 89,396,438 Warrants in issue to
subscribe for new Ordinary Shares at a subscription price of 2.25
pence per ordinary share. The Warrants are exercisable on at least
30 days notice within the period ending 31 December 2025. The
Warrants in issue are classified as equity instruments because a
fixed amount of cash is exchangeable for a fixed amount of equity,
there being no other features which could justify a financial
liability classification. The fair value of the warrants at 30 June
2023 is GBPNil (31 December 2022: GBPNil).
14. LIABILITIES
141B 31 December
30 June 2023 2022
Non-current liabilities (unaudited) (audited)
142B GBP'000 143B GBP'000
Corporate bond (1) 144B 14,937 145B 14,925
Pollen Facility (2) 146B 76,997 147B 66,826
ZDP shares (3) 148B 13,268 149B 9,117
Lease Creditor 150B - 151B 152
-------------------- ----------------
Total non-current liabilities 152B 105,202 153B 91,020
==================== ================
155B 31 December
30 June 2023 2022
Current liabilities (unaudited) (audited)
156B GBP'000 157B GBP'000
Accounts payable 158B 104 159B 224
Accruals and other payables 507 1,472
Taxation 162B 169 163B 145
Payable to associated companies 164B - 165B 12
Interest payable 166B 497 167B 481
Derivative contracts (note 17) 168B 10 169B 398
Provisions for financial guarantees 170B 649 171B 413
Lease creditor 172B 156 173B 212
Total current liabilities 2,092 174B 3,357
==================== ================
Movement on provision for financial guarantees
175B GBP'000
At 31 December 2021 176B -
Profit and loss charge in the year 177B 413
------------
At 31 December 2022 178B 413
Profit and loss charge in the period 179B 236
At 30 June 2023 180B 649
============
Provisions for financial guarantees are recognised in relation
to Expected Credit Losses ("ECLs") on off-balance sheet loans and
debtors where the Company has provided a subordinated position or
other guarantee (see Note 18). The fair value is determined using
the exact same methodology as that used in determining ECLs (Note
17).
(1) Corporate Bond
The GBP15m (31 December 2022: GBP15m) Corporate bonds bear
interest at 7% (2022: 7%). The bonds have a maturity date of 31
December 2025.
(2) Pollen Facility (previously HIT Facility)
On 28 January 2018, Sancus signed a funding facility with
Honeycomb Investment Trust plc (HIT), now Pollen Street PLC
("Pollen"). The funding line initially had a term of 3 years and
comprised of a GBP45m accordion and revolving credit facility. On 3
December 2020 this facility was extended to a 6 year term to end on
28 January 2024 and on 23 November 2022 this was extended further
to 23 November 2026. In addition to the extension the facility was
increased to GBP75m in December 2020 and to GBP125m in November
2022.
The Pollen facility has portfolio performance covenants
including that actual loss rates are not to exceed 4% in any twelve
month period and underperforming loans are not to exceed 10% of the
portfolio. Sancus Group participates 10% on every drawdown with a
first loss position on the Pollen facility. Sancus has also
provided Pollen with a guarantee, capped at GBP4m that will
continue to ensure the orderly wind down of the loan book, in the
event of the insolvency of Sancus Group, given its position as
facility and security agent. Refer to Note 18 Commitments and
Guarantees.
(3) ZDPs
The ZDP Shares have a maturity date of 5 December 2027,
following a 5 year extension of the final capital repayment
approved on 5 December 2022. The final capital entitlement is
GBP2.5332 per ZDP Share.
Under the Companies (Guernsey) Law, 2008 shares in the Company
can only be redeemed if the Company can satisfy the solvency test
prescribed under that law. Refer to the Company's Memorandum and
Articles of Incorporation for full detail of the rights attached to
the ZDP Shares. This document can be accessed via the Company's
website www.sancus.com .
The ZDP shares bore interest at an average rate of 8% until 5
December 2022. As part of the extension agreement noted above the
interest rate increased to an average of 9% per annum with effect
from 5 December 2022, through to the final repayment date of 5
December 2027. In accordance with article 7.5.5 of the Company's
Memorandum and Articles of Incorporation, the Company may not incur
more than GBP30m of long term debt without prior approval from the
ZDP shareholders. The Memorandum and Articles (section 7.6) also
specify that two debt cover tests must be met in relation to the
ZDPs. At 30 June 2023 the Company was in compliance with these
covenants as Cover Test A was 2.24 (minimum of 1.7) and the
adjusted Cover Test B was 3.20 (minimum of 2.05). At 30 June 2023
senior debt borrowing capacity amounted to GBP15m. The Pollen
facility does not impact on this capacity as it is non-recourse to
Sancus.
On 28 April 2023 the Company sold 2,068,966 ZDP shares, held in
Treasury, to Somerston, the Groups largest shareholder, at a price
of 145 pence per share being the mid-market closing price of the
ZDP shares on 27 April 2023.
At 30 June 2023 the Company held 10,505,739 ZDP shares in
Treasury (31 December 2022: 12,574,705) with an aggregate value of
GBP18,352,475 (31 December 2022: GBP20,861,686).
15. NOTES TO THE CASH FLOW STATEMENT
181B 30 June 182B 30 June
2023 2022
Cash outflow from operations (excluding
loan movements) (unaudited) (unaudited)
183B GBP'000 184B GBP'000
Loss for the period 185B (3,313) 186B (1,982)
Adjustments for:
Net gain on FinTech Ventures 187B (362) 188B (114)
Other net (gains)/losses 189B (195) 190B 417
Loss on disposal of subsidiary 189B 202 190B -
Accrued interest on ZDPs 191B 1,106 192B 400
Impairment of financial assets 193B 799 194B -
Taxation 195B 45 196B -
Amortisation / depreciation of fixed
assets 197B 118 198B 157
Amortisation of debt issue costs 199B 195 200B 95
Changes in working capital:
Trade and other receivables 201B (2,133) 202B 82
Trade and other payables 203B (836) 319
Cash outflow from operations, excluding
loan movements 205B (4,374) 206B (626)
============= =========================
Changes in liabilities arising from financing activities
The table below details changes in the Group's liabilities
arising from financing activities, including both cash and non-cash
changes. Liabilities arising from financing activities are those
for which cash flows were, or future cash flows will be classified
in the Group's consolidated cash flow statement as cash flows from
financing activities.
Amortisation
of debt
1 January Financing issue costs Other 30 June
2023 cash flows(1) Non-cash Non-cash 2023
GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000
ZDPs 9,117 3,000 12 1,139(2) 13,268
Corporate Bond 14,925 - 12 - 14,937
Pollen Facility 66,826 10,000 171 - 76,997
Lease Liability 364 (109) - (99) 156
---------- --------------- ------------- ---------- --------
Total liabilities
from financing activities 91,232 12,891 195 1,040 105,358
========== =============== ============= ========== ========
Amortisation
of debt
1 January Financing issue costs Other 30 June
2022 cash flows(1) Non-cash Non-cash 2022
GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000
ZDPs 10,532 - 13 400(2) 10,944
Corporate Bond 12,474 - 13 - 12,487
Pollen Facility 52,203 2,500 70 - 54,773
Lease Liability 576 (104) - - 472
---------- --------------- ------------- ---------- --------
Total liabilities
from financing activities 75,785 2,396 95 400 78,676
---------- --------------- ------------- ---------- --------
(1) These amounts can be found under financing cash flows in the
cash flow statement.
(2) Interest accruals.
16. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
Transactions with the Directors/Executive Team
Non-executive Directors
As at 30 June 2023, the non-executive Directors' annualised
fees, excluding all reasonable expenses incurred in the course of
their duties which were reimbursed by the Company, were as detailed
in the table below:
30 June 2023 30 June 2022
GBP GBP
Stephen Smith (Chairman) 50,000 50,000
John Whittle 42,500 42,500
Tracy Clarke (stepped down as non-executive
director 30 March 2023) 35,000 35,000
Tracy Clarke was appointed Group CFO and joined the Executive
Team on 30 March 2023.
Total Directors' fees charged to the Company for the period
ended 30 June 2023 were GBP55,000 (30 June 2022: GBP63,750).
Executive Team
For the period ended 30 June 2023, the Executive Team members'
remuneration from the Company, excluding all reasonable expenses
incurred in the course of their duties which were reimbursed by the
Company, were as detailed in the table below:
30 June 2023 30 June
2022
GBP'000 GBP'000
Aggregate remuneration in respect of qualifying
service - fixed salary 284 238
Aggregate amounts contributed to Money Purchase
pension schemes 10 10
Aggregate bonus paid - -
All amounts have been charged to Operating Expenses.
On 30 March 2023, as an interim measure which may become
permanent, Carlton Management Services Limited ("Carlton"), was
appointed to manage and develop the Group's finance function,
including new technology integrations for forecasting, performance
and treasury management under a service agreement which has a
three-year term. The annualised fee for the service is GBP170k.
Furthermore, Carlton sub-lease office space in the Group's offices
in Jersey, with a sub lease end date of 31 August 2024, at an
annual cost of cGBP100k p.a.
On 30 March 2023 Carlton entered into a Director services
agreement with Sancus Lending Group Limited for the provision of
Tracy Clarke as Interim CFO, with an annual fee of GBP130k.
Tracy Clarke is Managing Director of Carlton Management Services
Limited.
From time to time, the Somerston Group may participate as a
Co-Funder in Sancus loans, on the same commercial terms available
to other Co-Funders. The Group has not recorded any other
transactions with any Somerston Group companies for the period
ended 30 June 2023 (30 June 2022: none).
Directors' and Persons Discharging Managerial R esponsibilities
("PDMR") shareholdings in the Company
As at 30 June 2023, the Directors had the following beneficial
interests in the Ordinary Shares of the Company:
30 June 2023 31 December 2022
No. of Ordinary % of total No. of Ordinary % of total
Shares Held issued Ordinary Shares Held issued Ordinary
Shares Shares
John Whittle 138,052 0.02 138,052 0.03
Emma Stubbs 1,380,940 0.24 1,380,940 0.28
Rory Mepham 1,000,000 0.17 - -
In the six month period to June 2023 and the year to December
2022, none of the above received any amounts relating to their
shareholding.
Emma Stubbs resigned as Executive Director of the Company on 30
March 2023.
Transactions with connected entities
The following significant transactions with connected entities
took place during the current period:
30 June 31 December
Receivable from/(payable 2023 2022
to) related parties
GBP'000 GBP'000
Amberton Limited - (7)
Net Cost recharges
30 June 30 June
2023 2022
GBP'000 GBP'000
Amberton Limited 3 4
There is no ultimate controlling party of the Company.
17. FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS - Fair values and risk management
Sancus loans and loan equivalents
30 June 2023 31 December
(unaudited) 2022 (audited)
Non-current GBP'000 GBP'000
Sancus loans 34 171
Sancus Loans Limited loans 20,699 23,693
------------- ----------------
Total Non-current Sancus loans and loan equivalents 20,733 23,864
------------- ----------------
Current
Sancus loans 3,138 2,790
Sancus Loans Limited loans 61,071 49,471
------------- ----------------
Total Current Sancus loans and loan equivalents 64,209 52,261
------------- ----------------
Total Sancus loans and loan equivalents 84,942 76,125
============= ================
Fair Value Estimation
The financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value in
the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position are grouped into
the fair value hierarchy as follows:
30 June 2023 31 December
2022 (audited)
(unaudited)
Level Level Level Level
2 3 2 3
GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000
Fintech Ventures investments - 237 - -
Derivative contracts (10) - (398) -
Total assets / liabilities at fair
value (10) 237 (398) -
======== ======== ======== ========
The classification and valuation methodology remains as noted in
the 2022 Annual Report.
All of the FinTech Ventures investments are categorised as Level
3 in the fair value hierarchy. In the past the Directors have
estimated the fair value of financial instruments using discounted
cash flow methodology, comparable market transactions, recent
capital raises and other transactional data including the
performance of the respective businesses. Having considered the
terms, rights and characteristics of the equity and loan stock held
by the Group in the FinTech Ventures investments, the Board's
estimate of liquidation value of these assets is GBP237k at 30 June
2023 (31 December 2022: GBPNil) following a recovery on one of the
investments post period end. Changes in the performance of these
businesses and access to future returns via its current holdings
could affect the amounts ultimately realised on the disposal of
these investments, which may be greater or less than GBPNil. There
have been no transfers between levels in the period (2022:
None).
Assets at Amortised Cost
30 June 2023 31 December
2022
(unaudited) (audited)
GBP'000 GBP'000
Sancus loans and loan equivalents 84,942 76,125
Trade and other receivables 6,361 4,736
Cash and cash equivalents 4,293 4,134
------------- ------------
Total assets at amortised cost 95,596 84,995
============= ============
Liabilities at Amortised Cost
30 June 2023 31 December
2022
(unaudited) (audited)
GBP'000 GBP'000
ZDPs 13,268 9,117
Corporate Bond 14,937 14,925
Pollen facility 76,997 66,826
Trade and other payables 1,433 2,698
Provisions in respect of guarantees 649 413
Total liabilities at amortised cost 107,284 93,979
============= ============
Refer to Note 14 for further information on liabilities.
FinTech Ventures Investments Total Portfolio
30 June 2023 GBP'000
At 31 December 2022 -
Net new investments / loan repaid (125)
Realised gain recognised in profit and loss 362
At 30 June 2023 237
================
Total Portfolio
31 December 2022 GBP'000
At 31 December 2021 500
Net new investments / (divestments) 394
Realised losses recognised in profit and loss (894)
At 31 December 2022 -
================
Credit Risk
Credit risk is defined as the risk that a borrower/debtor may
fail to make required repayments within the contracted timescale.
The Group invests in senior debt, senior subordinated debt, junior
subordinated debt and secured loans. Credit risk is taken in direct
lending to third party borrowers, investing in loan funds, lending
to associated platforms and loans arranged by associated platforms.
The Group mitigates credit risk by only entering into agreements
related to loan instruments in which there is sufficient security
held against the loans or where the operating strength of the
investee companies is considered sufficient to support the loan
amounts outstanding.
Credit risk is determined on initial recognition of each loan
and re-assessed at each balance sheet date. It is categorized into
Stage 1, Stage 2 and Stage 3 with Stage 1 being to recognise 12
month ECLs, Stage 2 being to recognise Lifetime ECLs not credit
impaired and Stage 3 being to recognise Lifetime ECLs credit
impaired.
Foreign Exchange Risk - Derivative instruments
The Treasury Committee Team monitors the Group's currency
position on a regular basis, and the Board of Directors reviews it
on a quarterly basis. Loans denominated in Euros which are taken
out through the Pollen facility are hedged. Forward contracts to
sell Euros at loan maturity dates are entered into when loans are
drawn in Euros. At 30 June 2023 the following forward foreign
exchange contracts were open:
June 2023
Counterparty Settlement date Buy Buy Sell Sell Unrealised
Currency Amount currency amount gain/(loss)
GBP'000 EUR'000 GBP'000
Jun 2023 to July
Alpha 2023 GBP 7,744 Euro 9,000 3
Jun 2023 to July
Lumon Risk Management 2023 GBP 22,439 Euro 26,100 (13)
(10)
============
December 2022
Counterparty Settlement date Buy Buy Amount Sell Sell Unrealised
Currency GBP'000 currency amount loss GBP'000
EUR'000
EWealthGlobal Jan 2023 to
Group May 2023 GBP 3,565 Euro 4,187 (144)
Jan 2023 to Feb
Liberum Wealth 2023 GBP 3,202 Euro 3,650 (35)
Jan 2023 to May
Lumon Risk Management 2023 GBP 9,259 Euro 10,676 (219)
(398)
==============
No hedging has been taken out against investments in the FinTech
Ventures platforms (2022: GBPNil).
Provision for ECL
Provision for ECL is made using the credit risk, the probability
of default (PD) and the probability of loss given default (PL) all
of which are underpinned by the Loan to Value (LTV), historical
position, forward looking considerations and on occasion,
subsequent events and the subjective judgement of the Board.
Preliminary calculations for ECL are performed on a loan by loan
basis using the simple formula: Outstanding Loan Value x PD x PL
and are then amended as necessary according to the more subjective
measures as noted above.
A probability of default is assigned to each loan. This
probability of default is arrived at by reference to historical
data and the ongoing status of each loan which is reviewed on a
regular basis. The probability of loss is arrived at with reference
to the LTV and consideration of cash that can be redeemed on
recovery.
Movement of provision for ECL
Trade
Loans Debtors Guarantees Total
GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000
Loss allowance at 31 December
2021 6,409 7,055 - 13,464
Charge/(credit) for the year 2022 426 (421) 413 418
Utilised in the year 2022 - (141) - (141)
---------- --------- ------------- ----------
Loss allowance at 31 December
2022 6,835 6,493 413 13,741
Charge for the period to June
2023 44 519 236 799
Disposed in the period to June
2023 (1,200) (734) - (1,934)
---------- --------- ------------- ----------
Loss allowance at 30 June 2023 5,679 6,278 649 12,606
========== ========= ============= ==========
18. GUARANTEES
The Group undertakes a number of Guarantees and first loss
positions which are not deemed to be contingent liabilities under
IAS37 as there is no present obligation for these guarantees and it
is considered unlikely that these liabilities will crystallise.
Pollen Facility
Sancus Group participates 10% on every loan funded by the Pollen
facility, taking a first loss position. Sancus Group Lending
Limited has provided Pollen with a guarantee capped at GBP4m
following the restructure of the Pollen facility in November 2022
(previously was capped at GBP2m) and that it will continue to
ensure the orderly wind down of the Pollen funded loan book, in the
event of the insolvency of Sancus Group, given its position as
facility and security agent. No provision has been provided in the
financial statements (2022: GBPNil).
Sancus Loan Notes
Sancus Loan Note 7 Limited was launched in May 2021 and
currently stands at GBP17.3m. Sancus Loan Note 7 Limited matures in
May 2024 and has a coupon of 7% p.a. (payable quarterly), with
Sancus providing a 10% first loss guarantee.
Sancus Loan Note 8 plc was launched in January 2022 and
currently stands at GBP3.0m. Loan Note 8 matures on 1 December 2026
and has a coupon of 8% p.a. (payable quarterly), with Sancus
providing a 20% first loss guarantee.
Unfunded Commitments
As at 30 June 2023 the Group has unfunded commitments of
GBP70.0m (31 December 2022: GBP73.9m). These unfunded commitments
primarily represent the undrawn portion of development finance
facilities. Drawdowns are conditional on satisfaction of specified
conditions precedent, including that the borrower is not in breach
of its representations or covenants under the loan or security
documents. The figure quoted is the maximum exposure assuming that
all such conditions for drawdown are met. Directors expect the
majority of these commitments to be filled by Co-Funders and/or by
our secured funding lines.
19. LOSS ON DISPOSAL OF SUBSIDIARY
On 15 March 2023, the Company announced the sale of Sancus
Lending (Gibraltar) Limited for GBP10,000. A loss on disposal of
GBP202k, being the difference between the net assets of Sancus
Lending (Gibraltar) and sale proceeds on disposal has been
recognised in the Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive
Income.
OFFICERS AND PROFESSIONAL ADVISERS
Directors
Non-executive: Steve Smith
John Richard Whittle
Tracy Clarke (resigned 30 March 2023)
Executive Rory Mepham
Emma Stubbs (resigned 30 March 2023)
Tracy Clarke (appointed 30 March 2023)
The address of the Directors is the Company's registered
office.
Executive Team:
Chief Executive Officer: Rory Mepham
Chief Financial Officer: Tracy Clarke
Chief Investment Officer: James Waghorn
Registered office: Les Vardes House
La Charroterie
St Peter Port
Guernsey, GY1 1EL
Channel Islands
Nominated Adviser and Broker: Liberum Capital Limited
Ropemaker Place
25 Ropemaker Street
London, EC2Y 9LY
United Kingdom
Company Secretary: Sanne Fund Services (Guernsey) Limited
1 Royal Plaza
Royal Avenue
St. Peter Port
Guernsey
GY1 2HL
Legal Advisers, Carey Olsen
Channel Islands: P.O. Box 98
Carey House
Les Banques
St Peter Port
Guernsey, GY1 4BZ
Channel Islands
Legal Advisers, UK Stephenson Harwood
1 Finsbury Circus
London, EC2M 7SH
United Kingdom
Legal Advisers, US Troutman Pepper
3000 Two Logan Square
Eighteenth and Arch Streets
Philadelphia, PA 19103-2799
United States
Bankers: B arclays International
1(st) Floor, 39041 Broad Street
St Helier
Jersey, JE4 8NE
Auditors: Moore Stephens
1 Waverley Place,
Union Street,
St. Helier,
JE4 8SG, Jersey
Registrar: Link Market Services Limited
The Registry, 34 Beckenham Road
Beckenham
Kent, BR3 4TU
United Kingdom
Public Relations: Instinctif Partners Limited
65 Gresham Street
London, EC2V 7NQ
United Kingdom
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END
IR FKLLFXKLFBBD
(END) Dow Jones Newswires
September 20, 2023 02:00 ET (06:00 GMT)
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