4.25 Recognition of income and expenses

Recognition of income and expenses

 

i.Interest

 

For all financial instruments measured at amortized cost and interest bearing financial instruments, interest income or expense is recorded at the effective interest rate, which is the rate that exactly discounts estimated future cash payments or receipts through the expected life of the financial instrument or a shorter period, where appropriate, to the net carrying amount of the financial asset or financial liability. The calculation takes into account all contractual terms of the financial instrument and includes any fees or incremental costs that are directly attributable to the instrument and are an integral part of the effective interest rate, but not future credit losses. The carrying amount of the financial asset or financial liability is adjusted if the Group revises its estimates of payments or receipts. The adjusted carrying amount is calculated based on the original effective interest rate and the change in carrying amount is recorded as interest income or expense.

 

ii.Fee and commission

 

The Group earns fee and commission income from a diverse range of services it provides to its customers. Fee income can be divided into the following two categories:

• Fees earned for the provision of services over a period of time are accrued over that period. These fees include commission income and other management and advisory fees. Loan commitment fees for loans that are likely to be drawn down and other credit-related fees are deferred (together with any incremental costs) and recognized as an adjustment to the effective interest rate on the loan. When it is unlikely that a loan will be drawn down, the loan commitment fees are recognized over the commitment period on a straight-line basis.
• Fees or components of fees that are linked to a certain performance are recognized after fulfilling the corresponding criteria.

 

iii.Murabaha

Murabaha income is recognized on a time apportioned basis over the period of the contract based on the principal amounts outstanding.

 

iv.Ijara

Income from Ijara is recognised on a declining-value basis, until such time a reasonable doubt exists with regard to its collectability.

 

v.Wakala

Estimated income from Wakala is recognised on an accrual basis over the period, adjusted by actual income when received. Losses are accounted for on the date of declaration by the agent.

 

vi.Income on balances with financial institutions

Income on balances with financial institutions is calculated, on account, based on the expected/anticipated profit rates net of relevant fees and expenses.

 

vii.Dividend income

Income is recognized when the Group’s right to receive the payment is established.

 

viii.Insurance income

Insurance contracts

 

Insurance contracts are those contracts where the Group has accepted significant insurance risk from another party (the “policyholders”) by agreeing to compensate the policyholders if a specified uncertain future event (the “insured event”) adversely affects the policyholders.

Once a contract has been classified as an insurance contract, it remains an insurance contract for the remainder of its lifetime, even if the insurance risk reduces significantly during this period, unless all rights and obligations are extinguished or expire.

 

Premiums earned

Premiums written are taken into income over the terms of the policies to which they relate on a pro-rata basis. Unearned premiums represent the portion of premiums written relating to the unexpired periods of coverage.

 

Commissions earned

Profit commission is accounted for as and when received while other commissions are accounted for when earned.

 

Claims

Claims comprising amounts payable to contract holders and third parties and related loss adjustment expenses, net of salvage and other recoveries, are charged to income as incurred.  Claims comprise the estimated amounts payable, in respect of claims reported to the Group.

The Group generally estimates its claims based on previous experience. Claims requiring court or arbitration decisions are estimated individually.  Independent loss adjusters normally estimate property claims.

The Group does not discount its liability for unpaid claims as these are expected to be settled within one year of reporting date.