Summary of accounting policies

General information

The Access to Energy Fund (AEF), the Fund, is established in 2007 by the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs to support the creation of sustainable access to energy in developing countries by providing risk bearing funding; equity, subordinated loans, local currency loans and convertible grants. FMO executes the Fund at the risk and expense of the Dutch State. The total subsidy granted to date amounts to €150.9 million (€125.9 million drawn) and the anticipated end date of the Fund is December 2028.

Basis of preparation

The annual accounts have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) as adopted by the European Union. These annual accounts are based on the ‘going concern’ principle.

The annual accounts are prepared under the historical cost convention, except for:

• Equity investments that are measured mandatory at fair value;

• A part of the loans portfolio which is mandatory measured at fair value (refer to business model assessment and contractual cash flow assessment in this chapter below).

Adoption of new standards, interpretations and amendments

The following standards, amendments to published standards and interpretations were adopted in the current year.

Amendments to References to the Conceptual Framework in IFRS Standards

On March 28, 2018 IASB presented the revised Conceptual Framework for Financial Reporting. The Conceptual Framework is not a standard itself but can be used as general guidance for transactions / events where specific IFRS standards are not available. Main improvements in the revised Conceptual Framework contains the introduction of concepts for measurement and presentation & disclosures, guidance for derecognition of assets and liabilities. In addition definitions of an asset & liability and criteria for recognition have been updated.  These amendments are effective from January 1, 2020 and have no impact on the Fund's existing accounting policies.

Amendments to IAS 1 and IAS 8

In October 2018, the IASB issued amendments to IAS 1 Presentation of Financial Statements and IAS 8 to align the definition of ‘material’ across the standards and to clarify certain aspects of the definition. The amendments are effective for annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2020 and are applied prospectively. The amendments did not change the information the Funds judges to be material to the primary users of its financial statements.

Amendment to IFRS 3 Business Combinations

The IASB issued amendments to the definition of a business in IFRS 3 Business Combinations in order to help entities determine whether an acquired set of activities and assets is a business or not. An entity shall apply the amendments to business combinations and asset acquisitions that occur on or after the beginning of the first annual reporting period beginning on or after January 1, 2020. The amendments have had no impact to date as the Fund has not entered into any business combinations as at the date of these annual accounts. Any future business combinations will be assessed in light of the amendments.

Amendment to IFRS 16 - COVID-19 Related Rent Concessions

IFRS 16 Leases has been amended to make it easier for lessees to account for covid-19-related rent concessions such as rent holidays and temporary rent reductions. The amendment exempts lessees from having to consider individual lease contracts to determine whether rent concessions occurring as a direct consequence of the covid-19 pandemic are lease modifications and allows lessees to account for such rent concessions as if they were not lease modifications. It applies to covid-19-related rent concessions that reduce lease payments due on or before June 30, 2021.
The amendment was effective from June 1, 2020 and does not apply to the Fund.

Interest Rate Benchmark Reform Phase 1 - Amendments to IFRS 9, IAS 39 and IFRS 7

In September 2019, the IASB issued amendments to IFRS 9 Financial Instruments, IAS 39 Financial Instruments: Recognition and Measurement and IFRS 7 Financial Instruments: Disclosures. This concluded the first phase to respond to the effects of Interbank Offered Rates (IBOR) reform on financial reporting. The amendments provide temporary reliefs which enable hedge accounting to continue during the period of uncertainty before the replacement of an existing interest rate benchmark with an alternative nearly risk-free interest rate (an RFR). The standard is effective from January 1, 2020 and does not have any impact on the Fund's financial statements.

Issued but not yet adopted standards

Amendments to IAS 1 - Classification of Liabilities as Current or Non-Current

These amendments affect the presentation of liabilities in the statement of financial position. They clarify the considerations that determine whether a liability should be classified as current or non-current. The amendments are not expected to have an impact on how the Fund classifies liabilities in the statement of financial position. The amendments are effective from January 1, 2023 and are applied retrospectively.

Amendments to IAS 16 - Property, Plant and Equipment - Proceeds before Intended Use

The amendments prohibit deducting from the cost of an item of property, plant and equipment any proceeds from selling items produced before that asset is available for use. The amendments are effective for annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2022 and are applied retrospectively. This amendment has no impact on financial statements of the Fund.

Amendments to IAS 37 - Onerous Contracts

The amendments provide clarity on which costs an entity considers in assessing whether a contract is onerous. The amendments are effective for annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2022 and to contracts for which the entity has not yet fulfilled all its obligations at the beginning of the annual reporting period in which the entity first applies the amendments. There are currently no contracts recognized in the Fund which will be significantly impacted by the amendments.

Amendments to IFRS 3 - Reference to the Conceptual Framework

The amendments to IFRS 3 update the reference to the 2018 Conceptual Framework, as well as making reference to IAS 37 when determining whether a present obligation exists as a part of an acquisition. In addition, IFRS 3 now explicitly states contingent assets acquired in a business combination are not recognized. The amendments are effective for business combinations entered into on or after January 1, 2022 and are not expected to have a significant impact on Fund's treatment of business combinations

IFRS 17 Insurance Contracts

In May 2017, the IASB issued IFRS 17, a comprehensive new accounting standard for insurance contracts covering recognition and measurement, presentation and disclosure. Once effective, IFRS 17 will replace IFRS 4 Insurance Contracts. In June 2020 IFRS 17 was amended whereby the effective date was extended to financial periods beginning on or after January 1, 2023. This standard does not have an impact on the Fund.

Interest Rate Benchmark - Reform Phase 2 - Amendments to IFRS 9, IAS 39 and IFRS 7

These amendments, mandatory and effective from January 1, 2021 provide reliefs and practical expedients on issues that affect financial reporting when an existing interest rate benchmark is replaced with an RFR. No early adoption of Phase 2 amendments is implemented by the Fund. The retirement of libor rates in second half of 2021 will impact the valuations of loans to private sector. As pricing of a part of these financial instruments is based on USD libor rates, Phase 2 reliefs will mainly be applied for recognition and measurement. The Fund is preparing to originate new loans new reference rates as from fourth quarter of 2021. The Funds will use the SOFR as the new reference rate. Transition of existing loans to new reference rate is planned from 2022 onwards and is expected to last till first half year of 2023.

Annual Improvements 2018-2020

Subsidiary as a First-Time Adopter (IFRS 1)

IFRS 1 allows subsidiaries that become a first-time adopter later than its parent to measure its assets and liabilities at the carrying amounts that would be included in the parent’s consolidated financial statements. The amendment extends this relief to the cumulative translation differences for foreign operations. The amendment is effective for annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2022. The amendment will not have an impact on the financial statements of the Fund.

Fees in the ‘10 per cent’ Test for Derecognition of Financial Liabilities (IFRS 9)

When considering the derecognition of a financial liability, IFRS 9 indicates that the terms of the instrument are deemed to be substantially different (and therefore qualify for derecognition) if the discounted present value of the remaining cash flows under the new terms are at least 10 per cent different from the discounted present value of the remaining cash flows of the original financial liability (‘10 per cent’ test). The amendment clarifies which fees an entity should include when applying the ‘10 per cent’ test. The amendment is effective for annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2022 and is not expected to have a significant impact on the accounting treatment for derecognition of financial liabilities.

Lease Incentives (IFRS 16)

The amendment removes an illustrative example on the reimbursement of leasehold improvements and has no impact on the financial statements of the Fund.

Significant estimates and assumptions and judgements

In preparing the annual accounts in conformity with IFRS, management is required to make estimates and assumptions affecting reported income, expenses, assets, liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. Use of available information and application of judgment is inherent to the formation of estimates. Although these estimates are based on management’s best knowledge of current events and actions, actual results could differ from such estimates and the differences may be material to the annual accounts. For the Fund the most relevant estimates and assumptions relate to:

• The determination of the fair value of the loans to private and equity investments based on generally accepted modeled valuation techniques;

• The determination of the Expected Credit Loss allowance for loans to private sector, loan commitments.

Information about judgements made in applying accounting policies are related to the following:

• Classification of financial assets: assessment of the business model within which the assets are held and assessment of whether the contractual terms of the financial assets are solely payments of principal and interest;

• The inputs and calibration of the ECL model which include the various formulas and the choice of inputs, aging criteria and forward-looking information;

Changes in accounting estimate

Management overlay - ECL Stage 1 and Stage 2 - COVID - 19

The overlay is derived by changing the country cap ('country crisis override') applied when assessing the client's credit rating applied when calculating the expected credit losses. The impact of the above change in calculation is an increase in stage 1 ECL allowances as per year end 2020. The total increase in the ECL stage 1 and stage 2 provision is €0.1 million. Refer to 'Credit Risk' section in the 'Risk Management' chapter for more information.

In addition, the macro-economic scenarios applied in the estimation of expected credit losses were updated to reflect the latest IMF GDP forecasts, considering the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Foreign currency translation

The Fund uses the euro as the unit for presenting its annual accounts. All amounts are denominated in thousands of euros unless stated otherwise. In accordance with IAS 21, foreign currency transactions are translated to euro at the exchange rate prevailing on the date of the transaction. At the balance sheet date, monetary assets and liabilities are reported using the closing exchange rate. Non-monetary assets that are not measured at cost denominated in foreign currencies are reported using the exchange rate that existed when fair values were determined. Exchange differences arising on the settlement of transactions at rates different from those at the date of the transaction and unrealized foreign exchange differences on unsettled foreign currency monetary assets and liabilities, are recognized in the profit and loss account under ‘results from financial transactions’. When preparing the annual accounts, share in associates is translated at the exchange rates at the balance sheet date, while income and expense items are translated at weighted average rates for the period. Differences resulting from the use of closing and weighted average exchange rates, and from revaluation of a entity’s opening net asset value at closing rate, are recognized directly in the translation reserve within fund capital. These translation differences are maintained in the translation reserves until disposal of the associate.

Offsetting financial instruments

Financial assets and liabilities are offset and the net amount is reported in the balance sheet when there is a legally enforceable right to offset the recognized amounts and there is an intention to settle on a net basis, or realize the asset and settle the liability simultaneously.

Fair value of financial instruments

Fair value is the price that would be received when selling an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. When available, the fair value of an instrument is measured by using the quoted price in an active market for that instrument. If there is no quoted price in an active market, valuation techniques are used that maximize the use of relevant observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs.

Amortized cost and gross carrying amount

The AC of a financial asset or financial liability is the amount at which the financial asset or financial liability is measured on initial recognition minus the principal repayments, plus or minus the cumulative amortization using the effective interest method of any difference between that initial amount and the maturity amount and, for financial assets, adjusted for any expected credit loss allowance.

The gross carrying amount of a financial asset is the AC of a financial asset before adjusting for any expected credit loss allowance.

Assets

Financial assets – Classification

On initial recognition, a financial asset is classified as measured at amortized cost (AC), fair value through P&L (FVPL) or fair value through other comprehensive income (FVOCI)

A financial asset is measured at AC if it meets both of the following conditions and is not classified as at FVPL:

• It is held within a business model whose objective is to hold assets to collect contractual cash flows; and

• Its contractual terms give rise on specified dates to cash flows that are solely payments of principal and interest (SPPI) on the principal amount outstanding.

A debt instrument is measured at FVOCI only if it meets both of the following conditions and is not measured as at FVPL:

• It is held within a business model whose objective is achieved by both collecting contractual cash flows and selling financial assets; and

• Its contractual terms give rise on specified dates to cash flows that are solely payments of principal and interest (SPPI) on the principal amount outstanding.

For equity investments that are not held for trading an irrevocable election exists (on an instrument-by-instrument basis) to present subsequent changes in fair value in OCI.

All financial assets not classified and measured as AC or FVOCI as described above are measured at FVPL. In addition, on initial recognition The Fund may irrevocably designate a financial asset that otherwise meets the requirements to be measured at AC or at FVOCI as at FVPL if doing so eliminates or significantly reduces an accounting mismatch that would otherwise arise.

Transaction costs related to financial assets, not measured at FVPL, are directly added to its fair value for initial recognition and therefore attributed directly to its acquisition

Business model assessment

The Fund has made an assessment of the objective of the business model in which a financial asset is held at a portfolio level because this best reflects the way the business is managed and information is provided to management. The information that is considered includes:

• How the performance of the portfolio is evaluated and reported to management of the Fund;

• The risks that affect the performance of the business model (and the financial assets held within that business model) and how those risks are managed;

• The frequency, volume and timing of sales in prior periods, the reasons for such sales and expectations about future sales activity. However, information about sales activity is not considered in isolation, but as part of an overall assessment of how the Fund stated objective for managing the financial assets is achieved and how cash flows are realized.

Financial assets whose performance is based on a fair value basis are measured at FVPL because they are neither held to collect contractual cash flows nor held both to collect contractual cash flows and to sell financial assets.

Contractual cashflow assessment

For the purpose of the contractual cash flow assessment, related to solely payments of principal and interest (SPPI), ‘principal’ is defined as the fair value of the financial asset on initial recognition. ‘Interest’ is defined as consideration for the time value of money, for the credit risk associated with the principal amount outstanding during a particular period of time and for other basic lending risks and costs (e.g. liquidity risk and administrative costs), as well as a profit margin. In assessing whether the contractual cash flows are solely payments of principal and interest, the Fund has considered the contractual terms of the instrument. This includes assessing whether the financial asset contains a contractual term that could change the timing or amount of contractual cash flows such that it would not meet this condition. In making the assessment, the Fund has considered among others:

• Contingent events that would change the amount and timing of cash flows – e.g. prepayment and extension features, loans with performance related cash flows;

• Features that modify the consideration for the time value of money – e.g. regulated interest rates, periodic reset of interest rates;

• Loans with convertibility and prepayment features;

• Terms that limit the Funds’ claim to cash flows from specified assets – e.g. non-recourse assets;

• Contractually linked instruments.

Reclassification

Financial assets can be only reclassified after initial recognition in very infrequent instances. This happens if the business model for managing financial assets has changed and this change is significant to the Funds operations.

Financial assets – Impairment

The Fund estimates an allowance for expected credit losses for the following financial assets:

• Banks;

• Loans;

• Loan commitments.

No impairment loss is recognized on equity investments.

Impairment stages: loans, banks and guarantees

The Fund groups its loans into Stage 1, Stage 2 and Stage 3, based on the applied impairment methodology, as described below:

• Stage 1 – Performing loans: when loans are first recognized, an allowance is recognized based on a 12-month expected credit loss;

• Stage 2 – Underperforming loans: when a loan shows a significant increase in credit risk, an allowance is recorded for the lifetime expected credit loss;

• Stage 3 –Credit-impaired loans: a lifetime expected credit loss is recognized for these loans. In addition, in Stage 3, interest income is accrued on the AC of the loan net of allowances;

ECL measurement

The Funds ECL model is primarily an expert based model and this model is frequently benchmarked with other external sources if possible.

ECL measurement Stage 1 and Stage 2

IFRS 9 ECL allowance reflects unbiased, probability-weighted estimates based on loss expectations resulting from default events over either a maximum 12-month period from the reporting date or the remaining life of a financial instrument. The method used to calculate the ECL allowances for Stage 1 and Stage 2 assets are based on the following parameters:

• PD: the Probability of Default is an estimate of the likelihood of default over a given time horizon. The Fund uses an scorecard model based on quantitative and qualitative indicators to assess current and future clients and determine PDs. The output of the scorecard model is mapped to the Moody’s PD master scale based on idealized default rates. For IFRS 9 a point in time adjustment is made to these PDs using a z-factor approach to account for the business cycle;

• EAD: the Exposure at Default is an estimate of the exposure at a future default date, taking into account expected changes in the exposure after the reporting date, including repayments of principal and interest, scheduled by contract or otherwise, expected drawdowns and accrued interest from missed payments;

• LGD: the Loss Given Default is an estimate of the Funds loss arising in the case of a default at a given time. It is based on the difference between the contractual cash flows due and any future cashflows or collateral that the Fund would expect to receive;

• Z-factor: the z-factor is a correction factor to adjust the client PDs for current and expected future conditions. The z-factor adjusts the current PD and PD two years into the future. GDP growth rates per country from the IMF, both current and forecasted, are used as the macro-economic driver to determine where each country is in the business cycle. Client PDs are subsequently adjusted upward or downward based on the country where they are operating.

Macro economic scenarios in PD estimates

In addition to the country-specific z-factor adjustments to PD, the Fund applies probability-weighed scenarios to calculate final PD estimates in the ECL model. The scenarios are applied globally, and are based on the vulnerability of emerging markets to prolonged economic downturn. The scenarios and their impact are based on IMF data and research along with historical default data in emerging markets.

The three scenarios applied are:

• Positive scenario: Reduced vulnerability to an emerging market economic downturn;

• Base scenario: Vulnerability and accompanying losses based on The Funds best estimate from risk models;

• Downturn scenario: Elevated vulnerability to an emerging market economic downturn.

ECL measurement Stage 3

The calculation of the expected loss for Stage 3 is different when compared to the Stage 1 and Stage 2 calculation. Reason for this is that loan-specific impairments provide a better estimate for Stage 3 loans in the Fund’s diversified loan portfolio. The following steps are taken which serve as input for the Investment Review Committee (IRC) to decide about the specific impairment level:

• Calculate probability weighted expected loss based on multiple scenarios including return to performing (and projected cash flows), restructuring, and write-off or sale;

• Based on these probability weights, a discount curve is generated and the discounted cashflow (DCF) model is used to determine the percentage to be applied on the outstanding amount of a loan;

• Take expected cash flows arising from liquidation processes and “firm offers” into account. The cashflows arising from these processes and  "firm offers" serve as a cap for the provision (or a floor for the value of the loan).

Staging criteria and triggers

Financial instruments classified as low credit risk

The Fund considers all financial instruments with an investment grade rating (BBB- or better on the S&P scale or F10 or better on Fund’s internal scale) to be classified as low credit risk. For these instruments, the low credit risk exemption is applied and irrespective of the change of credit risk (as long as it remains investment grade) a lifetime expected credit loss will not be recognized. This exemption lowers the monitoring requirements and reduces operational costs. This exemption is applied for 'Current Accounts with FMO'.

No material significant increase in credit risk since origination (Stage 1)

All loans which have not had a significant increase in credit risk since contract origination are allocated to Stage 1 with an ECL allowance recognized equal to the expected credit loss over the next 12 months. The interest revenue of these assets is based on the gross amount.

Significant increase in credit risk (Stage 2)

IFRS 9 requires financial assets to be classified in Stage 2 when their credit risk has increased significantly since their initial recognition. For these assets, a loss allowance needs to be recognized based on their lifetime ECLs. The Fund considers whether there has been a significant increase in credit risk of an asset by comparing the lifetime probability of default upon initial recognition of the asset against the risk of a default occurring on the asset as at the end of each reporting period. Interest revenue for these financial assets is based on the gross amount. This assessment is based on either one of the following items:

• The change in internal credit risk grade with a certain number of notches compared to the internal rating at origination;

• The fact that the financial asset is 30 days past due;

• The application of forbearance.

Definition of default (Stage 3)

A financial asset is considered as default when any of the following occurs:

• The client is past due more than 90 days on any material credit obligation to the Fund, including fees (excluding on-charged expenses);

• The Fund judges that the client is unlikely to pay its credit obligation due to occurrence of credit risk deterioration and the IRC decides on a specific impairment on an individual basis. The triggers for deciding on specific impairment include, among others bankruptcy, days of past due, central bank intervention, distressed restructuring or any material adverse change or development that is likely to result in a diminished recovery of debt.

The following diagram provides a high level overview of the IFRS 9 impairment approach at the Fund.

The table here below provides an overview how internal ratings are equivalent to external ratings.

Reverse staging

Reversed staging relates to criteria which trigger a stage transfer to Stage 1 for loans which are in Stage 3 or Stage 2. The following conditions must apply for a transfer to stages representing lower risk:

• Loans which are in stage 3 will revert to stage 2 when the specific impairment is released by the IRC and there are no obligations past due for more than 90 days;

• Loans which are in stage 2 will only revert to stage 1 when internal ratings have improved to the level lower than the minimum notch downgrade from origination that led to transition to stage 2, the forbearance probation period of minimum two years has passed and no material amounts are past due for more than 30 days.

Written-off financial assets

A write-off is made when a claim is deemed non - collectible, when FMO has no reasonable prospects of recovery after, among others, enforcement of collateral or legal enforcement with means of lawsuits. Furthermore, a write-off is performed when the loan is being forgiven by the Fund. There are no automatic triggers, which would lead to a write-off of the loan; specific impaired loans are assessed on individual basis depending on their circumstances. Generally when the impairment percentage exceeds 95%, the IRC is advised to consider a write - off.

Write-offs are charged against previously recorded impairments. If no specific impairment is recorded on the basis of IRC decision making in the past, the write-off is included directly in the profit and loss account under ‘Impairments’.

Modification of financial assets

The Fund has defined specific events-based triggers, related to the type of restructuring being carried out in order to determine whether a specific change in contractual terms gives rise to derecognition or modification, instead of relying only on a quantitative threshold related to differences in net present value (NPV).

Modification of terms and conditions arise from lending operations where the Fund enters into arrangements with clients, which implies modifications to existing contractual cash flows or terms and conditions. Such arrangements are usually initiated by the Fund when financial difficulty occurs or is expected with a borrower. The purpose of such an arrangement is usually to collect original debt over different terms and conditions from the borrower. Modifications may include extending the tenor, changing interest rate percentages or their timing, or changing of interest margin

During the modification assessment, the Fund will evaluate whether the modification event leads to a derecognition of the asset or to a modification accounting treatment. Generally loans that are sold to a third party or are written off lead to a derecognition. When existing debt is converted into equity, a derecognition of the debt will occur and recognized again on the balance sheet as equity. For modifications in interest percentages or tenor changes of existing amortized cost loans do not pass the SPPI test, the loan will also be derecognised and will be recognised as new loans on the Fund's balance sheet according to the new classification.

When modification measures relate to changes in interest percentages or extensions of tenors and the loan is at amortized cost, the Fund will recalculate the gross carrying amount of the financial asset by discounting the modified expected cash flows using the original effective interest rate and recognizes the difference in the gross carrying amount as a modification gain or loss. However when the NPV of the original loan is substantially different than the NPV of the modified loan, the original loan is derecognized and rerecognized on the balance sheet. The gain or loss following from the derecognition is recognized in line item 'gains and losses due to derecognition'.  The Fund considers a variance of greater than 10% as substantially different.

Modification of contractual terms versus forbearance

Forbearance is not an IFRS term, but relates to arrangements with clients which imply modifications to existing terms and conditions due to financial difficulties of the client. Financial difficulties include, among others, prospects of bankruptcy or central bank intervention. Forbearance must include concessions to the borrower such as release of securities or changes in payment covenants that implies giving away payment rights. Forbearance measures do not necessarily lead to changes in contractual cash flows.

Theoretically modification of contractual cash flows or terms and conditions, does not necessarily apply to clients in financial difficulties or performed due to potential higher credit risk. However for the Fund, a modification of the contractual terms is usually initiated when financial difficulty occurs or is expected. Therefore only in exceptional cases, changes in modifications of contractual terms not following from credit risk related triggers, will not lead to forbearance e.g. in case of an environmental covenant breach. For the Fund, generally modifications will follow from financial difficulties of the borrower and will be classified as forborne assets.

Loans

Loans originated by the Fund include loans to the private sector in developing countries for the account and risk of the Fund.

Loans on the balance sheet of the Fund include:

• Loans measured at AC which comply with the classification requirements for AC as indicated in the section Financial assets – classification. These loans are initially measured at cost, which is the fair value of the consideration paid plus incremental direct transaction costs incurred. Subsequently, the loans are measured at AC using the effective interest rate method.

• Loans mandatorily measured at FVPL which do not comply with the classification requirements for AC as indicated in the section Financial assets – classification. These are measured at fair value with changes recognized immediately in profit and loss.

Equity investments

Equity investments on the balance sheet of the Fund include:

• Equity investments measured at FVPL. The Fund has a long-term view on these equity investments, usually selling its stake within a period of 5 to 10 years. Therefore these investments are not held for trading and are measured at fair value with changes recognized immediately in profit and loss;

• Equity investments designated as at FVOCI. The designation is made since these are held for long-term strategic purposes. These investments are measured at fair value. Dividends are recognized as income in profit and loss unless the dividend clearly represents a recovery of part of the cost of the investment. Other net gains and losses are recognized in the fair value reserve (OCI) and are never reclassified to profit and loss.

Investment in associates

Equity investments in companies in which the Fund has significant influence (‘associates’) are accounted for under the equity accounting method. Significant influence is normally evidenced when the Fund has from 20% to 50% of a company’s voting rights unless:

• The Fund is not involved in the company’s operational and/or strategic management by participation in its Management, Supervisory Board or Investment Committee; and

• There are no material transactions between The Fund and the company; and

• The Fund makes no essential technical assistance available

Investments in associates are initially recorded at cost and the carrying amount is increased or decreased after the date of acquisition to recognize the Fund’s share of the investee’s results or other results directly recorded in the equity of associates.

Investments in associates are reviewed and analyzed at least on a semi - annual basis. A net investment in an associate is impaired or impairment losses occur where there is objective evidence of impairment as a result of one or more events that occurred after initial recognition of the net investment and the loss event has an impact on the estimated future cash flows from the net investment that can be reliably estimated. A significant or prolonged decline in the fair value of an investment in an equity instrument below its cost is considered as the primary objective evidence of impairment, in addition to other observable loss events. The Fund considers more than 10% difference between fair value and its cost as significant and greater than one year as prolonged.
When the Fund decides to take an impairment on one of these investments, the impairment is recognized in the profit and loss account under 'Share in the results on associates'.

Cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents consist of banks and current account maintained with FMO. Cash and cash equivalents consist of bank balances and the current account maintained with FMO. There is no restriction on these financial instruments and the Fund has on demand full access to the carrying amounts. These instruments are measured at amortized cost.

Provisions

Provisions are recognized when:

• The Fund has a present legal or constructive obligation as a result of past events; and

• It is probable that an outflow of resources embodying economic benefits will be required to settle the obligation; and

• A reliable estimate of the amount of the obligation can be made.

Provisions are recognised for loan commitments.

Contributed Fund Capital

The contributed capital contains the subsidies provided by the State to finance the portfolio of loans and equity investments.

Translation reserve

The assets, liabilities, income and expenses of foreign operations and associates are translated using the closing and weighted average exchange rates. Differences resulting from the translation are recognized in the translation reserve.

Other reserves

Other reserves includes the reserve adjustments that arose out of the transition to IFRS 9 from IAS 39 in the financial year beginning 1 January 2018. This includes the transfer of previous available-for-sale reserves as well differences in measurement arising on transition.

Undistributed results previous years

The undistributed results consist of the part of the annual results that the Fund is accumulating to maintain the recoverability of the Fund.

Profit and Loss

Net interest income: interest income and expense

Interest income and interest expenses from financial instruments measured at AC are recognized in the profit and loss account for all interest-bearing financial instruments on an accrual basis using the ‘effective interest’ method based on the fair value at inception. Interest income and interest expenses also include amortized discounts and premiums on financial instruments.

When a financial asset measured at AC is credit-impaired and regarded as Stage 3, interest income is calculated by applying the effective interest rate to the net AC of the financial asset. If the financial asset is no longer credit-impaired, the calculation of interest income reverts to the gross basis.

Interest income from loans measured at FVPL is recognized under 'Interest income from financial instruments measured at FVPL

Fee and commission income and expense

The Fund earns fees from a diverse range of services. The revenue recognition for financial service fees depends on the purpose for which the fees are charged and the basis of accounting for the associated financial instrument. Fees that are part of a financial instrument carried at fair value are recognized in the profit and loss account. Fee income that is part of a financial instrument carried at AC can be divided into three categories:

• Fees that are an integral part of the effective interest rate of a financial instrument (IFRS 9)
  These fees (such as front-end fees) are generally treated as an adjustment to the effective interest rate. When the facility is not used and the commitment period expires, the fee is recognized at the moment of expiration. However, when the financial instrument is to be measured at fair value subsequent to its initial recognition, the fees are recognized as interest-income;

• Fees earned when services are provided (IFRS 15)
  Fees charged by the Fund for servicing a loan (such as administration fees and agency fees) are recognized as revenue when the services are provided. Portfolio and other management advisory and service fees are recognized in line with the periods and the agreed services of the applicable service contracts;

• Fees that are earned on the execution of a significant act (IFRS 15)
  These fees (such as arrangement fees) are recognized as revenue when the significant act has been completed.

Dividend income

Dividends are recognized in dividend income when a dividend is declared. The dividend receivable is recorded at declaration date.

Results from equity investments

Gains and losses in valuation of the equity investment portfolio are recognized under 'Results from equity investments'. These gains and losses include foreign exchange results of equity investments which are measured at fair value.

Results from financial transactions

Results from financial transactions include foreign exchange results (excluding foreign exchange results related to equity investments measured at fair value). Furthermore, the valuation gains and losses related to loans measured at fair value are recognized in the profit and loss immediately under 'Results from financial transactions'.

Capacity development expenses and contributions

Grants disbursed to recipients are recognized as an expense in the profit and loss account when the Fund incurs an irrevocable obligation to disburse the amount. Development contributions which contain repayment rights which meet the recognition criteria of an asset are treated in accordance with the policy on financial assets described above. Development contributions which do not contain a right to payment that meets the asset recognition criteria are recognized as an expense in the profit and loss account when the Fund incurs an irrevocable obligation to disburse the amount.

Statement of cash flows

The statement of cash flows is presented using the direct method.

Taxation

The AEF - I programme contributes to the overall income of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and this income is considered business income subject to corporate income tax. No separate tax calculation is performed for AEF - I in the preparation of the annual financial statements. The results of the Fund are included in the Ministry's overall calculation of tax payable. The Ministry’s overall calculation of tax payable is not allocated back to the Fund as an expense.