Intangible assets comprise separately identifiable non-monetary items, without physical substance due to business combinations, such as goodwill and other purchase intangible assets, computer software and other such intangible assets. Intangible assets are recognized at cost. The cost of an intangible asset, acquired in a business combination, is its fair value at the date of acquisition. Intangible assets with a definite useful life are amortized over their estimated useful economic life. Intangible assets with an indefinite useful life are not amortized.
Generally, the identified intangible assets of the Organization have a definite useful life. At each reporting date, intangible assets are reviewed for indications of impairment or changes in estimated future economic benefits - see Note 2(k) below.
Goodwill
Goodwill (or bargain purchase gain) arises on the acquisition of subsidiaries, associates and joint ventures.
Goodwill reflects the excess of the cost of acquisition in relation to the Organization's share of the fair value of net identifiable assets or liabilities of an acquired subsidiary, associate or joint venture on the date of acquisition. Goodwill originated from the acquisition of subsidiaries is recognized as “Intangible Assets”, and the goodwill from acquisition of associates and joint ventures is included in the carrying amount of the investment, (see Note 2(b)(ii)). When the difference between the cost of acquisition and the Organization's share of the fair value of net identifiable assets or liabilities is negative (bargain purchase gain), it is immediately recognized in the consolidated statement of income as a gain on the acquisition date.
Goodwill is tested annually, as well as whenever a trigger event has been observed, for impairment (see Note 2(k) below). Gains and losses realized in the sale of an entity include consideration of the carrying amount of goodwill relating to the entity sold.
Software
Software acquired by the Organization is recorded at cost, less accumulated amortization and accumulated impairment losses, if any.
Internal software-development expenses are recognized as assets when the Organization can demonstrate its intention and ability to complete the development, and use the software in order to generate future economic benefits. The capitalized costs of internally developed software include all costs directly attributable to development and are amortized over their useful lives. Internally developed software is recorded at its capitalized cost less amortization and impairment losses (see Note 2(k) below).
Subsequent software expenses are capitalized only when they increase the future economic benefits incorporated in the specific asset to which it relates. All other expenses are recorded as expenses as incurred.
Amortization is recognized in the consolidated statement of income using the straight-line method over the estimated useful life of the software, beginning on the date that it becomes available for use. The estimated useful life of software is from two to five years. Useful lives and residual values are reviewed at each reporting date and adjusted, if necessary.
Other intangible assets
Other intangible assets refer basically to the customer portfolio and acquisition of banking service rights. They are recorded at cost less amortization and impairment losses, if any, and are amortized for the period in which the asset is expected to contribute, directly or indirectly, to the future cash flows.
These intangible assets are reviewed annually, or whenever events or changes in circumstances occur which could indicate that the carrying amount of the assets cannot be recovered. If necessary, the write-off or impairment (see Note 2(k) below) is immediately recognized in the consolidated statement of income.