| s) | Financial guarantees - |
In the ordinary course of business, the Group issues financial guarantees, such as letters of credit, guarantees and acceptances. Financial guarantees are initially recognized at fair value (which is equivalent to the commission initially received) in “Other liabilities” of the consolidated statement of financial position. Subsequent to initial recognition, the Group’s liability under each guarantee is measured at the higher of the amount initially recognized less, when appropriate, cumulative amortization recognized in the consolidated statement of income, and the best estimate of expenditure required to settle any financial obligation arising as a result of the financial guarantee.
Any increase in the liability relating to a financial guarantee is included in the consolidated statement of income. The commission received is recognized in “Banking services commissions” of the consolidated statement of income on a straight line basis over the life of the granted financial guarantee.
