Information Memorandum for Issuance of Debt Instruments
ASX Release
9 November 2021
NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION OR RELEASE IN THE UNITED STATES OR TO U.S. PERSONS
Information Memorandum for Westpac’s U.S.$70,000,000,000 Programme for the Issuance of
Subordinated Debt Instruments
Pursuant to ASX Listing Rules 2.1 (Condition 5) and 15.2, attached is the Information Memorandum
dated 8 November 2021 for Westpac Banking Corporation’s U.S. $70,000,000,000 Programme for the
Issuance of Subordinated Debt Instruments. Westpac may, from time to time, offer debt securities on
the terms and conditions described in the Information Memorandum.
This document has been authorised for release by Tim Hartin, General Manager & Company
Secretary.
Disclaimer
This release does not constitute an offer of any securities for sale in the United States, or in any other
jurisdiction in which such offer would not be permitted, and is not for distribution in the United States.
The securities have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933,
as amended (the “Securities Act”), and may not be offered, sold or delivered in the United States or
to, or for the account or benefit of, U.S. persons, as such terms are defined in Regulation S under the
Securities Act, except in accordance with an applicable exemption from registration. There will be no
public offering of the securities in the United States.
Level 18, 275 Kent Street
Sydney, NSW, 2000
INFORMATION MEMORANDUM
Westpac Banking Corporation
(A.B.N. 33 007 457 141)
(AFSL 233714)
(incorporated with limited liability in Australia and registered in the State of New South Wales)
U.S. $70,000,000,000 Programme for the
Issuance of Debt Instruments
This Information Memorandum has been prepared on the basis that application will be made to the Australian Securities Exchange (the “ASX”) for
subordinated instruments issued pursuant to this Information Memorandum (the “Subordinated Instruments”) to be admitted to listing and/or trading on
the ASX’s wholesale Interest Rate Securities Market. This Information Memorandum has also been prepared on the basis that Subordinated Instruments
issued under the Programme may be unlisted or admitted to listing and/or trading on such other or further listing authority and/or stock exchange as may
be agreed between Westpac Banking Corporation (the “Issuer” or “Westpac”) and the relevant Dealer(s).
This Information Memorandum does not comprise (i) a base prospectus for the purposes of Regulation (EU) 2017/1129 as it forms part of the
domestic law in the United Kingdom (the “UK”) by virtue of the European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018, as amended by the European Union
(Withdrawal Agreement) Act 2020 (the “EUWA”) (the “UK Prospectus Regulation”) or (ii) a base prospectus for the purposes of Regulation (EU)
2017/1129 (as amended) (the "EU Prospectus Regulation"). This Information Memorandum has been prepared solely with regard to Subordinated
Instruments that are (i) not to be admitted to listing or trading on any regulated market for the purposes of Directive 2014/65/EU, as amended
(“MiFID II”) or Regulation (EU) No. 600/2014 as it forms part of the domestic law in the UK by virtue of the EUWA (“UK MiFIR”) and (ii) not to be
offered to the public in a Member State (as defined below) (other than pursuant to one or more of the exemptions set out in Article 1(4) and/or
3(2) of the EU Prospectus Regulation) or in the UK (other than pursuant to one or more of the exemptions set out in Section 86 of the Financial
Services and Markets Act 2000, as amended (the “FSMA”)).
Instruments issued on a senior, unsubordinated basis may be issued under the Programme on the basis that they will be admitted to trading on the London
Stock Exchange’s Main Market, being a regulated market for the purposes of UK MiFIR (the "Senior Instruments"). The Issuer has published a prospectus
(approved by the UK Financial Conduct Authority (the “FCA”), being the UK competent authority for the purposes of the UK Prospectus Regulation) pursuant
to which Senior Instruments may be issued under the Programme.
This Information Memorandum supersedes any previous base prospectus, listing particulars, information memorandum or information memorandum
addendum describing the Programme in respect of Subordinated Instruments. Any Subordinated Instruments issued under the Programme on or after the
date of this Information Memorandum are issued subject to the provisions described herein. This does not affect any Subordinated Instruments issued
before the date of this Information Memorandum.
Factors which could be material for the purpose of assessing the risks associated with an investment in the Subordinated Instruments issued under the
Programme are set out on pages 15 to 58 (inclusive) of this Information Memorandum.
The Subordinated Instruments have not been, and will not be, registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”),
or any state securities laws, and may not be offered or sold within the United States or to, or for the account or benefit of, U.S. persons.
Arranger for the Programme
UBS Investment Bank
Dealers
Barclays
BNP PARIBAS
BofA Securities
Citigroup
Credit Suisse
Daiwa Capital Markets Singapore Limited
Goldman Sachs International
HSBC
J.P. Morgan
Mizuho Securities
Morgan Stanley
MUFG
RBC Capital Markets
SMBC Nikko
Standard Chartered Bank
TD Securities
UBS Investment Bank
Westpac Banking Corporation
2
Deutsche Bank Nomura
8 November 2021
3
S&P Global Ratings Australia Pty Ltd has assigned Westpac a senior unsecured credit rating of AA-.
The outlook for the rating is stable. The short-term credit rating assigned by S&P Global Ratings
Australia Pty Ltd to Westpac is A-1+. Moody’s Investors Service Pty Limited has assigned Westpac a
senior unsecured credit rating of Aa3. The outlook for the rating is stable. The short-term credit rating
assigned by Moody’s Investors Service Pty Limited to Westpac is P-1.
Neither S&P Global Ratings Australia Pty Ltd nor Moody’s Investors Service Pty Limited is established
in the European Union or has applied for registration under Regulation (EC) No. 1060/2009 (as
amended, the “EU CRA Regulation”). Neither S&P Global Ratings Australia Pty Ltd nor Moody’s
Investors Service Pty Limited is established in the UK or has applied for registration under Regulation
(EC) No. 1060/2009 as it forms part of the domestic law in the UK by virtue of the EUWA (the “UK CRA
Regulation”). However, the relevant ratings assigned by S&P Global Ratings Australia Pty Ltd are
endorsed by S&P Global Ratings Europe Limited, which is established in the European Union and
registered under the EU CRA Regulation, as well as by S&P Global Ratings UK Limited, which is
established in the UK and is registered under the UK CRA Regulation. The relevant ratings assigned
by Moody’s Investors Service Pty Limited are endorsed by Moody’s Deutschland GmbH, which is
established in the European Union and registered under the EU CRA Regulation, as well as by Moody’s
Investors Service Ltd, which is established in the UK and registered under the UK CRA Regulation.
The Issuer accepts responsibility for the information contained in this Information Memorandum and
each Pricing Supplement. To the best of the knowledge of the Issuer (who has taken all reasonable
care to ensure that such is the case), the information contained in this Information Memorandum is in
accordance with the facts and this Information Memorandum does not omit anything likely to affect the
import of such information.
This Information Memorandum should be read and construed together with any amendment or
supplement thereto and, unless the context otherwise requires, be deemed to include any other
documents incorporated by reference herein and, in relation to any Series (as defined herein) of
Subordinated Instruments, should be read and construed together with the relevant Pricing
Supplement (as defined herein).
No person has been authorised by the Issuer to give any information or to make any representation
not contained in or not consistent with this Information Memorandum or any other document entered
into in relation to the Programme or any additional written information supplied by the Issuer or such
other information as has been published in the public domain by the Issuer and, if given or made, such
information or representation should not be relied upon as having been authorised by the Issuer or any
Dealer (as defined in “Subscription and Sale”).
The Dealers have not independently verified the information contained herein. Accordingly, no
representation or warranty is made or implied by the Dealers or any of their respective affiliates, and
neither the Dealers nor any of their respective affiliates make any representation or warranty or accept
any responsibility, as to the accuracy or completeness of the information contained in this Information
Memorandum. The Dealers accordingly disclaim all and any liability whether arising in tort or contract
or otherwise which it might otherwise have in respect of this Information Memorandum or any such
statement of responsibility. Neither the delivery of this Information Memorandum nor any Pricing
Supplement nor the offering, sale or delivery of any Subordinated Instrument shall, in any
circumstances, create any implication that the information contained in this Information Memorandum
is true subsequent to the date thereof or the date upon which this Information Memorandum has been
most recently amended or supplemented or that there has been no adverse change in the financial
4
situation of the Issuer since the date thereof or, if later, the date upon which this Information
Memorandum has been most recently amended or supplemented or that any other information
supplied in connection with this Programme is correct at any time subsequent to the date on which it
is supplied or, if different, the date indicated in the document containing the same.
The distribution of this Information Memorandum and any Pricing Supplement and the offering, sale
and delivery of the Subordinated Instruments in certain jurisdictions may be restricted by law. Persons
into whose possession this Information Memorandum or any Pricing Supplement comes are required
by the Issuer and the Dealers to inform themselves about and to observe any such restrictions. For a
description of certain restrictions on offers, sales and deliveries of Subordinated Instruments and on
the distribution of this Information Memorandum or any Pricing Supplement and other offering material
relating to the Subordinated Instruments, see the “Subscription and Sale” section in this Information
Memorandum. In particular, the Subordinated Instruments have not been and will not be registered
under the Securities Act and Subordinated Instruments may be in bearer form which are subject to U.S.
tax law requirements. Subject to certain exceptions, Subordinated Instruments may not be offered,
sold or delivered within the United States or to, or for the account or benefit of, U.S. Persons. Neither
this Information Memorandum nor any Pricing Supplement may be used for the purpose of an offer or
solicitation by anyone in any jurisdiction in which such offer or solicitation is not authorised or to any
person to whom it is unlawful to make such an offer or solicitation.
PROHIBITION OF SALES TO EEA RETAIL INVESTORS – The Subordinated Instruments are not
intended to be offered, sold or otherwise made available to and should not be offered, sold or otherwise
made available to any retail investor in the European Economic Area (the “EEA”). For these purposes,
a retail investor means a person who is one (or more) of: (i) a retail client as defined in point (11) of
Article 4(1) of MiFID II; or (ii) a customer within the meaning of Directive (EU) 2016/97, as amended
(the “Insurance Distribution Directive”), where that customer would not qualify as a professional
client as defined in point (10) of Article 4(1) of MiFID II. Consequently, no key information document
required by Regulation (EU) No 1286/2014 (as amended, the “EU PRIIPs Regulation”) for offering or
selling the Subordinated Instruments or otherwise making them available to retail investors in the EEA
has been prepared and therefore offering or selling the Subordinated Instruments or otherwise making
them available to any retail investor in the EEA may be unlawful under the EU PRIIPs Regulation.
PROHIBITION OF SALES TO UK RETAIL INVESTORS – The Subordinated Instruments are not
intended to be offered, sold or otherwise made available to and should not be offered, sold or otherwise
made available to any retail investor in the UK. For these purposes, a retail investor means a person
who is one (or more) of: (i) a retail client, as defined in point (8) of Article 2 of Regulation (EU) No
2017/565 as it forms part of the domestic law in the UK by virtue of the EUWA; or (ii) a customer within
the meaning of the provisions of the FSMA and any rules or regulations made under the FSMA to
implement Directive (EU) 2016/97 in the UK, where that customer would not qualify as a professional
client, as defined in point (8) of Article 2(1) of UK MiFIR. Consequently, no key information document
required by Regulation (EU) No 1286/2014 as it forms part of the domestic law in the UK by virtue of
the EUWA (the “UK PRIIPs Regulation”) for offering or selling the Subordinated Instruments or
otherwise making them available to retail investors in the UK has been prepared and therefore offering
or selling the Subordinated Instruments or otherwise making them available to any retail investor in the
UK may be unlawful under the UK PRIIPs Regulation.
MiFID II PRODUCT GOVERNANCE / TARGET MARKET – The Pricing Supplement in respect of any
Subordinated Instruments may include a legend entitled "MiFID II Product Governance" which will
outline the target market assessment in respect of the Subordinated Instruments and which channels
5
for distribution of the Subordinated Instruments are appropriate. Any person subsequently offering,
selling or recommending the Subordinated Instruments (a “MiFID II distributor”) should take into
consideration the target market assessment; however, a MiFID II distributor subject to MiFID II is
responsible for undertaking its own target market assessment in respect of the Subordinated
Instruments (by either adopting or refining the target market assessment) and determining appropriate
distribution channels.
A determination will be made in relation to each issue about whether, for the purposes of the MiFID II
product governance rules under EU Delegated Directive 2017/593 (the “MiFID II Product Governance
Rules”), any Dealer subscribing for any Subordinated Instruments is a manufacturer in respect of such
Subordinated Instruments, but otherwise neither the Arranger nor the Dealers nor any of their
respective affiliates will be a manufacturer for the purpose of the MiFID II Product Governance Rules.
UK MiFIR PRODUCT GOVERNANCE / TARGET MARKET – The Pricing Supplement in respect of
any Subordinated Instruments may include a legend entitled “UK MiFIR Product Governance” which
will outline the target market assessment in respect of the Subordinated Instruments and which
channels for distribution of the Subordinated Instruments are appropriate. Any person subsequently
offering, selling or recommending the Subordinated Instruments (a “UK MiFIR distributor”) should
take into consideration the target market assessment; however, a UK MiFIR distributor subject to the
FCA Handbook Product Intervention and Product Governance Sourcebook (the “UK MiFIR Product
Governance Rules”) is responsible for undertaking its own target market assessment in respect of
the Subordinated Instruments (by either adopting or refining the target market assessment) and
determining appropriate distribution channels.
A determination will be made in relation to each issue about whether, for the purpose of the UK MiFIR
Product Governance Rules, any Dealer subscribing for any Subordinated Instruments is a
manufacturer in respect of such Subordinated Instruments, but otherwise neither the Arranger nor the
Dealers nor any of their respective affiliates will be a manufacturer for the purpose of the UK MiFIR
Product Governance Rules.
Notification under Section 309B(1) of the Securities and Futures Act, Chapter 289 of Singapore,
as modified or amended from time to time (the “SFA”) – Unless otherwise stated in the Pricing
Supplement in respect of any Subordinated Instrument, all Subordinated Instruments issued or to be
issued under the Programme shall be prescribed capital markets products (as defined in the Securities
and Futures (Capital Markets Products) Regulations 2018) and Excluded Investment Products (as
defined in MAS Notice SFA 04-N12: Notice on the Sale of Investment Products and MAS Notice FAA-
N16: Notice on Recommendations on Investment Products).
Neither this Information Memorandum nor any Pricing Supplement constitutes an offer or an invitation
to subscribe for or purchase any Subordinated Instruments and should not be considered as a
recommendation by the Issuer or the Dealers or any of them that any recipient of this Information
Memorandum or any Pricing Supplement should subscribe for or purchase any Subordinated
Instruments. Each recipient of this Information Memorandum or any Pricing Supplement shall be taken
to have made its own investigation and appraisal of the condition (financial or otherwise) of the Issuer.
All references in this Information Memorandum to a “Member State” are references to a Member State
of the EEA, references to “U.S.$”, “U.S. dollars” or “U.S. cents” are to the lawful currency of the United
States of America, all references to “A$”, “AUD”, “Australian dollar” and “Australian cents” are to
the lawful currency of Australia, all references to “NZ$” and “NZ cents” are to the lawful currency of
6
New Zealand, all references to “£”, “Sterling” and “GBP” are to the lawful currency of the UK, and all
references to “Renminbi” and “CNY” are to the lawful currency of the People’s Republic of China.
References to “€”, “Eur”, “euro” or, as the context may require, “euro cents” are to the currency,
introduced at the third stage of European Economic and Monetary Union pursuant to the Treaty on
European Union of those member states of the European Union which are participating in the
European economic and monetary union (the “Eurozone”). References to “Australia” are to the
Commonwealth of Australia, its territories and possessions.
In connection with the issue of any Tranche (as defined herein) of Subordinated Instruments under the
Programme, the Dealer or Dealers (if any) specified as the stabilising dealers (the “Stabilising
Dealer(s)”) (or persons acting on behalf of any Stabilising Dealer(s)) may, outside Australia and on a
market operated outside Australia and otherwise to the extent permitted by applicable laws and rules,
over-allot Subordinated Instruments or effect transactions with a view to supporting the market price
of the Subordinated Instruments at a level higher than that which might otherwise prevail. However,
stabilisation may not necessarily occur. Any stabilisation action may begin on or after the date on which
adequate public disclosure of the terms of the offer of the relevant Tranche of Subordinated Instruments
is made and, if begun, may cease at any time, but it must end no later than the earlier of 30 days after
the issue date of the relevant Tranche of Subordinated Instruments and 60 days after the date of the
allotment of the relevant Tranche of Subordinated Instruments. Any stabilisation action or over-
allotment must be conducted by the relevant Stabilising Dealer(s) (or person(s) acting on behalf of any
Stabilising Dealer(s)) in accordance with all applicable laws and rules.
The Subordinated Instruments are complex financial instruments and are not a suitable or
appropriate investment for all investors. In some jurisdictions, regulatory authorities have
adopted or published laws, regulations or guidance with respect to the offer or sale of securities
such as the Subordinated Instruments to retail investors. By purchasing, or making or
accepting an offer to purchase, any Subordinated Instruments from the Issuer and/or the
Dealers, each prospective investor represents, warrants, agrees with and undertakes to the
Issuer and each Dealer that it has and will at all times comply with all applicable laws,
regulations and regulatory guidance (whether inside or outside the EEA or the UK) relating to
the promotion, offering, distribution and/or sale of the Subordinated Instruments (including
without limitation MiFID II as implemented in each Member State of the EEA and UK MiFIR in
the UK) and any other applicable laws, regulations and regulatory guidance relating to
determining the appropriateness and/or suitability of an investment in the Subordinated
Instruments by investors in any relevant jurisdiction. Where acting as agent on behalf of a
disclosed or undisclosed client when purchasing, or making or accepting an offer to purchase,
any Subordinated Instruments from the Issuer and/or the Dealers, the foregoing
representations, warranties, agreements and undertakings will be given by and be binding
upon both the agent and its underlying client.
7
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
OVERVIEW OF THE PROGRAMME 8
RISK FACTORS 15
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE 59
TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF THE SUBORDINATED INSTRUMENTS 61
PRO FORMA PRICING SUPPLEMENT 158
USE OF PROCEEDS 173
WESTPAC BANKING CORPORATION 174
INFORMATION CONCERNING THE UNDERLYING SECURITIES 204
TAXATION 207
SUBSCRIPTION AND SALE 212
GENERAL INFORMATION 223
8
OVERVIEW OF THE PROGRAMME
This overview must be read as an introduction to this Information Memorandum and any decision to
invest in the Subordinated Instruments should be based on a consideration of this Information
Memorandum as a whole, including the documents incorporated by reference.
Words and expressions defined elsewhere in this Information Memorandum have the same meanings
in this overview.
This Programme has been established by the Issuer to allow for the issue of instruments from time to
time to investors. Details of the types of Subordinated Instruments that may be issued and the terms
and conditions which may apply to them are set out below.
Issuer: Westpac Banking Corporation, acting through its head office.
Issuer Legal Entity Identifier (“LEI”): EN5TNI6CI43VEPAMHL14.
Dealers: Barclays Capital Asia Limited, BNP Paribas, Citigroup Global Markets
Limited, Credit Suisse International, Daiwa Capital Markets Singapore
Limited, Deutsche Bank AG, London Branch, Goldman Sachs
International, HSBC Bank plc, J.P. Morgan Securities plc, Merrill Lynch
International, Mizuho Securities Asia Limited, Morgan Stanley & Co.
International plc, MUFG Securities EMEA plc, Nomura International
plc, RBC Europe Limited, SMBC Nikko Capital Markets Limited,
Standard Chartered Bank, The Toronto-Dominion Bank, UBS AG
London Branch, Westpac Banking Corporation and any other dealer
appointed from time to time by the Issuer generally in relation to the
Programme or a particular Tranche.
Fiscal Agent: The Bank of New York Mellon, London Branch.
Programme Amount: The maximum aggregate principal amount of Senior Instruments and
Subordinated Instruments permitted to be outstanding under the
Programme is U.S.$70,000,000,000 (for this purpose, any instruments
denominated in another currency shall be translated into U.S. dollars
at the date of the agreement to issue such instruments using the spot
rate of exchange for the purchase of such currency against payment
of U.S. dollars being quoted by the Fiscal Agent on the date on which
the relevant agreement in respect of the relevant Tranche was made
or such other rate as the Issuer and the relevant Dealer may agree).
The maximum aggregate principal amount of instruments which may
be outstanding under the Programme may be increased subject to
compliance with the relevant provisions of the Dealership Agreement.
Essential Characteristics
of the Issuer:
The Issuer is domiciled and incorporated in Australia. The Issuer was
registered on 23 August 2002 as a public company limited by shares
under the Corporations Act 2001 of Australia (the “Corporations Act
2001”).
9
The Issuer is the ultimate parent of the Westpac Group (as defined
below). The Westpac Group is one of four major banking organisations
in Australia and is one of the largest banking organisations in New
Zealand. The Westpac Group provides a broad range of banking and
financial services in these markets, including consumer, business and
institutional banking and wealth management services.
Westpac’s business is focused in Australia and New Zealand, with
branches, affiliates and controlled entities throughout Australia, New
Zealand, Asia and in the Pacific region, and branches and offices in
some of the key financial centres around the world.
Consumer serves consumers in Australia with a range of banking
products under the brands of Westpac, St.George, BankSA, Bank of
Melbourne and RAMS.
Business serves the needs of small to medium businesses and
commercial and agribusiness customers across Australia. This
division also includes Private Wealth, supporting the needs of high-
net-worth individuals.
Westpac Institutional Bank (“WIB”) delivers a broad range of financial
services to commercial, corporate, institutional, and government
customers operating in, and with connections to, Australia and New
Zealand.
Westpac New Zealand delivers banking, wealth and insurance
services to consumer, business and institutional customers across
New Zealand.
Group Businesses comprise the head office and Australian corporate
and support functions including treasury, technology, operations,
property services, strategy, finance, risk, compliance, legal, human
resources, and customer and corporate relations.
Specialist Businesses bring together the Westpac Group’s non-core
businesses that it ultimately plans to divest. These include
superannuation, wealth platforms and investments, Auto finance,
along with operations in Fiji and Papua New Guinea.
Issuance in Series:
Subordinated Instruments will be issued in series (each a “Series”).
Each Series may comprise one or more tranches (“Tranches”) issued
on different issue dates. The Subordinated Instruments of each Series
will all be subject to identical terms except that the issue date and/or
the amount of the first payment of interest and/or the issue price may
be different in respect of different Tranches and a Series may comprise
Subordinated Instruments in more than one denomination. The
Subordinated Instruments of each Tranche will all be subject to
identical terms save that a Tranche may comprise Subordinated
Instruments of different denominations.
Form of Subordinated
Instruments:
Subordinated Instruments shall be issued in bearer form or registered
form. In respect of each Tranche of Subordinated Instruments issued
in bearer form, the Issuer will deliver a temporary global instrument (a
10
“Temporary Global Instrument”) or (if so specified in the relevant
Pricing Supplement in respect of Subordinated Instruments to which
U.S. Treasury Regulation §1.163-5(c)(2)(i)(C) (the “TEFRA C Rules”)
applies (as so specified in such Pricing Supplement)) a permanent
global instrument (a “Permanent Global Instrument”). Such global
instruments will be either (i) deposited on or before the relevant issue
date therefor with a depositary or a common depositary for Euroclear
Bank SA/NV (“Euroclear”) and/or Clearstream Banking S.A.
(“Clearstream, Luxembourg”) and/or any other relevant clearing
system or (ii) lodged on or before the relevant issue date thereof with
a sub-custodian in Hong Kong for the Central Moneymarkets Unit
Service operated by the Hong Kong Monetary Authority (“CMU
Service”). Each Temporary Global Instrument will be exchangeable
either for a Permanent Global Instrument, or, if so specified in the
relevant Pricing Supplement, for Subordinated Instruments in
definitive bearer form. Each Permanent Global Instrument will be
exchangeable for Subordinated Instruments in definitive bearer form.
Subordinated Instruments in definitive bearer form will either have
interest coupons (“Coupons”) attached or, if appropriate, a talon
(“Talon”) for further Coupons. Subordinated Instruments in bearer
form may in certain circumstances be exchangeable in accordance
with the terms thereof for Subordinated Instruments in registered form.
Subordinated Instruments in registered form may not be exchanged
for Subordinated Instruments in bearer form.
Currencies: Subordinated Instruments may be denominated in any currency or
currencies subject to compliance with all applicable legal and/or
regulatory and/or central bank requirements. Payments in respect of
Subordinated Instruments may, subject to compliance as aforesaid, be
made in and/or linked to, any currency or currencies other than the
currency in which such Subordinated Instruments are denominated.
Status: The Subordinated Instruments will be issued on a subordinated basis
and, subject to the prior written approval of the Australian Prudential
Regulation Authority (“APRA”), are expected to qualify as Tier 2
Capital for the purposes of the Prudential Standards (as defined in the
Terms and Conditions). The rights and claims of Holders of
Subordinated Instruments against the Issuer will be subordinated on
a winding-up of the Issuer.
Set-off: Neither the Issuer nor any Holder of Subordinated Instruments is
entitled to set-off any amounts due in respect of Subordinated
Instruments held by the Holder against any amount of any nature
owed by the Issuer to the Holder or by the Holder to the Issuer.
Issue Price: Subordinated Instruments may be issued at any price, as specified in
the relevant Pricing Supplement.
11
Maturities: Any maturity of not less than five years, subject, in relation to specific
currencies, to compliance with all applicable legal and/or regulatory
and/or central bank requirements.
Redemption: Subordinated Instruments may be redeemable at par. Subordinated
Instruments may only be redeemed prior to their stated maturity in the
limited circumstances provided for in Condition 8 (Redemption and
Purchase) of the Subordinated Instruments and subject to certain
conditions, including that Westpac has obtained the prior written
approval of APRA. Any such approval is at the discretion of APRA and
may or may not be given and Holders should not expect that APRA’s
prior written approval will be given for any redemption or purchase of
Subordinated Instruments.
Early Redemption: Early redemption will be permitted (if specified as “Applicable” in the
relevant Pricing Supplement): (i) as mentioned in “Terms and
Conditions of the Subordinated Instruments – Redemption and
Purchase – Early redemption at the option of the Issuer” following
notice by the Issuer; (ii) for taxation reasons as mentioned in “Terms
and Conditions of the Subordinated Instruments – Redemption and
Purchase – Early redemption for adverse tax events”; or (iii) for
regulatory reasons as mentioned in “Terms and Conditions of the
Subordinated Instruments – Redemption and Purchase – Early
redemption for regulatory events”, but will otherwise be permitted only
to the extent specified in the relevant Pricing Supplement.
The Issuer’s right to exercise any option to repay, purchase or
otherwise redeem Subordinated Instruments (prior to the stated
maturity thereof, if any) is subject to the prior written approval of APRA,
and investors should not assume that such approval will be given.
Interest: Subordinated Instruments are interest-bearing. Interest may accrue at
a fixed or floating rate and may vary during the lifetime of the relevant
Series.
Denominations: Subordinated Instruments will be issued in such denominations as
may be specified in the relevant Pricing Supplement, subject to
compliance with all applicable legal and/or regulatory and/or central
bank requirements.
In the case of Subordinated Instruments which have a denomination
consisting of the minimum denomination plus a higher integral multiple
of another smaller amount, so long as the Subordinated Instruments
are represented by a Temporary Global Instrument or Permanent
Global Instrument and the relevant clearing system(s) so permit, the
Subordinated Instruments will be tradeable only in the minimum
denomination and higher integral multiples of another smaller amount,
notwithstanding that no definitive Subordinated Instruments will be
issued over a certain denomination (as specified in the Pricing
12
Supplement).
Conversion: If the Subordinated Instruments are required to be converted on
account of a Non-Viability Trigger Event in accordance with the “Terms
and Conditions of the Subordinated Instruments – Non-Viability,
Conversion and Write-off and – Procedures for Conversion”,
depending on the circumstances, Holders of Subordinated
Instruments may receive Ordinary Shares (as defined in the section
entitled “Information Concerning the Underlying Securities”) in the
Issuer or the proceeds from the sale thereof. If conversion into
Ordinary Shares does not occur for any reason within 5 ASX Business
Days after the Non-Viability Trigger Event Date, the Subordinated
Instruments (or a percentage of the Outstanding Principal Amount of
the Subordinated Instruments) will be written-off. This means that
Holders’ rights in relation to Subordinated Instruments (including to
payments of interest and accrued interest, and the repayment of the
Outstanding Principal Amount and, where conversion is the primary
method of loss absorption, to be issued with Ordinary Shares in
respect of such Subordinated Instruments) are immediately and
irrevocably written-off and terminated with effect on and from the Non-
Viability Trigger Event Date.
If any Subordinated Instruments are Converted following a Non-
Viability Trigger Event, it is likely that the Maximum Conversion
Number will apply and limit the number of Ordinary Shares to be
issued. In this case, the value of the Ordinary Shares received is likely
to be significantly less than the Outstanding Principal Amount of the
Subordinated Instruments. The Australian dollar may depreciate in
value against the relevant currency by the time of Conversion. In that
case, the Maximum Conversion Number is more likely to apply.
Information on the
underlying securities:
The Ordinary Shares are admitted to listing and trading on the ASX
(for further information see the section entitled “Information
Concerning the Underlying Securities”).
Taxation: Payments in respect of Subordinated Instruments or Coupons, or
upon or with respect to the issuance of any Ordinary Shares upon any
Conversion of Subordinated Instruments, will be made without
withholding or deduction for any taxes, duties, assessments or
governmental charges of whatsoever nature imposed or levied by or
on behalf of Australia or any political subdivision or any authority
thereof or therein having power to tax, unless the withholding or
deduction of such taxes, duties, assessments or governmental
charges is required by law. In that event, unless specified otherwise in
the relevant Pricing Supplement, the Issuer will (subject to customary
exceptions) pay such additional amounts as will result in the Holders
receiving such amounts as they would have received had no such
withholding or deduction been required. Holders should be aware that
the Pricing Supplement prepared in respect of a Tranche of
13
Subordinated Instruments may modify the terms and conditions set
out herein for that Tranche. This can include, for example, specifying
that the call right of the Issuer, which would ordinarily apply in the event
that the Issuer is required to gross up payments on that tranche of
Subordinated Instruments, will not apply.
Governing Law: Save as provided below, the Subordinated Instruments and all related
contractual documentation will be governed by, and construed in
accordance with, English law. Any matter, claim or dispute arising out
of or in connection with the Subordinated Instruments and all related
contractual documentation, whether contractual or non-contractual,
will be governed by, and determined in accordance with, English law.
The provisions of Conditions 4 (Status of the Subordinated
Instruments - General), 5 (Non-Viability, Conversion and Write-off) and
6 (Procedures for Conversion) (and the defined terms when used in
those Conditions) which relate to subordination, non-viability,
conversion and write-off will be governed by, and construed in
accordance with, the laws of New South Wales, Australia.
Listing: Each Series may be admitted to listing and/or trading on the wholesale
Interest Rate Securities Market of the ASX. Subordinated Instruments
may also be admitted to the Official List of Euronext Dublin and
admitted to trading by Euronext Dublin’s Global Exchange Market
and/or to listing and/or trading by any other competent listing authority
and/or stock exchange as agreed between the Issuer and the relevant
Dealer(s) and specified in the relevant Pricing Supplement or may be
issued on the basis that they will not be admitted to listing and/or
trading by any listing authority and/or stock exchange.
Terms and Conditions: A Pricing Supplement will be prepared in respect of each Tranche of
Subordinated Instruments a copy of which will:
(a) in the case of Subordinated Instruments admitted to listing and/or
trading on the wholesale Interest Rate Securities Market of the
ASX or by any other competent listing authority and/or stock
exchange, be lodged on or with the relevant competent listing
authority and/or stock exchange by the time required by the
relevant competent listing authority and/or stock exchange; and
(b) in the case of Subordinated Instruments to be listed on the Official
List of Euronext Dublin and admitted to trading on Euronext
Dublin’s Global Exchange Market, be delivered to Euronext Dublin
and to the Euronext Dublin’s Global Exchange Market as soon as
practicable and, in any event, on or before the closing date for
such Subordinated Instruments.
14
The terms and conditions applicable to each Tranche will be those set
out herein under “Terms and Conditions of the Subordinated
Instruments” as supplemented, modified or replaced by the relevant
Pricing Supplement.
Enforcement of
Subordinated Instruments
in Global Form
In the case of Subordinated Instruments in global form, individual
investors’ rights will be governed by a Deed of Covenant dated 11
November 2020 (as amended, supplemented or replaced from time to
time), a copy of which will be available for inspection at the office of
the Fiscal Agent specified on page 228.
Clearing Systems: Euroclear, Clearstream, Luxembourg, the CMU Service and/or, in
relation to any Subordinated Instruments, any other clearing system
as may be specified in the relevant Pricing Supplement.
Selling Restrictions: For certain restrictions on offers, invitations, purchases, sales and
deliveries of Subordinated Instruments and on the distribution of
offering material in the USA, the EEA, the UK, Australia, Hong Kong,
Japan, France, the Republic of Ireland, Italy, The Netherlands, New
Zealand, Singapore, Spain, Switzerland and Taiwan, see the
“Subscription and Sale” section.
Cross default: None.
15
RISK FACTORS
Westpac believes that the following material factors may adversely affect its ability to fulfil its obligations
under Subordinated Instruments issued under the Programme. These factors are contingencies that
may or may not occur and Westpac is not in a position to express a view on the likelihood of any such
contingency occurring. In addition, the inability of Westpac to pay interest, principal or other amounts
on or in connection with any Subordinated Instruments may occur for other reasons.
Prospective investors should consult their own financial and legal advisers about risks associated with
an investment in such Subordinated Instruments and the suitability of investing in such Subordinated
Instruments in light of their particular circumstances.
Factors which could be material for the purpose of assessing the market risks associated with
Subordinated Instruments issued under the Programme are described below.
Words and expressions defined in the “Terms and Conditions of the Subordinated Instruments” below
or elsewhere in this Information Memorandum have the same meanings in this section, unless
otherwise stated.
1. Risks relating to Westpac’s business
Westpac has suffered, and could in the future suffer, information security risks, including
cyberattacks
The Westpac Group (and its external service providers) is subject to information security risks. These
risks are heightened by:
new technologies and increased digital service options;
increased use of the internet and telecommunications to conduct financial transactions;
the growing sophistication of attackers, and the global increase in cyber crime;
the COVID-19 pandemic, which has resulted in many Westpac employees (and staff of service
providers) and customers working remotely or from other sites; and
other external events such as biological hazards, climate change, natural disasters or acts of
terrorism, which could interrupt the usual operations of the Westpac Group, its customer and
suppliers, potentially providing increased opportunities for cyber threat actors to exploit.
These risks could result in information security risks such as cyberattacks, espionage and/or errors
happening at an unprecedented pace, scale and reach. Cyberattacks have the potential to cause
financial system instability and could result in serious disruption to customer banking services, or
compromise customer data privacy. While Westpac has systems in place to protect against, detect and
respond to cyberattacks, these systems have not always been, and may not always be, effective.
Westpac and its customers could suffer losses from cyberattacks, information security breaches or
ineffective cyber resilience. The Westpac Group may not be able to anticipate and prevent a
cyberattack, effectively respond to a cyberattack and/or rectify or minimise damage resulting from a
cyberattack. Westpac’s external service providers, and other parties that facilitate its activities, financial
16
platforms and infrastructure (such as payment systems and exchanges) are also subject to the risk of
cyberattacks, which could in turn impact Westpac.
Westpac’s operations rely on the secure processing, storage and transmission of information on
Westpac’s computer systems and networks, and the systems and networks of external suppliers.
Although Westpac implements measures to protect the confidentiality and integrity of its information,
there is a risk that the computer systems, software and networks on which Westpac, or its service
providers, rely may be subject to security breaches, unauthorised access, malicious software, external
attacks or internal breaches that could have an adverse impact on Westpac’s confidential information
or that of its customers and counterparties.
A range of potential consequences could arise from a successful cyberattack, such as:
damage to technology infrastructure;
disruptions or other adverse impacts to network access, operations or availability of services;
loss of customers and market share or reputational damage;
loss of data or information;
customer remediation and/ or claims for compensation;
breach of applicable privacy laws or data protection regulations;
litigation and adverse regulatory action including fines or penalties and increased regulatory
scrutiny; and
increased need for significant additional resources to modify or enhance Westpac’s systems
or to investigate and remediate any vulnerabilities or incidents.
All these potential consequences could negatively affect Westpac’s business, prospects, reputation,
financial performance or financial condition.
As cyber threats evolve, Westpac may need to spend significant resources to modify or enhance its
systems or investigate and remediate any vulnerabilities or incidents.
COVID-19 has had, and may continue to have (and a pandemic like COVID-19 could in the future
have), an adverse effect on the Westpac Group
The Westpac Group is vulnerable to the impacts of a communicable disease outbreak or a pandemic.
The COVID-19 pandemic has had, and may continue to have, a negative impact on Westpac’s
customers, shareholders, employees, third party suppliers and financial performance, among other
adverse effects. The COVID-19 pandemic also heightens other risks described in this section.
The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted, and will continue to disrupt, numerous industries and global
supply chains, while important measures to mitigate its impact have had, and may continue to have, a
negative effect on economic activity.
17
There continues to be uncertainty associated with the COVID-19 pandemic, including the ultimate
course, duration and severity of the disease, emergence of new variants and the availability and
effectiveness of vaccination programs or other medical treatments. There is also uncertainty in relation
to future actions that may be taken by governments, regulators and businesses to attempt to contain
the virus or mitigate its impact and the effectiveness of such actions, as well as the timing and speed
of economic recovery. Such uncertainty has the potential for longer term impacts on Westpac’s
customers, business and operations.
Reduction in economic activity over the latter half of 2021 due to these COVID-19 induced factors has
affected, and may in the future affect, demand for Westpac’s products and services. The associated
financial stress on Westpac’s customers has, and is expected to, increase impairments, defaults and
write-offs. Westpac has COVID-19 related overlays to allow for the potential emergence of losses once
the effect of support and stimulus measures reduces in its business portfolios, however, further outlays
may be required.
Westpac has supported customers by lowering interest rates on certain products, waiving certain fees
and granting short term deferrals for certain mortgages, personal loans and small business loans.
These initiatives have had and may continue to have a negative impact on the Westpac Group’s
financial performance and may see the Westpac Group assume greater risk than it would have
normally. There is also the potential for further government or regulator intervention to support the
economy which may require banks (including Westpac) to support those interventions.
When outbreaks or pandemics occur, Westpac has adjusted and may need to adjust its risk appetite,
policies or controls to respond to outbreaks or pandemics (like the COVID-19 pandemic) and protect
the well-being of staff and customers who visit Westpac’s premises. These changes could have
unforeseen consequences and expose the Westpac Group to increased regulatory focus, media
scrutiny and an increased risk of litigation.
Further, to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic, Westpac has implemented (and may in the future
implement) new measures in very short periods of time. Taking this type of action may increase the
risk that an operational or compliance breakdown occurs, potentially leading to financial losses,
impacts on customer service or regulatory and/or legal action.
The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the Westpac Group’s ability to pay dividends and the Westpac
Group elected not to pay an interim dividend last financial year given the desire to retain a strong
balance sheet and the ongoing uncertainty in the operating environment. It is possible that the COVID-
19 pandemic, or another communicable disease outbreak or pandemic, will negatively impact the
Westpac Group’s ability to pay future dividends or make capital distributions. It could also impact the
Westpac Group’s ability to raise capital, and have an adverse impact on Westpac’s financial condition.
Westpac could be adversely affected by legal or regulatory change
The Westpac Group’s business, prospects, reputation, financial performance and financial condition
have been, and could in the future be, adversely affected by changes to law, regulation, policies,
supervisory activities and the expectations of Westpac’s regulators. The Westpac Group operates in
an environment where there is increased regulation and scrutiny of financial services providers.
Regulatory change has directly and adversely affected the Westpac Group’s financial performance and
financial condition and could do so in the future. In recent years, laws and regulations have been
18
introduced requiring Westpac to hold more liquidity and higher capital, and a Bank Levy (based on
liabilities) has been imposed on Australia’s largest banks.
Regulatory changes may also affect how Westpac operates and has altered the way Westpac provides
its products and services, in some cases requiring Westpac to change or discontinue its offerings.
Regulation could also limit Westpac’s flexibility, require it to incur substantial costs, impact the
profitability of its businesses, result in the Westpac Group being unable to increase or maintain market
share and/or create pressure on margins and fees.
Regulation impacting Westpac’s business may not always be released in a timely manner before its
date of implementation. Similarly, early announcements of regulatory change may not be specific and
significantly differ from the final regulation. In those cases, the Westpac Group may not be able to
effectively manage its compliance design in the timeframes available. Further, increases in the volume
of regulatory change being managed simultaneously has and will continue to create risk through
challenging Westpac’s ability to access required subject matter expertise and the execution risks
associated with implementing simultaneous change.
Relevant governments or regulators could also revise their application of regulatory policies, thereby
impacting Westpac’s business (such as macro-prudential limits on lending, as indicated by the
Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (“APRA”) in its letter to Authorised Deposit-taking
Institutions (“ADIs”) released in October 2021 which sets out APRA’s expectations for ADIs to use an
interest rate that is at least 3.0 percentage points above the loan product rate to assess new borrowers’
ability to meet their loan repayments).
It is critical the Westpac Group manages regulatory change effectively. The failure to do so has
resulted, and could in the future result, in the Westpac Group not meeting its compliance obligations,
the risks of which are set out below. Westpac expects that it will continue to invest significantly in
compliance and the management and implementation of regulatory change. Significant management
attention and resources may be required to update existing, or implement new, processes to comply
with such new regulations.
There is additional information on certain aspects of regulatory changes affecting the Westpac Group
in ‘Significant developments’ below.
Westpac has been and could be adversely affected by failing to comply with laws, regulations
or regulatory policy
Westpac is responsible for ensuring that it complies with all applicable legal and regulatory
requirements and industry codes of practice in the jurisdictions in which it operates or obtains funding.
The Westpac Group is subject to conduct and compliance risk. These risks are exacerbated by the
increasing complexity and volume of regulation, including where Westpac interprets its obligations and
rights differently to regulators or a Court, tribunal or other body. The potential for this is heightened
when regulation is new, untested or is not accompanied by extensive regulatory guidance.
The Westpac Group’s compliance management system is designed to identify, assess and manage
compliance risk. However, this system has not always been, and may not always be, effective.
Breakdowns have, and may in the future, occur due to flaws in the design or implementation of controls
19
or processes. This has resulted in, and may in the future result in, potential breaches of compliance
obligations as well as poor customer outcomes.
Conduct risk could occur through the provision of products and services to customers that do not meet
their needs or do not meet the expectations of the market, as well as the poor conduct of the Westpac
Group’s employees, contractors, agents, authorised representatives and external services providers.
This could occur through a failure to meet professional obligations to specific clients (including fiduciary
and suitability requirements), weakness in risk culture, corporate governance or organisational culture,
poor product design and implementation, failure to adequately consider customer needs or selling
products and services outside of customer target markets. This could include deliberate, reckless or
negligent actions by such individuals that could result in the circumvention of Westpac’s controls,
processes and procedures. The Westpac Group depends on its people to ‘do the right thing’ to meet
its compliance obligations and abide by its Code of Conduct. Inappropriate or poor conduct by these
individuals such as not following a policy or engaging in misconduct has resulted, and could result, in
poor customer outcomes and a failure by the Westpac Group to meet its compliance obligations.
While Westpac has frameworks, policies, processes and controls that are designed to manage poor
conduct outcomes, these frameworks, policies, processes and controls have been, and may be,
ineffective. This could result in financial losses (including incurring substantial remediation costs and
as a result of litigation by regulators and customers) and reputational damage, which could adversely
affect Westpac’s business, prospects, financial performance or financial condition.
The Westpac Group’s failure, or suspected failure, to comply with a compliance obligation has in the
past and could in the future lead to a regulator commencing surveillance or an investigation. The
Australian Securities and Investments Commission’s (“ASIC”) new breach reporting regime, which
commenced on 1 October 2021, significantly expands the Westpac Group’s obligation to report certain
breaches (or likely breaches) to ASIC, which could give rise to additional regulatory scrutiny. The
Westpac Group is currently subject to a number of investigations and reviews by regulators, and is
responding to a high volume of regulatory requests from APRA, ASIC and other regulators. The
Westpac Group has devoted (and will need to continue to devote) significant resources and has
incurred (and will continue to incur) costs for these reviews and investigations, which may adversely
affect Westpac’s business, operations, reputation and financial performance.
Depending on the circumstances, regulatory reviews and investigations have in the past and may in
the future result in a regulator taking administrative or enforcement action against the Westpac Group
and/or its representatives. Regulators have broad powers, and in certain circumstances, can issue
directions to Westpac (such as a direction to take remedial action). Regulators could also pursue civil
or criminal proceedings, seeking substantial fines, civil penalties or other enforcement outcomes. In
addition, regulatory investigations may lead to adverse findings against directors and management,
including potential disqualification.
APRA can also require the Westpac Group to hold additional capital either through a capital overlay or
higher risk weighted assets (“RWAs”). APRA imposed a A$500 million overlay to the Westpac Group’s
operational risk capital requirement following the completion of its self-assessment into its frameworks
and practices in relation to culture, governance and accountability and a further A$500 million overlay
following the commencement of civil penalty proceedings by the Australian Transaction Reports and
Analysis Centre (“AUSTRAC”) (both overlays were applied through an increase in RWAs). If the
Westpac Group incurs additional capital overlays, it may need to raise additional capital, which could
have an adverse impact on the Westpac Group’s financial performance and financial condition.
20
The political and regulatory environment that the Westpac Group operates in has seen (and may in the
future see) its regulators (including any new regulator) receive new powers along with materially
increased penalties for corporate and financial sector misconduct. For example, ASIC can commence
civil penalty proceedings and seek civil penalties (currently up to A$555 million per offence) against an
Australian Financial Services licensee (such as Westpac) for failing to do all things necessary to ensure
that financial services provided under the licence are provided efficiently, honestly and fairly. The
Westpac Group may also face significant civil or criminal penalties for failing to comply with other
obligations, and a failure by the Westpac Group may result in multiple contraventions leading to large
penalties.
Westpac’s regulators have adjusted and may in the future continue to adjust the way they approach
oversight, potentially preferring their enforcement powers over a more consultative approach. For
example, APRA has committed to a revised enforcement approach (including a new Supervision Risk
and Intensity Model), indicating it will use enforcement where appropriate to prevent and address
serious prudential risks and hold entities and individuals to account.
There may also be a shift in the type and focus of enforcement proceedings commenced by regulators
in the future. Regulators may increasingly seek to refer investigations to the Commonwealth
Department of Public Prosecutions or other prosecutorial bodies for potential criminal prosecution. This
may result in an increase in criminal prosecutions against institutions and/or their employees or
representatives. Given the size of Westpac, these investigations could result in findings of a significant
number of breaches of obligations, which could lead to significant financial and other penalties. This
could also result in reputational damage and impact the willingness of customers, investors and other
stakeholders to deal with Westpac.
Regulatory action commenced against the Westpac Group has exposed and may in the future expose
the Westpac Group to an increased risk of litigation brought by third parties (including through class
action proceedings), which may require the Westpac Group to pay compensation to third parties and/or
undertake further remediation activities.
Regulatory investigations, inquiries, litigation, fines, penalties, infringement notices, revocation,
suspension or variation of conditions of regulatory licences or other enforcement or administrative
action or agreements (such as enforceable undertakings) could, either individually or in aggregate with
other regulatory action, adversely affect Westpac’s business, prospects, reputation, financial
performance or financial condition. There is additional information on certain aspects of regulatory
matters that may affect the Westpac Group in ‘Significant developments’ below.
Westpac has suffered, and in the future could suffer, losses and be adversely affected by the
failure to implement effective risk management
Westpac’s risk management framework has not always been, or may not in the future prove to be,
effective.
This could be because the design of the framework is inadequate or that key risk management policies,
controls and processes may be ineffective, due to inadequacies in their design, technology failures or
because of poor implementation or high execution risk. The potential for these types of failings is
heightened if the Westpac Group does not have enough appropriately skilled, trained and qualified
employees in key positions.
21
There are also inherent limitations with any risk management framework as risks may exist, or emerge
in the future, that Westpac has not anticipated or identified, and its controls may not be effective.
The risk management framework may also prove ineffective because of weaknesses in risk culture or
risk governance practices and policies, which may result in risks and control weaknesses not being
identified, escalated or acted upon.
Recent analysis and reviews, in addition to regulatory feedback, have highlighted that the framework
is not operating satisfactorily in a number of respects and needs to be improved. The Westpac Group
has a number of risks which sit outside Westpac’s risk appetite or do not meet the expectations of
regulators. Many of these areas requiring improvement relate to the enforceable undertaking entered
into with APRA by Westpac in December 2020. Further, the design or operation of Westpac’s
remuneration structures may not always encourage prudent risk management as intended, potentially
resulting in staff engaging in excessive risk-taking behaviours.
As part of the Westpac Group’s risk management framework, the Westpac Group measures and
monitors risks against its risk appetite. If a risk is out-of-appetite, the Westpac Group needs to take
steps to bring this risk back into appetite in a timely way. However, the Westpac Group may not always
be able to achieve this within proposed timeframes. This may occur because, for example, the Westpac
Group experiences delays in enhancing its information technology systems or in recruiting sufficient
numbers of appropriately trained staff for required activities. It is also possible that due to external
factors beyond Westpac’s control, certain risks may be inherently outside of appetite for periods of
time. The Westpac Group is required to periodically review its risk management framework to
determine if it remains appropriate.
If the Westpac Group is unable to bring risks back into appetite, or if it is determined that the Westpac
Group’s risk management framework or risk governance practices and policies are no longer
appropriate, the Westpac Group may incur unexpected losses and be required to undertake
considerable remedial work, including incurring substantial costs. The failure to remedy this situation
could result in increased scrutiny from regulators, who could require (amongst other things) that the
Westpac Group hold additional capital or direct the Westpac Group to spend money to enhance its risk
management systems and controls. Weaknesses in risk management systems and controls led to
APRA requiring Westpac to hold additional capital following the completion of its Culture, Governance
and accountability self-assessment, and the payment of a civil penalty of A$1.3 billion as a result of
the civil penalty proceedings brought by AUSTRAC against Westpac. In December 2020, APRA
accepted an Enforceable Undertaking from Westpac, reflecting the crystallisation of many of the risks
discussed above, and APRA has approved Westpac’s integrated plan in relation to risk governance. In
March 2021 the Reserve Bank of New Zealand (“RBNZ”) raised concerns in relation to Westpac New
Zealand Limited’s (“WNZL”) risk governance practices and policies and as a result, external reviews
are being conducted of WNZL’s risk governance and liquidity management. The RBNZ also amended
WNZL’s conditions of registration in March 2021, requiring WNZL to discount the value of its liquid
assets by approximately 14 per cent. Inadequacies in addressing risks or in the Westpac Group’s risk
management framework could also result in the Westpac Group failing to meet a compliance obligation
and/or financial losses.
If any of Westpac’s governance or risk management processes and procedures prove ineffective or
inadequate or are otherwise not appropriately implemented, as has occurred, Westpac could be
exposed to higher levels of risk than expected which may result in unexpected losses, imposition of
22
capital requirements, breaches of compliance obligations and reputational damage which could
adversely affect its business, prospects, financial performance or financial condition.
The failure to comply with financial crime obligations has had and could have further adverse
effects on Westpac’s business and reputation
The Westpac Group is subject to anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing (“AML/CTF”)
laws, anti-bribery and corruption laws, economic and trade sanctions laws and tax transparency laws
in the jurisdictions in which it operates. These laws can be complex and, in some circumstances,
impose a diverse range of obligations. As a result, regulatory, operational and compliance risks are
heightened.
AML/CTF laws also require Westpac to report certain matters and transactions to regulators (including
international funds transfer instructions (“IFTIs”), threshold transaction reports (“TTRs”) and suspicious
matter reports (“SMRs”)) and ensure that certain information is not disclosed to third parties in a way
that would contravene the ‘tipping off’ provisions in AML/CTF legislation. The failure to comply with
these laws has had, and in the future may have, adverse impacts for the Westpac Group.
In recent years there has been, and there continues to be, increased focus on compliance with financial
crime obligations, with regulators globally commencing large-scale investigations and taking
enforcement action for identified non-compliance (often seeking significant penalties). Further, due to
the Westpac Group’s large number of customers and transaction volumes, the undetected failure or
the ineffective implementation, monitoring or remediation of a system, policy, process or control
(including a regulatory reporting obligation) has resulted, and could in the future result, in a significant
number of breaches of AML/CTF obligations. This in turn could lead to significant financial penalties,
and other adverse impacts for the Westpac Group, such as reputational damage.
While the Westpac Group has systems, policies, processes and controls in place designed to manage
its financial crime obligations (including reporting obligations), these have not always been, and may
not in the future always be, effective. This could be for a range of reasons, including, for example, a
deficiency in the design of a control or a technology failure. Westpac’s analysis and reviews, in addition
to regulator feedback, have highlighted that its systems, policies, processes and controls are not
always operating satisfactorily in a number of respects and require improvement.
The Westpac Group is currently undertaking a significant multi-year program of work to strengthen
areas of control weakness in its financial crime risk management program and to seek to rectify the
management of this risk. In recent years, the Westpac Group has increased dedicated financial crime
risk expertise and resources to deliver the financial crime program of work. With increased focus on
financial crime, further issues requiring attention have been identified and may continue to be identified.
Although the Westpac Group provides updates to AUSTRAC, the Australian Taxation Office (the “ATO”)
and other regulators on its remediation and other program activities, there is no assurance that
AUSTRAC, the ATO or other regulators will agree that its remediation and program update activities
will be adequate or effectively enhance the Westpac Group’s compliance programs.
If Westpac fails to comply with these financial crime obligations, Westpac could face regulatory
enforcement action such as litigation, significant fines, penalties and the revocation, suspension or
variation of licence conditions. Previous enforcement action by AUSTRAC has resulted in a range of
outcomes, depending on the nature and severity of the relevant conduct and its consequences,
23
including substantial financial penalties (such as the A$1.3 billion civil penalty Westpac paid as a result
of civil proceedings brought by AUSTRAC in November 2019), restrictions and other regulator imposed
conditions. There is additional information on financial crime matters in ‘Significant developments’
below.
Non-compliance or alleged non-compliance with Westpac’s financial crime related obligations has also
resulted in, and could lead to regulatory investigations, reviews, inquiries, proceedings or other
litigation commenced by third parties (including Australian, US or other class actions), and regulatory
action in non-Australian jurisdictions where Westpac operates. Any such litigation or proceedings could
cause significant financial and reputational damage to Westpac. Reputational damage could result in
the loss of customers or restrict the Westpac Group’s ability to efficiently access capital markets, which
could have a material adverse effect on the Westpac Group’s business, reputation, prospects, financial
performance and financial condition. Furthermore, any such effect could harm the Westpac Group’s
credit ratings.
Climate change may have adverse effects on Westpac’s business
Westpac, its customers, external suppliers and communities in which Westpac operates, may be
adversely affected by the physical risks of climate change, including increases in temperatures,
rising sea levels, loss of biodiversity and ecosystem degradation and the frequency and severity
of adverse climatic events including fires, storms, floods and droughts. These effects, whether
acute or chronic in nature, may directly impact Westpac and its customers through, for example,
disruptions to business and economic activity or impacts on income and asset values. Adverse
impacts on Westpac’s customers may lead to human rights risk, and negatively impact loan
serviceability and security values, as well as Westpac’s profitability.
Westpac is exposed to risk arising from initiatives and trends associated with climate change
mitigation (transition risks). Changes in supervisory expectations of banks, other regulatory
changes and changes in investor appetite could directly impact Westpac, for example, by giving
rise to higher compliance and/or funding costs and the contraction of revenue from sectors
materially exposed to transition risk. Examples of regulatory change in this space include APRA’s
Climate Vulnerability Assessment involving major Australian banks including Westpac; APRA’s
draft Prudential Practice Guide on climate change financial risks; and the introduction of
legislation in New Zealand to require mandatory climate-risk reporting for the financial sector.
Westpac is also exposed to transition risk indirectly through its lending to higher risk sectors or
regions. Technological developments, regulatory changes, stakeholder pressure and shifting
customer preferences may place additional pressure on certain customer sectors to reduce
greenhouse gas emissions, which could in turn result in additional credit risk, or loss of revenues
due to changes in markets. Conversely, Westpac may not be able to reduce its lending to higher
risk sectors or regions as a result of possible stakeholder requirements to continue to lend to
certain customer sectors.
Westpac may be subject, from time to time, to legal and business challenges due to actions
instituted by activist shareholders or others. An example of areas which have attracted
shareholder activism in Australia includes avoiding financing or interacting with businesses that
are not perceived to demonstrate responsible management of environmental and social issues.
Should the Westpac Group be required to respond to these challenges, this could give rise to
increased costs, reputational risk and additional disclosures associated with such matters. In
24
addition, there could be heightened litigation risk due to varying shareholder expectations or
additional disclosures or commitments made by Westpac to shareholders. Perceived
uncertainties as to Westpac’s future direction as a result of shareholder activism may lead to the
perception of a change in the direction of the business or other instability.
Further, any failure or perceived failure by Westpac to proactively manage and disclose climate
change risks appropriately may in turn increase the risk of third party and shareholder litigation,
or regulatory action against the Westpac Group (and/or its customers), with these types of
climate-related actions becoming more common in Australia and globally. Further, Westpac
expects scrutiny from shareholders and regulators on the climate-related risk management
practices and lending policies of banks and other financial institutions to remain high in Australia
in coming years.
Westpac is also exposed to broader geopolitical and macro-economic impacts of climate change
given its international portfolio. Climate change may remove stability from both domestic and
international economic conditions and may impact customer confidence in these markets.
Failure to effectively manage and disclose direct and indirect climate-related risks including
nature-related risks such as biodiversity loss and ecosystem degradation could adversely affect
Westpac’s business, prospects, reputation, financial performance or financial condition.
Reputational damage has harmed and could in the future harm Westpac’s business and
prospects
Reputational risk arises where there are differences between stakeholders’ current and emerging
perceptions, beliefs and expectations and Westpac’s past, current and planned activities,
processes, performance and behaviours.
There are various potential sources of reputational damage. For example, where Westpac’s
actions cause, or are perceived to cause, a negative outcome for customers, shareholders,
stakeholders or the community. Reputational damage could also arise from the failure to
effectively manage risks, failure to comply with legal and regulatory requirements, enforcement
or supervisory action by regulators, adverse findings from regulatory reviews, failure or perceived
failure to adequately respond to community, environmental, social and ethical issues, and
inadequate record keeping, which may prevent Westpac from demonstrating that or determining
if a past decision was appropriate at the time it was made. The AUSTRAC proceedings illustrate
a number of these risks.
Westpac also recognises the potential reputational consequences (together with other potential
commercial and operational consequences) of failing to appropriately identify, assess and
manage environmental, social and governance related risks such as climate change risk, human
rights risk including customer vulnerability, modern slavery and child safety risk, or respond
effectively to evolving standards and stakeholder expectations.
Westpac’s reputation could also be adversely affected by the actions of customers, suppliers,
joint-venture partners, strategic partners, or other counterparties.
Failure, or perceived failure, to address issues that could or do give rise to reputational risk, has
created, and could in the future create additional legal risk, subject Westpac to regulatory
25
investigations, regulatory enforcement actions, fines and penalties or litigation or other actions
brought by third parties (including class actions), and the requirement to remediate and
compensate customers, including prospective customers, investors and the market. This could
adversely affect Westpac’s business, prospects, financial performance or financial condition.
Westpac has and could suffer losses due to litigation
Westpac and its subsidiaries are, from time to time, involved in legal proceedings (including class
actions), regulatory actions or arbitration. Such litigation has been and could in the future be
commenced by a range of plaintiffs, such as customers, shareholders, suppliers, counterparties and
regulators.
In recent years, there has been an increase in class action proceedings, many of which have resulted
in significant monetary settlements. The risk of class actions has been heightened by a number of
factors, including regulatory enforcement actions (such as the civil penalty proceedings brought by
AUSTRAC), an increase in the number of regulatory investigations and inquiries (such as the Royal
Commission into Misconduct in the Banking, Superannuation and Financial Services Industry (the
“Royal Commission”)), a greater willingness on the part of regulators to commence court
proceedings, more intense media scrutiny and the growth of third-party litigation funding and other
funding arrangements. Class actions commenced against a competitor could also lead to similar
proceedings against Westpac.
Litigation (including class actions) may, either individually or in aggregate, adversely affect the Westpac
Group’s business, operations, prospects, reputation or financial condition. This risk is heightened by
increases in the severity of penalties for certain breaches of the law. Such matters are subject to many
uncertainties and the outcome may not be predicted accurately. Furthermore, the Westpac Group’s
ability to respond to and defend litigation may be adversely affected by inadequate record keeping.
Depending on the outcome of any litigation, the Westpac Group has been and may in the future be
required to comply with broad court orders, including compliance orders, enforcement orders or
otherwise pay significant damages, fines, penalties or legal costs.
In addition, the case studies considered by the Royal Commission, and the Royal Commission’s
findings, have led, and may in the future lead to, regulators commencing investigations and/or
enforcement action against the Westpac Group.
There is a risk that the actual penalty or damages paid following a settlement or determination by a
Court for any legal proceedings may be materially higher or lower than any relevant provision (where
applicable) or that any contingent liability may be larger than anticipated. There is also a risk that
additional litigation or contingent liabilities arise, all of which could adversely affect Westpac’s business,
prospects, reputation, financial performance or financial condition.
There is additional information on certain legal proceedings that may affect the Westpac Group in
‘Significant developments’ below.
Westpac could suffer losses due to technology failures
Maintaining the reliability, integrity and security of Westpac’s information and technology is crucial to
Westpac’s business.
26
While the Westpac Group has a number of processes in place to preserve and monitor the availability
and recovery of its systems, there is a risk that its information and technology systems might fail to
operate properly or result in outages, including from events wholly or partially beyond its control.
If Westpac incurs a technology failure, it may fail to meet a compliance obligation (such as retaining
records and data for a certain period), or its customers may be adversely affected, including through
the inability for them to access Westpac’s products and services, privacy breaches or the loss of
personal data. This could result in reputational damage, remediation costs and a regulator
commencing an investigation and/or taking action against Westpac. The use of legacy systems, as
well as the work underway to uplift Westpac’s technological capabilities, may heighten the risk of a
technology failure.
Westpac needs to regularly renew and enhance its technology to deliver new products and services,
comply with regulatory obligations and meet its customers’ and regulators’ expectations. Consequently,
Westpac is constantly managing new technology projects. Failure to effectively implement these
projects could result in cost overruns, reduced productivity, outages, operational instability, compliance
failures, reputational damage and/or the loss of market share. This could place Westpac at a
competitive disadvantage and adversely affect its business, prospects, financial performance or
financial condition.
Westpac is exposed to adverse funding market conditions
Westpac relies on deposits, money markets, and capital markets to fund its business and source
liquidity. Westpac’s liquidity and costs of obtaining funding are related to funding market conditions.
Funding markets can be unpredictable and experience extended periods of extreme volatility,
disruption and decreased liquidity. The main risks Westpac faces are damage to market confidence,
changes to the access and cost of funding, a slowing in global economic activity or other impacts on
customers or counterparties.
A shift in investment preferences, or an unwind of the Reserve Bank of Australia’s (“RBA”) quantitative
easing measures as the economy continues to improve, could result in deposit withdrawals which could
increase Westpac’s need for funding from other, potentially less stable, or more expensive sources. In
addition, APRA’s announcement on 10 September 2021 that ADIs should reduce their usage of the
Committed Liquidity Facility (“CLF”) to zero by the end of 2022 will increase Westpac’s need for funding
in the calendar year ending 31 December 2022.
If market conditions deteriorate due to economic, financial, political or other reasons, there may also
be a loss of confidence in bank deposits leading to unexpected withdrawals. This could increase
funding costs and Westpac’s liquidity, funding and lending activities may be constrained and its
financial solvency threatened.
If its current sources of funding prove to be insufficient, Westpac may need to seek alternatives which
will depend on factors such as market conditions, its credit ratings and market capacity. Even if
available, these alternatives may be more expensive or on unfavourable terms, which could adversely
affect its financial performance, liquidity, capital resources or financial condition.
If Westpac is unable to source appropriate funding, it may be forced to reduce lending or liquidity. This
may adversely impact Westpac’s business, prospects, liquidity, capital resources, financial
27
performance or financial condition. If Westpac is unable to source appropriate funding for an extended
period, or if it can no longer realise liquidity, it may not be able to pay its debts as and when they fall
due or meet other contractual obligations.
Westpac enters into collateralised derivative obligations, which may require Westpac to post additional
collateral based on market movements, which has the potential to adversely affect Westpac’s liquidity
or ability to use derivative obligations to hedge its interest rate, currency and other financial instrument
risks.
Westpac could be adversely affected by the risk of inadequate capital levels under stressed
conditions
The risk of an inadequate level or composition of capital to support normal business activities and to
meet regulatory capital requirements under normal operating environments or stressed conditions has
been highlighted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Regulatory change has led banks to hold higher capital,
specifically for the implementation of future capital and RWA regulations coming into effect from 2023.
APRA requires banks to maintain bank capital ratios at above the 10.5 per cent. “unquestionably
strong” benchmark to prepare for this change although the impact on each bank will be different due
to different balance sheet and portfolio mix. Capital distribution constraints apply when an ADI’s
Common Equity Tier 1 Capital (“CET 1 capital”) ratio is within the capital buffer range (consisting of
the Capital Conservation Buffer plus any Countercyclical Capital Buffer). Capital constraints could have
an impact on Westpac’s ability to pay future dividends or make capital distributions. Adverse conditions
and / or adverse regulatory change could impact Westpac’s capital adequacy, trigger capital
distribution constraints, require Westpac to make a highly dilutive capital raising or threaten Westpac’s
financial viability.
Sovereign risk may destabilise financial markets adversely
Sovereign risk is the risk that governments will default on their debt obligations or will be unable to
refinance their debts as they fall due. Potential sovereign debt defaults and the risk that governments
will nationalise parts of their economy including assets of financial institutions such as Westpac could
negatively impact the value of its holdings of liquid assets. Such an event could destabilise global
financial markets, adversely affecting Westpac’s liquidity, financial performance or financial condition.
There may also be a cascading effect to other markets and countries, the consequences of which,
while difficult to predict, may be similar to or worse than those experienced during the global financial
crisis of 2007 to 2008.
Westpac could be adversely affected by the failure to maintain its credit ratings
Credit ratings are independent opinions on Westpac’s creditworthiness. Westpac’s credit ratings can
affect the cost and availability of its funding and may be important to certain customers or
counterparties when evaluating its products and services.
Credit ratings assigned to Westpac by rating agencies are based on an evaluation of several factors,
including the structure of Australia’s financial system, the economy and Australia’s Sovereign credit
rating, as well as Westpac’s financial strength, the quality of its governance and risk appetite. A rating
downgrade could be driven by a downgrade of Australia’s Sovereign credit rating, or one or more of
the risks identified in this section or by other events, including changes to the methodologies rating
agencies use to determine credit ratings.
28
A credit rating or rating outlook could be downgraded or revised, where credit rating agencies believe
there is a very high level of uncertainty on the impact to key rating factors from a significant event (such
as a pandemic).
A downgrade to Westpac’s credit ratings could have an adverse effect on its cost of funds, collateral
requirements, liquidity, competitive position, and its access to capital markets and its financial stability.
The extent and nature of these impacts would depend on various factors, including the extent of any
rating change, differences across agencies (split ratings) and whether competitors or the sector are
also impacted.
Westpac’s business is substantially dependent on the Australian and New Zealand economies,
and could be adversely affected by a shock to these economies or other financial systems
Westpac’s revenues and earnings are dependent on domestic and international economic activity,
business conditions and the level of financial services Westpac’s customers require. Most of Westpac’s
business is conducted in Australia and New Zealand so Westpac’s performance is influenced by the
level and cyclical nature of activity in these countries.
The financial services industry and capital markets have been, and may continue to be, adversely
affected by volatility, global economic conditions, external events, geopolitical instability, political
developments or a major systemic shock.
Market and economic disruptions could cause consumer and business spending to decrease,
unemployment to rise and demand for Westpac’s products and services to decline, thereby reducing
its earnings. These events could also undermine confidence in the financial system, reduce liquidity,
impair access to funding and adversely affect its customers and counterparties. In addition, any
significant decrease in housing and commercial property valuations could adversely impact lending
activities, possibly leading to higher credit losses.
Due to the economic relationship between Australia/ New Zealand and China, particularly in the mining,
resources and agricultural sectors, a slowdown in China’s economic growth and foreign government
policies (including the adoption of protectionist trade measures) could negatively impact the Australian
economy. Changes in commodity prices, Chinese government policies, China’s economic conditions
or China’s real estate sector could reduce demand for Westpac’s products and services and affect the
level of economic activity and the ability of its borrowers to repay their loans.
Monetary policy can significantly impact the Westpac Group and the economic conditions of the
jurisdictions Westpac operates or obtains funding in. Interest rate settings (including low or negative
rates) and other actions taken by central banks (such as quantitative easing) may adversely affect
Westpac’s cost of funds, the value of its lending and investments and its margins. These policies could
affect demand for its products and services and/or have a negative impact on the Westpac Group’s
customers and counterparties, potentially increasing the risk that they will default.
All these factors could adversely affect Westpac’s business, prospects, financial performance or
financial condition. The nature and consequences of any such event are difficult to predict and there is
a risk that Westpac’s response may be ineffective.
Declines in asset markets could adversely affect Westpac’s operations or profitability
29
Potential declines in Australian, New Zealand or other asset markets, including equity, residential and
commercial property markets, have adversely affected, and could in the future adversely affect,
Westpac’s operations and profitability.
Declining asset prices could also impact customers and counterparties and the value of security
(including residential and commercial property) Westpac holds. This may impact Westpac’s ability to
recover amounts owing to it if customers or counterparties default. It may also affect Westpac’s
impairment charges and provisions, in turn impacting Westpac’s financial performance and financial
condition.
Declining asset prices also impact Westpac’s wealth management business as its earnings partly
depend on fees based on the value of securities and/or assets held or managed.
Risks related to Westpac’s business activities and industry
An increase in defaults has adversely affected and could further adversely affect Westpac’s
financial performance or financial condition
Westpac establishes provisions for credit impairment based on current information and its
expectations. If economic conditions deteriorate beyond Westpac’s expectations, some customers
and/or counterparties could experience higher financial stress, leading to an increase in defaults and
write-offs, and higher provisioning. Such events could adversely affect Westpac’s liquidity, capital
resources, financial performance or financial condition.
These risks have been heightened by the COVID-19 pandemic, which has negatively impacted
economic activity and caused a range of customers to experience financial stress.
The long-term impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on customers and the magnitude of defaults or
impairments is uncertain. For example, consumers may permanently decrease discretionary spending,
which may increase the time it takes certain industries to recover.
Credit risk also arises from certain derivative, clearing and settlement contracts Westpac enters into,
and from its dealings in, and holdings of, debt securities issued by other institutions, the financial
conditions of which may be affected to varying degrees by economic conditions in global financial
markets.
Westpac faces intense competition in all aspects of its business
The financial services industry is highly competitive. Westpac competes with a range of firms, including
retail and commercial banks, investment banks, other financial service companies, fintech companies
and businesses in other industries with financial services aspirations. This includes those competitors
who are not subject to the same capital and regulatory requirements as Westpac which may allow
those competitors to operate more flexibly.
Emerging competitors are increasingly altering the competitive environment by adopting new business
models or seeking to use new technologies to disrupt existing business models.
30
The competitive environment may also change as a result of increased scrutiny by regulators in the
sector, and legislative reforms such as ‘Open Banking’, which will stimulate competition, improve
customer choice and likely give rise to increased competition from new and existing firms.
Competition in the various markets in which Westpac operates has led, and may continue to lead, to
a decline in its margins or market share.
Deposits fund a significant portion of Westpac’s balance sheet and have been a relatively stable source
of funding. If Westpac is not able to successfully compete for deposits this could increase its cost of
funding, lead it to seek access to other types of funding or result in Westpac reducing its lending.
Westpac’s ability to compete depends on its ability to offer products and services that meet evolving
customer preferences. Not responding to changes in customer preferences could see Westpac lose
customers. This could adversely affect Westpac’s business, prospects, financial performance or
financial condition.
Westpac has and could suffer losses due to operational risks
Operational risk includes, among other things, reputational risk, technology risk, model risk and
outsourcing risk, as well as the risk of business disruption due to external events such as natural
disasters, or outbreaks of communicable diseases, environmental hazards, damage to critical utilities,
and targeted activism and protest activity. While Westpac has policies, processes and controls in place
to manage these risks, these have not always been, or may not be, effective.
Ineffective processes and controls have resulted in, and could result in, adverse outcomes for
Westpac’s customers. For example, a process breakdown or a failure to have appropriate product
governance and monitoring processes in place could result in a customer not receiving a product on
the terms, conditions, or pricing they agreed to, potentially to the detriment of the customer. Failed
processes could also result in Westpac incurring losses because Westpac cannot enforce its expected
contractual rights. These types of operational failures may also result in financial losses, customer
remediation, regulatory scrutiny and intervention and, depending on the nature of the failure, result in
class action proceedings.
Westpac has and could in the future, incur losses from fraudulent applications for loans or from
incorrect or fraudulent payments and settlements. Fraudulent conduct can also arise from external
parties seeking to access the bank’s systems or customer accounts. If systems, procedures and
protocols for managing fraud fail, or are ineffective, they could lead to losses which could adversely
affect Westpac’s customers, business, prospects, reputation, financial performance or financial
condition.
Westpac is also exposed to model risk, being the risk of loss arising from errors or inadequacies in
data or a model, or in the control and use of a model.
Financial services entities have been increasingly sharing data with third parties, such as suppliers
and regulators, to conduct their business and meet regulatory obligations. Each third party can give
rise to a variety of risks, including financial crime compliance, information security, cyber, privacy,
regulatory compliance, reputation, environmental and business continuity risks.
31
Westpac also relies on a number of suppliers, both in Australia and overseas, to provide services to it
and its customers. Failures by these third-party contractors and suppliers to deliver services as
required could disrupt Westpac’s ability to provide its products and services and adversely impact its
operations, financial performance or reputation.
Another possible source of disruption to the Westpac Group is central banks adopting negative interest
rates. If this occurred, the technology systems used by the Westpac Group, its counterparties and/or
financial infrastructure providers may not operate correctly and this may cause loss or damage to the
Westpac Group and/or its counterparties.
Westpac could suffer losses due to market volatility
Westpac is exposed to market risk due to its financial markets businesses, its defined benefit plan
and through asset and liability management (including through volatility in prices of equity
securities it holds or is exposed to).
Market risk is the risk of an adverse impact on earnings resulting from changes in market factors,
such as foreign exchange rates, commodity prices, equity prices, and interest rates (including low
or negative interest rates and any resulting pressure placed on the Westpac Group’s interest
margins). This includes interest rate risk in the banking book due to a mismatch between the
duration of assets and liabilities arising from the normal course of business activities.
Changes in markets could be driven by numerous developments resulting in market volatility
which could lead to substantial losses (including changes in the return on, value of or market for
securities or other instruments). This may adversely affect its business, prospects, liquidity, capital
resources, financial performance or financial condition.
The planned cessation of parts of the London Inter-bank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) regime from 1
January 2022, continuation of some U.S. Dollar LIBOR settings until 30 June 2023 and possible
pre–cessation events will also continue to impact market pricing. Industry pressure to migrate to
alternative reference rates is likely to occur earlier.
Any future changes in the administration of LIBOR or other market benchmarks could have
adverse consequences for the return on, value of and market for securities and other instruments
linked to any such benchmark, including securities or other instruments issued by the Westpac
Group. While Westpac is monitoring its exposure to LIBOR, it remains dependent on market
developments in relation to the LIBOR transition, which may have an impact on market pricing for,
or valuations of, its LIBOR exposures and migrated alternative reference rate exposures.
Poor data quality could adversely affect Westpac’s business and operations
Accurate, complete and reliable data, along with appropriate data control, retention and access
frameworks and processes, is critical to Westpac’s business. Data plays a key role in how Westpac
provides products and services to customers, its systems, its risk management framework and its
decision-making and strategic planning.
In some areas of its business, Westpac is affected by poor data quality. This has occurred and could
arise in the future in a number of ways, including through inadequacies in systems, processes and
policies, or the ineffective implementation of data management frameworks.
32
Poor data quality could lead to poor customer service, negative risk management outcomes, and
deficiencies in credit systems and processes. Any deficiency in credit systems and processes could,
in turn, have a negative impact on Westpac’s decision making in the provision of credit and the terms
on which it is provided. Westpac also needs accurate data for financial and other reporting.
Poor data or poor records management has affected, currently affects and may in the future continue
to affect Westpac’s ability to monitor its business, respond to regulatory notices and conduct
remediation. In addition, poor data or poor data retention has affected, currently affects and may in the
future continue to affect Westpac’s ability to meet its compliance obligations (including its regulatory
reporting obligations) which could lead to a regulator taking action against it. For example, APRA has
raised concerns regarding Westpac’s data quality, including missing data and its increasing trend of
resubmissions of regulatory reporting. The RBA and Australian Bureau of Statistics also footnote that
they exclude Westpac’s data from certain economic and financial statistics reports. Due to the
importance of data, the Westpac Group has and will likely continue to incur substantial costs and
devote significant effort to improving the quality of data and data frameworks and processes and
remediating deficiencies where necessary.
The consequences and effects arising from poor data quality or poor data retention could have an
adverse impact on the Westpac Group’s business, operations, prospects, reputation, financial
performance and/or financial condition.
Breakdowns in processes and procedures have required, and could in the future require,
Westpac to undertake remediation activity
Breakdowns in Westpac’s processes and procedures have led to, and could in the future lead to,
adverse outcomes for customers, employees or other third parties which Westpac is required to
remediate.
The Westpac Group has, on a number of occasions, incurred significant remediation costs
(including compensation payments and costs of correcting the issue), and there is a risk that
similar or new issues will arise or be identified in the future requiring remediation. These may be
identified as Westpac implements the Westpac Group’s Fix and Simplify strategic priorities.
There are significant challenges and risks involved in remediation activities. Westpac’s ability to
investigate the underlying issue could be impeded if the issue is old and occurred beyond its
record retention period, or its records are inadequate. It may also be difficult and take significant
time to properly quantify and scope a remediation activity.
Determining how to compensate customers, employees or third parties properly and fairly can
also be complicated, involving numerous stakeholders. The Westpac Group’s proposed approach
to a remediation may be affected by a number of events, such as affected customers commencing
a class action, or a regulator requiring a remediation to be done in a specific way or within a
specific timeframe. These factors could delay Westpac in completing the remediation and may
lead to a regulator commencing enforcement action against the Westpac Group. In turn, this could
result in increased reputational risk, and Westpac could be challenged by regulators, affected
customers, the media and other stakeholders.
If the Westpac Group cannot effectively scope, quantify, implement or complete a remediation
activity in a timely way, there could be an adverse impact on its business, prospects, reputation,
33
financial performance or financial condition and could lead to further regulatory action and/or
oversight.
Westpac’s failure to recruit and retain key executives, employees and Directors may have
adverse effects on its business
Key executives, employees and Directors play an integral role in the operation of Westpac’s
business and its pursuit of its strategic objectives. The unexpected departure of an individual in a
key role, or the Westpac Group’s failure to recruit and retain appropriately skilled and qualified
persons into these roles, could each have an adverse effect on its business, prospects, reputation,
financial performance or financial condition.
Westpac could suffer losses due to environmental factors or external events
Westpac and its customers operate businesses and hold assets in a diverse range of geographic
locations. Any significant environmental change or external event (including climate change,
biodiversity loss and ecosystem degradation, drought, fire, storm, flood, earthquake, outbreaks or
pandemics of communicable diseases such as the COVID-19 pandemic, civil unrest, war, heightened
tension or terrorism) in any of these locations has the potential to disrupt business activities, damage
property, affect asset values and impact Westpac’s ability to recover amounts owing to it. In addition,
such an event could have an adverse impact on economic activity, consumer and investor confidence,
or the levels of volatility in financial markets, all of which could adversely affect its business, prospects,
financial performance or financial condition.
The high dependency of the global economy on nature means loss of biodiversity and ecosystem
degradation represent a risk to Westpac, primarily through its exposure to customers in sectors that
are materially dependent on biodiversity and ecosystem services. Biodiversity loss and ecosystem
degradation can also contribute to, and be accelerated by, climate change. Increasing recognition and
market-based responses to this risk also create expectations on Westpac. Westpac acknowledges the
goal of the Taskforce of the Nature-related Financial Disclosures is to provide a framework for
organisations to report on risks from biodiversity loss and ecosystem degradation.
Certain strategic decisions may have adverse effects on Westpac’s business
The Westpac Group routinely evaluates and implements strategic decisions and objectives including
diversification, innovation, divestment, acquisitions or business expansion initiatives.
Each of these activities can be complex and costly. For example, they may cause reputational damage,
or Westpac may experience difficulties in completing certain transactions, separating or integrating
businesses, disruptions to operations, diversion of management resources or higher than expected
transaction costs. Multiple divestments and/or acquisitions at the same time may intensify these risks.
Furthermore, approvals may be required from shareholders, regulators or other stakeholders in order
to divest businesses and assets, and there is a risk that these approvals may not be received, as seen
recently with the attempted sale of Westpac Pacific, or that the purchaser does not complete these
transactions for other reasons. In addition, Westpac’s failure to successfully divest businesses or
assets could result in interested parties taking action against the Westpac Group. As a result, Westpac
may not receive the anticipated business benefits and the Westpac Group could otherwise be
adversely affected.
34
In addition, as part of the Specialist Businesses transactions, Westpac has given a number of
warranties and indemnities in favour of counterparties relating to certain pre-completion matters, and
made certain other contractual commitments (including in relation to transitional services). Claims
under these warranties, indemnities and other contractual commitments may result in Westpac being
liable to make significant payments to these counterparties. Additional operating risk capital is expected
to be required to be held against the risk pursuant to APRA’s recently published guidance.
Westpac also acquires and invests in businesses. These transactions involve a number of risks and
costs. A business Westpac invests in may not perform as anticipated or may ultimately prove to have
been overvalued when the transaction was entered into.
Operational, cultural, governance, compliance and risk appetite differences between Westpac and an
acquired business may lead to lengthier and more costly integration exercises.
There are also risks involved in failing to appropriately respond to changes in the business environment
(including changes related to economic, geopolitical, regulatory, technological, environmental, social
and competitive factors). This could have a range of adverse effects on Westpac, such as being unable
to increase or maintain market share or resulting pressure on margins and fees.
Any of these risks could have a negative impact on the Westpac Group’s business, prospects,
reputation, engagement with regulators, financial performance or financial condition.
Westpac could suffer losses due to impairment of capitalised software, goodwill and other
intangible assets that may adversely affect Westpac’s business, operations or financial
condition
In certain circumstances Westpac may incur a reduction in the value of intangible assets.
Westpac is required to assess the recoverability of goodwill and other intangible asset balances at
least annually or wherever an indicator of impairment exists. For this purpose, Westpac uses a
discounted cash flow calculation. Changes in the methodology or assumptions in calculations together
with changes in expected cash flows, could materially impact this assessment. Estimates and
assumptions used in assessing the useful life of an asset can also be affected by a range of factors
including changes in strategy, changes in technology and regulatory requirements.
In the event that an asset is no longer in use, or its value has been reduced or that its estimated useful
life has declined, an impairment will be recorded, adversely impacting the Westpac Group’s financial
performance.
Westpac could suffer losses due to insurance risk
Insurance risk is the risk in Westpac’s licensed life insurance businesses of lapses being greater than
expected, or the costs of claims being greater than expected due to a failure in product design,
underwriting or reinsurance arrangements. There is also a risk of policyholders or a Court interpreting
policy wording differently to the way the Westpac Group or the industry has applied it, or policy wording
not being sufficiently clear.
In life insurance, risk arises primarily through mortality and morbidity (illness and injury) risks, the costs
of claims relating to those risks being greater than was anticipated and policy lapses. Due to the long
35
term nature of the life insurance business, any future adverse variation in these risks or Westpac’s
capacity to adjust premiums on account of these variations would be reflected in the current period.
Where the business does not have adequate future profitability to offset these variations then
there is a risk that accounting losses could impact Westpac’s financial position.
If Westpac’s reinsurance arrangements are ineffective, this could lead to more retained losses than
anticipated. The Westpac Group has been unable to, and may in the future be unable to, renew
reinsurance arrangements on similar terms, including in relation to the cost, duration and amount of
reinsurance cover provided. There is also a risk that Westpac will not be able to obtain and have not
obtained appropriate reinsurance or insurance coverage for the risks that the Westpac Group may be
exposed to.
Changes in critical accounting estimates and judgements could expose the Westpac Group to
losses
The Westpac Group is required to make estimates, assumptions and judgements when applying
accounting policies and preparing its financial statements, particularly in connection with the calculation
of provisions (including remediation and expected credit losses) and the determination of the fair value
of financial instruments. A change in a critical accounting estimate, assumption and/or judgement
resulting from new information or from changes in circumstances or experience could result in the
Westpac Group incurring losses greater than those anticipated or provided for.
This could have an adverse effect on the Westpac Group’s financial performance, financial condition
and reputation. The Westpac Group’s financial performance and financial condition may also be
impacted by changes to accounting standards or to generally accepted accounting principles.
Westpac could suffer losses if it fails to syndicate or sell down underwritten securities
As a financial intermediary, Westpac underwrites listed and unlisted debt and equity securities.
Westpac could suffer losses if it fails to syndicate or sell down this risk to others. This risk is more
pronounced in times of heightened market volatility.
2. Risks related to the market generally
The secondary market generally
Subordinated Instruments may have no established trading market when issued, and one may never
develop. If a market does develop, it may not be very liquid. Therefore, investors may not be able to
sell their Subordinated Instruments easily or at prices that will provide them with a yield comparable to
similar investments that have a developed secondary market. This is particularly the case for
Subordinated Instruments that are especially sensitive to interest rate, currency or market risks, are
designed for specific investment objectives or strategies or have been structured to meet the
investment requirements of limited categories of investors. These types of Subordinated Instruments
would generally have a more limited secondary market and more price volatility than conventional debt
securities. Illiquidity may have a severely adverse effect on the market value of Subordinated
Instruments.
Exchange rate risks and exchange controls
36
The Issuer will pay principal and interest on the Subordinated Instruments in the Specified Currency.
This presents certain risks relating to currency conversions if an investor’s financial activities are
denominated principally in a currency or currency unit (the “Investor’s Currency”) other than the
Specified Currency. These include the risk that exchange rates may change significantly (including
changes due to devaluation of the Specified Currency or revaluation of the Investor’s Currency) and
the risk that authorities with jurisdiction over the Investor’s Currency may impose or modify exchange
controls. An appreciation in the value of the Investor’s Currency relative to the Specified Currency
would decrease (i) the Investor’s Currency-equivalent yield on the Subordinated Instruments, (ii) the
Investor’s Currency-equivalent value of the principal payable on the Subordinated Instruments and (iii)
the Investor’s Currency-equivalent market value of the Subordinated Instruments.
Government and monetary authorities may impose (as some have done in the past) exchange controls
that could adversely affect an applicable exchange rate. As a result, investors may receive less interest
or principal than expected, or no interest or principal.
Credit or corporate ratings may not reflect all risks
One or more independent rating agencies may assign ratings to the Subordinated Instruments and/or
the Issuer. The ratings may not reflect the potential impact of all risks related to structure, market,
additional factors discussed in this section, and other factors that may affect the value of the
Subordinated Instruments or the standing of the Issuer. A credit rating and/or a corporate rating is not
a recommendation to buy, sell or hold securities and may be revised or withdrawn by the rating agency
at any time.
3. Risks related to Subordinated Instruments generally
The Subordinated Instruments are loss absorption instruments that involve risk and may not
be a suitable investment for all investors
The Subordinated Instruments are loss absorption instruments designed to comply with applicable
Australian banking regulations and involve certain risks. Each potential investor in the Subordinated
Instruments must determine the suitability (either alone or with the help of a financial advisor) of an
investment in the Subordinated Instruments in light of its own circumstances. In particular, each
potential investor should understand thoroughly the terms of the Subordinated Instruments, such as
the provisions governing the Conversion or Write-off, including under what circumstances a Non-
Viability Trigger Event could occur.
A potential investor should not invest in the Subordinated Instruments unless it has the knowledge and
expertise (either alone or with the help of a financial advisor) to evaluate how the Subordinated
Instruments will perform, subject to the risks set forth herein, the resulting effects on the likelihood of
the Conversion or Write-off and the value of the Subordinated Instruments, and the resultant impact
on the potential investor’s overall investment portfolio. Prior to making an investment decision, potential
investors should consider carefully, in light of their own financial circumstances and investment
objectives, all the information contained in or incorporated by reference into this Information
Memorandum.
Investments in Subordinated Instruments are not deposit liabilities or protected accounts
37
under Australian legislation
The Subordinated Instruments are not deposit liabilities or protected accounts of the Issuer for the
purposes of the Banking Act 1959 of Australia (the “Banking Act”) or Financial Claims Scheme and
will not be subject to the depositor protection provisions of Australian banking legislation. The
Subordinated Instruments will not be guaranteed or insured by any Australian government, government
agency or compensation scheme of Australia or any other jurisdiction.
Payments are subject to satisfaction of the Solvency Condition
All of the Issuer’s obligations to make payments in respect of the Subordinated Instruments are subject
to the Solvency Condition being satisfied.
If the Solvency Condition is not satisfied (that is, if the Issuer is not able to pay its debts as they fall
due, or the Issuer’s Assets do not exceed its Liabilities, both at the time the payment is due or
immediately after making the payment) no payment will be made in respect of the Subordinated
Instruments. The Issuer’s failure to pay in such circumstances will not be an Event of Default and any
unpaid principal will accrue interest and interest not paid will accrue with compounding until it is paid
and will be payable on the first Business Day on which the Issuer meets the Solvency Condition.
However, if a Non-Viability Trigger Event occurs, all of the Issuer’s obligations to make payments in
respect of the Subordinated Instruments (to the extent Converted or Written-off) (including in respect
of accrued but unpaid interest) will cease and Holders will have no rights to recover any unpaid
amounts (although if Conversion is the primary method of loss absorption as specified in the Pricing
Supplement, Holders will receive Ordinary Shares upon Conversion, assuming Westpac is able to
Convert the Subordinated Instruments).
A Non-Viability Trigger Event may occur
If a Non-Viability Trigger Event occurs, the Issuer must Convert the Subordinated Instruments to
Ordinary Shares or, if Write-off is specified in the Pricing Supplement as being the primary method of
loss absorption, Write-off the Subordinated Instruments. Even if Conversion is specified in the Pricing
Supplement as being the primary method of loss absorption, the Subordinated Instruments may, in
certain circumstances, still be subject to Write-off. See “Termination of rights where Conversion does
not occur or if Write-off is the primary method of loss absorption” below.
A Non-Viability Trigger Event occurs when APRA notifies the Issuer in writing that it believes:
Conversion or Write-Off of Subordinated Instruments (or conversion, write-off or write-down
of Relevant Securities) is necessary because, without it, the Issuer would become non-viable;
or
a public sector injection of capital, or equivalent support, is necessary because, without it, the
Issuer would become non-viable.
Whether a Non-Viability Trigger Event will occur is at the discretion of APRA and there are currently no
precedents for this. APRA has not provided extensive guidance as to how it will determine non-viability.
APRA has not yet made a determination of non-viability. Non-viability could be expected to include
serious impairment of the Issuer’s financial position, concerns about its capital, funding or liquidity
levels and/or insolvency. However, it is possible that APRA’s definition of non-viability may not
38
necessarily be confined to these matters and APRA’s position on these matters may change over time.
APRA has indicated that non-viability is likely to arise prior to insolvency. As the occurrence of a Non-
Viability Trigger Event is at the discretion of APRA, there can be no assurance given as to the factors
and circumstances that might give rise to such an event. A Non-Viability Trigger Event could occur at
any time. It could occur on dates not previously contemplated by investors or which may be
unfavourable in light of then-prevailing market conditions or investors’ individual circumstances or
timing preferences.
The Issuer has frameworks in place to manage capital, funding and liquidity risk to lower the risk of
experiencing financial difficulty.
The section entitled “Risks relating to Westpac’s business” sets out a number of general risks
associated with the Issuer’s businesses. If one, or a combination, of these risks leads to a significant
capital loss, or prolonged difficulties in raising funding or maintaining sufficient liquidity, the Issuer
believes this may be the type of situation in which APRA would become concerned and notify the Issuer
that it has become non-viable. It should be noted that these are examples. The risks outlined in the
section entitled “Risks relating to Westpac’s business” are not exhaustive and there may be other risks
which affect the financial performance and condition of the Issuer and consequently, the likelihood of
the occurrence of a Non-Viability Trigger Event.
Conversion following a Non-Viability Trigger Event
Upon the occurrence of a Non-Viability Trigger Event, if Conversion is the primary method of loss
absorption and if Subordinated Instruments are required to be Converted (see “Order of Conversion of
Relevant Securities”, below), all or some Subordinated Instruments (or a percentage of the
Outstanding Principal Amount of each Subordinated Instrument) will Convert into the applicable
Conversion Number of Ordinary Shares, subject to the Maximum Conversion Number. In these
circumstances, it is likely that the Maximum Conversion Number will apply and limit the number of
Ordinary Shares to be issued. Upon Conversion, the value of Ordinary Shares received is likely to be
significantly less than the Outstanding Principal Amount of the Subordinated Instruments because:
the VWAP during the 5 ASX Business Days on which trading in Ordinary Shares took place
immediately preceding but not including the Non-Viability Trigger Event Date may differ from
the Ordinary Share price on or after that date;
the number of Ordinary Shares holders receive for each Subordinated Instrument on
Conversion is limited by the Maximum Conversion Number, which is based on 20 per cent. of
the Issue Date VWAP. It is likely that the Maximum Conversion Number will apply if a Non-
Viability Trigger Event has occurred and limit the number of Ordinary Shares to be issued; and
where the Specified Currency is other than the Australian dollar, the Australian dollar may
depreciate in value against the Specified Currency by the time of Conversion. Any
depreciation of the Australian dollar against the Specified Currency by the time of Conversion
will increase the likelihood of the Maximum Conversion Number applying on Conversion and
will likely also reduce the Specified Currency equivalent of Ordinary Shares received,
particularly if such depreciation is significant. This is because:
o the Maximum Conversion Number is based on an Issue Date VWAP in Australian
dollars and the Specified Currency Outstanding Principal Amount of each
39
Subordinated Instrument converted to Australian dollars is based on the spot rate of
exchange at the time of issue; and
o the Conversion Number is based on the VWAP in Australian dollars at the time of
Conversion and the Specified Currency Outstanding Principal Amount of each
Subordinated Instrument converted to Australian dollars is based on the spot rate of
exchange at the time of Conversion.
The Maximum Conversion Number may be adjusted to reflect a consolidation, division or
reclassification, or pro rata bonus issue, of Ordinary Shares. However, no adjustment will be made to
it on account of other transactions which may affect the price of Ordinary Shares, including for example,
rights issues, returns of capital, buy-backs or special dividends. The transactions that Westpac may
undertake with respect to its share capital are not limited and any such action may increase the risk
that Holders receive only the Maximum Conversion Number and so adversely affect the position of
Holders.
However, even if Conversion is the primary method of loss absorption, the Subordinated Instruments
may, in certain circumstances, still be subject to Write-off. See “Termination of rights where Conversion
does not occur or if Write-off is the primary method of loss absorption” below.
Ordinary Shares
While the Issuer currently has Ordinary Shares listed on the ASX, the Ordinary Shares issued on
Conversion may not be listed, for example, if the Issuer is acquired by another entity and delisted. The
Ordinary Shares may not be able to be sold at prices representing their value based on the VWAP. In
particular, the VWAP will be based on trading days which occurred immediately before the occurrence
of the Non-Viability Trigger Event.
Ordinary Shares are a different type of investment to the Subordinated Instruments. Dividends are
payable at the absolute discretion of the Issuer and the amount of each dividend is also discretionary.
In a Winding-Up, claims of holders of Ordinary Shares rank behind claims of holders of all other
securities and debts of the Issuer. There may be no market in Ordinary Shares received on Conversion
and investors may not be able to sell the Ordinary Shares at a price equal to the value of their
investment or at all and as a result may suffer a loss. Furthermore, the market price of Ordinary Shares
may be more sensitive than that of Subordinated Instruments to changes in the Issuer’s performance,
operational issues and other business issues.
Potential investors in Subordinated Instruments should understand that if a Non-Viability Trigger Event
occurs and Subordinated Instruments are Converted, investors are obliged to accept Ordinary Shares
or have such Ordinary Shares issued to a Sale and Transfer Agent to be delivered or sold on their
behalf.
Order of Conversion of Relevant Securities
If the Issuer is only required to convert a certain amount of Relevant Securities, the Issuer will
determine the amount of Subordinated Instruments which will be Converted or Written-off and other
Relevant Securities which will be converted, written-off or written-down as follows:
first, the Issuer will convert, write-off or write-down an amount of the outstanding principal
40
amount of all outstanding Relevant Tier 1 Securities before Conversion or Write-off of the
Subordinated Instruments; and
second, if conversion, write-off or write-down of those Relevant Tier 1 Securities is not
sufficient, the Issuer will Convert or Write-off the Subordinated Instruments and convert, write-
off or write-down other Relevant Tier 2 Securities, on a pro-rata basis or in a manner that is
otherwise, in the opinion of the Issuer, fair and reasonable (subject to such adjustments as
the Issuer may determine to take into account the effect on marketable parcels and the need
to round to whole numbers of Ordinary Shares and the authorised denominations of any
Relevant Tier 2 Securities remaining on issue, and the need to effect the conversion, write-off
or write-down immediately),
but such determination will not impede the immediate Conversion or Write-Off of the relevant
Subordinated Instruments or percentage of the Outstanding Principal Amount of each Subordinated
Instrument or, if applicable, termination of the relevant Holders’ rights and claims.
However, the Issuer has no obligation to have or maintain on issue Relevant Tier 1 Securities which
are required to be converted, written-off or written-down ahead of Subordinated Instruments and other
Relevant Tier 2 Securities and gives no assurance that there will be any such instruments on issue at
the time at which the Subordinated Instruments may be required to be Converted or Written-off.
Termination of rights where Conversion does not occur or if Write-off is the primary method of
loss absorption
If Conversion of a Subordinated Instrument (or a percentage of the Outstanding Principal Amount of
the Subordinated Instrument) does not occur for any reason within 5 ASX Business Days after the
Non-Viability Trigger Event Date (including, for example, due to applicable law, order of a court or
action of any government authority, including regarding the insolvency, Winding-Up or other external
administration of the Issuer or as a result of the Issuer’s inability or failure to comply with its obligations
under the Terms and Conditions of the Subordinated Instrument in relation to Conversion), or if Write-
off is specified in the Pricing Supplement as being the primary method of loss absorption, then the
Subordinated Instrument (or a percentage of the Outstanding Principal Amount of the Subordinated
Instrument to be Converted or Written-off) will be Written-off and the rights of Holders in relation to
such Subordinated Instrument (including to payments of interest and accrued but unpaid interest, and
the repayment of the Outstanding Principal Amount and, where Conversion is the primary method of
loss absorption, to be issued with Ordinary Shares in respect of such Subordinated Instruments) will
be immediately and irrevocably written-off and terminated with effect on and from the Non-Viability
Trigger Event Date and investors will lose all or some of their investment and will not receive any
compensation.
In certain circumstances, an investor holding Subordinated Instruments subject to Conversion
may not receive Ordinary Shares, only the proceeds thereof, as the Ordinary Shares would be
issued upon Conversion to a Sale and Transfer Agent for immediate sale, which sale is likely
to occur when market conditions are not favourable
lf Subordinated Instruments are held by the operator of a Clearing System, then in respect of a Non-
Viability Trigger Event Date:
(a) provided a Clearing System Participant has provided the Issuer and, if appointed, the relevant
41
Sale and Transfer Agent with certain details relating to its holding of Ordinary Shares (such as
name, address and security account details) by the Clearing System Cut-Off Date (which will
be specified in the Pricing Supplement) the Clearing System Participant will be entitled to
receive the Ordinary Shares; or
(b) the Clearing System Participant will receive the proceeds of the sale of the Ordinary Shares
from one or more Sale and Transfer Agents,
in accordance with the Terms and Conditions of the Subordinated lnstruments. If a Clearing System
Participant fails to provide the required information, notifies the Issuer that it does not wish to receive
Ordinary Shares on or prior to the Clearing System Cut-off Date, or would be an Ineligible Holder, the
Clearing System Participant will not be entitled to receive Ordinary Shares and will instead receive the
proceeds of their sale (after deducting any applicable brokerage fees, stamp duty and other taxes
(including, without limitation, FATCA Withholding) and charges) by a Sale and Transfer Agent.
It is expected that all Subordinated Instruments will be held by one or more Clearing System
Participants (and will be held for so long as the Subordinated Instruments are represented by a
Temporary Global Instrument or Permanent Global Instrument).
In certain circumstances including, for example, where Subordinated lnstruments are held by an
Ineligible Holder or a Holder has notified the lssuer that it does not wish to receive Ordinary Shares on
Conversion, then, on a Non-Viability Trigger Event Date, such Holder's rights (including to payments
of interest and accrued interest and the repayment of the Outstanding Principal Amount and, where
Conversion is the primary method of loss absorption, to be issued with Ordinary Shares in respect of
such Subordinated Instruments) in relation to each Subordinated Instrument will be immediately and
irrevocably written off and terminated. The lssuer will in these circumstances issue the Conversion
Number of Ordinary Shares to one or more Sale and Transfer Agents to hold on trust for sale for the
benefit of the Holder.
An “Ineligible Holder” is:
a Holder who is prohibited or restricted by any applicable law or regulation in force in Australia
from being offered, holding or acquiring Ordinary Shares. This would include, but is not limited
to, restrictions under Chapter 6 of the Corporations Act 2001, the Foreign Acquisitions and
Takeovers Act 1975 of Australia, the Financial Sector (Shareholdings) Act 1998 of Australia
and Part lV of the Competition and Consumer Act 2010 of Australia; or
a Foreign Holder. A “Foreign Holder” is a Holder (a) whose place of residence is outside
Australia or (b) who the lssuer otherwise believes may not be a resident of Australia and, in
either case, the lssuer is not satisfied that the laws of both the Commonwealth of Australia
and the Holder’s country of residence would permit the unconditional offer to, or the
unconditional holding or acquisition of Ordinary Shares by, the Holder (although the lssuer is
not bound to enquire and any decision is in its sole discretion).
Where the Ordinary Shares are issued to one or more Sale and Transfer Agents, the Sale and Transfer
Agent will have no duty to seek a fair market price, or to engage in an arm’s length transaction in such
sale, and may not be able to sell the Ordinary Shares at all. In addition, market conditions are likely to
have deteriorated following the Non-Viability Trigger Event that caused the Conversion and their
market value may be significantly less than the value of the Subordinated Instruments.
42
To enable the Issuer to issue Ordinary Shares to a Holder on Conversion, Holders need to have
appropriate securities accounts in Australia for the receipt of Ordinary Shares and to provide to the
Issuer or, if appointed, the Sale and Transfer Agent, prior to the Clearing System Cut-Off Date specified
in the Pricing Supplement, their name and address and certain security holder account and other
details. Holders should understand that a failure to provide this information to the Issuer or, if appointed,
the Sale and Transfer Agent, by the Clearing System Cut-Off Date may result in the Issuer issuing the
Ordinary Shares to the Sale and Transfer Agent who will sell the Ordinary Shares and pay the net
proceeds to the Holders. In this situation, Holders will have no rights against the Issuer in relation to
the Conversion and will not be able to trade in any Ordinary Shares issued to the Sale and Transfer
Agent.
The Issuer may fail to pay principal, interest or other amounts and there are limited remedies
available for an Event of Default
There is a risk that the Issuer may default on payment of some or all of the principal, interest or other
amounts payable on the Subordinated Instruments. If the Issuer does not pay some or all of the
principal, interest or other amounts payable on the Subordinated Instruments, Holders may lose some
or all of the money invested in Subordinated Instruments.
The remedies available to Holders in the event of non-payment are limited. Failure to pay because the
Solvency Condition is not satisfied is not an Event of Default.
If an amount is not paid in circumstances where the Solvency Condition has been satisfied, that is an
Event of Default and the Holder may institute proceedings:
to recover any amount then due and payable but unpaid on its Subordinated Instrument
(subject to the Issuer being able to make the payment and remain Solvent);
to obtain an order for specific performance of any other obligation in respect of its
Subordinated Instrument; or
for a winding-up of the Issuer in Australia.
There is a risk that the entire amount owed may not be recovered even if the Holder institutes
proceedings against the Issuer. Further, although the Terms and Conditions may specify certain
remedies (for example, seeking an order for the winding-up of the Issuer in Australia), the grant of
those remedies may be in the discretion of a court and, as such, may not be granted.
A Holder will have no right to accelerate payment or exercise any other remedies (including any right
to sue for damages) as a consequence of any default other than as specifically described above. In
the event of a Winding-Up in Australia (but not in any other jurisdiction), the Subordinated Instruments
of the relevant series will become immediately due and payable (unless they have already been
Converted or Written-off). This will be the only circumstance in which payment of principal on the
Subordinated Instruments of the relevant series may be accelerated.
Ranking of the Subordinated Instruments
The Subordinated Instruments are unsecured, subordinated obligations of the Issuer.
43
In the event of a Winding-Up, if the Subordinated Instruments are still on issue and have not been
redeemed early, or, following a Non-Viability Trigger Event, Converted or Written-off, they rank for
payment:
ahead of Ordinary Shares and other Junior Ranking Capital Instruments;
equally among themselves and with other Equal Ranking Instruments; and
behind Senior Creditors (including depositors and all holders of the Issuer’s senior or less
subordinated debt).
As the Subordinated Instruments rank after Senior Creditors, there is a risk that in a Winding-Up, there
will be insufficient funds to provide any return to Holders.
If, in a Winding-Up, the Subordinated Instruments of any series are still on issue and have not been
redeemed early, or, following a Non-Viability Trigger Event, Converted or Written-off, Holders will only
be entitled to prove for any sums payable in respect of their Subordinated Instruments as a debt which
is subject to prior payment in full of Senior Creditors. However, it is unlikely a Winding-Up will occur
without a Non-Viability Trigger Event having occurred first and the Subordinated Instruments being
Converted or Written-off. In that event:
if the Subordinated Instruments have been Converted, Holders will hold Ordinary Shares and
rank equally with existing holders of Ordinary Shares in a Winding-Up; and
if, following a Non-Viability Trigger Event, Conversion does not occur for any reason (for
example, due to applicable laws, order of a court or action of any government authority) within
5 ASX Business Days following the Non-Viability Trigger Event Date, or if Write-off is specified
in the Pricing Supplement as being the primary method of loss absorption, then the
Subordinated Instruments (or a percentage of the Outstanding Principal Amount) will be
Written-off and the Holders’ rights and claims in relation to such Subordinated Instruments
(including to payments of interest and accrued but unpaid interest, and the repayment of the
Outstanding Principal Amount and, where Conversion is the primary method of loss
absorption, to be issued with the Conversion Number of Ordinary Shares in respect of such
Subordinated Instruments), are immediately and irrevocably written-off and terminated with
effect on and from the Non-Viability Trigger Event Date.
In such an event, a Holder’s investment in the Subordinated Instruments will lose all or some of its
value and such Holder will not receive any compensation.
Exposure to the Issuer’s financial performance and position and changes to the Issuer’s ratings
An investment in Subordinated Instruments is an investment in the Issuer and may be affected by the
ongoing performance and financial position of the Issuer, or changes to the credit ratings assigned to
the Issuer by rating agencies.
If the Issuer’s financial performance or position declines or the credit ratings assigned to it change, or
if market participants anticipate such a decline or change, an investment in the Subordinated
Instruments could decline in value even if the Subordinated Instruments have not been Converted.
44
See the section entitled “Westpac could be adversely affected by the failure to maintain its credit ratings”
for further information regarding the potential impact of failing to maintain credit ratings assigned to the
Issuer by rating agencies.
The Ordinary Share price used to calculate the Conversion Number of Ordinary Shares may be
different to the market price of Ordinary Shares at the time of Conversion
The number of Ordinary Shares issued to Holders upon Conversion will generally depend on the VWAP
of Ordinary Shares over the 5 ASX Business Days on which trading in Ordinary Shares took place
immediately preceding but not including the Non-Viability Trigger Event Date, and is subject to the
Maximum Conversion Number. Accordingly, the Ordinary Share price used to calculate the Conversion
Number of Ordinary Shares may be different to the market price of Ordinary Shares at the time of
Conversion so that the value of Ordinary Shares received may be less than the value of those Ordinary
Shares based on the Ordinary Share price on the Non-Viability Trigger Event Date.
Holders cannot request redemption or Conversion of Subordinated Instruments
Holders have no right to request redemption or Conversion of the Subordinated Instruments at any
time. Therefore, prior to the Maturity Date, unless the Issuer has the right to and elects to redeem the
Subordinated Instruments early (redemption is subject to APRA’s prior written approval, which may or
may not be given, and Holders should not expect that APRA’s prior written approval will be given for
any redemption of Subordinated Instruments), in order to realise an investment, a Holder would need
to sell its Subordinated Instruments at the prevailing market price. Depending on market conditions at
the time, the Subordinated Instruments may be trading at a market price below the issue price and/or
the market for the Subordinated Instruments may not be liquid. The Issuer does not guarantee that
Holders will be able to sell each Subordinated Instrument at an acceptable price or at all.
Redemption at the Issuer’s option or for tax or regulatory reasons
Where the Pricing Supplement specifies “Early redemption at the option of the Issuer” as being
applicable, the Subordinated Instruments may (subject to APRA’s prior written approval, which may or
may not be given, and Holders should not expect that APRA’s prior written approval will be given for
any redemption of Subordinated Instruments) be redeemed at the Issuer’s option in certain
circumstances (but not earlier than the fifth anniversary of the Issue Date). Where the Pricing
Supplement specifies “Early redemption for adverse tax events” or “Early redemption for regulatory
events” as being applicable, the Issuer may (subject to APRA’s prior written approval, which may or
may not be given, and Holders should not expect that APRA’s prior written approval will be given for
any redemption of Subordinated Instruments) redeem the Subordinated Instruments following the
occurrence of an Adverse Tax Event or Regulatory Event, provided that the Issuer has obtained, in the
case of an Adverse Tax Event, a supporting opinion of legal or tax advisers of recognised standing in
Australia or, in the case of a Regulatory Event, a supporting opinion of advisers of recognised standing
in Australia or confirmation from APRA that a Regulatory Event has occurred.
An Adverse Tax Event will occur if the Issuer determines that as a result of any amendment to,
clarification of or change in Tax Legislation which has been or will be effected or any Administrative
Action under or in connection with Tax Legislation or any amendment to, clarification of, or change in,
any such Administrative Action, being in each case by a legislative body, court, government authority
or regulatory body on or after the relevant Issue Date (but which the Issuer did not expect at the Issue
Date):
45
there is a material risk that the Issuer would be exposed to a more than de minimis adverse
tax consequence in relation to the Subordinated Instruments;
the Issuer determines that any interest payable on the Subordinated Instruments is not, or
may not be, allowed as a deduction for the purposes of Australian income tax; or
the Issuer has or will become obliged to pay Additional Amounts in accordance with the Terms
and Conditions of the Subordinated Instruments.
A Regulatory Event will occur if:
as a result of any amendment to, clarification of or change (including any announcement of a
change that will be introduced) in any law or regulation of the Commonwealth of Australia or
the Prudential Standards or any official administrative pronouncement or action or judicial
decision interpreting or applying such law, regulation or Prudential Standards, which
amendment, clarification or change is effective, or pronouncement, action or decision is
announced, on or after the Issue Date; or
written confirmation is received from APRA after the Issue Date that,
the Issuer is not or will not be entitled to treat all of the Subordinated Instruments of a Series as Tier 2
Capital in whole, provided that, in each case, the Issuer did not expect at the Issue Date that the matter
giving rise to the Regulatory Event would occur.
There can be no certainty that APRA will provide its prior written approval for any redemption prior to
the Maturity Date. Redemption is also subject to the Solvency Condition having been satisfied and to
the Issuer having replaced, or concurrently with redemption replacing, the Subordinated Instruments
with a capital instrument which is of the same or better quality than the Subordinated Instruments and
the replacement is done under conditions that are sustainable for the Issuer’s income capacity (or
confirmation from APRA that it does not have to replace the Subordinated Instruments).
If redemption occurs on a date not previously contemplated, it may be disadvantageous in light of
market conditions or Holders’ individual circumstances. The possibility of redemption means that the
period for which Holders will be entitled to the benefit of the rights attaching to the Subordinated
Instruments is unknown.
Where cash is received on redemption, the rate of return at which a Holder could re-invest such funds
may be lower than the return received on the Subordinated Instruments. Further, upon redemption a
Holder will receive the Outstanding Principal Amount of the Subordinated Instruments which may be
less than their market value immediately prior to redemption.
Changes to the capital adequacy framework in Australia
Any fall in the Issuer's Common Equity Tier 1 Capital Ratio as a result of changes to APRA's capital
adequacy framework may adversely impact the market price of the Subordinated Instruments or
potentially increase the chance at a later date that Conversion of Subordinated Instruments takes place
due to the occurrence of a Non-Viability Trigger Event (a Non-Viability Trigger Event will occur where
APRA notifies the Issuer in writing that it believes Conversion or Write-off of the Subordinated
Instruments (or conversion, write-off or write-down of Relevant Securities) or a public sector injection
46
of capital, or equivalent support, is necessary because, without it, the Issuer would become non-viable).
U.S. Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (“FATCA”)
Legislation incorporating provisions referred to as FATCA was passed in the United States on 18 March
2010. This description is based on guidance issued to date by the U.S. Department of Treasury,
including final regulations. Future guidance may affect the application of FATCA to the Subordinated
Instruments and the Ordinary Shares.
It is possible that, in order to comply with FATCA, the Issuer (or, if the Subordinated Instruments or the
Ordinary Shares are held through another financial institution, such other financial institution) may be
required (pursuant to an agreement entered into with the United States or under applicable law
(including pursuant to the terms of any applicable intergovernmental agreement entered into between
the United States and any other jurisdiction)) (i) to request certain information from the Holders or
beneficial owners of the Subordinated Instruments or the Ordinary Shares, which information may be
provided to the U.S. Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”), and (ii) to withhold U.S. tax on any portion of
any payment with respect to the Subordinated Instruments or with respect to the Ordinary Shares upon
any Conversion treated as a foreign passthru payment made two years or more after the date on which
the final regulations that define “foreign passthru payments” are published if such information is not
provided or if payments are made to certain foreign financial institutions that have not entered into a
similar agreement with the United States (and are not otherwise required to comply with the FATCA
regime under applicable law (including pursuant to the terms of any applicable intergovernmental
agreement entered into between the United States and any other jurisdiction)).
If the Issuer or any other person is required to withhold or deduct amounts arising under or in
connection with FATCA from any payments made with respect to the Subordinated Instruments, with
respect to the issuance of any Ordinary Shares upon any Conversion or with respect to the Ordinary
Shares, the Holders and beneficial owners of the Subordinated Instruments, and holders and beneficial
owners of Ordinary Shares issued upon any Conversion, will not be entitled to receive any gross up or
other additional amounts under Condition 10 (Taxation) of the Subordinated Instruments, or otherwise,
on account of any such withholding or deduction. FATCA is complex and its application to the
Subordinated Instruments, any Conversion and the Ordinary Shares remains uncertain. Prospective
investors are advised to consult their own tax advisors as to the application of FATCA to the
Subordinated Instruments, any Conversion and the Ordinary Shares.
The OECD Common Reporting Standard (“the CRS”)
The CRS requires certain financial institutions to report information regarding certain accounts (which
may include the Subordinated Instruments) to their local tax authority and follow related due diligence
procedures. Holders or beneficial owners of Subordinated Instruments may be requested to provide
certain information and certifications to ensure compliance with the CRS. A jurisdiction that has signed
a CRS Competent Authority Agreement may provide this information to other jurisdictions that have
signed the CRS Competent Authority Agreement.
Future issues of securities by the Issuer
The Issuer and members of the Westpac Group may, at their absolute discretion, issue securities in
47
the future that:
rank for payment of principal or interest (including in the Winding-Up of the Issuer or another
member of the Westpac Group) equally with, behind or ahead of the Subordinated
Instruments;
have the same or different maturities as the Subordinated Instruments;
have the same or different dividend, interest or distribution rates as the Subordinated
Instruments; or
have the same or different terms and conditions as the Subordinated Instruments.
The Issuer may incur further indebtedness and may issue further securities including further Tier 2
Capital securities. The Terms and Conditions do not require the Issuer to refrain from certain business
changes or require the Issuer to operate within certain ratio limits.
An investment in Subordinated Instruments carries no right to participate in any future issue of
securities (whether equity, hybrid, debt or otherwise) by any member of the Westpac Group.
No prediction can be made as to the effect, if any, such future issues of securities by an entity in the
Westpac Group may have on the market price or liquidity of Subordinated Instruments.
The Terms and Conditions provide only limited protection against significant events that could
adversely impact your investment in the Subordinated Instruments
The Terms and Conditions do not:
• require the Westpac Group to maintain any financial ratios or specific levels of net worth,
revenues, income, cash flow or liquidity;
• restrict the Westpac Group’s subsidiaries’ ability to issue securities or otherwise incur
indebtedness or other obligations that would be senior to the Issuer’s equity interests in its
subsidiaries and therefore rank effectively senior to the Subordinated Instruments with respect
to the assets of the Issuer’s subsidiaries;
• restrict the Westpac Group’s ability to repurchase or prepay any other of its securities or other
indebtedness; or
• restrict the Westpac Group’s ability to make investments or to repurchase, or pay dividends
or make other payments in respect of Ordinary Shares or other securities ranking junior to the
Subordinated Instruments.
As a result of the foregoing, when evaluating the terms of the Subordinated Instruments, potential
investors should be aware that the Terms and Conditions do not restrict the Issuer or the Westpac
Group’s ability to engage in, or to otherwise be a party to, a variety of corporate transactions,
circumstances and events that could have an adverse impact on an investment in the Subordinated
Instruments.
48
Amendment of the Terms and Conditions of Subordinated Instruments
The Issuer may, with the consent of the Fiscal Agent and provided it obtains APRA's prior written
approval where the amendment may affect the eligibility of any Subordinated Instrument as Tier 2
Capital, amend the Terms and Conditions for any Subordinated Instrument, the relevant Pricing
Supplement and the Deed of Covenant (each insofar as they may apply to such Subordinated
Instruments) without the approval of Holders, provided the Issuer is of the opinion that the amendment
is for the purposes of correcting a manifest or proven error. Except for the amendments necessary to:
(a) effect the substitution of an Approved Successor (see below), or (b) effect any successor rate,
alternative rate or replacement benchmark or make any related adjustments and/or amendments
thereto (see below), no other amendments are permitted without the sanction of an Extraordinary
Resolution.
Amendments under these powers are binding on all Holders despite the fact that a Holder may not
agree with the amendment.
APRA's prior written approval to amend the Terms and Conditions is always required where the
amendment may affect the eligibility of the Subordinated Instruments as Tier 2 Capital.
Successor holding company
Where the Issuer is replaced as the ultimate holding company of the Westpac Group by an Approved
Successor and certain other conditions are satisfied, the Issuer may be allowed to make amendments
(provided APRA's prior written approval is obtained) to substitute the Approved Successor as the
debtor in respect of the Subordinated Instruments and the issuer of the ordinary shares to be issued
on Conversion and to make certain other amendments to the Terms and Conditions. Accordingly,
potential investors should be aware that, if:
the Issuer is replaced by an Approved Successor as the ultimate holding company of the
Westpac Group; and
a substitution of the Approved Successor as the debtor in respect of the Subordinated
Instruments and the issuer of the ordinary shares on Conversion is effected under the Terms
and Conditions,
Holders will be obliged to accept Approved Successor Shares and will not receive Ordinary Shares if
Conversion occurs after the replacement of the Issuer with an Approved Successor.
Potential investors should also be aware that Holders may not have a right to vote on any proposal to
approve, implement or give effect to the establishment of an Approved Successor.
The Issuer has not made a decision to substitute an Approved Successor as the ultimate holding
company of the Westpac Group.
Where the Issuer transfers its assets to an Approved Successor, the Issuer may as a result have
reduced assets which may affect its credit rating and the likelihood Holders will receive their claims in
full in a Winding-Up.
No rights if control of the Issuer is acquired
49
If a person other than an Approved Successor acquires control of the Issuer, the Terms and Conditions
do not provide any right or remedy for the Holders on account of such an acquisition occurring. Further,
such an acquisition of the Issuer may result in the Issuer’s Ordinary Shares no longer being quoted on
ASX.
If, after such an acquisition has occurred, a Non-Viability Trigger Event occurs, the number of Ordinary
Shares to be issued on Conversion will reflect the VWAP for the period of 5 ASX Business Days on
which the Ordinary Shares were last traded on ASX. The period of 5 ASX Business Days may be well
before the Non-Viability Trigger Event and, accordingly, the value of the Conversion Number of
Ordinary Shares when issued may be very different from the value based on that VWAP. This may
adversely affect the value of the Ordinary Shares which are issued to Holders upon Conversion and
such Ordinary Shares may not be freely tradeable.
The exercise of administrative powers by APRA or other regulatory authorities that supervise
the Issuer may result in adverse consequences to the Holders
The exercise of administrative powers by APRA or other regulatory authorities that supervise the Issuer
may result in adverse consequences to the Holders. In particular, under the Banking Act, for the
purpose of protecting depositors and maintaining the stability of the Australian financial system, APRA
has administrative power, among other things, to issue a direction to the Westpac Group regarding the
conduct of its business, including prohibiting making payments with respect to its debt obligations
(including the Subordinated Instruments), and, if it becomes unable to meet its obligations or suspends
payment (and in certain other circumstances), to appoint a “Banking Act statutory manager’’ to take
control of its business. The powers of APRA are broad and may be exercised in a way that adversely
affects Westpac’s ability to comply with its obligations in respect of the Subordinated Instruments.
APRA also has powers to facilitate resolution of the entities it regulates (and their subsidiaries),
including Westpac and its subsidiaries. APRA has oversight, management and directions powers and
statutory management powers over certain entities within the Westpac Group. In addition, the Banking
Act gives statutory recognition to the conversion or write-off of regulatory capital instruments (including
the Subordinated Instruments).
Insolvency and similar proceedings are likely to be governed by Australian law
In the event that the Issuer becomes insolvent, insolvency proceedings are likely to be governed by
Australian law. Australian insolvency laws are different from the insolvency laws of certain other
jurisdictions, including the United States and the UK. In particular, the voluntary administration
procedure under the Corporations Act 2001, which provides for the potential re-organisation of an
insolvent company, differs significantly from Chapter 11 under the U.S. Bankruptcy Code, the
voluntarily administration procedure under the UK Insolvency Act 1986 and may differ from similar
provisions under the insolvency laws of other non-Australian jurisdictions.
In addition, to the extent that the Holders of the Subordinated Instruments are entitled to any recovery
with respect to the Subordinated Instruments in any bankruptcy or certain other events in bankruptcy,
insolvency, dissolution or reorganization relating to the Issuer, those Holders might not be entitled in
such proceedings to a recovery in a currency other than Australian dollars.
50
Ratings of the Subordinated Instruments
The credit ratings assigned to the Subordinated Instruments may not reflect the potential impact of all
risks related to the structure and other factors on any trading market for, or trading value of, the
Subordinated Instruments. In addition, real or anticipated changes in the credit ratings of the
Instruments will generally affect any trading market for, or trading value of, the Subordinated
Instruments. A credit rating is not a recommendation to buy, sell or hold securities and may be subject
to suspension, cancellation, reduction or withdrawal at any time by the assigning rating agency. Any
suspension, reduction or withdrawal of a rating by a rating agency could reduce the liquidity or market
value of the Subordinated Instruments.
Subordinated Instruments linked to or referencing benchmarks
Interest rates and indices which are deemed “benchmarks” (including EURIBOR and other interbank
offered rates (“IBORs”)) have for several years been, and continue to be, the focus of national and
international regulatory guidance and proposals for reform. Some of these reforms are already effective
whilst others are still to be implemented. These reforms may cause such benchmarks to perform
differently than in the past, to disappear entirely, or have other consequences which cannot be
predicted. Any such consequence could adversely affect any Subordinated Instruments linked to or
referencing such a benchmark.
Regulation (EU) 2016/1011 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 8 June 2016, as amended
(the “EU Benchmarks Regulation”) and the EU Benchmarks Regulation as it forms part of the
domestic law in the UK by virtue of the EUWA (the “UK Benchmarks Regulation”) each applies to the
provision of benchmarks, the contribution of input data to a benchmark and the use of a benchmark
within the EU and the UK, respectively. They, among other things, (i) require benchmark administrators
to be authorised or registered (or, if non-EU-based or non-UK based (as applicable), to be subject to
an equivalent regime or otherwise recognised or endorsed) and (ii) prevent certain uses by EU or UK
supervised entities (as applicable) of benchmarks of administrators that are not authorised or
registered (or, if non-EU based or non-UK based (as applicable), not deemed equivalent or recognised
or endorsed).
Both the EU Benchmarks Regulation and the UK Benchmarks Regulation could have a material impact
on any Subordinated Instruments linked to or referencing a benchmark, in particular, if the methodology
or other terms of the benchmark are changed in order to comply with the requirements of the EU
Benchmarks Regulation or the UK Benchmarks Regulation. Such changes could, among other things,
have the effect of reducing, increasing or otherwise affecting the volatility of the published rate or level
of the relevant benchmark.
In Australia, the Treasury Laws Amendment (2017 Measures No. 5) Act 2018 of Australia amended the
Corporations Act, to, among other things, establish a licensing regime for administrators of significant
financial benchmarks (including the Australian Bank Bill Swap Rate (the “BBSW Rate”)) and enable
ASIC to make rules relating to the generation and administration of such benchmark indices. On 6
June 2018 ASIC issued the ASIC Financial Benchmark (Administration) Rules 2018 (the
"Administration Rules") and the ASIC Financial Benchmark (Compelled) Rules 2018 (the
"Compelled Rules") pursuant to this power. These Administration Rules require, among other things,
a person who is licensed to administer a regulated benchmark (a benchmark administrator licensee)
to: (i) use a method for generating that benchmark that is designed to ensure the quality, integrity,
availability, reliability and credibility of that benchmark; (ii) to act efficiently, honestly and fairly in
51
generating and administering that benchmark; and (iii) to ensure that arrangements with persons who
contribute data to the generation of benchmarks (“contributors”) meet certain criteria for these
purposes. The Compelled Rules, among other things, allow ASIC to require a benchmark administrator
licensee to continue to generate or administer a regulated benchmark and to require contributors to
continue to provide data required for the generation of the relevant benchmark.
In addition to the changes described above, other international or national reforms or other initiatives
or investigations could have (without limitation) the following effects on certain benchmarks: (i)
increasing the costs and risk of administering or otherwise participating in the setting of a benchmark
and complying with any such regulations or requirements; (ii) discouraging market participants from
continuing to administer or contribute to a benchmark; (iii) triggering changes in the rules or
methodologies used in the benchmark; or (iv) leading to the disappearance of the benchmark. The
FCA announcement on 5 March 2021 has confirmed the dates on which all LIBOR settings will either
cease to be provided or no longer be representative. It is not possible to predict with certainty whether,
and to what extent, IBORs that have not been announced as being ceased (including EURIBOR) will
continue to be supported going forward. Any of the above changes or any other consequential changes
as a result of international or national reforms or other initiatives or investigations could have a material
adverse effect on the value of and return on any Subordinated Instruments linked to, referencing or
otherwise dependent (in whole or in part) upon a benchmark.
On 21 January 2019, the euro risk free-rate working group for the euro area published a set of guiding
principles and high level recommendations for fallback provisions in, amongst other things, new euro
denominated cash products (including bonds) referencing EURIBOR. The guiding principles indicate,
among other things, that continuing to reference EURIBOR in relevant contracts (without robust
fallback provisions) may increase the risk to the euro area financial system. On 11 May 2021, the euro
risk-free rate working group published its recommendations on EURIBOR fallback trigger events and
fallback rates.
Investors should consult their own independent advisers and make their own assessment about the
potential risks imposed by the EU Benchmarks Regulation, the UK Benchmarks Regulation, the
Administration Rules and the Compelled Rules, and any other international or national reforms in
respect of benchmarks, in making any investment decision with respect to the Subordinated
Instruments.
In particular, investors should be aware that if a benchmark rate were discontinued or otherwise
unavailable, the rate of interest on Floating Rate Subordinated Instruments which are linked to or which
reference such benchmarks or the interest rate on Fixed Rate Subordinated Instruments which are
reset by reference to a mid-swap rate linked to such benchmarks will be determined for the relevant
period by the fallback provisions under Condition 7 (Interest) of the Terms and Conditions of the
Subordinated Instruments. These fallback arrangements may require or result in adjustments to the
interest calculation provisions of the Terms and Conditions of the Subordinated Instruments.
In certain situations, including the relevant benchmark ceasing to be administered or being
discontinued or otherwise unavailable, the fallback arrangements will include the possibility that:
(A) the relevant interest rate (or, as applicable, component thereof) could be set or, as the case
may be, determined by reference to a successor rate, an alternative rate or a replacement
52
benchmark (as applicable); and
(B) such successor rate, alternative rate or replacement benchmark (as applicable) may be
adjusted (if required) by the relevant Independent Adviser or the Issuer (as applicable) in order
to reduce or eliminate, to the extent reasonably practicable in the circumstances, any
economic prejudice or benefit (as applicable) to investors as a result of the replacement of the
relevant benchmark although such adjustments to the Subordinated Instruments may not
achieve this objective.
Any such changes may result in the Subordinated Instruments performing differently (which may
include payment of a lower interest rate) than if the original benchmark continued to apply.
No consent of the Holders shall be required in connection with effecting any successor rate, alternative
rate or replacement benchmark (as applicable). In addition, no consent of the Holders shall be required
in connection with any other related adjustments and/or amendments to the Terms and Conditions of
the Subordinated Instruments (or any other document) which are made in order to effect any successor
rate, alternative rate or replacement benchmark (as applicable). Any such adjustment could have
unexpected consequences and there can be no assurance that, due to the particular circumstances of
each Holder, any such adjustment will be favourable to each Holder.
The Issuer will need to obtain the prior written approval of APRA, which may or may not be given,
before any successor rate, alternative rate or replacement benchmark (as applicable), or any
adjustment spread, may be effected.
In certain circumstances, the ultimate fallback for a particular Interest Accrual Period (as defined in the
Terms and Conditions of the Subordinated Instruments), including where no successor rate, alternative
rate or replacement benchmark (as applicable) is determined or where a successor rate, alternative
rate or replacement benchmark (or the application of any adjustment spread) has been determined but
has not been approved by APRA, may be that the interest rate for the last preceding Interest Accrual
Period is used for the following Interest Accrual Period. This may result in the effective application of a
fixed rate for any Floating Rate Subordinated Instruments, and any Fixed Rate Subordinated
Instruments for which the interest rate was due to be reset, being the Interest Rate which was
applicable as at the last preceding Interest Determination Date or as at the last preceding reset date
(as applicable), or, if none, at the Interest Commencement Date. In addition, due to the uncertainty
concerning the availability of successor rates, alternative rates and replacement benchmarks and the
involvement of an Independent Adviser, as well as the requirement for prior written approval of APRA,
the relevant fallback provisions may not operate as intended at the relevant time.
Any such consequences could have a material adverse effect on the value of and return on any affected
Subordinated Instruments and could affect the ability of the Issuer to meet its obligations under the
relevant Subordinated Instruments or could have a material adverse effect on the value or liquidity of,
and the amount payable under, such Subordinated Instruments.
Prospective investors should note that, in the case of affected Subordinated Instruments, the relevant
Independent Adviser or the Issuer (as applicable) will, subject to the prior written approval of APRA,
have discretion to adjust the relevant successor rate, alternative rate or replacement benchmark (as
applicable) in the circumstances described above.
The market continues to develop in relation to SONIA and SOFR as reference rates for Floating
53
Rate Subordinated Instruments
Investors should be aware that the market continues to develop in relation to SONIA and SOFR as
reference rates in the capital markets and their adoption as alternatives to LIBOR. Both SONIA and
SOFR are typically calculated on a compounded (as opposed to a daily) basis which involves taking
the SONIA or SOFR rate (as applicable) for each business day over a relevant period in order to
calculate the applicable compounded rate for such period. In particular, market participants and
relevant working groups are exploring alternative reference rates based on SONIA and SOFR,
including term reference rates (which seek to measure the market’s forward expectation of an average
rate over a designated term) or different measures of such reference rates. For example, on 2 March
2020, the Federal Reserve Bank of New York (the “Federal Reserve”) began publishing the SOFR
Index and on 3 August 2020, the Bank of England (“BoE”) began publishing the SONIA Compounded
Index.
SOFR is published by the Federal Reserve and is intended to be a broad measure of the cost of
borrowing cash overnight collateralised by Treasury securities and is a current preferred replacement
rate to USD LIBOR. Publication of SOFR began on 3 April 2018 and it therefore has a limited history.
In addition, the future performance of SOFR cannot be predicted based on its historical performance.
The level of SOFR over the term of Floating Rate Subordinated Instruments may bear little or no
relation to the historical level of SOFR. Prior observed patterns, if any, in the behaviour of market
variables, such as correlations, may change in the future. While some pre-publication, hypothetical
performance data has been published by the Federal Reserve, such data inherently involves
assumptions, estimates and approximations. Since the initial publication of SOFR, daily changes in
the rate have, on occasion, been more volatile than daily changes in other benchmark or market rates,
such as LIBOR, during corresponding periods. In addition, although changes in compounded SOFR
generally are not expected to be as volatile as changes in daily levels of SOFR, the return on and value
of Floating Rate Subordinated Instruments linked to or which reference a SOFR rate may fluctuate
more than floating rate debt securities that are linked to less volatile rates.
SONIA is currently published by the BoE and is intended to be a measure of the rate at which interest
is paid on sterling short-term wholesale funds in circumstances where credit, liquidity and other risks
are minimal. It is the current preferred replacement rate to GBP LIBOR. SONIA has been administered
by the BoE since April 2016. On 23 April 2018, the methodology used to calculate the benchmark was
reformed following several rounds of consultation. In this context, SONIA has a limited history. In
addition, the future performance of SONIA cannot be predicted based on its historical performance.
The level of SONIA over the term of Floating Rate Subordinated Instruments may bear little or no
relation to the historical level of SONIA. Prior observed patterns, if any, in the behaviour of market
variables, such as correlations, may change in the future. Since the initial publication of SONIA, daily
changes in the rate have, on occasion, been more volatile than daily changes in other benchmark or
market rates, such as LIBOR, during corresponding periods. In addition, although changes in
compounded SONIA generally are not expected to be as volatile as changes in daily levels of SONIA,
the return on and value of Floating Rate Subordinated Instruments linked to or which reference a
SONIA rate may fluctuate more than floating rate debt securities that are linked to less volatile rates.
The market or a significant part thereof may adopt an application of SONIA and/or SOFR that differs
significantly from that set out in the terms and conditions of the Subordinated Instruments and used in
relation to Floating Rate Subordinated Instruments that reference a SONIA or SOFR rate issued under
this Information Memorandum. The Issuer may in the future also issue Floating Rate Subordinated
Instruments referencing SONIA or SOFR that differ materially in terms of interest determination when
54
compared with any previous Floating Rate Subordinated Instruments referencing SONIA or SOFR
under this Programme.
As each of SONIA and SOFR is published and calculated by third parties based on data received from
other sources, the Issuer has no control over their respective determinations, calculations or
publications. There can be no guarantee that SONIA and/or SOFR will not be discontinued or
fundamentally altered in a manner that is materially adverse to the interests of investors in Floating
Rate Subordinated Instruments linked to or which reference a SONIA rate or a SOFR rate (or that any
applicable benchmark fallback provisions provided for in the Terms and Conditions will provide a rate
which is economically equivalent for Holders). Neither the BoE nor the Federal Reserve has an
obligation to consider the interests of Holders in calculating, adjusting, converting, revising or
discontinuing SONIA or SOFR, respectively. If the manner in which SONIA and/or SOFR is calculated
is changed, that change may result in a reduction of the amount of interest payable on such Floating
Rate Subordinated Instruments and the trading prices of such Floating Rate Subordinated Instruments.
Investors should also be aware that the manner of adoption or application of SONIA or SOFR as
reference rates in the international debt capital markets may differ materially compared with the
application and adoption of SONIA and SOFR in other markets, such as the derivatives and loan
markets. Investors should carefully consider how any mismatch between the adoption of SONIA or
SOFR as reference rates across these markets may impact any hedging or other arrangements which
they may put in place in connection with any acquisition, holding or disposal of Floating Rate
Subordinated Instruments linked to or which reference a SONIA rate or a SOFR rate.
Since SONIA and SOFR are relatively new market indices, Floating Rate Subordinated Instruments
linked to or which reference a SONIA rate or a SOFR rate may have no established trading market
when issued, and an established trading market may never develop or may not be very liquid. Market
terms for debt securities linked to or which reference a SONIA rate or a SOFR rate may evolve over
time and trading prices of such Floating Rate Subordinated Instruments may be lower than those of
the later issued Floating Rate Subordinated Instruments that are linked to or which reference a SONIA
rate or a SOFR rate as a result. Further, if SONIA or SOFR do not prove to be widely used in securities
like the Floating Rate Subordinated Instruments, the trading price of Floating Rate Subordinated
Instruments linked to or which reference a SONIA rate or a SOFR rate may be lower than those of
Floating Rate Subordinated Instruments linked to or which reference indices that are more widely used.
Investors in such Floating Rate Subordinated Instruments may not be able to sell such Floating Rate
Subordinated Instruments at all or may not be able to sell such Floating Rate Subordinated Instruments
at prices that will provide them with a yield comparable to similar investments that have a developed
secondary market, and may consequently suffer from increased pricing volatility and market risk.
Investors should consider these matters when making their investment decision with respect to any
such Floating Rate Subordinated Instruments linked to or which reference a SONIA rate or a SOFR
rate.
The Interest Payment Dates for any series of Floating Rate Subordinated Instruments for which
Payment Delay is specified in the applicable Pricing Supplement as the Observation Method
for SOFR will be a number of business days (as may be specified in the applicable Pricing
Supplement) after the Interest Period End Date in respect of the relevant Interest Period
The Interest Payment Dates for Floating Rate Subordinated Instruments for which Payment Delay is
specified as the Observation Method for SOFR in the applicable Pricing Supplement (“Payment Delay
55
Subordinated Instruments”) will be a number of business days (as may be specified in the applicable
Pricing Supplement) after the Interest Period End Date in respect of the relevant Interest Period. This
convention differs from the convention that has been used historically for floating rate debt securities
linked to other benchmark or market rates, such as LIBOR, where interest typically has been paid on
the last day of an interest period. As a result, holders of Payment Delay Subordinated Instruments will
receive payments of interest on a delayed basis as compared to other Floating Rate Subordinated
Instruments in which they may have previously invested.
With respect to any Payment Delay Subordinated Instruments, in determining the Rate of
Interest in the final Interest Period, the SOFR rate for any day from, and including, the Cut-off
Date to, but excluding, the Maturity Date (or the relevant Early Redemption Date) will be the
SOFR rate in respect of the relevant Cut-off Date
For the final Interest Period with respect to any Payment Delay Subordinated Instruments, the SOFR
rate for any day from, and including, the Cut-off Date to, but excluding, the Maturity Date (or the relevant
Early Redemption Date) will be the SOFR rate in respect of the Cut-off Date. The Cut-off Date will be
a date which is a number of business days prior to the Maturity Date (or the relevant Early Redemption
Date) as specified in the applicable Pricing Supplement. Therefore holders of Payment Delay
Subordinated Instruments will not receive the benefit of any increase in the level of SOFR on any date
subsequent to the Cut-Off Date, which could reduce the amount of interest that may be payable.
The amount of interest payable with respect to each Interest Period for which SONIA or SOFR
is the reference rate for the Floating Rate Subordinated Instruments will only be determined
near the end of the Interest Period
The Interest Rate payable on Floating Rate Subordinated Instruments which reference a SONIA rate
or a SOFR rate is only capable of being determined at the end of the relevant Observation Period (as
defined in the Terms and Conditions of the Subordinated Instruments) and shortly prior to the relevant
Interest Payment Date (as defined in the Terms and Conditions of the Subordinated Instruments). It
may therefore be difficult for investors in Floating Rate Subordinated Instruments which reference a
SONIA rate or a SOFR rate to reliably estimate the amount of interest which will be payable on such
Floating Rate Subordinated Instruments, and some investors may be unable or unwilling to trade such
Floating Rate Subordinated Instruments without changes to their information technology systems, both
of which factors could adversely impact the liquidity of such Floating Rate Subordinated Instruments.
Further, if Floating Rate Subordinated Instruments referencing a SONIA rate or a SOFR rate become
due and payable as a result of an Event of Default under Condition 11 (Events of Default), or are
otherwise redeemed early on a date which is not an Interest Payment Date, the final rate of interest
payable in respect of such Floating Rate Subordinated Instruments shall only be determined on, or
immediately prior to, the date on which the Floating Rate Subordinated Instruments become due and
payable.
Fixed Rate Reset Subordinated Instruments
Fixed Rate Reset Subordinated Instruments will initially earn interest at the Initial Rate of Interest (as
defined in the Terms and Conditions of the Subordinated Instruments) until (but excluding) the first
Fixed Rate Reset Date (as defined in the applicable Pricing Supplement). On the first Fixed Rate Reset
Date, however, and on each Fixed Rate Reset Date (if any) thereafter, the interest rate will be reset to
(i) a different fixed rate of interest per annum or (ii) a rate per annum equal to the sum of the applicable
56
Reset Reference Rate (as defined in the applicable Pricing Supplement) and the Reset Reference
Rate Spread (as defined in the applicable Pricing Supplement) (each such rate a “Subsequent Reset
Rate”). The Subsequent Reset Rate for any Reset Period could be less than the Initial Rate of Interest
or the Reset Rate for prior Reset Periods and could affect the market value of an investment in the
Fixed Rate Reset Subordinated Instruments.
Fixed to Floating Rate Subordinated Instruments
Fixed to Floating Rate Subordinated Instruments bear interest at a rate which shall be automatically
converted from a fixed Interest Rate to a floating Interest Rate at the date specified in the applicable
Pricing Supplement. The new floating Interest Rate may be lower than the initial fixed Interest Rate
and any market volatility in interest rates could affect the market value of an investment in such Fixed
to Floating Rate Subordinated Instruments. Investors should also note the risks set out above in
relation to Floating Rate Subordinated Instruments.
4. Risks related to CNY Subordinated Instruments
There are certain special risks associated with investing in any CNY Subordinated Instruments. The
Issuer believes that the factors described below represent the principal risks inherent in investing in
CNY Subordinated Instruments issued, but the inability of the Issuer to pay interest, principal or other
amounts on or in connection with CNY Subordinated Instruments may occur for other reasons and the
Issuer does not represent that the statements below regarding the risks of holding CNY Subordinated
Instruments are exhaustive. Prospective investors should also read the detailed information set out
elsewhere in this Information Memorandum and reach their own views prior to making any investment
decision.
The Renminbi is not freely convertible and there are significant restrictions on remittance of
Renminbi into and outside the People’s Republic of China (the “PRC”)
The Renminbi is not freely convertible at present. The PRC government continues to regulate
conversion between the Renminbi and foreign currencies, despite the significant reduction over the
years by the PRC government of control over trade transactions involving import and export of goods
and services as well as other routine foreign exchange transactions under current accounts. However,
remittance of Renminbi by foreign investors into the PRC for the purposes of capital account items,
such as capital contributions, is generally only permitted upon obtaining specific approvals from, or
completing specific registrations or filings with, the relevant authorities and designated foreign
exchange banks on a case-by-case basis and is subject to a strict monitoring system. Regulations in
the PRC on the remittance of Renminbi into the PRC for settlement of capital account items are
developing gradually.
Although since 1 October 2016 the Renminbi has been added to the Special Drawing Rights basket
created by the International Monetary Fund, there is no assurance that the PRC government will
liberalise the control over cross-border Renminbi remittances in the future or that new PRC regulations
will not be promulgated in the future which would have the effect of restricting or eliminating the
remittance of Renminbi into or outside the PRC. The Issuer may need to source Renminbi offshore to
finance its obligations under the CNY Subordinated Instruments, and its ability to do so will be subject
to the overall availability of Renminbi outside the PRC. Further, since the remittance of Renminbi by
way of investment or loans are now categorised as capital account items, such remittances will need
to be made subject to the specific requirements or restrictions set out in the relevant State
57
Administration of Foreign Exchange, Ministry of Commerce of the PRC and People’s Bank of China
(“PBOC”) rules.
There is only limited availability of Renminbi outside the PRC, which may affect the liquidity of
the CNY Subordinated Instruments and the Issuer’s ability to source Renminbi outside the PRC
to service the CNY Subordinated Instruments
As a result of the restrictions imposed by the PRC government on cross-border Renminbi fund flows,
the availability of Renminbi outside of the PRC is limited.
While the PBOC has entered into agreements (“Settlement Agreements”) on the clearing of Renminbi
business with financial institutions in a number of financial centres and cities (“Renminbi Clearing
Banks”), including but not limited to Hong Kong, and is in the process of establishing Renminbi clearing
and settlement mechanisms in several other jurisdictions, the current size of Renminbi-denominated
financial assets outside the PRC is limited.
Renminbi business participating banks do not have direct Renminbi liquidity support from the PBOC.
The relevant Renminbi Clearing Bank will only have access to onshore liquidity support from the PBOC
to square open positions of participating banks for limited types of transactions and is not obliged to
square for participating banks any open positions resulting from other foreign exchange transactions
or conversion services. In such cases, the participating banks will need to source Renminbi from the
offshore market to square such open positions.
Although it is expected that the offshore Renminbi market will continue to grow in depth and size, its
growth is subject to many constraints as a result of PRC laws and regulations on foreign exchange.
There is no assurance that new PRC regulations will not be promulgated or the Settlement Agreements
will not be terminated or amended in the future, which will have the effect of restricting availability of
Renminbi offshore. The limited availability of Renminbi outside the PRC may affect the liquidity of the
CNY Subordinated Instruments. To the extent that the Issuer is required to source Renminbi in the
offshore market to service the CNY Subordinated Instruments, there is no assurance that the Issuer
will be able to source such Renminbi on satisfactory terms, if at all. If the Renminbi is not available in
certain circumstances as described under “Terms and Conditions – Payments Inconvertibility, Non-
transferability or Illiquidity”, the Issuer can make payments under the CNY Subordinated Instruments
in a currency other than Renminbi.
Investment in the CNY Subordinated Instruments is subject to exchange rate risks
The value of the Renminbi against the U.S. dollar, the Hong Kong dollar and other foreign currencies
fluctuates and is affected by changes in the PRC and international political and economic conditions
and by many other factors. Governments and monetary authorities may impose (as some have done
in the past) exchange controls that could adversely affect an applicable interest rate. Subject to the
Terms and Conditions of the CNY Subordinated Instruments, and, in particular, the Issuer’s right to
make payments in certain circumstances in other currencies, the Issuer will make all payments of
interest and principal with respect to the CNY Subordinated Instruments in Renminbi. As a result, the
value of these Renminbi payments in foreign currency may vary with the prevailing exchange rates in
the marketplace. For example, when an investor buys CNY Subordinated Instruments, such investor
may need to convert foreign currency to Renminbi at the exchange rate available at that time. If the
value of Renminbi depreciates against the relevant foreign currency between then and the time that
the Issuer pays back the principal of the CNY Subordinated Instruments in Renminbi at maturity, the
58
value of the investment in the relevant foreign currency will have declined.
Payments in respect of the CNY Subordinated Instruments will only be made to investors in the
manner specified in the CNY Subordinated Instruments
All payments to investors in respect of the CNY Subordinated Instruments will be made solely by (i)
when the CNY Subordinated Instruments are represented by a Temporary Global Instrument or a
Permanent Global Instrument, transfer to a Renminbi bank account maintained in Hong Kong in
accordance with prevailing rules and procedures of Euroclear, Clearstream, Luxembourg or CMU as
applicable, or (ii) when the CNY Subordinated Instruments are in definitive form, transfer to a Renminbi
bank account maintained in Hong Kong in accordance with prevailing rules and regulations.
The Issuer cannot be required to make a payment by any other means (including in any other currency
(unless this is specified in the Pricing Supplement of the CNY Subordinated Instruments) or by transfer
to a bank account in the PRC).
59
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
Each of:
the consolidated audited annual financial statements (including the directors’ remuneration
report, auditors’ report thereon and the notes thereto) appearing on pages 70 to 98 (inclusive),
and pages 167 to 318 (inclusive) of the Issuer’s 2020 Annual Report in respect of the year
ended 30 September 2020; and
the consolidated audited annual financial statements (including the directors’ remuneration
report, auditors’ report thereon and the notes thereto) appearing on pages 50 to 71 (inclusive)
and pages 137 to 273 (inclusive) of the Issuer’s 2021 Annual Report in respect of the year
ended 30 September 2021,
shall be deemed to be incorporated in, and to form part of, this Information Memorandum.
Each of the:
“Terms and Conditions of the Subordinated Instruments” section on pages 42 to 107 (inclusive)
of the Information Memorandum dated 14 November 2014 with Westpac Banking Corporation
as issuer;
“Terms and Conditions of the Subordinated Instruments” section on pages 43 to 104 (inclusive)
of the Information Memorandum dated 25 January 2016 with Westpac Banking Corporation
as issuer;
“Terms and Conditions of the Subordinated Instruments” section on pages 47 to 109 (inclusive)
of the Information Memorandum dated 23 June 2017 with Westpac Banking Corporation as
issuer;
“Terms and Conditions of the Subordinated Instruments” section on pages 61 to 132 (inclusive)
of the Information Memorandum dated 4 July 2019 with Westpac Banking Corporation as
issuer; and
“Terms and Conditions of the Subordinated Instruments” section on pages 60 to 151 (inclusive)
of the Information Memorandum dated 11 November 2020 with Westpac Banking Corporation
as issuer,
shall be deemed to be incorporated in, and to form part of, this Information Memorandum.
Any information contained in a document incorporated by reference herein which is not incorporated
in, and does not form part of, this Information Memorandum is either not relevant for investors or is
contained elsewhere in this Information Memorandum.
Following the publication of this Information Memorandum a supplementary Information Memorandum
may be prepared by the Issuer and approved by any relevant listing authority or stock exchange.
Statements contained in any such supplement (or contained in any document incorporated by
reference therein) shall, to the extent applicable (whether expressly, by implication or otherwise), be
deemed to modify or supersede statements contained in this Information Memorandum or in a
document which is incorporated by reference in this Information Memorandum. Any statement so
60
modified or superseded will not be deemed, except as so modified or superseded, to constitute a part
of this Information Memorandum.
For as long as the Programme remains in effect or any Subordinated Instruments are outstanding,
copies of the documents incorporated by reference herein may be inspected during the normal
business hours at the office of the Fiscal Agent (or the other office(s) of the Paying Agent(s) in the UK)
specified on page 228 of this Information Memorandum and from the registered head office of Westpac
Banking Corporation.
When deciding whether or not to subscribe for, purchase or otherwise deal in any Subordinated
Instruments or any rights in respect of any Subordinated Instruments, investors should:
review, amongst other things, the documents which are deemed to be incorporated by
reference in this Information Memorandum; and
have regard to the information lodged by the Issuer with ASX including in compliance with its
continuous and periodic disclosure obligations (made available at www.asx.com.au), including
announcements which may be made by Westpac after the date of publication of this
Information Memorandum.
61
TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF THE SUBORDINATED INSTRUMENTS
The following are the Terms and Conditions of the Subordinated Instruments which, as supplemented
in relation to any Subordinated Instruments by the relevant Pricing Supplement, will be applicable to
each Series of Subordinated Instruments:
The subordinated debt instruments (the “Subordinated Instruments”) are issued pursuant to and in
accordance with an amended and restated issue and paying agency agreement (as amended,
supplemented or replaced, the “Issue and Paying Agency Agreement”) dated 11 November 2020
and made between Westpac Banking Corporation (ABN 33 007 457 141) (the “Issuer”), The Bank of
New York Mellon, London Branch in its capacity as fiscal agent (the “Fiscal Agent”, which expression
shall include any successor to The Bank of New York Mellon, London Branch in its capacity as Fiscal
Agent) and as principal registrar (the “Principal Registrar”, which expression shall include any
successor to The Bank of New York Mellon, London Branch in its capacity as such), The Bank of New
York Mellon SA/NV, Luxembourg Branch in its capacities as first alternative registrar and Luxembourg
paying agent (the “First Alternative Registrar” and the “Luxembourg Paying Agent”, which
expression shall include any successor to The Bank of New York Mellon SA/NV, Luxembourg Branch
in its capacities as such), The Bank of New York Mellon in its capacity as second alternative registrar
(the “Second Alternative Registrar”, which expression shall include any successor to The Bank of
New York Mellon in its capacity as such), The Bank of New York Mellon, Hong Kong Branch in its
capacities as Hong Kong paying agent and as lodging agent (the “Hong Kong Paying Agent” and the
“Lodging Agent”, which expressions shall include any successors to The Bank of New York Mellon,
Hong Kong Branch in its capacities as such) and the other paying agents named therein (together with
the Hong Kong Paying Agent, the “Paying Agents”, which expression shall include the Fiscal Agent
and any substitute or additional paying agents appointed in accordance with the Issue and Paying
Agency Agreement).
The Subordinated Instruments have the benefit of a deed of covenant (as amended, supplemented or
replaced, the “Deed of Covenant”) dated 11 November 2020 executed by the Issuer in relation to the
Subordinated Instruments. Copies of the Issue and Paying Agency Agreement and the Deed of
Covenant are available for inspection during normal business hours at the Specified Office of each of
the Paying Agents, the Principal Registrar, the First Alternative Registrar and the Second Alternative
Registrar. All persons from time to time entitled to the benefit of obligations under any Subordinated
Instruments shall be deemed to have notice of, and shall be bound by, all of the provisions of the Issue
and Paying Agency Agreement and the Deed of Covenant insofar as they relate to the relevant
Subordinated Instruments.
The Subordinated Instruments are issued in series (each, a “Series”), and each Series may comprise
one or more tranches (“Tranches” and each, a “Tranche”) of Subordinated Instruments. Each Tranche
will be the subject of an applicable pricing supplement (each, the “Pricing Supplement”), a copy of
which will be available for inspection during normal business hours at the Specified Office of the Fiscal
Agent and/or, as the case may be, the Registrar (as defined in Condition 3.2). In the case of a Tranche
of Subordinated Instruments in relation to which application has not been made for listing and/or trading
on or by any competent listing authority and/or stock exchange, copies of the Pricing Supplement will
only be available for inspection by a Holder (as defined in Condition 3.1 or Condition 3.2, as applicable)
of or, as the case may be, a Relevant Account Holder (as defined in the Deed of Covenant) in respect
of, such Subordinated Instruments.
References in these Terms and Conditions to Subordinated Instruments are to Subordinated
62
Instruments of the relevant Series only and any references to Coupons (as defined in Condition 2.6)
are to Coupons relating to Subordinated Instruments of the relevant Series.
References in these Terms and Conditions to the Pricing Supplement are to the Pricing Supplement
prepared in relation to the Subordinated Instruments of the relevant Tranche or Series and endorsed
on or attached to such Subordinated Instruments.
In respect of any Subordinated Instruments, references herein to these Terms and Conditions are to
these terms and conditions as supplemented by the Pricing Supplement.
1. Interpretation
Definitions
1.1 In these Terms and Conditions, the following expressions have the following
meanings:
“Additional Amount” has the meaning given to it in Condition 10.1;
“Additional Business Centre(s)” means the city or cities specified as such in the Pricing
Supplement;
“Additional Tier 1 Capital” has the meaning given to it in the Prudential Standards;
“ADI” means Authorised Deposit-taking Institution, meaning a body corporate authorised
under section 9 of the Banking Act, to carry on banking business in Australia;
“Adjustment Spread” means a spread (which may be positive or negative) or formula or
methodology for calculating a spread, which is required to be applied to a Successor
Reference Rate or an Alternative Reference Rate (as applicable) as a result of the
replacement of the Reference Rate with such Successor Reference Rate or Alternative
Reference Rate (as applicable) and is the spread, formula or methodology which:
(a) in the case of a Successor Reference Rate, is formally recommended in relation to
the replacement of the Reference Rate with such Successor Reference Rate by any
Relevant Nominating Body; or
(b) in the case of a Successor Reference Rate for which no such recommendation has
been made or in the case of an Alternative Reference Rate, the relevant Independent
Adviser or the Issuer (as applicable) determines (acting in good faith and in a
commercially reasonable manner) is recognised or acknowledged as being in
customary market usage in international debt capital markets transactions which
reference the Reference Rate, where such rate has been replaced by such Successor
Reference Rate or Alternative Reference Rate (as applicable); or
(c) if no such customary market usage is recognised or acknowledged, the relevant
Independent Adviser or the Issuer (as applicable) determines is recognised or
acknowledged as being the industry standard for over-the-counter derivative
transactions which reference the Reference Rate, where such rate has been replaced
63
by the Successor Reference Rate or the Alternative Reference Rate (as applicable);
or
(d) if no such industry standard is recognised or acknowledged, the relevant Independent
Adviser or the Issuer (as applicable) in its discretion determines (acting in good faith
and in a commercially reasonable manner) to be appropriate;
“Alternative Reference Rate” means the rate which the Independent Adviser or the Issuer
determines has replaced the relevant Reference Rate in customary market usage in the
international debt capital markets for the purposes of determining rates of interest in respect
of bonds denominated in the Specified Currency and of a comparable duration to the relevant
Interest Accrual Periods, or, if the relevant Independent Adviser or the Issuer (as applicable)
determines (acting in good faith and in a commercially reasonable manner) that there is no
such rate, such other rate as such Independent Adviser or the Issuer (as applicable)
determines in its discretion (acting in good faith and in a commercially reasonable manner) is
most comparable to the relevant Reference Rate;
“Approved Replacement Notice” has the meaning given to it in Condition 6.14(a);
“Approved Successor” means a holding company that replaces, or is proposed to replace,
the Issuer as the ultimate holding company of the Westpac Group and that satisfies the
following requirements:
(a) the proposed successor holding company complies with all applicable legal
requirements and obtains any necessary regulatory approvals (including, to the
extent required, APRA’s prior written approval);
(b) the proposed successor holding company agrees to take any necessary action to give
effect to an amendment to the Terms and Conditions as contemplated in Condition
6.14;
(c) the ordinary shares of the proposed successor holding company are to be listed on
the ASX or any internationally recognised stock exchange;
(d) the proposed successor holding company has a place of business in New South
Wales, Australia or has appointed a process agent in New South Wales, Australia to
receive service of process on its behalf in relation to any legal proceedings arising
out of or in connection with the Subordinated Instruments;
(e) the proposed successor holding company has, in the reasonable opinion of an
independent expert, the financial capacity to perform the Issuer’s obligations under
these Terms and Conditions and the Deed of Covenant in respect of the Subordinated
Instruments; and
(f) the proposed replacement of the Issuer and the requirements described in
paragraphs (a) to (c) of this definition would not, in the reasonable opinion of an
independent expert, otherwise adversely affect the interests of Holders,
and for the purposes of this definition, “independent expert” means a reputable investment
64
bank, accounting firm or other suitably qualified body operating in Australia, or an investment
bank, accounting firm or other suitably qualified body of international repute, acting
independently of the Issuer and appointed by the Issuer to provide the opinions referred to in
paragraphs (e) and (f) of this definition;
“APRA” means the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority;
“ARRC Benchmark Replacement” means, where the Reference Rate is SOFR or SOFR
Index, the first alternative set forth in the order below that can be determined by the Issuer or
the Independent Adviser as of the Benchmark Replacement Date:
(a) the sum of (x) the alternate rate of interest that has been selected or recommended
by the Relevant Governmental Body as the replacement for the Reference Rate
where applicable for the applicable Corresponding Tenor and (y) where applicable the
Benchmark Replacement Adjustment (if any);
(b) the sum of (x) the ISDA Fallback Rate and (y) the Benchmark Replacement
Adjustment (if any); or
(c) the sum of (x) the alternate rate of interest selected by the Issuer or the Independent
Adviser (acting in good faith and in a commercially reasonable manner) as the
replacement for the then-current Reference Rate for the applicable Corresponding
Tenor giving due consideration to any industry-accepted rate of interest as a
replacement for the then-current Reference Rate for floating rate notes denominated
in USD at such time and (y) the Benchmark Replacement Adjustment (if any);
“Assets” means, in respect of the Issuer, its total non-consolidated gross assets as shown by
the latest published full-year audited or half-year reviewed accounts, as the case may be, of
the Issuer, but adjusted for events subsequent to the date of such accounts in such manner
and to such extent as two authorised signatories of the Issuer or, if the Issuer is in Winding-
Up, the Liquidator may determine to be appropriate;
“ASX” means the Australian Securities Exchange operated by ASX Limited (ABN 98 008 624
691);
“ASX Business Day” means a business day as defined in the ASX Listing Rules;
“ASX Listing Rules” means the listing rules of ASX from time to time with any modifications
or waivers in their application to the Issuer which ASX may grant;
“Australian dollars” and “A$” mean the lawful currency of Australia;
“Banking Act” has the meaning given to such term in Condition 4;
“BBSW Rate” means the Australian Bank Bill Swap Rate;
“Benchmark Event” means, in respect of any Reference Rate:
(a) the relevant Reference Rate ceasing to exist or be published for a period of at least
65
five Business Days; or
(b) a public statement by the administrator of the relevant Reference Rate that it has
ceased, or it will, by a specified date within the following six months (or, if later, the
next Interest Determination Date), cease, publishing the relevant Reference Rate
permanently or indefinitely (in circumstances where no successor administrator has
been appointed that will continue publication of the relevant Reference Rate); or
(c) a public statement by the supervisor of the administrator of the relevant Reference
Rate, the central bank for the currency of the Reference Rate, an insolvency official
with jurisdiction over the administrator for the Reference Rate, a resolution authority
with jurisdiction over the administrator for the Reference Rate or a court or an entity
with similar insolvency or resolution authority over the administrator for the Reference
Rate, that the relevant Reference Rate has been or will, by a specified date within the
following six months (or, if later, the next Interest Determination Date), be permanently
or indefinitely discontinued; or
(d) a public statement by the supervisor of the administrator of the relevant Reference
Rate that means the relevant Reference Rate will be prohibited from being used or
that its use will be subject to restrictions or adverse consequences, in each case
within the following six months (or, if later, the next Interest Determination Date);
(e) it has become unlawful for any Paying Agent, the Issuer or any other party to calculate
any payments due to be made to any holder of the Subordinated Instruments using
the relevant Reference Rate; or
(f) a public statement or publication of information by the supervisor of the administrator
of the relevant Reference Rate announcing that the Reference Rate is no longer
representative;
“Benchmark Replacement Adjustment” means the first alternative set forth in the order
below that can be determined by the Issuer or the Independent Adviser as of the Benchmark
Replacement Date:
(a) the spread adjustment, or method for calculating or determining such spread
adjustment, (which may be a positive or negative value or zero) that has been
selected or recommended by the Relevant Governmental Body for the applicable
Unadjusted Benchmark Replacement;
(b) if the applicable Unadjusted Benchmark Replacement is equivalent to the ISDA
Fallback Rate, then the ISDA Fallback Adjustment;
(c) the spread adjustment (which may be a positive or negative value or zero) that has
been selected by the Issuer or the Independent Adviser acting in good faith and in a
commercially reasonable manner and giving due consideration to any industry-
accepted spread adjustment, or method for calculating or determining such spread
adjustment, for the replacement of the then-current benchmark with the applicable
Unadjusted Benchmark Replacement for floating rate notes denominated in U.S.
66
dollars at such time;
“Benchmark Replacement Conforming Changes” means, with respect to any ARRC
Benchmark Replacement, any technical, administrative or operational changes (including
without limitation changes to the definition of "Interest Period" or “Interest Accrual Period”,
determination dates, timing and frequency of determining rates and making payments of
interest, rounding of amounts, or tenors, and other administrative matters) that the Issuer or
the Independent Adviser decides (acting in good faith and in a commercially reasonable
manner) may be appropriate to reflect the adoption of such ARRC Benchmark Replacement
in a manner substantially consistent with market practice (or, if the Issuer or the Independent
Adviser decides that adoption of any portion of such market practice is not administratively
feasible or if the Issuer or the Independent Adviser determines that no market practice for use
of the ARRC Benchmark Replacement exists, in such other manner as the Issuer or the
Independent Adviser determines is reasonably necessary);
“Benchmark Replacement Date” means the earliest to occur of the following events with
respect to the Reference Rate (including, in the case of Compounded Daily SOFR, Weighted
Average SOFR or Compounded Index SOFR, the daily published component used in the
calculation thereof):
(a) in the case of paragraph (a) or (b) of the definition of "Benchmark Transition Event",
the later of (x) the date of the public statement or publication of information referenced
therein and (y) the date on which the administrator of the Reference Rate permanently
or indefinitely ceases to provide the Reference Rate (or such component thereof); or
(b) in the case of paragraph (c) of the definition of "Benchmark Transition Event", the
effective date as of which the Reference Rate (or such component thereof) will no
longer be representative, which may be the date of the public statement or publication
of information referenced in the definition of Benchmark Transition Event or another
date.
If the event giving rise to the Benchmark Replacement Date occurs on the same day as, but
earlier than, the Reference Time in respect of any determination, the Benchmark Replacement
Date will be deemed to have occurred prior to the Reference Time for such determination;
“Benchmark Transition Event” means the occurrence of one or more of the following events
with respect to the Reference Rate (including, in the case of Compounded Daily SOFR,
Weighted Average SOFR or Compounded Index SOFR, the daily published component used
in the calculation thereof):
(a) a public statement or publication of information by or on behalf of the administrator of
the Reference Rate (or such component thereof) announcing that such administrator
has ceased or will cease to provide the Reference Rate (or such component thereof),
permanently or indefinitely, provided that, at the time of such statement or publication,
there is no successor administrator that will continue to provide the Reference Rate
(or such component thereof);
(b) a public statement or publication of information by the regulatory supervisor for the
administrator of the Reference Rate (or such component thereof) the central bank for
67
the currency of the Reference Rate (or such component thereof), an insolvency official
with jurisdiction over the administrator for the Reference Rate (or such component
thereof), a resolution authority with jurisdiction over the administrator for the
Reference Rate (or such component thereof) or a court or an entity with similar
insolvency or resolution authority over the administrator for the Reference Rate (or
such component thereof), which states that the administrator of the Reference Rate
(or such component thereof) has ceased or will cease to provide the Reference Rate
(or such component thereof) permanently or indefinitely, provided that, at the time of
such statement or publication, there is no successor administrator that will continue
to provide the Reference Rate (or such component thereof); or
(c) a public statement or publication of information by the regulatory supervisor for the
administrator of the Reference Rate announcing that the Reference Rate (or such
component thereof) is no longer, or as of a specified future date will no longer be,
representative;
“Broken Amount” has the meaning given in the Pricing Supplement;
“Business Day” means:
(a) for the purposes of Condition 9A.6 only, a day on which banks in the relevant place
of presentation are open for presentation and payment of bearer debt securities and
for dealings in foreign currencies; or
(b) in relation to any sum payable, either:
(i) where such sum is payable in a currency other than euro or Renminbi, a day
on which commercial banks and foreign exchange markets settle payments
and are open for general business (including dealing in foreign exchange and
foreign currency deposits) in the Principal Financial Centre which, if the
relevant currency is Australian dollars or New Zealand dollars, shall be
Sydney and Auckland, respectively, and any Additional Business Centre(s)
specified in the Pricing Supplement; or
(ii) where such sum is payable in euro, a day on which commercial banks and
foreign exchange markets settle payments and are open for general
business (including dealing in foreign exchange and foreign currency
deposits) in the Principal Financial Centre, each (if any) Additional Business
Centre(s) specified in the Pricing Supplement and a TARGET Settlement
Day; or
(iii) where such sum is payable in Renminbi, a day (other than a Saturday,
Sunday or public holiday) on which commercial banks and foreign exchange
markets in Hong Kong are generally open for business and settlement of
Renminbi payments in Hong Kong;
(c) for all other purposes, a day on which commercial banks and foreign exchange
markets settle payments and are open for general business (including dealing in
foreign exchange and foreign currency deposits) in the Principal Financial Centre and
68
any Additional Business Centre(s) specified in the Pricing Supplement;
“Business Day Convention”, means a convention for adjusting any date if it would otherwise
fall on a day that is not a Business Day, and in relation to any particular date, has the meaning
given in the Pricing Supplement and, in this context, the following expressions shall have the
following meanings:
(a) “Following Business Day Convention” means that the relevant date shall be
postponed to the first following day that is a Business Day;
(b) “Modified Following Business Day Convention” means that the relevant date shall
be postponed to the first following day that is a Business Day unless that day falls in
the next calendar month in which case that date will be the first preceding day that is
a Business Day;
(c) “Preceding Business Day Convention” means that the relevant date shall be
brought forward to the first preceding day that is a Business Day;
(d) “FRN Convention”, “Floating Rate Convention” or “Eurodollar Convention”
means that each relevant date shall be the date which numerically corresponds to the
preceding such date in the calendar month which is the number of months specified
in the Pricing Supplement as the Specified Period after the calendar month in which
the preceding such date occurred provided, however, that:
(1) if there is no such numerically corresponding day in the calendar month in
which any such date should occur, then such date will be the last day which
is a Business Day in that calendar month;
(2) if any such date would otherwise fall on a day which is not a Business Day,
then such date will be the first following day which is a Business Day unless
that day falls in the next calendar month, in which case it will be the first
preceding day which is a Business Day; and
(3) if the preceding such date occurred on the last day in a calendar month which
was a Business Day, then all subsequent such dates will be the last day
which is a Business Day in the calendar month which is the specified number
of months after the calendar month in which the preceding such date
occurred; and
(e) “No Adjustment” means that the relevant date shall not be adjusted in accordance
with any Business Day Convention;
“Calculation Agent” means the Fiscal Agent or such other Person specified in the Pricing
Supplement as the party responsible for calculating the Interest Rate(s) and Interest
Amount(s) and/or such other amount(s) as may be specified in the Pricing Supplement;
“Calculation Amount” has the meaning given in the applicable Pricing Supplement or, where
no such amount is specified, means (i) if there is only one Denomination, the Denomination
of the relevant Subordinated Instruments, and (ii) if there are several Denominations, the
69
highest common factor of these Denominations. Note there must be a common factor in the
case of two or more Denominations;
“CHESS” means the Clearing House Electronic Sub-register System operated by ASX
Settlement Pty Limited (ABN 49 008 504 532);
“Chi-X” means Chi-X Australia Pty Ltd (ABN 47 129 584 667);
“Clearing System” means Euroclear, Clearstream, Luxembourg or any other clearing system
specified in the Pricing Supplement;
“Clearstream, Luxembourg” means the clearing and settlement system operated by
Clearstream Banking S.A.;
“CMU Service” means the Central Moneymarkets Unit Service operated by the Hong Kong
Monetary Authority;
“Common Equity Tier 1 Capital” has the meaning given to it in the Prudential Standards;
“Corresponding Tenor” with respect to an ARRC Benchmark Replacement means a tenor
(including overnight) having approximately the same length (disregarding business day
adjustment) as the applicable tenor for the Reference Rate;
“Conversion” means, upon the occurrence of a Non-Viability Trigger Event, the conversion of
all or some Subordinated Instruments (or a percentage of the Outstanding Principal Amount
of each Subordinated Instrument) into Ordinary Shares of the Issuer in accordance with these
Terms and Conditions. “Convert” and “Converted” shall have corresponding meanings;
“Conversion Number” has the meaning given in Condition 6.1;
“Coupon Sheet” means, in respect of a Subordinated Instrument, a coupon sheet relating to
such Subordinated Instrument;
“Cum Value” has the meaning given in Condition 6.2(a);
“Day Count Fraction” means, in respect of the calculation of an amount for any period of time
(the “Calculation Period”), such day count fraction as may be specified in these Terms and
Conditions or the Pricing Supplement and:
(a) if “Actual/Actual (ICMA)” is so specified, means:
(i) where the Calculation Period is equal to or shorter than the Regular Period
during which it falls, the actual number of days in the Calculation Period
divided by the product of (1) the actual number of days in such Regular
Period and (2) the number of Regular Periods normally ending in any year;
and
(ii) where the Calculation Period is longer than one Regular Period, the sum of:
70
(A) the actual number of days in such Calculation Period falling in the
Regular Period in which it begins divided by the product of (1) the
number of days in such Regular Period and (2) the number of
Regular Periods in any year; and
(B) the number of days in such Calculation Period falling in the next
Regular Period divided by the product of (1) the number of days in
such Regular Period and (2) the number of Regular Periods normally
ending in any year;
(b) if “Actual/365” or “Actual/Actual (ISDA)” is so specified, means the actual number of
days in the Calculation Period divided by 365 (or, if any portion of the Calculation
Period falls in a leap year, the sum of (A) the actual number of days in that portion of
the Calculation Period falling in a leap year divided by 366 and (B) the actual number
of days in that portion of the Calculation Period falling in a non-leap year divided by
365);
(c) if “Actual/365 (Fixed)” is so specified, means the actual number of days in the
Calculation Period divided by 365;
(d) if “Actual/360” is so specified, means the actual number of days in the Calculation
Period divided by 360;
(e) if “30/360” is so specified, means the number of days in the Calculation Period divided
by 360 calculated on a formula basis as follows:
Day Count Fraction = [360 x (Y2 – Y1)] + [30 x (M2 – M1)] + (D2 – D1)
360
where:
“Y1” is the year, expressed as a number, in which the first day of the Calculation
Period falls;
“Y2” is the year, expressed as a number, in which the day immediately following the
last day included in the Calculation Period falls;
“M1” is the calendar month, expressed as a number, in which the first day of the
Calculation Period falls;
“M2” is the calendar month, expressed as a number, in which the day immediately
following the last day included in the Calculation Period falls;
“D1” is the first calendar day, expressed as a number, of the Calculation Period,
unless such number would be 31, in which case D1 will be 30; and
“D2” is the calendar day, expressed as a number, immediately following the last day
included in the Calculation Period, unless such number would be 31 and D1 is greater
than 29, in which case D2 will be 30;
71
(f) if “30E/360” or “Eurobond Basis” is so specified, means the number of days in the
Calculation Period divided by 360, calculated on a formula basis as follows:
Day Count Fraction = [360 x (Y2 – Y1)] + [30 x (M2 – M1)] + (D2 – D1)
360
where:
“Y1” is the year, expressed as a number, in which the first day of the Calculation
Period falls;
“Y2” is the year, expressed as a number, in which the day immediately following the
last day included in the Calculation Period falls;
“M1” is the calendar month, expressed as a number, in which the first day of the
Calculation Period falls;
“M2” is the calendar month, expressed as a number, in which the day immediately
following the last day included in the Calculation Period falls;
“D1” is the first calendar day, expressed as a number, of the Calculation Period,
unless such number would be 31, in which case D1 will be 30; and
“D2” is the calendar day, expressed as a number, immediately following the last day
included in the Calculation Period, unless such number would be 31, in which case
D2 will be 30;
(g) if “30E/360 (ISDA)” is so specified, means the number of days in the Calculation
Period divided by 360, calculated on a formula basis as follows:
Day Count Fraction = [360 x (Y2 – Y1)] + [30 x (M2 – M1)] + (D2 – D1)
360
where:
“Y1” is the year, expressed as a number, in which the first day of the Calculation
Period falls;
“Y2” is the year, expressed as a number, in which the day immediately following the
last day of the Calculation Period falls;
“M1” is the calendar month, expressed as a number, in which the first day of the
Calculation Period falls;
“M2” is the calendar month, expressed as a number, in which the day immediately
following the last day of the Calculation Period falls;
“D1” is the first calendar day, expressed as a number, of the Calculation Period,
unless (i) that day is the last day of February or (ii) such number would be 31, in which
72
case D1 will be 30; and
“D2” is the calendar day, expressed as a number, immediately following the last day
included in the Calculation Period, unless (i) that day is the last day of February but
not the Maturity Date or (ii) such number would be 31, in which case D2 will be 30.
“Denomination” has the meaning given in the Pricing Supplement;
“Early Redemption Amount (Adverse Tax Event)” has the meaning given in Condition
8.4(b);
“Early Redemption Amount (Call)” has the meaning given in Condition 8.3(b);
“Early Redemption Amount (Regulatory Event)” has the meaning given in Condition 8.5(b);
“Early Redemption Date” means, as appropriate, the Early Redemption Date (Call), the Early
Redemption Date (Adverse Tax Event) or the Early Redemption Date (Regulatory Event), in
each case, as specified in the applicable Pricing Supplement.
“Equal Ranking Instruments” means instruments which satisfy the requirements set out in
one of the following paragraphs (a), (b) or (c):
(a) any instruments, present and future, issued by the Issuer which:
(i) by their terms are, or are expressed to be, subordinated in a Winding-Up to
the claims of Senior Creditors;
(ii) qualify as Tier 2 Capital of the Issuer; and
(iii) in a Winding-Up rank, or are expressed to rank, prior to, and senior in right
of payment to, instruments which constitute Additional Tier 1 Capital or
Common Equity Tier 1 Capital of the Issuer;
(b) the Perpetual Capital Notes (irrespective of whether or not such instruments are
treated as constituting Tier 2 Capital in accordance with any transitional arrangements
approved by APRA); or
(c) any other instruments, present and future, issued by the Issuer where, the right to
repayment ranks, or is expressed to rank, in a Winding-Up equally with the claims of
Holders (irrespective of whether or not such instruments qualify as Tier 2 Capital of
the Issuer);
“Early Termination Amount” has the meaning given in Condition 11.3;
“Euroclear” means the clearing and settlement system operated by Euroclear Bank SA/NV;
“EURIBOR” means the Euro Interbank Offered Rate;
“Extraordinary Resolution” has the meaning given in the Issue and Paying Agency
73
Agreement;
“FATCA” means:
(a) sections 1471 to 1474 of the United States Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as
amended, including any regulations or official interpretations issued;
(b) any treaty, law or regulation of any other jurisdiction, or relating to an
intergovernmental agreement between the U.S. and any other jurisdiction, which (in
either case) facilitates the implementation of any law or regulation referred to in
paragraph (a) above; or
(c) any agreement pursuant to the implementation of any treaty, law or regulation referred
to in paragraphs (a) or (b) above with the U.S. Internal Revenue Service, the U.S.
government or any governmental or taxation authority in any other jurisdiction.
“FATCA Withholding” means any deduction or withholding made under or in connection with
FATCA;
“Final Redemption Amount” means, in respect of any Subordinated Instrument, its
Outstanding Principal Amount or such other amount as may be specified in the Pricing
Supplement;
“Fixed Coupon Amount” has the meaning given in the Pricing Supplement;
“Fixed Rate Reset Date” has the meaning given in the relevant Pricing Supplement;
“Foreign Holder” means a Holder (a) whose place of residence is outside Australia or (b) who
the Issuer otherwise believes may not be a resident of Australia and, in either case, the Issuer
is not satisfied that the laws of both the Commonwealth of Australia and the Holder’s country
of residence would permit the offer to, or the unconditional holding or acquisition of Ordinary
Shares by, the Holder (but the Issuer will not be bound to enquire and any decision is in its
sole discretion);
“Holder” has the meaning given in Condition 3.1;
“Independent Adviser” means an independent financial institution of international repute or
other independent financial adviser experienced in the international debt capital markets;
“Ineligible Holder” means:
(a) a Holder who is prohibited or restricted by any applicable law or regulation in force in
Australia (including, but not limited to, Chapter 6 of the Corporations Act 2001 of
Australia (the “Corporations Act 2001”), the Foreign Acquisitions and Takeovers Act
1975 of Australia, the Financial Sector (Shareholdings) Act 1998 of Australia and Part
IV of the Competition and Consumer Act 2010 of Australia) from being offered, holding
or acquiring Ordinary Shares (provided that if the relevant prohibition or restriction
only applies to the Holder in respect of some of its Subordinated Instruments, it shall
only be treated as an Ineligible Holder in respect of those Subordinated Instruments
74
and not in respect of the balance of its Subordinated Instruments). The Issuer will be
entitled to treat a Holder as not being an Ineligible Holder unless the Holder has
otherwise notified it after the Issue Date and prior to the Non-Viability Trigger Event
Date; or
(b) a Foreign Holder;
“Initial Rate of Interest” has the meaning given in the relevant Pricing Supplement;
“Interest Accrual Period” means, in respect of an Interest Period, each successive period
beginning on and including an Interest Period End Date and ending on but excluding the next
succeeding Interest Period End Date during that Interest Period provided always that the first
Interest Accrual Period shall commence on and include the Interest Commencement Date and
the final Interest Accrual Period shall end on but exclude the Maturity Date or such other date
of redemption of the Subordinated Instruments;
“Interest Amount” means, in relation to a Subordinated Instrument and an Interest Period,
the amount of interest payable per Calculation Amount in respect of that Subordinated
Instrument for that Interest Period;
“Interest Commencement Date” means the Issue Date of the Subordinated Instruments or
such other date as may be specified as the Interest Commencement Date in the Pricing
Supplement;
“Interest Determination Date” has the meaning given in the Pricing Supplement;
“Interest Payment Date” means the date or dates specified as such in the Pricing Supplement
and, if a Business Day Convention is specified in the Pricing Supplement:
(a) as the same may be adjusted in accordance with the relevant Business Day
Convention; or
(b) if the Business Day Convention is the FRN Convention, Floating Rate Convention or
Eurodollar Convention and an interval of a number of calendar months is specified in
the Pricing Supplement as being the Specified Period, each of such dates as may
occur in accordance with the FRN Convention, Floating Rate Convention or
Eurodollar Convention at such Specified Period of calendar months following the
Interest Commencement Date (in the case of the first Interest Payment Date) or the
previous Interest Payment Date (in any other case);
“Interest Period” means each period beginning on (and including) the Interest
Commencement Date or any Interest Payment Date and ending on (but excluding) the next
Interest Payment Date with the final Interest Period ending on (but excluding) the Maturity
Date or such other date of redemption of the Subordinated Instruments;
“Interest Period End Date” means the date or dates specified as such in the Pricing
Supplement and, if a Business Day Convention is specified in the Pricing Supplement, as the
same may be adjusted in accordance with the relevant Business Day Convention or, if the
Business Day Convention is the FRN Convention and an interval of a number of calendar
75
months is specified in the Pricing Supplement as the Interest Accrual Period, such dates as
may occur in accordance with the FRN Convention at such Specified Period of calendar
months following the Interest Commencement Date (in the case of the first Interest Period End
Date) or the previous Interest Period End Date (in any other case) or, if none of the foregoing
is specified in the Pricing Supplement, the date or each of the dates which correspond with
the Interest Payment Date(s) in respect of the Subordinated Instruments;
“Interest Rate” or “Rate of Interest” means the rate or rates (expressed as a percentage per
annum) of interest payable in respect of the Outstanding Principal Amount of the Subordinated
Instruments specified in Pricing Supplement or calculated or determined in accordance with
the provisions of these Terms and Conditions and/or the Pricing Supplement;
“Interpolated Benchmark” with respect to the Reference Rate means the rate determined for
the Corresponding Tenor by interpolating on a linear basis between:
(a) the Reference Rate for the longest period for which the Reference Rate is available
that is shorter than the Corresponding Tenor; and
(b) the Reference Rate for the shortest period for which the Reference Rate is available
that is longer than the Corresponding Tenor;
“ISDA Definitions” means the 2021 ISDA Interest Rate Derivatives Definitions as amended
and updated as at the Issue Date of the first Tranche of the Subordinated Instruments of the
relevant Series (as specified in the Pricing Supplement) and as published by the International
Swaps and Derivatives Association, Inc.;
“ISDA Fallback Adjustment” means the spread adjustment (which may be a positive or
negative value or zero) that would apply for derivatives transactions referencing the ISDA
Definitions to be determined upon the occurrence of an index cessation event with respect to
the Reference Rate for the applicable tenor;
“ISDA Fallback Rate” means the rate that would apply for derivatives transactions referencing
the ISDA Definitions to be effective upon the occurrence of an index cessation date with
respect to the Reference Rate for the applicable tenor excluding the applicable ISDA Fallback
Adjustment;
“Issue Date” has the meaning given in the Pricing Supplement;
“Issue Date VWAP” means, in respect of Subordinated Instruments of a Series, the VWAP
during the period of 20 ASX Business Days on which trading in Ordinary Shares took place
immediately preceding (but not including) the first date on which any Subordinated
Instruments of that Series were issued, as adjusted in accordance with Condition 6
(Procedures for Conversion);
“Junior Ranking Capital Instruments” means instruments, present and future, issued by the
Issuer which:
(a) by their terms are, or are expressed to be, subordinated in a Winding-Up to the claims
of Holders and other Equal Ranking Instruments; and
76
(b) qualify as Additional Tier 1 Capital or Common Equity Tier 1 Capital of the Issuer;
“Liabilities” means, in respect of the Issuer, its total non-consolidated gross liabilities as
shown by its latest published full-year audited or half-year reviewed accounts, as the case
may be, but adjusted for events subsequent to the date of such accounts in such manner and
to such extent as two authorised signatories of the Issuer or, if the Issuer is in Winding-Up,
the Liquidator may determine to be appropriate;
“Liquidator” means the liquidator or other official responsible for the conduct and
administration of a Winding-Up;
“local banking day” means a day (other than a Saturday, Sunday or public holiday) on which
commercial banks are open for business (including dealings in foreign exchange and foreign
currency deposits) in the place of presentation of the relevant Subordinated Instrument or, as
the case may be, Coupon;
“Margin” has the meaning given in the Pricing Supplement;
“Maturity Date” means the date specified as such in the provisions of the Pricing Supplement
and, if a Business Day Convention is specified in the Pricing Supplement, as the same may
be adjusted in accordance with the relevant Business Day Convention;
“Maximum Conversion Number” has the meaning given in Condition 6.1;
“Maximum Redemption Amount” has the meaning given in the Pricing Supplement;
“Member State” means a Member State of the European Union;
“Minimum Redemption Amount” has the meaning given in the Pricing Supplement;
a “Non-Viability Trigger Event” occurs when APRA notifies the Issuer in writing that it
believes:
(a) Conversion or Write-off of Subordinated Instruments, or conversion, write-off or write-
down of Relevant Securities is necessary because, without it, the Issuer would
become non-viable; or
(b) a public sector injection of capital, or equivalent support, is necessary because,
without it, the Issuer would become non-viable;
“Non-Viability Trigger Event Date” has the meaning given to it in Condition 5.1(c)(iii);
“Ordinary Resolution” has the meaning given in the Issue and Paying Agency Agreement;
“Ordinary Share” means a fully paid ordinary share in the capital of the Issuer;
“Outstanding” means, on any day, all Subordinated Instruments issued, less such
Subordinated Instruments:
77
(a) which have been redeemed, Converted, Written-off or satisfied in full by the Issuer in
accordance with the Terms and Conditions;
(b) for the payment of which funds equal to their aggregate Outstanding Principal Amount
are on deposit with the relevant Paying Agent on terms which prohibit the return of
the deposit or the use of the deposit for any purpose other than the payment of such
Subordinated Instruments or in respect of which the relevant Paying Agent holds an
irrevocable direction to apply funds in repayment of Subordinated Instruments to be
redeemed on that day;
(c) in respect of which a Holder is unable to make a claim as a result of the operation of
Condition 12 (Prescription); or
(d) those which have been purchased and cancelled as provided in the Terms and
Conditions,
provided that for the purposes of:
(i) ascertaining the right to attend and vote at any meeting of the Holders; and
(ii) the determination of how many Subordinated Instruments are outstanding for
the purposes of the definition of the Outstanding Principal Amount,
such Subordinated Instruments which are beneficially held by, or are held on behalf of, the
Issuer and not cancelled shall be deemed not to remain outstanding;
“Outstanding Principal Amount” means in respect of any Subordinated Instrument which is
Outstanding at any time, the outstanding principal amount of the Subordinated Instrument,
and for such purposes:
(a) the principal amount of a Subordinated Instrument issued at a discount or at par, but
which has not been Converted or Written-off, is at any time to be taken to be equal to
its Denomination;
(b) if an amount is required to be determined in Australian dollars, the Australian dollar
equivalent of a Subordinated Instrument denominated in a Specified Currency is to
be determined on the basis of the spot rate of exchange for the sale of Australian
dollars against the purchase of such relevant Specified Currency in the Sydney
foreign exchange market quoted by any leading bank selected by the Issuer on the
relevant calculation date. The calculation date is, at the discretion of the Issuer, either
the date specified in the relevant formula in Condition 6.1(a) or the preceding day on
which commercial banks and foreign exchange markets are open for business in
Sydney or such other date as may be specified by the Issuer in the Pricing
Supplement; and
(c) if the principal amount of a Subordinated Instrument has from time to time been
Converted or Written-off as described in, and in accordance with, Conditions 5 (Non-
Viability, Conversion and Write-off) and 6 (Procedures for Conversion), the principal
amount of the Subordinated Instrument will be reduced by the principal amount so
78
Converted or Written-off;
“Perpetual Capital Notes” means the Perpetual Capital Floating Rate Notes issued by the
Issuer on 30 September 1986 (as the same may be varied or amended from time to time);
“Person” means any individual, company, corporation, firm, partnership, joint venture, trust,
estate, association, organisation, state or agency of a state or other entity, whether or not
having separate legal personality;
“Principal Financial Centre” means, in relation to any currency, the principal financial centre
for that currency provided, however, that in relation to euro, it means the principal financial
centre of such Member State as is selected (in the case of a payment) by the payee or (in the
case of a calculation) by the Calculation Agent;
“Prudential Standards” means the prudential standards and guidelines published by APRA
and as applicable to the Issuer from time to time;
“Reclassification” has the meaning given in Condition 6.3;
“Record Date” has the meaning given in Condition 9B.4;
“Redemption Amount” means, as appropriate, the Final Redemption Amount, the Early
Redemption Amount (Call), the Early Redemption Amount (Adverse Tax Event) or the Early
Redemption Amount (Regulatory Event);
“Reference Banks” has the meaning given in the Pricing Supplement or, if none is specified,
four major banks selected by the Issuer or the Independent Adviser appointed by the Issuer
in the market that is most closely connected with the Reference Rate or Reset Reference Rate,
as applicable;
“Reference Price” has the meaning given in the Pricing Supplement;
“Reference Rate” means one of the following interbank lending rates, overnight rates, swap
rates or bank bill rates: “BA-CDOR”, “BBSW”, “BKBM”, “CNH HIBOR”, “EURIBOR”, “HIBOR”,
“NIBOR”, “SOFR”, “SOFR Index”, “SONIA”, “SONIA Index” or “SORA”, in each case for the
relevant currency and for the relevant period as specified in the Pricing Supplement;
"Reference Time" with respect to any determination of the Reference Rate (including, in the
case of Compounded Daily SOFR, Weighted Average SOFR or Compounded Index SOFR,
the daily published component used in the calculation thereof) means:
(a) (x) where the Reference Rate (or such component thereof) is SOFR, 3:00 p.m. (New
York City time) on the U.S. Government Securities Business Day immediately
following the date that the relevant rate is in respect of, and (y) where the Reference
Rate (or such component thereof) is SOFR Index, 3:00 p.m. (New York City time) on
the U.S. Government Securities Business Day that the relevant rate is in respect of;
or
(b) otherwise, the time determined by the Issuer or the Independent Adviser after giving
79
effect to the Benchmark Replacement Conforming Changes;
“Regular Period” means:
(a) in the case of Subordinated Instruments where interest is scheduled to be paid only
by means of regular payments, each period from and including the Interest
Commencement Date to but excluding the first Interest Payment Date and each
successive period from and including one Interest Payment Date to but excluding the
next Interest Payment Date;
(b) in the case of Subordinated Instruments where, apart from the first Interest Period,
interest is scheduled to be paid only by means of regular payments, each period from
and including a Regular Date falling in any year to but excluding the next Regular
Date, where “Regular Date” means the day and month (but not the year) on which
any Interest Payment Date falls; and
(c) in the case of Subordinated Instruments where, apart from one Interest Period other
than the first Interest Period, interest is scheduled to be paid only by means of regular
payments, each period from and including a Regular Date falling in any year to but
excluding the next Regular Date, where “Regular Date” means the day and month
(but not the year) on which any Interest Payment Date falls other than the Interest
Payment Date falling at the end of the irregular Interest Period;
“Related Entity” means an entity over which the Issuer or any parent of the Issuer exercises
control or significant influence, as determined by APRA from time to time;
“Relevant Date” means, in relation to any payment, whichever is the later of (a) the date on
which the payment in question first becomes due and (b) if the full amount payable has not
been received in the Principal Financial Centre of the currency of payment by the Fiscal Agent
on or prior to such due date, the date on which (the full amount having been so received)
notice to that effect has been given to the Holders in accordance with Condition 16 (Notices);
“Relevant Financial Centre” means the city specified as such in the Pricing Supplement or,
if none, the city most closely connected with the Reference Rate in the determination of the
Calculation Agent;
“Relevant Governmental Body” means the Federal Reserve Board and/or the Federal
Reserve Bank of New York (including any board thereof), or in either case any committee
officially endorsed and/or convened thereby or any successor thereto;
“Relevant Nominating Body” means, in respect of any Reference Rate:
(a) the central bank for the currency to which such Reference Rate relates, or any central
bank or other supervisory authority which is responsible for supervising the
administrator of such Reference Rate; or
(b) any working group or committee established, approved or sponsored by, chaired or
co-chaired by or constituted at the request of (i) the central bank for the currency to
which such Reference Rate relates, (ii) any central bank or other supervisory authority
80
which is responsible for supervising the administrator of such Reference Rate, (iii) a
group of the aforementioned central banks or other supervisory authorities or (iv) the
Financial Stability Board or any part thereof;
“Relevant Screen Page” means the page, section or other part of a particular information
service (including, without limitation, the Reuters Monitor Money Rates Service) specified as
the Relevant Screen Page in the Pricing Supplement, or such other page, section or other
part as may replace it on that information service or such other information service, in each
case, as may be nominated by the Person providing or sponsoring the information appearing
there for the purpose of displaying rates or prices comparable to the Reference Rate or the
Reset Reference Rate;
“Relevant Securities” means Relevant Tier 1 Securities and Relevant Tier 2 Securities;
“Relevant Tier 1 Security” means a security forming part of the Tier 1 Capital of the Issuer
on a “Level 1 basis” or “Level 2 basis” in accordance with the Prudential Standards which,
upon the occurrence of a Non-Viability Trigger Event, may be either:
(a) converted into Ordinary Shares; or
(b) written-off or written-down (and all rights and claims of the holders in respect of the
security shall be written-off or written-down);
“Relevant Tier 2 Security” means a security forming part of the Tier 2 Capital of the Issuer
on a “Level 1 basis” or “Level 2 basis” in accordance with the Prudential Standards which,
upon the occurrence of a Non-Viability Trigger Event, may be either:
(a) converted into Ordinary Shares; or
(b) written-off or written-down (and all rights and claims of the holders in respect of the
security shall be written-off or written-down),
and includes the Subordinated Instruments;
“Relevant Time” has the meaning given in the Pricing Supplement;
“Replacement” has the meaning given in Condition 6.14(a);
“Reset Determination Date” means for each Reset Period the date as specified in the
applicable Pricing Supplement falling on or before the commencement of such Reset Period
on which the Rate of Interest applying during such Reset Period will be determined;
“Reset Period” means the period from (and including) the Fixed Rate Reset Date to (but
excluding) the Maturity Date if there is only one Reset Period or, if there is more than one
Reset Period, each period from (and including) one Fixed Rate Reset Date (or the first Fixed
Rate Reset Date) to (but excluding) the next Fixed Rate Reset Date (or the Maturity Date);
“Reset Rate” for any Reset Period means either (i) the rate per annum specified in the
applicable Pricing Supplement or (ii), in the event (i) above does not apply, the sum of the
81
applicable Reset Reference Rate and Reset Reference Rate Spread;
“Reset Rate Time” has the meaning given in the applicable Pricing Supplement;
“Reset Reference Rate” has the meaning given in the applicable Pricing Supplement;
“Reset Reference Rate Spread” has the meaning given in the applicable Pricing Supplement;
“Sale and Transfer Agent” means each nominee (who cannot be a member of the Westpac
Group or a Related Entity) appointed by the Issuer under a facility established for the sale or
transfer of Ordinary Shares to be issued on Conversion on behalf of:
(a) if the Holder is the operator of a Clearing System or a nominee for a common
depository for any one or more Clearing Systems (such operator or nominee for a
common depository acting in such capacity as is specified in the rules and regulations
of the relevant Clearing System or Clearing Systems), the participants in the relevant
Clearing System or Clearing Systems;
(b) Holders who do not wish to receive Ordinary Shares on Conversion; or
(c) Holders who are Ineligible Holders,
in accordance with Condition 6.10. For the avoidance of doubt, the Issuer may appoint more
than one Sale and Transfer Agent in respect of the Conversion of one or more Series of
Subordinated Instruments;
“Senior Creditors” means all depositors and other creditors (present and future) of the Issuer,
including all holders of the Issuer’s debt:
(a) whose claims are admitted in a Winding-Up; and
(b) whose claims are not made as holders of indebtedness arising under:
(i) an Equal Ranking Instrument; or
(ii) a Junior Ranking Capital Instrument;
The Issuer shall be considered “Solvent” if: (i) it is able to pay its debts as they fall due; and
(ii) its Assets exceed its Liabilities;
“Solvency Condition” means the conditions set out in Condition 4.3;
“Solvent Reconstruction” means a scheme of amalgamation or reconstruction, not involving
a bankruptcy or insolvency, where the obligations of the Issuer in relation to the outstanding
Subordinated Instruments are assumed by the successor entity to which all, or substantially
all, of the property, assets and undertaking of the Issuer are transferred or where an
arrangement with similar effect not involving a bankruptcy or insolvency is implemented;
“Specified Currency” has the meaning given in the Pricing Supplement;
82
“Specified Office” has the meaning given in the Issue and Paying Agency Agreement;
“Specified Period” has the meaning given in the Pricing Supplement;
“Subsidiary” means, in relation to any Person (the “first Person”) at any particular time, any
other Person (the “second Person”):
(a) whose affairs and policies the first Person controls or has the power to control,
whether by ownership of share capital, contract, the power to appoint or remove
members of the governing body of the second Person or otherwise; or
(b) whose financial statements are, in accordance with applicable law and generally
accepted accounting principles, consolidated with those of the first Person;
“Successor Reference Rate” means the rate which has been formally published, endorsed,
approved, recommended or recognised as a successor or replacement to the relevant
Reference Rate by any Relevant Nominating Body;
“Talon” means a talon for further Coupons;
“TARGET2” means the Trans-European Automated Real-Time Gross Settlement Express
Transfer payment system which utilises a single shared platform and which was launched on
19 November 2007;
“TARGET Settlement Day” means any day on which TARGET2 is operating credit or transfer
instructions in respect of euro;
“Tax Legislation” means (a) the Income Tax Assessment Act 1936 of Australia or the Income
Tax Assessment Act 1997 of Australia (both as amended from time to time, as the case may
be, and a reference to any section of the Income Tax Assessment Act 1936 includes a
reference to that section as rewritten in the Income Tax Assessment Act 1997), (b) any other
law setting the rate of income tax payable by the Issuer, and (c) any regulation made under
such laws;
“Tier 1 Capital” has the meaning given to it in the Prudential Standards;
“Tier 2 Capital” has the meaning given to it in the Prudential Standards;
“Unadjusted Benchmark Replacement” means the ARRC Benchmark Replacement
excluding the Benchmark Replacement Adjustment;
“VWAP” means, subject to any adjustments under Conditions 6.2 and 6.3, the average of the
daily volume weighted average sale prices (such average and each such daily average sale
price being expressed in Australian dollars and cents and rounded to the nearest full cent,
with A$0.005 being rounded upwards) of Ordinary Shares sold on ASX and Chi-X during the
relevant period or on the relevant days but does not include any “crossing” transacted outside
the “Open Session State” or any “special crossing” transacted at any time, each as defined in
the ASX Market Rules or any overseas trades or trades pursuant to the exercise of options
over Ordinary Shares;
83
“VWAP Period” means:
(a) in the case of a Conversion resulting from the occurrence of a Non-Viability Trigger
Event, the period of 5 ASX Business Days on which trading in Ordinary Shares took
place immediately preceding (but not including) the Non-Viability Trigger Event Date;
or
(b) otherwise, the period for which the VWAP is to be calculated in accordance with these
Conditions;
“Westpac Group” means the Issuer and its controlled entities taken as a whole;
“Winding-Up” means the legal procedure for the liquidation of the Issuer commenced when:
(a) a court order is made for the winding-up of the Issuer (and such order is not
successfully appealed or set aside within 30 days); or
(b) an effective resolution is passed, or deemed to have been passed, by shareholders
or members for the winding-up of the Issuer,
other than in connection with a Solvent Reconstruction.
A Winding-Up must be commenced by a court order or an effective resolution of shareholders
or members. Neither (i) the making of an application, the filing of a petition, or the taking of
any other steps for the winding-up of the Issuer (or any other procedure whereby the Issuer
may be dissolved, liquidated, sequestered or cease to exist as a body corporate), nor (ii) the
appointment of a receiver, administrator, administrative receiver, compulsory manager,
Banking Act statutory manager or other similar officer (other than a Liquidator) in respect of
the Issuer, constitutes a Winding-Up for the purposes of these Terms and Conditions; and
“Write-off” has the meaning given to it in Condition 5.3(c). “Written-off” shall have a
corresponding meaning.
Interpretation
1.2 In these Terms and Conditions:
(a) if Talons are specified in the Pricing Supplement as being attached to the
Subordinated Instruments at the time of issue, references to Coupons shall be
deemed to include references to Talons;
(b) if Talons are not specified in the Pricing Supplement as being attached to the
Subordinated Instruments at the time of issue, references to Talons are not applicable;
(c) any reference to principal shall be deemed to include the Redemption Amount, any
Additional Amounts in respect of principal which may be payable under Condition 10.1
(unless Condition 10.1 is specified in the Pricing Supplement as being not applicable)
and any other amount in the nature of principal payable pursuant to these Terms and
Conditions;
84
(d) any reference to interest shall be deemed to include any Additional Amounts in
respect of interest which may be payable under Condition 10.1 (unless Condition 10.1
is specified in the Pricing Supplement as being not applicable), all amounts payable
pursuant to Condition 7 (Interest) and any other amounts in the nature of interest
payable pursuant to these Terms and Conditions;
(e) if an expression is stated in Condition 1.1 to have the meaning given in the Pricing
Supplement, but the Pricing Supplement gives no such meaning or specifies that such
expression is “not applicable” then such expression is not applicable to the
Subordinated Instruments to which such Pricing Supplement relates;
(f) a reference to a matter which is described in the Prudential Standard is a reference
to that matter as it is updated, varied or replaced, and described in those Prudential
Standards, from time to time;
(g) a reference to an event occurring “after” the lapse of a period of time means the
relevant period of time not including the day on which the relevant event which
triggered the commencement of the period of time occurred;
(h) except where the context otherwise requires, a reference to any thing (including,
without limitation, any amount or Outstanding Principal Amount of any Subordinated
Instrument) is a reference to the whole or each part of it (including, without limitation,
the part or percentage of the Outstanding Principal Amount of a Subordinated
Instrument required to be Converted or Written-off); and
(i) if the provisions of these Terms and Conditions and/or the relevant Pricing
Supplement specifies any Early Redemption Amount (Adverse Tax Event), Early
Redemption Amount (Call), Early Redemption Amount (Regulatory Event), Early
Termination Amount, Final Redemption Amount, Interest Amount, Maximum
Redemption Amount, Minimum Redemption Amount or Redemption Amount (as
applicable) (each a “Specified Amount”) on a per Calculation Amount basis, the
relevant Specified Amount in respect of a Subordinated Instrument shall be deemed
to be the relevant Specified Amount per Calculation Amount divided by the Calculation
Amount multiplied by the Outstanding Principal Amount of each such Subordinated
Instrument - i.e. a Specified Amount shall be calculated as follows:
Specified
Amount =
Specified Amount per Calculation
Amount
Calculation Amount
x
Outstanding Principal
Amount
2. Form and Denomination
2.1 Subordinated Instruments shall be issued in bearer form (“Bearer Subordinated
Instruments”) or in registered form (“Registered Subordinated Instruments”), as specified
in the Pricing Supplement, and shall be serially numbered. Registered Subordinated
Instruments will not be exchangeable for Bearer Subordinated Instruments.
85
2.2 Subject to the final sentence of this paragraph, the Pricing Supplement shall specify whether
U.S. Treasury Regulation §1.163-5(c)(2)(i)(D) (the “TEFRA D Rules”) or U.S. Treasury
Regulation §1.163-5(c)(2)(i)(C) (the “TEFRA C Rules”) shall apply. Each Tranche of
Subordinated Instruments is represented upon issue by a temporary global Subordinated
Instrument (a “Temporary Global Instrument”), unless the Pricing Supplement specifies
otherwise and the TEFRA C Rules apply.
Where the Pricing Supplement applicable to a Tranche of Subordinated Instruments specifies
that the TEFRA C Rules apply, such Tranche is (unless otherwise specified in the Pricing
Supplement) represented upon issue by a permanent global Subordinated Instrument (a
“Permanent Global Instrument”).
Interests in the Temporary Global Instrument may be exchanged for:
(a) interests in a Permanent Global Instrument; or
(b) if so specified in the Pricing Supplement, definitive instruments in bearer form
(“Definitive Subordinated Instruments”).
Exchanges of interests in a Temporary Global Instrument for Definitive Subordinated
Instruments or, as the case may be, a Permanent Global Instrument will be made only on or
after the Exchange Date (as specified in the Pricing Supplement) and (unless the Pricing
Supplement specifies that the TEFRA C Rules are applicable to the Subordinated Instruments)
provided certification as to the beneficial ownership thereof as required by U.S. Treasury
regulations (in substantially the form set out in the Temporary Global Instrument or in such
other form as is customarily issued in such circumstances by the relevant clearing system)
has been received. An exchange of interests in a Temporary Global Instrument for Registered
Subordinated Instruments will be made at any time on or from such date as may be specified
in the Pricing Supplement, in each case, without any requirement for certification.
2.3 The bearer of any Temporary Global Instrument shall not (unless, upon due presentation of
such Temporary Global Instrument for exchange (in whole but not in part only) for a Permanent
Global Instrument or for delivery of Definitive Subordinated Instruments and/or Registered
Subordinated Instruments, such exchange or delivery is improperly withheld or refused and
such withholding or refusal is continuing at the relevant payment date) be entitled to receive
any payment in respect of the Subordinated Instruments represented by such Temporary
Global Instrument which falls due on or after the Exchange Date or be entitled to exercise any
option on a date after the Exchange Date.
2.4 Unless the Pricing Supplement specifies that the TEFRA C Rules are applicable to the
Subordinated Instruments and subject to Condition 2.3 above, if any date on which a payment
of interest is due on the Subordinated Instruments of a Tranche occurs while any of the
Subordinated Instruments of that Tranche are represented by a Temporary Global Instrument,
the related interest payment will be made on the Temporary Global Instrument only to the
extent that certification as to the beneficial ownership thereof as required by U.S. Treasury
regulations (in substantially the form set out in the Temporary Global Instrument or in such
other form as is customarily issued in such circumstances by the relevant clearing system)
has been received by the Hong Kong Paying Agent (in the case of a Temporary Global
Instrument lodged with a sub-custodian for the CMU Service) or (in any other case) by
86
Euroclear or Clearstream, Luxembourg or any other relevant clearing system. Payments of
interest due in respect of a Permanent Global Instrument will be made through Euroclear or
Clearstream, Luxembourg or the CMU Service or any other relevant clearing system without
any requirement for certification.
2.5 Interests in a Permanent Global Instrument will be exchanged by the Issuer in whole but not
in part only at the option of the Holder of such Permanent Global Instrument, for Definitive
Subordinated Instruments (a) if an Event of Default (as defined below) occurs in respect of
any Subordinated Instrument of the relevant Series; or (b) if Euroclear or Clearstream,
Luxembourg or the CMU Service or any other relevant clearing system is closed for business
for a continuous period of fourteen days (other than by reason of public holidays) or announces
an intention to cease business permanently or in fact does so in both cases at the cost and
expense of the Issuer. If the Issuer does not make the required delivery of Definitive
Subordinated Instruments by 6.00 p.m. (London time) on the thirtieth day after the day on
which such Permanent Global Instrument becomes due to be exchanged and, in the case of
(a) above, such Subordinated Instrument is not duly redeemed (or the funds required for such
redemption are not available to the Fiscal Agent for the purposes of effecting such redemption
and remain available for such purpose) by 6.00 p.m. (London time) on the thirtieth day after
the day on which such Subordinated Instrument became immediately redeemable, such
Permanent Global Instrument will become void in accordance with its terms but without
prejudice to the rights conferred by the Deed of Covenant.
2.6 Definitive Subordinated Instruments have attached thereto at the time of their initial delivery
coupons (“Coupons”), presentation of which will be a prerequisite to the payment of interest
save in certain circumstances specified herein. Definitive Subordinated Instruments, if so
specified in the Pricing Supplement, have attached thereto, at the time of their initial delivery,
a Talon for further coupons and the expression “Coupons” shall, where the context so requires,
include Talons.
Denomination
Denomination of Bearer Subordinated Instruments
2.7 Subordinated Instruments will be in such denomination or denominations (each of which
denomination is integrally divisible by each smaller denomination) specified in the Pricing
Supplement or such other denominations as may be agreed between the Issuer and the
relevant Dealer save that the minimum denomination of each Subordinated Instrument will be
€100,000 (or the equivalent amount in another currency). Subordinated Instruments of one
denomination may not be exchanged for Subordinated Instruments of any other denomination.
2.8 Where a Temporary Global Instrument, issued in bearer form, is to be cleared through
Euroclear or Clearstream, Luxembourg or any other relevant clearing system and is to be
exchangeable for Definitive Subordinated Instruments upon the Holder’s request, the
Subordinated Instruments may only be issued in such denominations as Euroclear or
Clearstream, Luxembourg or such other relevant clearing system will permit at that time.
2.9 If the Temporary Global Instrument, issued in bearer form, is exchangeable for a Definitive
Subordinated Instrument at the option of the Holders thereof, the Subordinated Instruments
shall be tradeable only in principal amounts of at least the Denomination (or, if more than one
87
Denomination, the lowest Denomination).
Denomination of Registered Subordinated Instruments
2.10 Registered Subordinated Instruments will be in the minimum denomination specified in the
Pricing Supplement or integral multiples thereof.
2.11 Where a Temporary Global Instrument, issued in registered form, is to be cleared through
Euroclear or Clearstream, Luxembourg or any other relevant clearing system and is to be
exchangeable for Definitive Subordinated Instruments upon the Holder’s request, the
Subordinated Instruments may only be issued in such denominations as Euroclear or
Clearstream, Luxembourg or such other relevant clearing system will permit at that time.
2.12 If the Temporary Global Instrument, issued in registered form, is exchangeable for a Definitive
Subordinated Instrument at the option of the Holders thereof, the Subordinated Instruments
shall be tradeable only in principal amounts of at least the Denomination (or, if more than one
Denomination, the lowest Denomination).
Currency of Subordinated Instruments
2.13 The Subordinated Instruments are denominated in such currency as may be specified in the
Pricing Supplement (the “Specified Currency”). Any currency may be so specified, subject to
compliance with all applicable legal and/or regulatory and/or central bank requirements.
3. Title and Transfer
3.1 Title to Subordinated Instruments and Coupons passes by delivery. References herein to the
“Holders” of Subordinated Instruments or of Coupons are to the bearers of such Subordinated
Instruments or such Coupons, as the case may be.
3.2 Title to Registered Subordinated Instruments passes by transfer and registration in the register
which the Issuer shall procure to be kept by the Registrar. For the purposes of these Terms
and Conditions, “Registrar” means, in relation to any Series comprising Registered
Subordinated Instruments, the Principal Registrar, the First Alternative Registrar or, as the
case may be, the Second Alternative Registrar, as specified in the Pricing Supplement.
References herein to the “Holders” of Registered Subordinated Instruments are to the
persons in whose names such Registered Subordinated Instruments are so registered in the
relevant register.
3.3 The Holder of any Bearer Subordinated Instrument, Coupon or Registered Subordinated
Instrument will (except as otherwise required by applicable law or regulatory requirement) be
treated as its absolute owner for all purposes (whether or not it is overdue and regardless of
any notice of ownership, trust or any interest thereof or therein, any writing thereon, or any
theft or loss thereof) and no person shall be liable for so treating such Holder.
Transfer of Registered Subordinated Instruments and exchange of Bearer Subordinated Instruments
for Registered Subordinated Instruments
3.4 A Registered Subordinated Instrument may, upon the terms and subject to the conditions set
88
forth in the Issue and Paying Agency Agreement, be transferred in whole or in part only
(provided that such part is, or is an integral multiple of, the minimum denomination specified
in the Pricing Supplement) upon the surrender of the Registered Subordinated Instrument to
be transferred, together with the form of transfer endorsed on it duly completed and executed,
at the Specified Office of the Registrar. A new Registered Subordinated Instrument will be
issued to the transferee and, in the case of a transfer of part only of a Registered Subordinated
Instrument, a new Registered Subordinated Instrument in respect of the balance not
transferred will be issued to the transferor.
3.5 If so specified in the Pricing Supplement, the Holder of Bearer Subordinated Instruments may
exchange the same for the same Outstanding Principal Amount of Registered Subordinated
Instruments upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in the Issue and Paying
Agency Agreement. In order to exchange a Bearer Subordinated Instrument for a Registered
Subordinated Instrument, the Holder thereof shall surrender such Bearer Subordinated
Instrument at the Specified Office outside the United States of the Fiscal Agent or of the
Registrar together with a written request for the exchange. Each Bearer Subordinated
Instrument so surrendered must be accompanied by all unmatured Receipts and Coupons
appertaining thereto other than the Coupon in respect of the next payment of interest falling
due after the exchange date (as defined in Condition 3.6) where the exchange date would, but
for the provisions of Condition 3.6, occur between the Record Date (as defined in Condition
9B.4) for such payment of interest and the date on which such payment of interest falls due.
3.6 Each new Registered Subordinated Instrument to be issued upon the transfer of a Registered
Subordinated Instrument or the exchange of a Bearer Subordinated Instrument for a
Registered Subordinated Instrument will, within three Relevant Banking Days of the transfer
date or, as the case may be, the exchange date be available for collection by each relevant
Holder at the Specified Office of the Registrar or, at the option of the Holder requesting such
exchange or transfer, be mailed (by uninsured post at the risk of the Holder(s) entitled thereto)
to such address(es) as may be specified by such Holder. For these purposes, a form of transfer
or request for exchange received by the Registrar or the Fiscal Agent after the Record Date
in respect of any payment due in respect of Registered Subordinated Instruments shall be
deemed not to be effectively received by the Registrar or the Fiscal Agent until the day
following the due date for such payment.
For the purposes of these Terms and Conditions:
(i) “Relevant Banking Day” means a day on which commercial banks are open for
business (including dealings in foreign exchange and foreign currency deposits) in
the place where the Specified Office of the Registrar is located and, in the case only
of an exchange of a Bearer Subordinated Instrument for a Registered Subordinated
Instrument where such request for exchange is made to the Fiscal Agent, in the place
where the Specified Office of the Fiscal Agent is located;
(ii) the “exchange date” shall be the Relevant Banking Day following the day on which
the relevant Bearer Subordinated Instrument shall have been surrendered for
exchange in accordance with Condition 3.5; and
(iii) the “transfer date” shall be the Relevant Banking Day following the day on which the
relevant Registered Subordinated Instrument shall have been surrendered for
89
transfer in accordance with Condition 3.4.
3.7 The issue of new Registered Subordinated Instruments on transfer or on the exchange of
Bearer Subordinated Instruments for Registered Subordinated Instruments will be effected
without charge by or on behalf of the Issuer, the Fiscal Agent or the Registrar, but upon
payment by the applicant of (or the giving by the applicant of such indemnity as the Issuer, the
Fiscal Agent or the Registrar may require in respect of) any tax, duty or other governmental
charges which may be imposed in relation thereto.
3.8 Upon the transfer, exchange or replacement of Registered Subordinated Instruments bearing
the restrictive legend (the “Restrictive Legend”) set forth in the form of Registered
Subordinated Instrument scheduled to the Issue and Paying Agency Agreement, the Registrar
shall deliver only Registered Subordinated Instruments that also bear such legend unless
either (i) the transferor is not and has not been an affiliate of the Issuer during the preceding
three months and such transfer, exchange or replacement occurs one or more years after the
later of (1) the original issue date of such Subordinated Instruments or (2) the last date on
which the Issuer or any affiliates (as defined below) of the Issuer, as notified to the Registrar
by the Issuer as provided in the following sentence, was the beneficial owner of such
Registered Subordinated Instrument (or any predecessor of such Registered Subordinated
Instrument) or (ii) there is delivered to the Registrar an opinion reasonably satisfactory to the
Issuer of counsel experienced in giving opinions with respect to questions arising under the
securities laws of the United States to the effect that neither such legend nor the restrictions
on transfer set forth therein are required in order to maintain compliance with the provisions
of such laws. The Issuer covenants and agrees that it will not acquire any beneficial interest,
and will cause its “affiliates” (as defined in paragraph (a)(1) of Rule 144 under the Securities
Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”)) not to acquire any beneficial interest, in any
Registered Subordinated Instrument bearing the Restrictive Legend unless it notifies the
Registrar of such acquisition. The Registrar and all Holders shall be entitled to rely without
further investigation on any such notification (or lack thereof).
3.9 For so long as any of the Registered Subordinated Instruments bearing the Restrictive Legend
remain outstanding and are “restricted securities” within the meaning of Rule 144(a)(3) under
the Securities Act, the Issuer covenants and agrees that it shall, during any period in which it
is not subject to Section 13 or Section 15(d) under the United States Securities Exchange Act
of 1934 nor exempt from reporting pursuant to Rule 12g3-2(b) under such Act, make available
to any Relevant Account Holder (as defined in the Deed of Covenant) in connection with any
sale thereof and any prospective purchaser of such Subordinated Instruments from such
Relevant Account Holder, in each case upon request, the information specified in, and meeting
the requirements of, Rule 144A(d)(4) under the Securities Act.
4. Status of the Subordinated Instruments - General
The Issuer is an ADI as that term is defined under the Banking Act 1959 of Australia (“Banking
Act”). Under sections 13A(3) and 16(2) of the Banking Act and section 86 of the Reserve Bank
Act 1959 of Australia (“Reserve Bank Act”), certain debts of the Issuer are preferred by law,
as described below.
Section 13A(3) of the Banking Act provides that, in the event that an ADI becomes unable to
meet its obligations or suspends payment, the ADI's assets in Australia are available to meet
90
specified liabilities of the ADI in priority to all other liabilities of the ADI (including, in the case
of the Issuer, the Subordinated Instruments). These specified liabilities include certain
obligations of the ADI to APRA in respect of amounts payable by APRA to holders of protected
accounts, other liabilities of the ADI in Australia in relation to protected accounts, debts to the
RBA and certain other debts to APRA.
A “protected account” is either:
(a) an account, or covered financial product, that is kept under an agreement between
the account-holder and the ADI requiring the ADI to pay the account-holder, on
demand or at an agreed time, the net credit balance of the account or covered
financial product at the time of the demand or the agreed time (as appropriate); or
(b) another account prescribed by regulation.
Certain assets, such as the assets of the Issuer in a cover pool for covered bonds issued by
the Issuer, are excluded from constituting assets in Australia for the purposes of section 13(A)
of the Banking Act, and those assets are subject to the prior claims of the covered bond
holders and certain other secured creditors in respect of the covered bonds.
Under section 16(2) of the Banking Act, certain other debts of the ADI due to APRA shall in a
winding-up of an ADI have, subject to section 13A(3) of the Banking Act, priority over all other
unsecured debts of that ADI. Further, section 86 of the Reserve Bank Act provides that, in a
winding-up of the ADI, debts due by the ADI to the RBA shall, subject to section 13A(3) of the
Banking Act, have priority over all other debts of the ADI.
The Subordinated Instruments will not constitute protected accounts or deposit liabilities for
the purposes of the Banking Act.
The liabilities which are preferred by law to the claim of a Holder in respect of a Subordinated
Instrument will be substantial and these Terms and Conditions do not limit the amount of such
liabilities which may be incurred or assumed by the Issuer from time to time.
In addition, the Subordinated Instruments are not guaranteed or insured by the Australian
Government or under any compensation scheme of the Australian Government, or by any
other government, under any other compensation scheme or by any government agency or
any other party.
Acknowledgements
4.1 Each Holder by its purchase or holding of a Subordinated Instrument is taken to acknowledge
that:
(a) the Issuer intends that Subordinated Instruments constitute Tier 2 Capital and be able
to absorb losses at the point of non-viability as described in the Prudential Standards;
(b) the Issuer’s obligations in respect of Subordinated Instruments are subordinated in
the manner provided in Condition 4.2; and
91
(c) Subordinated Instruments are subject to Conversion or Write-off in accordance with
Conditions 5 (Non-Viability, Conversion and Write-off) and 6 (Procedures for
Conversion). There are two methods of loss absorption:
(i) Conversion, subject to possible Write-off in accordance with Condition 5.3;
or
(ii) Write-off without Conversion in accordance with Condition 5.3.
Unless the applicable Pricing Supplement specifies otherwise, the primary method of
loss absorption will be Conversion, subject to possible Write-off in accordance with
Condition 5.3.
Status and Subordination
4.2
(a) Holders do not have any right to prove in a Winding-Up in respect of Subordinated
Instruments, except as permitted under Condition 4.4.
(b) Subordinated Instruments constitute direct and unsecured subordinated obligations
of the Issuer and will rank for payment in a Winding-Up as set out in Condition 4.4.
(c) Subordinated Instruments will not constitute protected accounts or deposit liabilities
of the Issuer in Australia for the purposes of the Banking Act.
Solvency Condition
4.3 Prior to a Winding-Up:
(a) the obligation of the Issuer to make any payment of principal, interest or Additional
Amounts in respect of Subordinated Instruments shall be conditional upon the Issuer
being Solvent at the time the payment or other amount owing becomes due; and
(b) no payment of principal, interest or Additional Amounts shall be made in respect of
Subordinated Instruments except to the extent that the Issuer may make such
payment and still be Solvent immediately thereafter.
A certificate as to whether the Issuer is Solvent signed by two authorised signatories of the
Issuer or, if the Issuer is in Winding-Up, the Liquidator, shall, in the absence of fraud or
manifest or proven error, be conclusive evidence of the information contained in that certificate.
In the absence of such a certificate, a Holder shall be entitled to assume (unless the contrary
is proved) that the Issuer is, and will, after any payment as aforesaid, be Solvent.
Until Subordinated Instruments have been Converted or Written-off:
(i) interest will continue to accrue on any principal not paid as a consequence of
this Condition 4.3 at the Interest Rate; and
92
(ii) any interest not paid to a Holder as a consequence of this Condition 4.3
remains due and payable and accumulates with compounding.
Any amount not paid as a consequence of this Condition 4.3: (x) remains a debt owing to the
Holder by the Issuer until it is paid and shall be payable on the first date on which paragraphs
(a) and (b) of this Condition 4.3 would allow payment of such amount (whether or not such
date is otherwise an Interest Payment Date or other date on which such amount becomes
due); and (y) shall not constitute an Event of Default.
Winding-Up
4.4 In a Winding-Up:
(a) Holders shall have no right or claim against the Issuer in respect of the principal of,
interest on or Additional Amounts relating to such Subordinated Instruments, to the
extent any such Subordinated Instrument has been Converted or Written-Off; and
(b) the rights and claims of Holders against the Issuer to recover any principal, interest
or Additional Amounts in respect of such Subordinated Instruments that have not been
Converted or Written-off:
(i) shall be subordinate to, and rank junior in right of payment to, the obligations
of the Issuer to Senior Creditors and all such obligations to Senior Creditors
shall be entitled to be paid in full before any payment shall be paid on account
of any sums payable in respect of such Subordinated Instruments;
(ii) shall rank equally with the obligations of the Issuer to the holders of other
Subordinated Instruments that have not been Converted or Written-off (or
that have been partially Converted or Written-off), and the obligations of the
Issuer to holders of Equal Ranking Instruments; and
(iii) shall rank prior to, and senior in right of payment to, the obligations of the
Issuer to holders of Ordinary Shares, and other Junior Ranking Capital
Instruments.
Unless and until Senior Creditors have been paid in full, Holders will not be entitled to claim in
the Winding-Up in competition with Senior Creditors so as to diminish any payment which, but
for that claim, Senior Creditors would have been entitled to receive.
In a Winding-Up, Holders of Subordinated Instruments that have not been Converted or
Written-off (or that have been partially Converted or Written-off) shall only be entitled to prove
for any sums payable in respect of their Subordinated Instruments as a liability which is subject
to prior payment in full of Senior Creditors. Holders of Subordinated Instruments waive in
respect of any Subordinated Instrument or Coupon, to the fullest extent permitted by law, any
right to prove in a Winding-Up as a creditor ranking for payment in any other manner. The
Holders of Subordinated Instruments will have no further or other claim on the Issuer in a
Winding-Up, other than the claim for the principal and interest and any Additional Amounts, as
described above.
93
However, it is unlikely a Winding-Up will occur without a Non-Viability Trigger Event having
occurred first and the Subordinated Instruments being Converted or Written-off. In that event:
• if the Subordinated Instruments have Converted into Ordinary Shares, Holders will
rank equally with existing holders of Ordinary Shares; and
• if the Subordinated Instruments are Written-off, all rights in relation to the
Subordinated Instruments will be terminated, and Holders will not have their
Outstanding Principal Amount repaid or receive any outstanding interest or accrued
interest, or have the right to have the Subordinated Instruments Converted into
Ordinary Shares. In such an event, a Holder’s investment in the Subordinated
Instruments will lose all of its value and such Holder will not receive any
compensation.
No Set-Off
4.5 Neither the Issuer nor any Holder is entitled to set-off any amounts due in respect of
Subordinated Instruments held by the Holder against any amount of any nature owed by the
Issuer to the Holder or by the Holder to the Issuer.
Clawback
4.6 Each Holder by its purchase or holding of a Subordinated Instrument is taken to have
irrevocably acknowledged and agreed that it shall pay or deliver to the Liquidator any payment
or asset, whether voluntary or in any other circumstances, received by the Holder from or on
account of the Issuer (including by way of credit, set-off or otherwise howsoever) or from any
Liquidator (or any provisional or other liquidator, receiver, manager or statutory manager of
the Issuer) in breach of either Condition 4.2 or Condition 11 (Events of Default).
Other provisions
4.7 Each Holder by its purchase or holding of a Subordinated Instrument is taken to have
irrevocably acknowledged and agreed:
(a) that each of Conditions 4.2 and 4.4 constitutes a debt subordination for the purposes
of section 563C of the Corporations Act 2001;
(b) without limiting its rights existing otherwise than as a Holder of a Subordinated
Instrument, that it must not exercise its voting or other rights as an unsecured creditor
in the Winding-Up in any jurisdiction until after all Senior Creditors have been paid in
full or otherwise to defeat, negate or in any way challenge the enforceability of the
subordination provision described in Conditions 4.2 and 4.4; and
(c) that the debt subordination effected by Conditions 4.2 and 4.4 are not affected by any
act or omission of the Issuer or a Senior Creditor which might otherwise affect it at
law or in equity.
No consent of any Senior Creditor shall be required for any amendment of either Condition
4.2 or 4.4 in relation to any Outstanding Subordinated Instruments.
94
Amendments affecting regulatory treatment
4.8 No amendment to the Terms and Conditions of a Subordinated Instrument that at the time of
such amendment qualifies as Tier 2 Capital is permitted without the prior written consent of
APRA if such amendment may affect the eligibility of the Subordinated Instrument as Tier 2
Capital as described in the Prudential Standards.
5. Non-Viability, Conversion and Write-off
Non-Viability Trigger Event
5.1
(a) If a Non-Viability Trigger Event occurs, the Issuer must:
(i) subject to the limitations described in Condition 5.3, Convert; or
(ii) if the applicable Pricing Supplement specifies that the primary method of loss
absorption will be Write-off without Conversion in accordance with Condition
5.3, Write-off,
all Subordinated Instruments or, if paragraph (a) of the definition of “Non-Viability
Trigger Event” applies, subject to the provisions described in Condition 5.1(b), all or
some Subordinated Instruments (or a percentage of the Outstanding Principal
Amount of each Subordinated Instrument), such that the aggregate Outstanding
Principal Amount of all Subordinated Instruments Converted or Written-off, together
with the outstanding principal amount of all other Relevant Securities converted,
written-off or written-down as described in Condition 5.1(b), is equal to the aggregate
outstanding principal amount of Relevant Securities as is necessary to satisfy APRA
that the Issuer will no longer be non-viable.
(b) In determining the Subordinated Instruments or percentage of the Outstanding
Principal Amount of each Subordinated Instrument which must be Converted or
Written-Off in accordance with this Condition 5.1, the Issuer will:
(i) first, convert, write-off or write-down an amount of the outstanding principal
amount of all outstanding Relevant Tier 1 Securities before Conversion or
Write-off of the Subordinated Instruments; and
(ii) second, if conversion, write-off or write-down of those Relevant Tier 1
Securities is not sufficient to satisfy APRA that the Issuer would not become
non-viable, Convert or Write-off (in the case of the Subordinated Instruments)
and convert, write-off or write-down (in the case of any other Relevant Tier 2
Securities), on a pro-rata basis or in a manner that is otherwise, in the opinion
of the Issuer, fair and reasonable, the Outstanding Principal Amount of the
Subordinated Instruments and the outstanding principal amount of all other
Relevant Tier 2 Securities (subject to such adjustments as the Issuer may
determine to take into account the effect on marketable parcels, the need to
round to whole numbers of Ordinary Shares and the authorised
95
denominations of any Relevant Tier 2 Securities remaining on issue, and the
need to effect the conversion, write-off or write-down immediately), and, for
the purposes of this Condition 5.1(b)(ii), where the Specified Currency of the
outstanding principal amount of any Relevant Tier 2 Securities is not
Australian dollars, the Issuer may for the purposes of determining the
outstanding principal amount to be converted, written-off or written-down,
convert the outstanding principal amount to Australian dollars at such rate of
exchange determined in accordance with the terms of such Relevant Tier 2
Securities or, if the conversion provisions in such terms do not specify a rate
of exchange, at such rate of exchange as the Issuer in good faith considers
reasonable,
but such determination will not impede the immediate Conversion or Write-off of the
relevant Subordinated Instruments or percentage of the Outstanding Principal
Amount of each Subordinated Instrument (as the case may be).
(c) If a Non-Viability Trigger Event occurs:
(i) the Subordinated Instruments or the percentage of the Outstanding Principal
Amount of each Subordinated Instrument determined in accordance with
Conditions 5.1(a) and (b), shall be Converted or Written-off immediately upon
the occurrence of the Non-Viability Trigger Event in accordance with
Conditions 5.2 and 6 (Procedures for Conversion). The Conversion or Write-
off will be irrevocable;
(ii) the Issuer must give notice to Holders in accordance with Condition 16
(Notices) and the ASX as soon as practicable that a Non-Viability Trigger
Event has occurred and that Conversion or Write-off has occurred on the
Non-Viability Trigger Event Date;
(iii) the notice must specify (A) the date on which Conversion or Write-off
occurred (the “Non-Viability Trigger Event Date”) and the Subordinated
Instruments or the percentage of the Outstanding Principal Amount of each
Subordinated Instrument which was Converted or, if Condition 5.3 is
applicable, Written-off, and (B) details of the Relevant Securities converted,
written-off or written down in accordance with Condition 5.1(b); and
(iv) in the case of Conversion, the notice must specify the details of the
Conversion process, including any details which were taken into account in
relation to the effect on marketable parcels and whole numbers of Ordinary
Shares, and the impact on any Subordinated Instruments remaining on issue.
Failure to undertake any of the steps in Conditions 5.1(c)(ii) to (iv) does not prevent,
invalidate, delay or otherwise impede Conversion or Write-off.
APRA will not approve partial conversion or partial write-off in those exceptional
circumstances where a public sector injection of capital is deemed necessary.
96
Automatic Conversion or Write-off upon the occurrence of a Non-Viability Trigger Event
5.2 If a Non-Viability Trigger Event has occurred and all or some Subordinated Instruments are
(or a percentage of the Outstanding Principal Amount of each Subordinated Instrument is)
required to be Converted or Written-off in accordance with Condition 5.1, then:
(a) Conversion or Write-off of such Subordinated Instruments or percentage of the
Outstanding Principal Amount of each Subordinated Instrument will occur in
accordance with Condition 5.1 and, if applicable Condition 5.3, immediately upon the
Non-Viability Trigger Event Date;
(b) in the case of Conversion and subject to Condition 6.10, a Holder of a Subordinated
Instrument that has been Converted in whole or in part in accordance with Condition
5.1 will be entitled to (i) the Conversion Number of Ordinary Shares in respect of such
Subordinated Instruments or percentage of the Outstanding Principal Amount of each
Subordinated Instrument held by such Holder so Converted in accordance with
Condition 6.1, and (ii) unless the Subordinated Instruments shall have been
Converted or Written-off in full, to Subordinated Instruments with an Outstanding
Principal Amount equal to the aggregate of the remaining percentage of the
Outstanding Principal Amount of each Subordinated Instrument held by such Holder,
and the Issuer will recognise the Holder as having been issued the Conversion
Number of Ordinary Shares in respect of such portion of Converted Subordinated
Instruments for all purposes, in each case without the need for any further act or step
by the Issuer, the Holder or any other person (and the Issuer will, as soon as possible
thereafter and without delay on its part, take any appropriate procedural steps to effect
such Conversion, including updating the Ordinary Share register); and
(c) a Holder of Subordinated Instruments has no further right or claim under these Terms
and Conditions in respect of such Subordinated Instruments or percentage of the
Outstanding Principal Amount of each Subordinated Instrument so Converted or
Written-off (including to payments of interest, accrued but unpaid interest, any
Additional Amounts and the repayment of the Outstanding Principal Amount), except
the Holder’s entitlement, if any, to Subordinated Instruments which have not been
required to be Converted or Written-off or Subordinated Instruments representing the
Outstanding Principal Amount of such Subordinated Instruments which have not been
required to be Converted or Written-off and, in the case of Conversion, subject to
Condition 6.10, to the Conversion Number of Ordinary Shares issuable in accordance
with Condition 6 (Procedures for Conversion).
No further rights
5.3 If:
(a) for any reason, Conversion of a Subordinated Instrument (or a percentage of the
Outstanding Principal Amount of each Subordinated Instrument) required to be
Converted under Condition 5.1 does not occur within 5 ASX Business Days after the
Non-Viability Trigger Event Date; or
(b) the applicable Pricing Supplement specifies that the primary method of loss
97
absorption will be Write-off without Conversion in accordance with Condition 5.3,
then:
(c) the relevant Holders’ rights and claims under these Terms and Conditions in relation
to such Subordinated Instruments or the percentage of the Outstanding Principal
Amount of such Subordinated Instruments to be Converted or Written-off (including
to payments of interest, accrued but unpaid interest and any Additional Amounts, and
the repayment of the Outstanding Principal Amount and, in the case of Conversion,
to be issued with the Conversion Number of Ordinary Shares in respect of such
Subordinated Instruments or percentage of the Outstanding Principal Amount of each
Subordinated Instrument), are immediately and irrevocably written-off and terminated
with effect on and from the Non-Viability Trigger Event Date (“Write-off”); and
(d) the Outstanding Principal Amount of such Subordinated Instruments shall be reduced
on the Non-Viability Trigger Event Date by the Outstanding Principal Amount of the
Subordinated Instruments to be Converted or Written-off, as determined in
accordance with Conditions 5.1(a) and (b) and any interest, accrued but unpaid
interest and any Additional Amounts shall be correspondingly reduced.
Consent to receive Ordinary Shares and other acknowledgements
5.4 Subject to any Write-off required in accordance with Condition 5.3, each Holder by its purchase
or holding of a Subordinated Instrument shall be taken to have irrevocably agreed that:
(a) upon Conversion in accordance with Condition 5 (Non-Viability, Conversion and
Write-off) and Condition 6 (Procedures for Conversion), it consents to becoming a
member of the Issuer and agrees to be bound by the constitution of the Issuer;
(b) unless (x) it has given notice in accordance with Condition 6.10 that it does not wish
to receive Ordinary Shares as a result of Conversion, or (y) it is an Ineligible Holder,
or (z) it has not satisfied the requirements of Condition 6.10 to receive Ordinary
Shares, it is obliged to accept Ordinary Shares of the Issuer on Conversion
notwithstanding anything that might otherwise affect a Conversion of Subordinated
Instruments, including:
(i) any change in the financial position of the Issuer since the issue of the
Subordinated Instruments;
(ii) any disruption to the market or potential market for Ordinary Shares or capital
markets generally; or
(iii) any breach by the Issuer of any obligation in connection with the
Subordinated Instruments;
(c)
(i) Conversion is not subject to any conditions other than those expressly
provided for in Condition 5 (Non-Viability, Conversion and Write-off) and
98
Condition 6 (Procedures for Conversion);
(ii) Conversion must occur immediately on the Non-Viability Trigger Event Date
and that may result in disruption or failures in trading or dealings in the
Subordinated Instruments;
(iii) it will not have any rights to vote in respect of any Conversion (whether as a
Holder of a Subordinated Instrument or as a prospective holder of an
Ordinary Share); and
(iv) notwithstanding Condition 6.9, Ordinary Shares issued on Conversion may
not be quoted at the time of Conversion or at all;
(d) where Condition 5.3 applies, no other conditions or events will affect the operation of
that Condition and it will not have any rights to vote in respect of any Write-off under
that Condition; and
(e) it has no remedies on account of the failure of the Issuer to issue Ordinary Shares in
accordance with Condition 6 (Procedures for Conversion) other than, subject to
Condition 5.3, to seek specific performance of the Issuer’s obligation to issue Ordinary
Shares.
Issue of ordinary shares of successor holding company
5.5 Where there is a replacement of the Issuer as the ultimate holding company of the Westpac
Group and the successor holding company is an Approved Successor, the Terms and
Conditions may be amended in accordance with Condition 6.14.
No Conversion at the option of the Holders
5.6 Holders do not have a right to request Conversion of their Subordinated Instruments at any
time.
Priority of early Conversion obligations
5.7 A Conversion or Write-off required because of a Non-Viability Trigger Event shall take place
on the date, and in the manner, described herein or in the applicable Pricing Supplement,
notwithstanding any redemption as described herein or in the applicable Pricing Supplement.
No rights before Conversion
5.8 Before Conversion, a Subordinated Instrument confers no rights on a Holder:
(a) to vote at, or receive notices of, any meeting of shareholders or members of the
Issuer;
(b) to subscribe for new securities or to participate in any bonus issues of securities of
the Issuer; or
99
(c) to otherwise participate in the profits or property of the Issuer,
except as expressly set out in these Terms and Conditions or in an applicable Pricing
Supplement.
6. Procedures for Conversion
Conversion
6.1 On the Non-Viability Trigger Event Date, subject to Condition 5.3 and Condition 6.10, the
following provisions will apply.
(a) The Issuer will allot and issue the Conversion Number of Ordinary Shares for each
Subordinated Instrument to each Holder. The Conversion Number is, subject always
to the Conversion Number being no greater than the Maximum Conversion Number,
calculated according to the following formula:
Conversion Number for each Subordinated Instrument =
Outstanding Principal Amount of the
Subordinated Instrument (translated
into Australian dollars in accordance
with paragraph (b) of the definition of
Outstanding Principal Amount where
the calculation date shall be the Non-
Viability Trigger Event Date)
P x VWAP
where:
Outstanding Principal Amount has the meaning given to it in Condition 1.1, as
adjusted in accordance with Condition 6.13.
P means the number specified in the Pricing Supplement.
VWAP means the VWAP during the VWAP Period.
Maximum Conversion Number means a number calculated according to the
following formula:
Maximum Conversion Number for =
each Subordinated Instrument
Outstanding Principal Amount of the
Subordinated Instrument (translated
into Australian dollars in accordance
with paragraph (b) of the definition of
Outstanding Principal Amount where
the calculation date shall be the ASX
Business Day prior to the Issue Date)
0.20 x Issue Date VWAP
100
where:
Outstanding Principal Amount has the meaning given to it in Condition 1.1, as
adjusted in accordance with Condition 6.13.
If any Subordinated Instruments are Converted following a Non-Viability Trigger Event,
it is likely that the Maximum Conversion Number will apply and limit the number of
Ordinary Shares to be issued. In this case, the value of the Ordinary Shares received
is likely to be significantly less than the Outstanding Principal Amount of those
Subordinated Instruments. Where the Specified Currency is other than the Australian
dollar, the Australian dollar may depreciate in value against the Specified Currency
by the time of Conversion. In that case, the Maximum Conversion Number is more
likely to apply.
(b) Subject to Condition 6.10, each Holder’s rights in relation to each Subordinated
Instrument (including to payment of interest, if any, with respect to such Outstanding
Principal Amount) that is being Converted as determined in accordance with
Conditions 5.1(a) and (b) will be immediately and irrevocably written-off and
terminated for an amount equal to the Outstanding Principal Amount of such
Subordinated Instruments to be Converted as determined in accordance with
Condition 5.1, and the Issuer will apply such Outstanding Principal Amount of each
such Subordinated Instrument to be so Converted to subscribe for the Ordinary
Shares to be allotted and issued under Condition 6.1(a). Each Holder is taken to have
irrevocably directed that any amount payable under this Condition 6.1 is to be applied
as provided for in this Condition 6.1 without delay (notwithstanding any other
provisions in these Terms and Conditions providing for payments to be delayed) and
Holders do not have any right to payment in any other way.
(c) Any calculation under Condition 6.1(a) shall, unless the context requires otherwise,
be rounded to four decimal places provided that if the total number of Ordinary Shares
to be allotted and issued in respect of a Holder’s aggregate holding of Subordinated
Instruments includes a fraction of an Ordinary Share, that fraction of an Ordinary
Share will not be issued or delivered on Conversion.
(d) Subject to Condition 6.10, where Subordinated Instruments are to be Converted, the
Issuer will allot and issue the Ordinary Shares to the Holder on the basis of the
Holder’s name and address provided to the Issuer for entry into any register of title
and receipt of any certificate or holding statement in respect of any Ordinary Shares
to be issued on Conversion unless a Holder has:
(i) notified the Issuer of a different name and address; and
(ii) provided such other information as is reasonably requested by the Issuer
(including, without limitation security account details in CHESS or such other
account to which the Ordinary Shares to be issued on Conversion are to be
credited),
101
which notice may be given at any time on or after the Issue Date and no less than 15
Business Days prior to the Non-Viability Trigger Event Date.
Adjustments to VWAP generally
6.2 For the purposes of calculating VWAP under Condition 6.1:
(a) where, on some or all of the ASX Business Days in the relevant VWAP Period,
Ordinary Shares have been quoted on ASX as cum dividend or cum any other
distribution or entitlement and Subordinated Instruments will be Converted into
Ordinary Shares after that date and those Ordinary Shares will no longer carry that
dividend or that other distribution or entitlement, then the VWAP on the ASX Business
Days on which those Ordinary Shares have been quoted cum dividend or cum any
other distribution or entitlement will be reduced by an amount (“Cum Value”) equal
to:
(i) in the case of a dividend or other distribution, the amount of that dividend or
other distribution including, if the dividend or distribution is franked, the
amount that would be included in the assessable income of a recipient of the
dividend or distribution who is a natural person resident in Australia under
the Tax Legislation;
(ii) in the case of any entitlement that is not a dividend or other distribution for
which adjustment is made under Condition 6.2(a)(i) which is traded on ASX
on any of those ASX Business Days, the volume weighted average price of
all such entitlements sold on ASX during the VWAP Period on the ASX
Business Days on which those entitlements were traded (excluding trades of
the kind that would be excluded in determining VWAP under the definition of
that term); or
(iii) in the case of other entitlements for which adjustment is not made under
Conditions 6.2(a)(i) or 6.2(a)(ii), the value of the entitlement as reasonably
determined by the Issuer; and
(b) where, on some or all of the ASX Business Days in the VWAP Period, Ordinary
Shares have been quoted as ex dividend or ex any other distribution or entitlement,
and Subordinated Instruments will be Converted into Ordinary Shares which would
be entitled to receive the relevant dividend, distribution or entitlement, the VWAP on
the ASX Business Days on which those Ordinary Shares have been quoted ex
dividend or ex any other distribution or entitlement will be increased by the Cum Value.
Adjustments to VWAP for capital reconstruction
6.3
(a) Where during the relevant VWAP Period there is a change to the number of Ordinary
Shares on issue because the Ordinary Shares are reconstructed, consolidated,
divided or reclassified (in a manner not involving any cash payment or the giving of
another form of consideration to or by holders of Ordinary Shares)
102
(“Reclassification”) into a lesser or greater number, the daily VWAP for each day in
the VWAP Period which falls before the date on which trading in Ordinary Shares is
conducted on a post Reclassification basis will be adjusted by multiplying such daily
VWAP by the following formula:
A_
B
where:
A means the aggregate number of Ordinary Shares immediately before the
Reclassification; and
B means the aggregate number of Ordinary Shares immediately after the
Reclassification.
(b) Any adjustment made by the Issuer in accordance with Condition 6.3(a) will be
effective and binding on Holders under these Terms and Conditions and these Terms
and Conditions will be construed accordingly.
Adjustments to Issue Date VWAP generally
6.4 For the purposes of determining the Issue Date VWAP under Condition 6.1, adjustments will
be made in accordance with Conditions 6.2 and 6.3 during the period in which the Issue Date
VWAP is determined. On and from the Issue Date, adjustments to the Issue Date VWAP:
(a) may be made by the Issuer in accordance with Conditions 6.5, 6.6 and 6.7; and
(b) if so made, will be effective and binding on Holders under these Terms and Conditions
and these Terms and Conditions will be construed accordingly.
Adjustments to Issue Date VWAP for bonus issues
6.5
(a) Subject to Conditions 6.5(b) and 6.5(c), if at any time after the Issue Date of the
Subordinated Instruments, the Issuer makes a pro-rata bonus issue of Ordinary
Shares to holders of Ordinary Shares generally (in a manner not involving any cash
payment or the giving of another form of consideration to or by holders of Ordinary
Shares), the Issue Date VWAP will be adjusted immediately in accordance with the
following formula:
V = Vo x RD / (RD + RN)
where:
V means the Issue Date VWAP applying immediately after the application of this
formula;
103
Vo means the Issue Date VWAP applying immediately prior to the application of this
formula;
RD means the number of Ordinary Shares on issue immediately prior to the allotment
of new Ordinary Shares pursuant to the bonus issue; and
RN means the number of Ordinary Shares issued pursuant to the bonus issue.
(b) Condition 6.5(a) does not apply to Ordinary Shares issued as part of a bonus share
plan, employee or executive share plan, executive option plan, share top up plan,
share purchase plan or a dividend reinvestment plan.
(c) For the purposes of this Condition 6.5, an issue will be regarded as a bonus issue
notwithstanding that the Issuer does not make offers to some or all holders of Ordinary
Shares with registered addresses outside Australia, provided that in so doing the
Issuer is not in contravention of the ASX Listing Rules.
(d) No adjustments to the Issue Date VWAP will be made under this Condition 6.5 for
any offer of Ordinary Shares not covered by Condition 6.5(a) above, including a rights
issue or other essentially pro rata issues.
(e) The fact that no adjustment is made for an issue of Ordinary Shares except as
covered by Condition 6.5(a) above shall not in any way restrict the Issuer from issuing
Ordinary Shares at any time on such terms as it sees fit nor require any consent or
concurrence of Holders.
(f) Any adjustment made by the Issuer in accordance with Condition 6.5(a) above will be
effective and binding on Holders.
Adjustments to Issue Date VWAP for capital reconstruction
6.6
(a) If at any time after the Issue Date there is a change to the number of Ordinary Shares
on issue because of a Reclassification (in a manner not involving any cash payment
or the giving of another form of consideration to or by holders of Ordinary Shares) into
a lesser or greater number, the Issue Date VWAP will be adjusted by multiplying the
Issue Date VWAP applicable on the ASX Business Day immediately before the date
of any such Reclassification by the following formula:
A__
B
where:
A means the aggregate number of Ordinary Shares on issue immediately before the
Reclassification; and
B means the aggregate number of Ordinary Shares on issue immediately after the
104
Reclassification.
(b) Any adjustment made by the Issuer in accordance with Condition 6.6(a) above will be
effective and binding on Holders.
(c) Each Holder acknowledges that the Issuer may consolidate, divide, or reclassify
Ordinary Shares so that there is a lesser or greater number of Ordinary Shares at any
time in its absolute discretion without any such action requiring any consent or
concurrence of Holders.
No adjustment to Issue Date VWAP in certain circumstances
6.7 Notwithstanding the provisions of Conditions 6.4, 6.5 and 6.6, no adjustment will be made to
the Issue Date VWAP where any such adjustment (expressed in Australian dollars and cents
and rounded to the nearest whole cent with A$0.005 being rounded upwards) would be less
than one per cent of the Issue Date VWAP then in effect.
Announcement of adjustments to Issue Date VWAP
6.8 The Issuer will notify any adjustment to the Issue Date VWAP under this Condition 6 to ASX
and to the Holders in accordance with Condition 16 (Notices) within 10 ASX Business Days of
the Issuer determining the adjustment and the adjustment will be final and binding.
Status and listing of Ordinary Shares
6.9
(a) Ordinary Shares issued or arising from Conversion will rank equally with, and will
have the same rights as, all other fully paid Ordinary Shares provided that the rights
attaching to the Ordinary Shares issued or arising from Conversion do not take effect
until 5.00pm (Sydney time) on the Non-Viability Trigger Event Date (or such other time
required by APRA). The Holders agree not to trade Ordinary Shares issued upon
Conversion (except as permitted by the Corporations Act 2001, other applicable laws,
the ASX Listing Rules or any listing rules of any competent listing authority, stock or
securities exchange and/or quotation system on which the Subordinated Instruments
are admitted to listing, trading and/or quotation) until the Issuer has taken such steps
as are required by the Corporations Act 2001, other applicable laws, the ASX Listing
Rules or any listing rules of any competent listing authority, stock or securities
exchange and/or quotation system on which the Subordinated Instruments are
admitted to listing, trading and/or quotation, as applicable, for the Ordinary Shares to
be freely tradable without further disclosure or other action and agree to allow the
Issuer to impose a holding lock or to refuse to register a transfer in respect of Ordinary
Shares until such time.
(b) The Issuer will use all reasonable endeavours to list the Ordinary Shares issued on
Conversion of Subordinated Instruments on ASX and to take all such actions
necessary for the Ordinary Shares so issued to become freely tradable without further
disclosure or other action as referred to in Condition 6.9(a) above.
105
Conversion: Clearing Systems; where the Holder does not wish to receive Ordinary Shares or
is an Ineligible Holder
6.10
(a) If Subordinated Instruments are required to be Converted and the Holder is the
operator of a Clearing System or a nominee for a common depository for any one or
more Clearing Systems (such operator or nominee for a common depository acting
in such capacity as is specified in the rules and regulations of the relevant Clearing
System or Clearing Systems), then, with effect from the Non-Viability Trigger Event
Date, the Holder’s rights in relation to each such Subordinated Instrument being
Converted shall be immediately and irrevocably terminated and the Issuer will issue
the relevant aggregate Conversion Number of Ordinary Shares due to such Holder in
uncertificated form through the Issuer’s share registry provider to one or more Sale
and Transfer Agents for no additional consideration to hold on trust for the transfer or
for sale for the benefit of the participants in, or members of, the relevant Clearing
System or Clearing Systems who held the corresponding Subordinated Instruments
through the relevant Clearing System or Clearing Systems immediately prior to
Conversion (“Clearing System Participants”). A Clearing System Participant will be
entitled to receive Ordinary Shares (or the proceeds of the sale of Ordinary Shares)
in accordance with this Condition 6.10.
(b) Where Ordinary Shares are issued to one or more Sale and Transfer Agents in
accordance with Condition 6.10(a), a Clearing System Participant may, no later than
the date specified in the Pricing Supplement (“Clearing System Cut-off Date”),
provide to the Issuer, or, if appointed, the relevant Sale and Transfer Agent:
(i) its name and address for entry into any register of title and receipt of any
certificate or holding statement in respect of any Ordinary Shares issued on
Conversion;
(ii) the Holder’s security account details in CHESS, or such other account to
which the Ordinary Shares to be issued on Conversion are to be credited;
and
(iii) such other information as is reasonably requested by the Issuer,
and, if it does so, the Clearing System Participant must make arrangements to
transfer the relevant number of Subordinated Instruments held by it through the
relevant Clearing System or Clearing Systems immediately prior to Conversion to the
Issuer (or the Issuer’s nominee) in accordance with accepted market practice, and
the rules and regulations of the relevant Clearing System or Clearing Systems or in
such other manner that is, in the opinion of the Issuer, fair and reasonable. The Issuer
and the relevant Sale and Transfer Agent will, as soon as possible thereafter and
without delay on the part of the Issuer or the relevant Sale and Transfer Agent, take
any appropriate procedural steps to record the transfer of the relevant Ordinary
Shares to the Clearing System Participant, including updating the Ordinary Share
register.
106
(c) If a Clearing System Participant:
(i) fails to provide the information required by Condition 6.10(b) by the Clearing
System Cut-off Date;
(ii) notifies the Issuer that it does not wish to receive Ordinary Shares on or prior
to the Clearing System Cut-off Date; or
(iii) would be an Ineligible Holder,
then, with effect from the Clearing System Cut-off Date, the Clearing System
Participant will cease to be entitled to receive Ordinary Shares in relation to each
corresponding Subordinated Instrument which was Converted and at the first
opportunity to sell the Ordinary Shares after the Non-Viability Trigger Event Date, the
Sale and Transfer Agent will arrange for their sale and pay the net proceeds received
after deducting any applicable brokerage, stamp duty and other taxes (including,
without limitation, FATCA Withholding) and charges to the Clearing System
Participant.
(d) If Subordinated Instruments are required to be Converted and:
(i) the Holder has notified the Issuer that it does not wish to receive Ordinary
Shares as a result of the Conversion (whether entirely or to the extent
specified in the notice), which notice may be given at any time on or after the
Issue Date and no less than 15 Business Days prior to the Non-Viability
Trigger Event Date;
(ii) the Holder is an Ineligible Holder;
(iii) for any reason (whether or not due to the fault of the Holder), the Issuer has
not received the information required by Condition 6.1(d) prior to the Non-
Viability Trigger Event Date and the lack of such information would prevent
the Issuer from issuing the Ordinary Shares to the Holder on the Non-Viability
Trigger Event Date; or
(iv) FATCA Withholding is required to be made in respect of the Ordinary Shares
issued upon Conversion,
then, on the Non-Viability Trigger Event Date, the Holder’s rights (including to
payments of interest and accrued interest, and the repayment of the Outstanding
Principal Amount) in relation to each such Subordinated Instrument being Converted
are immediately and irrevocably terminated and the Issuer will issue the relevant
aggregate Conversion Number of Ordinary Shares due to such Holder to one or more
Sale and Transfer Agents for no additional consideration to hold on trust pending the
transfer to or for sale for the benefit of the relevant Holder. At the first opportunity to
sell the Ordinary Shares, each Sale and Transfer Agent will arrange for their sale and
pay the proceeds less any brokerage fees, stamp duty and other taxes (including,
without limitation, FATCA Withholding) and charges to the relevant Holder, in each
case arising in connection with the issuance or sale of such Ordinary Shares, and
107
each Sale and Transfer Agent shall use the proceeds from such sale to pay any such
fees, duties, taxes, charges and any FATCA Withholding arising in connection with
such issuance or sale.
(e) If Conversion under this Condition 6.10 does not occur within 5 ASX Business Days,
then the Holder’s rights will be immediately and irrevocably written-off and terminated
in accordance with Condition 5.3.
(f) The provisions of this Condition 6.10 will not impede the immediate Conversion or
Write-off of the relevant number of Subordinated Instruments or percentage of the
Outstanding Principal Amount of each Subordinated Instrument (as the case may be).
Conversion or Write-off if amounts not paid
6.11 For the avoidance of doubt, Conversion or Write-off may occur even if an amount is not paid
to a Holder of Subordinated Instruments as a consequence of Condition 4.3.
Conversion or Write-off after Winding-Up commences
6.12 If an order is made by a court, or an effective resolution is passed, for a Winding-Up, and a
Non-Viability Trigger Event occurs, then Conversion or Write-off shall occur (subject to
Condition 5.3) in accordance with Conditions 5.1 and 5.2.
Conversion or Write-off of a percentage of Outstanding Principal Amount
6.13 If under these Terms and Conditions it is necessary to Convert or Write-off a percentage only
of the Outstanding Principal Amount of each Subordinated Instrument upon the occurrence of
a Non-Viability Trigger Event then Condition 6 (Procedures for Conversion) will apply to the
Conversion or Write-off as if references to the Outstanding Principal Amount of each
Subordinated Instrument were references to the relevant percentage of the Outstanding
Principal Amount of each Subordinated Instrument to be Converted or Written-off.
Amendment of Terms and Conditions relating to Conversion for Approved Successor
6.14
(a) If:
(i) it is proposed that the Issuer be replaced as the ultimate holding company of
the Westpac Group by an Approved Successor (“Replacement”); and
(ii) the Approved Successor agrees to expressly assume the Issuer’s obligations
in respect of the Subordinated Instruments by entering into a deed of
covenant for the benefit of Holders under which it agrees (among other
things):
(a) to deliver fully paid ordinary shares in the capital of the Approved
Successor (“Approved Successor Shares”) under all
circumstances when the Issuer would have otherwise been obliged
108
to deliver Ordinary Shares on a Conversion, subject to the same
terms and conditions as set out in these Terms and Conditions as
amended by this Condition 6.14; and
(b) to use all reasonable endeavours and furnish all such documents,
information and undertakings as may be reasonably necessary in
order to procure quotation of the Approved Successor Shares issued
under these Terms and Conditions on the stock exchanges on which
the other Approved Successor Shares are quoted at the time of a
Conversion,
the Issuer may, with APRA’s prior written approval, but without the authority, assent
or approval of Holders, give a notice (an “Approved Replacement Notice”) to
Holders in accordance with Condition 16 (Notices) (which, if given, must be given as
soon as practicable before the Replacement and in any event no later than 10 ASX
Business Days before the Replacement occurs).
(b) An Approved Replacement Notice must specify the amendments to these Terms and
Conditions in respect of the Subordinated Instruments which will be made in
accordance with this Condition 6.14, being those amendments which in the Issuer’s
reasonable opinion are necessary, expedient or appropriate to effect the substitution
of the Approved Successor as the debtor in respect of Subordinated Instruments and
the issuer of ordinary shares on Conversion (including such amendments as are
necessary, expedient or appropriate for the purposes of complying with the provisions
of Chapter 2L of the Corporations Act 2001 where the Approved Successor is not an
authorised deposit-taking institution under the Banking Act) or which are necessary,
expedient or convenient in relation to taxes where the Approved Successor is
incorporated outside Australia.
(c) An Approved Replacement Notice, once given, is irrevocable.
(d) If the Issuer gives an Approved Replacement Notice to Holders in accordance with
Condition 6.14(a), then with effect on and from the date specified in the Approved
Replacement Notice:
(i) the Approved Successor will assume all of the obligations of, and succeed
to, and be substituted for, and may exercise every right and power of, the
Issuer in respect of the Subordinated Instruments with the same effect as if
the Approved Successor had been the original Issuer of the Subordinated
Instruments;
(ii) the Issuer (or any corporation which has previously assumed the obligations
of the Issuer) will be released from its liability under these Terms and
Conditions in respect of the Subordinated Instruments; and
(iii) references to the Issuer in these Terms and Conditions (and in any Pricing
Supplement) will be taken to be references to the Approved Successor and
references to Ordinary Shares in these Terms and Conditions (and in any
Pricing Supplement) will be taken to be references to Approved Successor
109
Shares.
(e) If the Issuer gives an Approved Replacement Notice in accordance with Condition
6.14(a), then each Holder by its purchase and holding of a Subordinated Instrument
shall be taken to have irrevocably consented to becoming a member of the Approved
Successor in respect of Approved Successor Shares to be issued on Conversion and
to have agreed to be bound by the constitution or other organisational documents of
the Approved Successor.
(f) The Issuer must not issue an Approved Replacement Notice unless:
(i) APRA is satisfied that the capital position of the Issuer on a “Level 1 basis”
and “Level 2 basis” in accordance with the Prudential Standards will not be
adversely affected by the Replacement; or
(ii) the Approved Successor or another entity which is not a Related Entity of the
Issuer (other than an entity which is a direct or indirect parent entity of the
Issuer) and is approved by APRA subscribes for Ordinary Shares or other
capital instruments acceptable to APRA in such amount as may be necessary,
or take other steps acceptable to APRA to ensure that the capital position of
the Issuer on a “Level 1 basis” and “Level 2 basis” in accordance with the
Prudential Standards will not be adversely affected by the Replacement,
including, if required by APRA or the Prudential Standards, undertaking any
capital injection in relation to the Issuer to replace the Subordinated
Instruments.
Any capital injection carried out pursuant to Condition 6.14(f)(ii) must:
(a) be unconditional;
(b) occur simultaneously with the substitution of the Approved
Successor; and
(c) be of equal or better quality capital and at least the same amount as
the Subordinated Instruments, unless otherwise approved by APRA
in writing.
Nothing in this Condition 6.14 prevents the Issuer from proposing, or limits, any scheme of
arrangement or other similar proposal that may be put to Holders of Subordinated Instruments
or shareholders or members of the Issuer.
Power of attorney
6.15 By holding a Subordinated Instrument each Holder irrevocably appoints each of the Issuer, its
directors or authorised signatories and any Liquidator or administrator of the Issuer (each an
Attorney) severally to be the attorney of the Holder with power in the name and on behalf of
the Holder to sign all documents and transfers and do any other thing as may in the Attorney’s
opinion be necessary or desirable to be done in order to give effect to, or for the Holder to
observe or perform the Holder’s obligations under, Conditions 5 (Non-Viability, Conversion and
110
Write-off) and 6 (Procedures for Conversion).
The power of attorney given in this Condition 6.15 is given for valuable consideration and to
secure the performance by the Holder of the Holder’s obligations under Conditions 5 (Non-
Viability, Conversion and Write-off) and 6 (Procedures for Conversion) and is irrevocable.
Cancellation
6.16 All Subordinated Instruments so Converted (together with all unmatured Coupons and Talons
attached thereto or surrendered therewith at the time of Conversion) will forthwith be cancelled
and may not be re-issued or resold.
7. Interest
Interest
7.1 Subordinated Instruments are interest-bearing. Words and expressions appearing in this
Condition 7 and not otherwise defined herein or in the Pricing Supplement shall have the
meanings given to them in Condition 1.1.
Fixed Rate Subordinated Instrument Provisions
7.2 This Condition 7.2 applies to Fixed Rate Subordinated Instruments only. The applicable
Pricing Supplement contains provisions applicable to the determination of fixed rate interest
and must be read in conjunction with this Condition 7.2 for full information on the manner in
which interest is calculated on Fixed Rate Subordinated Instruments. In particular, the
applicable Pricing Supplement will specify the Interest Commencement Date, the Interest Rate,
the Interest Payment Date(s), the Interest Period End Date(s), the Maturity Date, the Fixed
Coupon Amount, any applicable Broken Amount, the Business Day Convention and the Day
Count Fraction.
(a) Application: This Condition 7.2 is applicable to the Subordinated Instruments only if
the Fixed Rate Subordinated Instrument Provisions are specified in the Pricing
Supplement as being applicable.
(b) Accrual of interest: The Subordinated Instruments bear interest from the Interest
Commencement Date at the Interest Rate and such interest is payable in arrear on
each Interest Payment Date, as provided in Condition 9 (Payments), subject to
Conditions 5 (Non-Viability, Conversion and Write-off) and 6 (Procedures for
Conversion). Each Subordinated Instrument which remains Outstanding will cease to
bear interest from the date of final redemption unless, upon due presentation,
payment in full of the Redemption Amount is improperly withheld or refused, in which
case it will continue to bear interest in accordance with this Condition 7 (after as well
as before judgment) until whichever is the earlier of (i) the day on which all sums due
in respect of such Subordinated Instrument up to that day are received by or on behalf
of the relevant Holder and (ii) the day which is seven days after the Fiscal Agent has
notified the Holders that it has received all sums due in respect of the Subordinated
Instruments up to such seventh day (except to the extent that there is any subsequent
default in payment). Subordinated Instruments which remain Outstanding will not
111
cease to bear interest on the date of redemption if payment is not made on that date
because of Condition 4.3.
(c) Fixed Coupon Amount: Except where the Outstanding Principal Amount has been
adjusted in accordance with paragraph (c) of the definition of Outstanding Principal
Amount, the amount of interest payable in respect of each Subordinated Instrument
for any Interest Period shall be the relevant Fixed Coupon Amount (or, in respect of
the Interest Period beginning on the Interest Commencement Date or the Interest
Period ending on the Maturity Date, the Broken Amount, if so specified in the Pricing
Supplement).
(d) Calculation of Interest Amount: The amount of interest payable in respect of each
Subordinated Instrument for any Interest Accrual Period for which (x) a Fixed Coupon
Amount or Broken Amount is not specified or (y) a Fixed Coupon Amount and/or
Broken Amount is specified but the Outstanding Principal Amount of each
Subordinated Instrument has been adjusted in accordance with paragraph (c) of the
definition of Outstanding Principal Amount, shall be calculated by applying the Interest
Rate to the Calculation Amount of such Subordinated Instrument and multiplying the
product by the relevant Day Count Fraction and rounding the resulting figure to the
nearest sub-unit of the Specified Currency (half a sub-unit being rounded upwards).
For this purpose a “sub-unit” means, in the case of any currency other than euro, the
lowest amount of such currency that is available as legal tender in the country of such
currency and, in the case of euro, means one cent.
Fixed Rate Reset Subordinated Instrument Provisions
7.3 This Condition 7.3 applies to Fixed Rate Reset Subordinated Instruments only. The applicable
Pricing Supplement contains provisions applicable to the determination of fixed rate reset
interest and must be read in conjunction with this Condition 7.3 for full information on the
manner in which interest is calculated on Fixed Rate Reset Subordinated Instruments. In
particular, the applicable Pricing Supplement will identify the Interest Commencement Date,
the Initial Rate of Interest, the Fixed Rate Reset Date(s), the Reset Rate(s), the Reset
Reference Rate, the Interest Payment Dates, the Interest Period End Date(s), the Business
Day Convention, the Day Count Fraction, the Reset Determination Date(s) and the Reset Rate
Time.
(i) Application: This Condition 7.3 is applicable to the Subordinated Instruments only if
the Fixed Rate Reset Subordinated Instrument Provisions are specified in the
relevant Pricing Supplement as being applicable.
(ii) Accrual of interest: The Subordinated Instruments bear interest:
(a) in respect of the period from (and including) the Interest Commencement
Date to (but excluding) the Fixed Rate Reset Date (or, if there is more than
one Reset Period, the first Fixed Rate Reset Date occurring after the Interest
Commencement Date), at the rate per annum equal to the Initial Rate of
Interest; and
(b) in respect of the Reset Period (or, if there is more than one Reset Period,
112
each successive Reset Period thereafter), at such rate per annum as is equal
to the relevant Reset Rate, as determined by the Calculation Agent on the
relevant Reset Determination Date in accordance with this Condition 7.3,
and such interest is payable in arrear on each Interest Payment Date, subject as
provided in Condition 9 (Payments), subject to Conditions 5 (Non-Viability,
Conversion and Write-off) and 6 (Procedures for Conversion). Each Subordinated
Instrument which remains Outstanding will cease to bear interest from the date of final
redemption unless, upon due presentation, payment in full of the Redemption Amount
is improperly withheld or refused, in which case it will continue to bear interest in
accordance with this Condition 7 (after as well as before judgment) until whichever is
the earlier of (i) the day on which all sums due in respect of such Subordinated
Instrument up to that day are received by or on behalf of the relevant Holder and (ii)
the day which is seven days after the Fiscal Agent has notified the Holders that it has
received all sums due in respect of the Subordinated Instruments up to such seventh
day (except to the extent that there is any subsequent default in payment).
Subordinated Instruments which remain Outstanding will not cease to bear interest
on the date of redemption if payment is not made on that date because of Condition
4.3.
(iii) Reset Reference Rate determination – Relevant Screen Page: If a Reset Reference
Rate is specified as applying in the applicable Pricing Supplement and on any Reset
Determination Date the relevant Reset Reference Rate does not appear on the
Relevant Screen Page at or around the Reset Rate Time, or, if the Relevant Screen
Page is unavailable, except as provided in Condition 7.5 below, the Calculation Agent
will request the principal Relevant Financial Centre office of the Reference Banks to
provide a quotation of the relevant Reset Reference Rate at approximately the Reset
Rate Time on the relevant Reset Determination Date.
If two or more of the Reference Banks provide quotations as requested by the
Calculation Agent, the Reset Reference Rate will be the arithmetic mean of the
provided quotations, expressed as a percentage and rounded, if necessary, to the
nearest 0.001 per cent. (0.0005 per cent. being rounded upwards).
If on any Reset Determination Date:
(a) only one of the Reference Banks provides a quotation as requested by the
Calculation Agent, the Reset Reference Rate shall be a rate equal to the
quotation provided by such Reference Bank; or
(b) none of the Reference Banks provides a quotation as requested by the
Calculation Agent, the Reset Reference Rate shall be a rate equal to the
Initial Rate of Interest less the Reset Reference Rate Spread.
(iv) Fixed Coupon Amount: Except where the Outstanding Principal Amount has been
adjusted in accordance with paragraph (c) of the definition of Outstanding Principal
Amount, the amount of interest payable in respect of each Subordinated Instrument
in respect of the period from (and including) the Interest Commencement Date to (but
excluding) the Fixed Rate Reset Date (or, if there is more than one Reset Period, the
113
first Fixed Rate Reset Date occurring after the Interest Commencement Date) shall
be the relevant Fixed Coupon Amount (or, in respect of the Interest Period beginning
on the Interest Commencement Date or the Interest Period ending on the Fixed Rate
Reset Date (or, if there is more than one Reset Period, the first Fixed Rate Reset Date
occurring after the Interest Commencement Date), the Broken Amount, if so specified
in the applicable Pricing Supplement) and, if the Subordinated Instruments are in
more than one denomination, shall be the relevant Fixed Coupon Amount in respect
of the relevant denomination.
(v) Calculation of Interest Amount: The amount of interest payable in respect of each
Subordinated Instrument for any Interest Accrual Period for which (x) a Fixed Coupon
Amount or Broken Amount is not specified or (y) a Fixed Coupon Amount and/or
Broken Amount is specified but the Outstanding Principal Amount of each
Subordinated Instrument has been adjusted in accordance with paragraph (c) of the
definition of Outstanding Principal Amount, shall be calculated by applying the Interest
Rate to the Calculation Amount of such Subordinated Instrument and multiplying the
product by the relevant Day Count Fraction and rounding the resulting figure to the
nearest sub-unit of the Specified Currency (half a sub-unit being rounded upwards).
For this purpose a “sub-unit” means, in the case of any currency other than euro, the
lowest amount of such currency that is available as legal tender in the country of such
currency and, in the case of euro, means one cent.
(vi) Publication: The Calculation Agent will cause each Interest Rate and Interest Amount
determined by it, together with the relevant Interest Payment Date, and any other
amount(s) required to be determined by it together with any relevant payment date(s)
to be notified to the Paying Agents and each listing authority and/or stock exchange
(if any) by which the Subordinated Instruments are then listed and/or traded as soon
as practicable after such determination but (in the case of each Interest Rate, Interest
Amount and Interest Payment Date) in any event not later than the first day of the
relevant Interest Period. Notice thereof shall also promptly be given to the Holders.
The Calculation Agent will be entitled to recalculate any Interest Amount (on the basis
of the foregoing provisions) without notice in the event of an extension or shortening
of the relevant Interest Period.
(vii) Notifications etc.: All notifications, opinions, determinations, certificates, calculations,
quotations and decisions given, expressed, made or obtained for the purposes of this
Condition by the Calculation Agent will (in the absence of manifest error) be binding
on the Issuer, the Paying Agents and the Holders (subject as aforesaid) and no
liability to any such Person will attach to the Calculation Agent in connection with the
exercise or non-exercise by it of its powers, duties and discretions for such purposes.
Floating Rate Subordinated Instrument Provisions
7.4 This Condition 7.4 applies to Floating Rate Subordinated Instruments only. The applicable
Pricing Supplement contains provisions applicable to the determination of floating rate interest
and must be read in conjunction with this Condition 7.4 for full information on the manner in
which interest is calculated on Floating Rate Subordinated Instruments. In particular, the
applicable Pricing Supplement will identify Interest Payment Date(s), the Interest Period End
Date(s), the Maturity Date, any Specified Period, the Interest Commencement Date, the
114
Business Day Convention, any Additional Business Centre(s), whether ISDA Determination or
Screen Rate Determination applies to the calculation of interest, the party who will calculate
the amount of interest due if it is not the Agent, the Margin and the Day Count Fraction. Where
ISDA Determination applies to the calculation of interest, the applicable Pricing Supplement
will also specify the applicable Floating Rate Option, Designated Maturity and Reset Date.
Where Screen Rate Determination applies to the calculation of interest, the applicable Pricing
Supplement will also specify the applicable Reference Rate, Relevant Financial Centre,
Interest Determination Date(s) and Relevant Screen Page.
(a) Application: This Condition 7.4 is applicable to the Subordinated Instruments only if
the Floating Rate Subordinated Instrument Provisions are specified in the Pricing
Supplement as being applicable.
(b) Accrual of interest: The Subordinated Instruments bear interest from the Interest
Commencement Date at the Interest Rate and such interest is payable in arrear on
each Interest Payment Date, as provided in Condition 9 (Payments), subject to
Conditions 5 (Non-Viability, Conversion and Write-off) and 6 (Procedures for
Conversion). Each Subordinated Instrument which remains Outstanding will cease to
bear interest from the date of final redemption unless, upon due presentation,
payment in full of the Redemption Amount is improperly withheld or refused, in which
case it will continue to bear interest in accordance with this Condition (after as well as
before judgment) until whichever is the earlier of (i) the day on which all sums due in
respect of such Subordinated Instrument up to that day are received by or on behalf
of the relevant Holder and (ii) the day which is seven days after the Fiscal Agent has
notified the Holders that it has received all sums due in respect of the Subordinated
Instruments up to such seventh day (except to the extent that there is any subsequent
default in payment). Subordinated Instruments which remain Outstanding will not
cease to bear interest on the date of redemption if payment is not made on that date
because of Condition 4.3.
(c) Screen Rate Determination – Term Rate: If Screen Rate Determination – Applicable
(Term Rate) is specified in the Pricing Supplement as the manner in which the Interest
Rate(s) is/are to be determined, the Interest Rate applicable to the Subordinated
Instruments for each Interest Accrual Period will be the sum of the Margin and the
rate determined by the Calculation Agent on the following basis:
(i) if the Reference Rate is a composite quotation or customarily supplied by
one entity, the Calculation Agent will determine the Reference Rate which
appears on the Relevant Screen Page as of the Relevant Time on the
relevant Interest Determination Date;
(ii) in any other case, the Calculation Agent will determine the arithmetic mean
of the Reference Rates which appear on the Relevant Screen Page as of the
Relevant Time on the relevant Interest Determination Date;
(iii) if, in the case of (i) above, such Reference Rate does not appear on that
page or, in the case of (ii) above, fewer than two such Reference Rates
appear on that page or if, in either case, the Relevant Screen Page is
unavailable, except as provided in Condition 7.5 below, the Calculation Agent
115
will:
(a) request the principal Relevant Financial Centre office of each of the
Reference Banks to provide a quotation of the Reference Rate at
approximately the Relevant Time on the Interest Determination Date
to prime banks in the Relevant Financial Centre interbank market in
an amount that is representative for a single transaction in that
market at that time; and
(b) determine the arithmetic mean of such quotations;
(iv) if fewer than two such quotations are provided as requested, the Calculation
Agent will determine the arithmetic mean of the rates (rounded, if
necessary, to the nearest one hundred-thousandth of a percentage point
(e.g., 9.876541 per cent. (or .09876541) being rounded down to 9.87654 per
cent. (or 0.0987654) and 9.876545 per cent. (or .09876545) being rounded
up to 9.87655 per cent. (or .0987655)) quoted by major banks in the Principal
Financial Centre of the Specified Currency, selected by the Calculation Agent,
at approximately 11.00 a.m. (local time in the Principal Financial Centre of
the Specified Currency) on the first day of the relevant Interest Accrual Period
for loans in the Specified Currency to leading European banks for a period
equal to the relevant Interest Accrual Period and in an amount that is
representative for a single transaction in that market at that time, and the
Interest Rate for such Interest Accrual Period shall be the sum of the Margin
and the rate or (as the case may be) the arithmetic mean so determined;
provided, however, that if the Calculation Agent is unable to determine a rate
or (as the case may be) an arithmetic mean in accordance with the above
provisions in relation to any Interest Accrual Period, the Interest Rate
applicable to the Subordinated Instruments during such Interest Accrual
Period will be the sum of the Margin and the rate (or as the case may be the
arithmetic mean of the rates) last determined in relation to the Subordinated
Instruments in respect of the last preceding Interest Accrual Period.
(d) Screen Rate Determination – Overnight Rate
(i) SONIA
If Screen Rate Determination – Applicable (Overnight Rate) is specified in
the relevant Pricing Supplement as the manner in which the Interest Rate(s)
is/are to be determined and:
(a) the Reference Rate is specified in the relevant Pricing Supplement
as being SONIA, and the SONIA Averaging Method is specified in
the relevant Pricing Supplement as being Compounded Daily, the
Rate of Interest applicable to the Subordinated Instruments for each
Interest Accrual Period will be Compounded Daily SONIA plus or
minus (as indicated in the relevant Pricing Supplement) the Margin;
or
116
(b) the Reference Rate is specified in the relevant Pricing Supplement
as being SONIA Index and the SONIA Averaging Method is specified
in the relevant Pricing Supplement as being Compounded Index, the
Rate of Interest applicable to the Subordinated Instruments for each
Interest Accrual Period will be Compounded Index SONIA plus or
minus (as indicated in the relevant Pricing Supplement) the Margin,
in each case as calculated by the Calculation Agent on the Interest
Determination Date as follows, with the resulting percentage rounded if
necessary to the nearest one hundred-thousandth of a percentage point
(e.g., 9.876541 per cent. (or .09876541) being rounded down to 9.87654 per
cent. (or 0.0987654) and 9.876545 per cent. (or .09876545) being rounded
up to 9.87655 per cent. (or .0987655)), where for the purposes of this
Condition 7.4(d)(i):
“Compounded Daily SONIA” means the rate of return of a daily compound
interest investment (with SONIA as the reference rate for the calculation of
interest) as calculated by the Calculation Agent on the Interest Determination
Date as follows, with the resulting percentage rounded if necessary to the
nearest one hundred-thousandth of a percentage point ((e.g., 9.876541 per
cent. (or .09876541) being rounded down to 9.87654 per cent. (or
0.0987654) and 9.876545 per cent. (or .09876545) being rounded up to
9.87655 per cent. (or .0987655)):
ෑ൬1+
푆푂푁퐼퐴
ି
×푛
365
൰−1
ௗ
బ
ୀଵ
×
365
푑
“Compounded Index SONIA” means the rate of return of a daily compound
interest investment as calculated by the Calculation Agent on the Interest
Determination Date as follows, with the resulting percentage rounded if
necessary to the nearest one hundred-thousandth of a percentage point (e.g.,
9.876541 per cent. (or .09876541) being rounded down to 9.87654 per cent.
(or 0.0987654) and 9.876545 per cent. (or .09876545) being rounded up to
9.87655 per cent. (or .0987655)):
൬
푆푂푁퐼퐴 퐼푛푑푒푥
ாௗ
푆푂푁퐼퐴 퐼푛푑푒푥
ௌ௧௧
−1൰×
365
푑
“d” is the number of calendar days in (where Compounded Daily is the SONIA
Averaging Method and “Lag” or “Lock-out” is specified as the Observation
Method, in each case in the applicable Pricing Supplement) the relevant
Interest Accrual Period or (where Compounded Daily is the SONIA Averaging
Method and “Shift” is specified as the Observation Method, or Compounded
Index is specified as the SONIA Averaging Method, in each case in the
applicable Pricing Supplement) the relevant Observation Period;
“d
O
” is the number of London Banking Days in (where “Lag” or “Lock-out” is
117
specified as the Observation Method in the applicable Pricing Supplement)
the relevant Interest Accrual Period or (where “Shift” is specified as the
Observation Method in the applicable Pricing Supplement) the relevant
Observation Period;
“i” is a series of whole numbers from one to d
O
, each representing the
relevant London Banking Day in chronological order from, and including,
(where “Lag” or “Lock-out” is specified as the Observation Method in the
applicable Pricing Supplement) the first London Banking Day in the relevant
Interest Accrual Period to, but excluding, the last London Banking Day in the
relevant Interest Accrual Period or (where “Shift” is specified as the
Observation Method in the applicable Pricing Supplement) the first London
Banking Day in the relevant Observation Period to, but excluding, the last
London Banking Day in the relevant Observation Period;
“Lock-out Period” means the period from, and including, the day following
the Interest Determination Date to, but excluding, the corresponding Interest
Payment Date;
“London Banking Day” or “LBD” means any day (other than a Saturday or
Sunday) on which commercial banks and foreign exchange markets are open
for general business and to settle payments in London.
“n
i
”, for any London Banking Day “i", means the number of calendar days
from and including such London Banking Day “i” up to but excluding the
following London Banking Day;
“Observation Look-back Period” means the number of days specified as
such in the applicable Pricing Supplement;
“Observation Method” means the method specified as such in the
applicable Pricing Supplement;
“Observation Period” means, in respect of an Interest Accrual Period, the
period from and including the date falling “p” London Banking Days prior to
the first day of the relevant Interest Accrual Period and ending on, but
excluding, the date which is “p” London Banking Days prior to the Interest
Payment Date for such Interest Accrual Period (or the date falling “p” London
Banking Days prior to such earlier date, if any, on which the Subordinated
Instruments become due and payable);
“p” means, for any Interest Accrual Period:
(a) where “Lag” or “Shift” is specified as the Observation Method in the
applicable Pricing Supplement, the number of London Banking Days
specified as the Observation Look-Back Period in the applicable
Pricing Supplement (or if no such number is specified, five London
Banking Days); or
118
(b) where “Lock-out” is specified as the Observation Method in the
applicable Pricing Supplement, zero;
“Reference Day” means each London Banking Day in the relevant Interest
Accrual Period, other than any London Banking Day in the Lock-out Period;
“SONIA” means:
(a) where in the applicable Pricing Supplement “Lag” or “Shift” is
specified as the Observation Method, in respect of any London
Banking Day, SONIA in respect of such London Banking Day;
(b) where in the applicable Pricing Supplement “Lock-out” is specified
as the Observation Method:
(1) in respect of any London Banking Day “i” that is a Reference
Day, SONIA in respect of the London Banking Day
immediately preceding such Reference Day; and
(2) in respect of any London Banking Day “i” that is not a
Reference Day (being a London Banking Day in the Lock-
out Period), SONIA in respect of the London Banking Day
immediately preceding the last Reference Day of the
relevant Interest Accrual Period (such last Reference Day
coinciding with the Interest Determination Date),
where SONIA in respect of any London Banking Day is equal to the daily
Sterling Overnight Index Average rate for such London Banking Day as
provided by the administrator of SONIA to authorised distributors and as then
published on the Relevant Screen Page on the immediately following London
Banking Day or, if the Relevant Screen Page is unavailable, as otherwise
published by such authorised distributors, provided that:
(a) if, in respect of any London Banking Day in the relevant Observation
Period, the SONIA rate is not available on the Relevant Screen Page
or has not otherwise been published by the relevant authorised
distributors, such SONIA rate shall be: (i) the Bank of England’s
Bank Rate (the “Bank Rate”) prevailing at close of business on the
relevant London Banking Day; plus (ii) the mean of the spread of the
SONIA rate to the Bank Rate over the previous five London Banking
Days on which a SONIA rate has been published, excluding the
highest spread (or, if there is more than one highest spread, one only
of those highest spreads) and lowest spread (or, if there is more than
one lowest spread, one only of those lowest spreads) to the Bank
Rate;
(b) notwithstanding the paragraph above, in the event that the Bank of
England publishes guidance as to (i) how the SONIA rate is to be
determined or (ii) any rate that is to replace the SONIA rate, the
119
Calculation Agent (or such other party responsible for the calculation
of the Rate of Interest, as specified in the applicable Pricing
Supplement) shall, to the extent that it is reasonably practicable,
follow such guidance in order to determine SONIA or such rate that
is to replace SONIA, for purposes of the Floating Rate Subordinated
Instruments for so long as the SONIA rate is not available or has not
been published by the authorised distributors; and
(c) in the event that SONIA cannot be determined in accordance with
the foregoing provisions, but without prejudice to Condition 7.5, the
Rate of Interest shall be (i) that determined as at the last preceding
Interest Determination Date (though substituting, where a different
Margin or Maximum Rate of Interest or Minimum Rate of Interest is
to be applied to the relevant Interest Accrual Period from that which
applied to the last preceding Interest Accrual Period, the Margin or
Maximum Rate of Interest or Minimum Rate of Interest relating to the
relevant Interest Accrual Period, in place of the Margin or Maximum
Rate of Interest or Minimum Rate of Interest relating to that last
preceding Interest Accrual Period) or (ii) if there is no such preceding
Interest Determination Date, the initial Rate of Interest which would
have been applicable to such Floating Rate Subordinated
Instruments for the first Interest Accrual Period had the Floating Rate
Subordinated Instruments been in issue for a period equal in
duration to the scheduled first Interest Accrual Period but ending on
(and excluding) the Interest Commencement Date (but applying the
Margin and any Maximum Rate of Interest or Minimum Rate of
Interest applicable to the first Interest Accrual Period),
and for the avoidance of doubt, the preceding paragraphs in this definition of
SONIA will apply prior to the application of Condition 7.5 (if applicable);
“SONIA Averaging Method” means the method specified as such in the
applicable Pricing Supplement;
"SONIA Index” means, where "SONIA Index" is specified as the Reference
Rate and “Compounded Index” is specified as the SONIA Averaging Method
in the relevant Pricing Supplement, with respect to any London Banking Day:
(a) the value of the index known as the “SONIA Compounded Index”
administered by the Bank of England (or any successor
administrator thereof) as published by the Bank of England (or any
successor administrator) on the Relevant Screen Page on the
immediately following London Banking Day provided, however, that
in the event that the value originally published is subsequently
corrected and such corrected value is published by the Bank of
England, as the administrator of SONIA (or any successor
administrator of SONIA) on the original date of publication, then such
corrected value, instead of the value that was originally published,
120
shall be deemed the SONIA Index in relation to such London
Banking Day; or
(b) if the index in paragraph (a) is not published or displayed by the
administrator of the SONIA rate or other information service on the
relevant Interest Determination Date as specified in the applicable
Pricing Supplement, the Reference Rate for the applicable Interest
Period for which the index is not available shall be SONIA, and for
these purposes, the SONIA Averaging Method shall be deemed to
be “Compounded Daily”, “p” as specified in the relevant Pricing
Supplement shall be the Observation Look-back Period, and the
Observation Method shall be deemed to be “Shift”, as if SONIA Index
had not been specified as being applicable and these alternative
elections had been made,
and for the avoidance of doubt, paragraph (b) of this definition of SONIA
Index will apply prior to the application of Condition 7.5 (if applicable);
“SONIA
i-pLBD
” means:
(a) where “Lag” is specified as the Observation Method in the applicable
Pricing Supplement, the applicable SONIA rate set out in the
definition of “SONIA” above for the London Banking Day (being a
London Banking Day falling in the relevant Observation Period)
falling “p” London Banking Days prior to the relevant London
Banking Day “i”;
(b) where “Shift” is specified as the Observation Method in the
applicable Pricing Supplement, the applicable SONIA rate set out in
the definition of “SONIA” above for the London Banking Day “i” falling
in the relevant Observation Period; or
(c) where “Lock-out” is specified as the Observation Method in the
applicable Pricing Supplement, the applicable SONIA rate set out in
the definition of “SONIA” above for the relevant London Banking Day
“i”;
“SONIA Index
end
” means the SONIA Index value on the London Banking Day
falling “p” London Banking Days before the last day of the relevant Interest
Accrual Period (or in the final Interest Accrual Period, the Maturity Date); and
“SONIA Index
start
” means the SONIA Index value on the London Banking
Day falling “p” London Banking Days before the first day of the relevant
Interest Accrual Period.
(ii) SOFR
121
If Screen Rate Determination – Applicable (Overnight Rate) is specified in
the relevant Pricing Supplement as the manner in which the Interest Rate(s)
is/are to be determined and:
(a) the Reference Rate is specified in the relevant Pricing Supplement
as being SOFR and the SOFR Averaging Method is specified in the
relevant Pricing Supplement as being Compounded Daily, the Rate
of Interest applicable to the Subordinated Instruments for each
Interest Accrual Period will be Compounded Daily SOFR plus or
minus (as indicated in the relevant Pricing Supplement) the Margin;
(b) the Reference Rate is specified in the relevant Pricing Supplement
as being SOFR Index and the SOFR Averaging Method is specified
in the relevant Pricing Supplement as being Compounded Index, the
Rate of Interest applicable to the Subordinated Instruments for each
Interest Accrual Period will be Compounded Index SOFR plus or
minus (as indicated in the relevant Pricing Supplement) the Margin;
or
(c) the Reference Rate is specified in the relevant Pricing Supplement
as being SOFR and the SOFR Averaging Method is specified in the
relevant Pricing Supplement as being Weighted Average, the Rate
of Interest applicable to the Subordinated Instruments for each
Interest Accrual Period will be Weighted Average SOFR plus or
minus (as indicated in the relevant Pricing Supplement) the Margin,
in each case as calculated by the Calculation Agent on the Interest
Determination Date, with the resulting percentage rounded if necessary to
the nearest one hundred-thousandth of a percentage point (e.g., 9.876541
per cent. (or .09876541) being rounded down to 9.87654 per cent. (or
0.0987654) and 9.876545 per cent. (or .09876545) being rounded up to
9.87655 per cent. (or .0987655)), where for the purposes of this Condition
7.4(d)(ii):
“Compounded Daily SOFR” means the rate of return of a daily compound
interest investment (with SOFR as the reference rate for the calculation of
interest) as calculated by the Calculation Agent on the Interest Determination
Date as follows, with the resulting percentage rounded if necessary to the
nearest one hundred-thousandth of a percentage point (e.g., 9.876541 per
cent. (or .09876541) being rounded down to 9.87654 per cent. (or
0.0987654) and 9.876545 per cent. (or .09876545) being rounded up to
9.87655 per cent. (or .0987655)):
ෑ൬1+
푆푂퐹푅
ିௌ
×푛
360
൰−1
ௗ
బ
ୀଵ
×
360
푑
“Compounded Index SOFR” means the rate of return of a daily compound
122
interest investment as calculated by the Calculation Agent on the Interest
Determination Date as follows, with the resulting percentage rounded if
necessary to the nearest one hundred-thousandth of a percentage point (e.g.,
9.876541 per cent. (or .09876541) being rounded down to 9.87654 per cent.
(or 0.0987654) and 9.876545 per cent. (or .09876545) being rounded up to
9.87655 per cent. (or .0987655)):
൬
푆푂퐹푅 퐼푛푑푒푥
ாௗ
푆푂퐹푅 퐼푛푑푒푥
ௌ௧௧
−1൰×
360
푑
“Cut-off Date” has the meaning given in the applicable Pricing Supplement;
“Cut-off Period” means the period from, and including, the day following the
Cut-off Date to, but excluding, the Maturity Date or the relevant Early
Redemption Date, as applicable;
“d” is the number of calendar days in (where Compounded Daily is the SOFR
Averaging Method and “Lag”, “Lock-out” or “Payment Delay” is specified as
the Observation Method, in each case in the applicable Pricing Supplement)
the relevant Interest Accrual Period or (where Compounded Daily is the
SOFR Averaging Method and “Shift” is specified as the Observation Method,
or Compounded Index is specified as the SOFR Averaging Method, in each
case in the applicable Pricing Supplement) the relevant Observation Period;
“d
O
” is the number of U.S. Government Securities Business Days in (where
“Lag”, “Lock-out” or “Payment Delay” is specified as the Observation Method
in the applicable Pricing Supplement) the relevant Interest Accrual Period or
(where “Shift” is specified as the Observation Method in the applicable
Pricing Supplement) the relevant Observation Period;
“i” is a series of whole numbers from one to d
O
, each representing the
relevant U.S. Government Securities Business Day in chronological order
from, and including, (where “Lag”, “Lock-out” or “Payment Delay” is specified
as the Observation Method in the applicable Pricing Supplement) the first
U.S. Government Securities Business Day in the relevant Interest Accrual
Period to, but excluding, the last U.S. Government Securities Business Day
in the relevant Interest Accrual Period or (where “Shift” is specified as the
Observation Method in the applicable Pricing Supplement) the first U.S.
Government Securities Business Day in the relevant Observation Period to,
but excluding, the last U.S. Government Securities Business Day in the
relevant Observation Period;
“Lock-out Period” means the period from, and including, the day following
the Interest Determination Date to, but excluding, the corresponding Interest
Payment Date;
“n
i
”, for any U.S. Government Securities Business Day “i", means the number
of calendar days from and including such U.S. Government Securities
Business Day “i” up to but excluding the following U.S. Government
123
Securities Business Day;
“New York Fed’s Website” means the website of the Federal Reserve Bank
of New York currently at http://www.newyorkfed.org or any successor website
of the Federal Reserve Bank of New York;
“Observation Look-back Period” means the number of days specified as
such in the applicable Pricing Supplement;
“Observation Method” means the method specified as such in the
applicable Pricing Supplement;
“Observation Period” means, in respect of an Interest Accrual Period, the
period from and including the date falling “p” U.S. Government Securities
Business Days prior to the first day of the relevant Interest Accrual Period
and ending on, but excluding, the date which is “p” U.S. Government
Securities Business Days prior to the Interest Payment Date for such Interest
Accrual Period (or the date falling “p” U.S. Government Securities Business
Days prior to such earlier date, if any, on which the Subordinated Instruments
become due and payable);
“p” means, for any Interest Accrual Period:
(a) where “Lag” or “Shift” is specified as the Observation Method in the
applicable Pricing Supplement, the number of U.S. Government
Securities Business Days specified as the Observation Look-Back
Period in the applicable Pricing Supplement (or if no such number is
specified, five U.S. Government Securities Business Days);
(b) where “Lock-out” is specified as the Observation Method in the
applicable Pricing Supplement, zero; or
(c) where “Payment Delay” is specified as the Observation Method in
the applicable Pricing Supplement, zero;
“Reference Day” means each U.S. Government Securities Business Day in
the relevant Interest Accrual Period or Observation Period (as applicable),
other than any U.S. Government Securities Business Day in the Lock-out
Period (in respect of any Subordinated Instruments for which “Lock-out” is
specified as the Observation Method in the applicable Pricing Supplement)
or the Cut-off Period (in respect of any Subordinated Instruments for which
“Payment Delay” is specified as the Observation Method in the applicable
Pricing Supplement);
“SOFR” means:
(a) where “Lag” or “Shift” is specified as the Observation Method in the
applicable Pricing Supplement, SOFR in respect of such U.S.
Government Securities Business Day;
124
(b) where “Lock-out” is specified as the Observation Method in the
applicable Pricing Supplement:
(1) in respect of any U.S. Government Securities Business Day
“i” that is a Reference Day, SOFR in respect of the U.S.
Government Securities Business Day immediately
preceding such Reference Day; and
(2) in respect of any U.S. Government Securities Business Day
“i" that is not a Reference Day (being a U.S. Government
Securities Business Day in the Lock-out Period), SOFR in
respect of the U.S. Government Securities Business Day
immediately preceding the last Reference Day of the
relevant Interest Accrual Period (such last Reference Day
coinciding with the Interest Determination Date); or
(c) where “Payment Delay” is specified as the Observation Method in
the applicable Pricing Supplement:
(1) in respect of any U.S. Government Securities Business Day
“i" that is a Reference Day, SOFR in respect of such U.S.
Government Securities Business Day; and
(2) in respect of any U.S. Government Securities Business Day
“i" that is not a Reference Day (being a U.S. Government
Securities Business Day in the Cut-off Period), SOFR in
respect of the Cut-off Date,
where SOFR shall be a reference rate equal to:
(I) the daily Secured Overnight Financing Rate as published by
the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, as the administrator
of such rate (or any successor administrator of such rate)
(the “daily Secured Overnight Financing Rate”) on the
New York Fed’s Website at or about 3:00 p.m. (New York
City time) on the next succeeding U.S. Government
Securities Business Day; or
(II) if the daily Secured Overnight Financing Rate is not
published and the Issuer has not determined that a
Benchmark Transition Event has occurred, the SOFR for
the first preceding U.S. Government Securities Business
Day on which the SOFR was published on the New York
Fed’s Website,
and for the avoidance of doubt, limb (c)(II) of this definition of SOFR will apply
prior to the application of Condition 7.5 (if applicable);
“SOFR Averaging Method” means the method specified as such in the
125
applicable Pricing Supplement;
“SOFR
i-pUSBD
” means:
(a) where “Lag” is specified as the Observation Method in the applicable
Pricing Supplement, the applicable SOFR rate set out in the
definition of “SOFR” above for the U.S. Government Securities
Business Day (being a U.S. Government Securities Business Day
falling in the relevant Observation Period) falling “p” U.S.
Government Securities Business Days prior to the relevant U.S.
Government Securities Business Day “i”;
(b) where “Shift” is specified as the Observation Method in the
applicable Pricing Supplement, the applicable SOFR rate set out in
the definition of “SOFR” above for the U.S. Government Securities
Business Day “i” falling in the relevant Observation Period;
(c) where “Lock-out” is specified as the Observation Method in the
applicable Pricing Supplement, the applicable SOFR rate set out in
the definition of “SOFR” above for the relevant U.S. Government
Securities Business Day “i”; or
(d) where “Payment Delay” is specified as the Observation Method in
the applicable Pricing Supplement, the applicable SOFR rate set out
in the definition of “SOFR” above for the relevant U.S. Government
Securities Business Day “i”;
“SOFR Index” means, with respect to any U.S. Government Securities
Business Day:
(a) the SOFR Index published for such U.S. Government Securities
Business Day as such value appears on the Federal Reserve Bank
of New York’s Website at 3:00 p.m. (New York City time) on such
U.S. Government Securities Business Day; or
(b) if the SOFR Index specified in (a) above does not so appear, the
Reference Rate will be the rate (inclusive of any spreads or
adjustments) that was recommended as the replacement for the
SOFR Index by the Federal Reserve Board and/or the Federal
Reserve Bank of New York or by a committee officially endorsed or
convened by the Federal Reserve Board and/or the Federal
Reserve Bank of New York for the purpose of recommending a
replacement for the index measuring the cumulative impact of
compounding SOFR over time (which rate may be produced by the
Federal Reserve Bank of New York or other designated
administrator),
and for the avoidance of doubt, paragraph (b) of this definition of SOFR Index
will apply prior to the application of Condition 7.5 (if applicable);
126
“SOFR Index
End
” means the SOFR Index value on the U.S. Government
Securities Business Day falling “p” U.S. Government Securities Business
Days before the last day of the relevant Interest Accrual Period (or in the final
Interest Accrual Period, the Maturity Date);
“SOFR Index
Start
” means the SOFR Index value on the U.S. Government
Securities Business Day falling “p” U.S. Government Securities Business
Days before the first day of the relevant Interest Accrual Period;
“USBD” or “U.S. Government Securities Business Day” means any day
except for a Saturday, Sunday or a day on which the Securities Industry and
Financial Markets Association recommends that the fixed income
departments of its members be closed for the entire day for purposes of
trading in U.S. government securities; and
“Weighted Average SOFR” means:
(a) where “Lag” is specified as the Observation Method in the applicable
Pricing Supplement, the arithmetic mean of “SOFR” in effect for each
calendar day during the relevant Interest Accrual Period, calculated
by multiplying the relevant rate by the number of days such rate is in
effect, determining the sum of such products and dividing such sum
by the number of calendar days in the relevant Interest Accrual
Period (and for these purposes, “SOFR” in respect of any calendar
day which is not a Reference Day shall be deemed to be the rate in
respect of the Reference Day immediately preceding such calendar
day);
(b) where “Shift” is specified as the Observation Method in the
applicable Pricing Supplement, the arithmetic mean of “SOFR” in
effect for each calendar day during the relevant Observation Period,
calculated by multiplying the relevant rate by the number of days
such rate is in effect, determining the sum of such products and
dividing such sum by the number of calendar days in the relevant
Observation Period (and for these purposes, “SOFR” in respect of
any calendar day which is not a Reference Day shall be deemed to
be the rate in respect of the Reference Day immediately preceding
such calendar day);
(c) where “Lock-out” or “Payment Delay” is specified as the Observation
Method in the applicable Pricing Supplement, the arithmetic mean of
“SOFR” in effect for each calendar day during the relevant Interest
Accrual Period, calculated by multiplying the relevant rate by the
number of days such rate is in effect, determining the sum of such
products and dividing such sum by the number of calendar days in
the relevant Interest Accrual Period (and for these purposes, “SOFR”
in respect of any calendar day which is not a Reference Day shall
be deemed to be the rate in respect of the Reference Day
immediately preceding such calendar day), provided however that
127
(x) where “Lock-out” is specified, for any calendar day of such
Interest Accrual Period falling in the Lock-out Period, “SOFR” shall
be deemed to be the rate in respect of the Reference Day
immediately preceding the relevant Interest Determination Date, and
(y) where “Payment Delay” is specified, for any calendar day of the
final Interest Accrual Period falling in the Cut-off Period, “SOFR”
shall be deemed to be the rate in respect of the Cut-off Date.
If the Floating Rate Subordinated Instruments become due and payable in
accordance with Condition 9 (Payments), the final Interest Determination Date shall,
notwithstanding any Interest Determination Date specified in the applicable Pricing
Supplement, be deemed to be the date on which such Floating Rate Subordinated
Instruments became due and payable and the Interest Rate on such Floating Rate
Subordinated Instruments shall, for so long as any such Subordinated Instrument
remains outstanding, be that determined on such date.
(e) ISDA Determination: If ISDA Determination is specified in the Pricing Supplement as
the manner in which the Interest Rate(s) is/are to be determined, the Interest Rate
applicable to the Subordinated Instruments for each Interest Accrual Period will be
the sum of the Margin and the relevant ISDA Rate where “ISDA Rate” in relation to
any Interest Accrual Period means a rate equal to the Floating Rate (as defined in the
ISDA Definitions) that would be determined by the Calculation Agent under an interest
rate swap transaction if the Calculation Agent were acting as Calculation Agent for
that interest rate swap transaction under the terms of an agreement incorporating the
ISDA Definitions and under which:
(i) the Floating Rate Option (as defined in the ISDA Definitions) is as specified
in the Pricing Supplement;
(ii) the Designated Maturity (as defined in the ISDA Definitions) is a period
specified in the Pricing Supplement; and
(iii) the relevant Reset Date (as defined in the ISDA Definitions) is as specified
in the Pricing Supplement.
(f) BBSW Rate Determination: If “BBSW Rate Determination” is specified in the Pricing
Supplement as the manner in which the Interest Rate(s) is/are to be determined,
the Interest Rate applicable to the Subordinated Instruments for each Interest
Period is the sum of the Margin and the BBSW Rate. Each Holder shall be
deemed to acknowledge, accept and agree to be bound by, and consents to, such
determination of, substitution for and adjustments made to the BBSW Rate, as
applicable, in each case as described below (in all cases without the need for any
Holder consent). Any determination of, substitution for and adjustments made to
the BBSW Rate, as applicable, in each case described below will be binding on
the Issuer, the Holder and each agent.
In this Condition 7.4(f), “BBSW Rate” means, for an Interest Period, the rate for
prime bank eligible securities having a tenor closest to the Interest Period which
128
is designated as the “AVG MID” on the Bloomberg or Refinitiv Screen BBSW
Page (or any designation which replaces that designation on that page, or any
page that replaces that page) at approximately 10.30 a.m. (Sydney time) (or such
other time at which such rate customarily appears on that page, including, if
corrected, as recalculated and republished by the relevant administrator)
(“Publication Time”) on the first Business Day of that Interest Period. However,
if such rate does not appear on the Bloomberg or Refinitiv Screen BBSW Page
(or any page that replaces that page) by 10.45 a.m. (Sydney time) on that day (or
such other time that is 15 minutes after the then prevailing Publication Time), or
if it does appear but the Calculation Agent determines that there is an obvious
error in that rate or the rate is permanently or indefinitely discontinued, “BBSW
Rate” means (subject to the prior written approval of APRA in the case of a
permanent or indefinite discontinuation of the BBSW Rate) such other successor
rate or alternative rate for BBSW Rate-linked Floating Rate Subordinated
Instruments at such time determined by the Issuer (acting in good faith and in a
commercially reasonable manner) or, an alternate financial institution appointed
by the Issuer (in its sole discretion), to assist in determining the rate (in each case,
a “Determining Party”), which rate is notified in writing to the Calculation Agent
(with a copy to the Issuer) if determined by such alternative financial institution,
together with such adjustment spread (which may be a positive or negative value
or zero) that is customarily applied to the relevant successor rate or alternative
rate (as the case may be) in international debt capital markets transactions to
produce an industry-accepted replacement rate for BBSW Rate-linked Floating
Rate Subordinated Instruments at such time (together with such other adjustments
to the Business Day Convention, interest determination dates and related
provisions and definitions, in each case that are consistent with accepted market
practice for the use of such successor rate or alternative rate for BBSW Rate-
linked Floating Rate Subordinated Instruments at such time), or, if no such industry
standard is recognised or acknowledged, the method for calculating or
determining such adjustment spread, determined by such Determining Party (in
consultation with the Issuer, where the Determining Party is not the Issuer) to be
appropriate. The rate determined by such Determining Party will be expressed as
a percentage rate per annum and will be rounded up, if necessary, to the next
higher one ten-thousandth of a percentage point (0.0001 per cent.).
Holders should note that APRA’s approval may not be given for any successor
rate or alternative rate together with any adjustment spread and any other
adjustments to the Conditions to produce an industry-accepted replacement rate
for BBSW Rate-linked Floating Rate Subordinated Instruments for the purposes
of Condition 7.4(f) that it considers to have the effect of increasing the Interest
Rate contrary to applicable Prudential Standards.
(g) Calculation of Interest Amount: The Calculation Agent will, as soon as practicable
after the time at which the Interest Rate is to be determined in relation to each Interest
Accrual Period, calculate the Interest Amount payable in respect of each
Subordinated Instrument for such Interest Accrual Period. The Interest Amount will be
calculated by applying the Interest Rate for such Interest Accrual Period to the
Calculation Amount of such Subordinated Instrument during such Interest Accrual
Period and multiplying the product by the relevant Day Count Fraction and rounding
129
the resulting figure to the nearest sub-unit of the Specified Currency (half a sub-unit
being rounded upwards). For this purpose a “sub-unit” means, in the case of any
currency other than euro, the lowest amount of such currency that is available as legal
tender in the country of such currency and, in the case of euro, means one cent.
Where any Interest Period comprises two or more Interest Accrual Periods, the
amount of interest payable in respect of such Interest Period will be the sum of the
amounts of interest payable in respect of each of those Interest Accrual Periods.
(h) Calculation of other amounts: If the Pricing Supplement specifies that any other
amount is to be calculated by the Calculation Agent (including, in respect of the
Interest Period beginning on the Interest Commencement Date or the Interest Period
ending on the Maturity Date, the Broken Amount, if so specified in the Pricing
Supplement), the Calculation Agent will, as soon as practicable after the time or times
at which any such amount is to be determined, calculate the relevant amount. The
relevant amount will be calculated by the Calculation Agent in the manner specified
in the Pricing Supplement.
(i) Publication: The Calculation Agent will cause each Interest Rate and Interest Amount
determined by it, together with the relevant Interest Payment Date, and any other
amount(s) required to be determined by it together with any relevant payment date(s)
to be notified to the Paying Agents and each listing authority and/or stock exchange
(if any) by which the Subordinated Instruments are then listed and/or traded as soon
as practicable after such determination but (in the case of each Interest Rate, Interest
Amount and Interest Payment Date) in any event not later than (i) the commencement
of the relevant Interest Period, if determined prior to such time, or (ii) in all other cases,
the Business Day prior to the next Interest Payment Date. Notice thereof shall also
promptly be given to the Holders. The Calculation Agent will be entitled to
recalculate any Interest Amount (on the basis of the foregoing provisions) without
notice in the event of an extension or shortening of the relevant Interest Period.
(j) Notifications etc.: All notifications, opinions, determinations, certificates, calculations,
quotations and decisions given, expressed, made or obtained for the purposes of this
Condition by the Calculation Agent will (in the absence of manifest error) be binding
on the Issuer, the Paying Agents and the Holders (subject as aforesaid) and no
liability to any such Person will attach to the Calculation Agent in connection with the
exercise or non-exercise by it of its powers, duties and discretions for such purposes.
Benchmark replacement
No Successor Reference Rate, Alternative Reference Rate, Adjustment Spread or ARRC Benchmark
Replacement (including any Benchmark Replacement Adjustment) may be used by the Issuer
pursuant to this Condition 7.5 without the prior written approval of APRA. Such approval is at the
discretion of APRA and may or may not be given. Holders should not expect that APRA’s approval will
be given.
Holders should note that APRA’s approval may not be given for any Successor Reference Rate or
Alternative Reference Rate together with any Adjustment Spread, any ARRC Benchmark Replacement
(including any Benchmark Replacement Adjustment) or any other adjustments to the Conditions to
produce an industry-accepted replacement rate for Floating Rate Subordinated Instruments or Fixed
130
Rate Reset Subordinated Instruments for which the Reset Rate is not a fixed rate of interest, for the
purposes of this Condition 7.5 where it considers such modifications to have the effect of increasing
the Interest Rate contrary to applicable Prudential Standards.
7.5
(i) Benchmark Replacement (General): If Benchmark Replacement (General) is specified in the
relevant Pricing Supplement, then notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this Condition
7, if the Issuer determines that a Benchmark Event has occurred in respect of a Reference
Rate where any Interest Rate (or any component thereof) remains to be determined by
reference to such Reference Rate, then the following provisions shall apply to the relevant
Subordinated Instruments (provided that paragraphs (a) to (c) of the definition of SONIA and/or
paragraph (b) of the definition of SONIA Index, as applicable, shall apply prior to the provisions
of this Condition 7.5(i)):
(a) The Issuer shall use reasonable endeavours to appoint an Independent Adviser, at
the Issuer’s own expense, to determine a Successor Reference Rate or, if such
Independent Adviser is unable so to determine a Successor Reference Rate, an
Alternative Reference Rate and, in each case, an Adjustment Spread (if any) (in any
such case, acting in good faith and in a commercially reasonable manner) for the
purposes of determining the Interest Rate or Reset Rate applicable to the
Subordinated Instruments for all future Interest Accrual Periods (subject to the
subsequent operation of this Condition 7.5(i)).
(b) Subject to paragraph (c) of this Condition 7.5(i), if
(1) the relevant Independent Adviser (acting in good faith and in a commercially
reasonable manner), no later than five Business Days prior to the Interest
Determination Date relating to the next Interest Accrual Period (the “IA
Determination Cut-off Date”) determines a Successor Reference Rate or,
if such Independent Adviser fails so to determine a Successor Reference
Rate, an Alternative Reference Rate and, in each case, an Adjustment
Spread (if any) (in any such case, acting in good faith and in a commercially
reasonable manner) for the purposes of determining the Interest Rate or
Reset Rate applicable to the Subordinated Instruments for all future Interest
Accrual Periods (subject to the subsequent operation of this Condition 7.5(i)
during any other future Interest Accrual Period(s)); or
(2) the Issuer is unable to appoint an Independent Adviser, or the Independent
Adviser appointed by the Issuer in accordance with paragraph (a) of this
Condition 7.5(i) fails to determine a Successor Reference Rate or an
Alternative Reference Rate prior to the relevant IA Determination Cut-off
Date, the Issuer (acting in good faith and in a commercially reasonable
manner), no later than three Business Days prior to the Interest
Determination Date relating to the next Interest Accrual Period (the “Issuer
Determination Cut-off Date”), determines a Successor Reference Rate or,
if the Issuer fails to determine a Successor Reference Rate, an Alternative
Reference Rate (as applicable) and, in each case, an Adjustment Spread (if
any) (in any such case, acting in good faith and in a commercially reasonable
131
manner) for the purposes of determining the Interest Rate or Reset Rate
applicable to the Subordinated Instruments for all future Interest Accrual
Periods (subject to the subsequent operation of this Condition 7.5(i) during
any other future Interest Accrual Period(s));
then:
(3) such Successor Reference Rate or Alternative Reference Rate (as
applicable) shall be the Reference Rate for all future Interest Accrual Periods
(subject to the subsequent operation of this Condition 7.5(i) during any other
future Interest Accrual Period(s)).
Without prejudice to the definitions thereof, for the purposes of determining
a Successor Reference Rate or Alternative Reference Rate, the Issuer will
take into account relevant and applicable market precedents as well as any
published guidance from relevant associations involved in the establishment
of market standards and/or protocols in the international debt capital markets
and such other materials as the Issuer, acting in good faith and in a
commercially reasonable manner, considers appropriate; and
(4) If the relevant Independent Adviser or the Issuer (as applicable), acting in
good faith and in a commercially reasonable manner:
I. determines that an Adjustment Spread is required to be applied to
the Successor Reference Rate or Alternative Reference Rate (as
applicable) and determines the quantum of, or a formula or
methodology for determining, such Adjustment Spread, then such
Adjustment Spread shall be applied to such Successor Reference
Rate or Alternative Reference Rate (as applicable) for all future
Interest Accrual Periods (subject to the subsequent operation of this
Condition 7.5(i)); or
II. is unable to determine the quantum of, or a formula or methodology
for determining, an Adjustment Spread, or determines that no such
Adjustment Spread is required, then such Successor Reference
Rate or Alternative Reference Rate (as applicable) will apply without
an Adjustment Spread for all future Interest Accrual Periods (subject
to the subsequent operation of this Condition 7.5(i)).
Without prejudice to the definition thereof, for the purposes of
determining an Adjustment Spread (if any), the Issuer will take into
account relevant and applicable market precedents as well as any
published guidance from relevant associations involved in the
establishment of market standards and/or protocols in the
international debt capital markets and such other materials as the
Issuer, acting in good faith and in a commercially reasonable
manner, considers appropriate.
(c) Notwithstanding paragraph (b) above, if
132
(1) the Independent Adviser appointed by the Issuer in accordance with
paragraph (a) of this Condition 7.5(i) notifies the Issuer prior to the IA
Determination Cut-off Date that it has determined that no Successor
Reference Rate or Alternative Reference Rate exists;
(2) the Independent Adviser appointed by the Issuer in accordance with
paragraph (a) of this Condition 7.5(i) fails to determine a Successor
Reference Rate or an Alternative Reference Rate prior to the relevant IA
Determination Cut-off Date, without notifying the Issuer as contemplated in
sub-paragraph (c)(1) of this Condition 7.5(i), and the Issuer (acting in good
faith and in a commercially reasonable manner) determines prior to the IA
Determination Cut-off Date that no Successor Reference Rate or Alternative
Reference Rate exists; or
(3) neither a Successor Reference Rate nor an Alternative Reference Rate is
otherwise determined in accordance with paragraph (2) above prior to the
Issuer Determination Cut-off Date,
the Interest Rate applicable to the Subordinated Instruments shall be (in respect of
Floating Rate Subordinated Instruments or Fixed to Floating Rate Subordinated
Instruments) the Interest Rate as at the last preceding Interest Determination Date or
(in respect of a reset of the Interest Rate for Fixed Rate Reset Subordinated
Instruments) the Interest Rate as at the last preceding reset date or, if none, as at the
Interest Commencement Date.
This paragraph (c) shall apply to the relevant Interest Accrual Period or reset date
only. Any subsequent Interest Accrual Period(s) or reset date(s) shall be subject to
the operation of this Condition 7.5(i).
(d) An Independent Adviser appointed pursuant to this Condition 7.5(i) will act in good
faith and in a commercially reasonable manner, and (in the absence of bad faith,
gross negligence or wilful misconduct) shall have no liability whatsoever to the Issuer,
the Calculation Agent, any Paying Agent or the holders of a Series of Subordinated
Instruments for any determination made by it or for any advice given to the Issuer in
connection with any determination made by the Issuer pursuant to this Condition
7.5(i).
(e) The Principal Registrar, the First Alternative Registrar, the Second Alternative
Registrar, each Paying Agent and any other agent appointed from time to time under
the Issue and Paying Agency Agreement shall, at the direction and expense of the
Issuer, effect such waivers and consequential amendments to the Issue and Paying
Agency Agreement, these Terms and Conditions and any other document as may be
necessary to give effect to any application of this Condition 7.5(i) (or any
determination of SONIA or SONIA Index in accordance with the definitions thereof),
including, but not limited to:
(1) changes to these Terms and Conditions which the relevant Independent
Adviser or the Issuer (as applicable) acting in good faith and in a
133
commercially reasonable manner determines may be necessary in order to
follow market practice (determined according to factors including, but not
limited to, public statements, opinions and publications of industry bodies
and organisations) in relation to SONIA, SONIA Index, such Successor
Reference Rate or Alternative Reference Rate (as applicable), including,
but not limited to (1) the relevant Business Centre(s), Business Day,
Business Day Convention, Day Count Fraction, Interest Determination
Date, Reference Banks, Relevant Financial Centre, Relevant Screen Page
and/or Relevant Time applicable to the Subordinated Instruments and (2)
the method for determining the fallback to the Interest Rate in relation to
the Subordinated Instruments if SONIA (as determined in accordance with
paragraphs (a) to (c) of the definition of “SONIA”), SONIA Index (as
determined in accordance with paragraph (b) of the definition of SONIA
Index), such Successor Reference Rate or Alternative Reference Rate (as
applicable) is not available; and
(2) any other changes which the relevant Independent Adviser or the Issuer
(as applicable) acting in good faith and in a commercially reasonable
manner determines are reasonably necessary to ensure the proper
operation and comparability to the Reference Rate of such Successor
Reference Rate or Alternative Reference Rate (as applicable).
(f) The Issuer may only use a Successor Reference Rate, Alternative Reference Rate
and/or Adjustment Spread pursuant to this Condition 7.5(i) for the purposes of
determining the Interest Rate or Reset Rate applicable to any Subordinated
Instrument if it has received the prior written approval of APRA (such approval being
at the discretion of APRA and may or may not be given).
No consent of the Holders shall be required in connection with effecting the relevant
Successor Reference Rate or Alternative Reference Rate as described in this
Condition 7.5(i) or such other relevant adjustments pursuant to this Condition 7.5(i),
or any Adjustment Spread, including for the execution of, or amendment to, any
documents or the taking of other steps by the Issuer or any of the parties to the Issue
and Paying Agency Agreement (if required).
(ii) Benchmark Replacement (ARRC): If Benchmark Replacement (ARRC) is specified in the
relevant Pricing Supplement, then notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this Condition
7, if the Issuer determines that a Benchmark Transition Event and its related Benchmark
Replacement Date has occurred with respect to any Reference Rate prior to the Reference
Time, then the following provisions shall apply to the relevant Subordinated Instruments
(provided that limb (c)(II) of the definition of SOFR and/or paragraph (b) of the definition of
SOFR Index, as applicable, shall apply prior to the provisions of this Condition 7.5(ii)):
(a) The Issuer shall use reasonable endeavours to appoint an Independent Adviser, at
the Issuer’s own expense, to determine the ARRC Benchmark Replacement (acting
in good faith and in a commercially reasonable manner) for the purposes of
determining the Interest Rate or Reset Rate applicable to the Subordinated
Instruments for all future Interest Accrual Periods (subject to the subsequent
operation of this Condition 7.5(ii)).
134
(b) Subject to paragraph (c) of this Condition 7.5(ii), if:
(1) the relevant Independent Adviser (acting in good faith and in a commercially
reasonable manner), no later than five Business Days prior to the Interest
Determination Date relating to the next Interest Accrual Period (the “IA
Determination Cut-off Date”), determines the ARRC Benchmark
Replacement for the purposes of determining the Interest Rate or Reset Rate
applicable to the Subordinated Instruments for all future Interest Accrual
Periods (subject to the subsequent operation of this Condition 7.5(ii) during
any other future Interest Accrual Period(s)); or
(2) the Issuer is unable to appoint an Independent Adviser, or the Independent
Adviser appointed by the Issuer in accordance with paragraph (a) of this
Condition 7.5(ii) fails to determine the ARRC Benchmark Replacement prior
to the relevant IA Determination Cut-off Date, and the Issuer (acting in good
faith and in a commercially reasonable manner), no later than three Business
Days prior to the Interest Determination Date relating to the next Interest
Accrual Period (the “Issuer Determination Cut-off Date”), determines the
ARRC Benchmark Replacement for the purposes of determining the Interest
Rate or Reset Rate applicable to the Subordinated Instruments for all future
Interest Accrual Periods (subject to the subsequent operation of this
Condition 7.5(ii) during any other future Interest Accrual Period(s)),
then such ARRC Benchmark Replacement shall replace the Reference Rate
for all future Interest Accrual Periods (subject to the subsequent operation of
this Condition 7.5(ii) during any other future Interest Accrual Period(s));
(3) in connection with the implementation of an ARRC Benchmark Replacement,
the Issuer will have the right to make Benchmark Replacement Conforming
Changes from time to time, and no consent of the Holders shall be required
in connection with effecting the ARRC Benchmark Replacement (including
any Benchmark Replacement Adjustment) or any other Benchmark
Replacement Conforming Changes pursuant to this Condition 7.5(ii),
including for the execution of, or amendment to, any documents or the taking
of other steps by the Issuer or any of the parties to the Issue and Paying
Agency Agreement (if required); and
(4) any determination, decision or election that may be made by the Issuer or
the Independent Adviser pursuant to this Condition 7.5(ii), including without
limitation any determination with respect to tenor, rate or adjustment or of the
occurrence or non-occurrence of an event, circumstance or date and any
decision to take or refrain from taking any action or any selection, will be
conclusive and binding absent manifest error, may be made in the Issuer or
the Independent Adviser’s sole discretion, and, notwithstanding anything to
the contrary in the documentation relating to the Subordinated Instruments,
shall become effective without consent from any other party.
135
(c) Notwithstanding paragraph (b) above, if the Independent Adviser appointed by the
Issuer in accordance with paragraph (a) of this Condition 7.5(ii) or the Issuer cannot
determine the ARRC Benchmark Replacement in accordance with paragraph (b)
above (including being unable or unwilling to make such determination under limb
(c)(x) of the definition of “ARRC Benchmark Replacement”), the Interest Rate or
Reset Rate applicable to the Subordinated Instruments shall be (in respect of Floating
Rate Subordinated Instruments or Fixed to Floating Rate Subordinated Instruments)
the Interest Rate as at the last preceding Interest Determination Date or (in respect
of a reset of the Interest Rate for Fixed Rate Reset Subordinated Instruments) the
Interest Rate as at the last preceding reset date or, if none, as at the Interest
Commencement Date.
This paragraph (c) shall apply to the relevant Interest Accrual Period or reset date
only. Any subsequent Interest Accrual Period(s) or reset date(s) shall be subject to
the operation of this Condition 7.5(ii).
(d) An Independent Adviser appointed pursuant to this Condition 7.5(ii) will act in good
faith and in a commercially reasonable manner, and (in the absence of bad faith,
gross negligence or wilful misconduct) shall have no liability whatsoever to the Issuer,
the Calculation Agent, any Paying Agent or the holders of a Series of Subordinated
Instruments for any determination made by it or for any advice given to the Issuer in
connection with any determination made by the Issuer pursuant to this Condition
7.5(ii).
(e) The Issuer may only use an ARRC Benchmark Replacement (including any
Benchmark Replacement Adjustment) pursuant to this Condition 7.5(ii) for the
purposes of determining the Interest Rate or Reset Rate applicable to any
Subordinated Instrument if it has received the prior written approval of APRA (such
approval being at the discretion of APRA and may or may not be given).
(iii) Notwithstanding any other provision in this Condition 7, in no event shall the Calculation Agent
be required to exercise any discretion to determine, or be responsible for determining (i) any
substitute rate for SONIA, Compounded Daily SONIA, SONIA Index, Compounded Index
SONIA, SOFR, Compounded Daily SOFR, SOFR Index, Compounded Index SOFR, or any
Successor Reference Rate, Alternative Reference Rate or any ARRC Benchmark
Replacement, (ii) any Adjustment Spread to any Successor Reference Rate or Alternative
Reference Rate, (iii) any Benchmark Replacement Adjustment for the purposes of determining
the applicable ARRC Benchmark Replacement, or (iv) any consequential amendments to the
provisions of or definitions in the Issue and Paying Agency Agreement, these Terms and
Conditions or any other agreements, the Business Day Convention, Interest Determination
Date, Interest Accrual Period and/or Observation Period or any other methodology for
calculating any Successor Reference Rate, any Alternative Reference Rate or any ARRC
Benchmark Replacement. In connection with the foregoing, the Calculation Agent and the
Fiscal Agent shall be entitled to conclusively rely on any determinations made by the Issuer
or the Independent Adviser (as applicable) and shall have no liability for any determinations
made by, or on behalf or at the direction of, or actions taken at the direction of, the Issuer or
the Independent Adviser (as applicable).
136
Change of interest basis
7.6 If the Subordinated Instruments are specified as “Fixed to Floating Rate Subordinated
Instruments” in the applicable Pricing Supplement, interest shall accrue and be payable on
such Subordinated Instruments:
(a) with respect to the first Interest Accrual Period and such subsequent Interest Accrual
Periods as are specified for this purpose in the applicable Pricing Supplement, at a
fixed Interest Rate in accordance with Condition 7.2 and the applicable Pricing
Supplement; and
(b) with respect to each Interest Accrual Period thereafter and as are specified for this
purpose in the applicable Pricing Supplement, at a floating Interest Rate in
accordance with Condition 7.4 and the applicable Pricing Supplement.
8. Redemption and Purchase
No redemption prior to the Maturity Date or purchase of any Subordinated Instrument pursuant
to this Condition 8 may be made without the prior written approval of APRA. As set out in
greater detail below, approval is at the discretion of APRA and may or may not be given.
Holders should not expect that APRA’s approval will be given for any redemption or purchase
of Subordinated Instruments.
Scheduled redemption
8.1 Unless previously redeemed, purchased and cancelled, Converted or Written-off and subject
to Condition 4.3, the Subordinated Instruments will be redeemed at their Final Redemption
Amount, together with interest accrued (if any) on the Maturity Date, as provided in Condition
9 (Payments).
Purchase of Subordinated Instruments
8.2 The Issuer or any of its Related Entities may, subject to prior written approval having been
obtained from APRA, at any time purchase Subordinated Instruments in the open market or
otherwise and at any price, provided that all unmatured Coupons are purchased therewith and
such Subordinated Instruments are not acquired by a controlled entity that is not a tax resident
of Australia unless such Subordinated Instruments are acquired by it as part of a business
carried on by it through a permanent establishment located within Australia. All unmatured
Subordinated Instruments purchased in accordance with this Condition may be held, resold
or cancelled at the discretion of the Issuer, subject to compliance with all legal and regulatory
requirements. For the purposes of the meetings provisions set out in the Issue and Paying
Agency Agreement, in determining whether the provisions relating to quorum are complied
with, any Subordinated Instruments which are beneficially held by or on behalf of the Issuer
137
or any of its Related Entities will be disregarded.
Early redemption at the option of the Issuer
8.3
(a) If this Condition 8.3 is specified in the Pricing Supplement as being applicable to the
Subordinated Instruments of any Series, and:
(i) subject to Condition 4.3 and 8.3(c), and satisfaction of any relevant
conditions specified in the Pricing Supplement; and
(ii) unless previously redeemed, purchased and cancelled, Converted or
Written-off,
then the Issuer having given notice in accordance with Condition 8.7 may redeem in whole
(but not, unless and to the extent that the Pricing Supplement specifies otherwise, in part) the
Subordinated Instruments on the Early Redemption Date (Call) at the relevant Early
Redemption Amount (Call).
(b) In this Condition 8:
“Early Redemption Amount (Call)” means, in respect of the Subordinated
Instruments, their Outstanding Principal Amount, together with accrued but unpaid
interest (if any) thereon to, but excluding, the Early Redemption Date (Call); and
“Early Redemption Date (Call)” means an Interest Payment Date(s) or such other
date(s) specified in the Pricing Supplement.
(c) The Issuer may give a notice under this Condition 8.3 only if:
(i) the Early Redemption Date (Call) occurs on, or after, the fifth anniversary of
the Issue Date;
(ii) the Issuer has received the prior written approval of APRA (approval is at the
discretion of APRA and may or may not be given and Holders should not
expect that APRA’s approval will be given); and
(iii) before or concurrently with redemption, the Issuer:
(a) replaces the Subordinated Instruments with a capital instrument
which is of the same or better quality (for the purposes of the
Prudential Standards) than the Subordinated Instruments and the
replacement of the Subordinated Instruments is done under
conditions that are sustainable for the income capacity of the Issuer
(for the purposes of the Prudential Standards); or
(b) obtains confirmation from APRA that APRA is satisfied, having
regard to the capital position of the Issuer and the Westpac Group,
138
that the Issuer does not have to replace the Subordinated
Instruments.
Early redemption for adverse tax events
8.4
(a) If this Condition 8.4 is specified in the Pricing Supplement as being applicable to the
Subordinated Instruments of any Series and if, in respect of the Subordinated
Instruments of any Series and subject to Conditions 4.3 and 8.4(c), the Issuer
determines (supported by an opinion, as to such determination, from legal or tax
advisers of recognised standing in Australia) that an Adverse Tax Event has occurred,
then the Issuer having given notice in accordance with Condition 8.7 may redeem in
whole (but not, unless and to the extent that the Pricing Supplement specifies
otherwise, in part) the Subordinated Instruments on the Early Redemption Date
(Adverse Tax Event) at the Early Redemption Amount (Adverse Tax Event).
(b) In this Condition 8:
“Administrative Action” means any judicial decision, official administrative
pronouncement or action, published or private ruling, interpretative decision,
regulatory procedure or policy, application or a regulatory procedure or policy and any
notice or announcement (including any notice or announcement of intent to adopt or
make any of those things);
“Adverse Tax Event” means the Issuer determines that as a result of:
(A) any amendment to, clarification of, or change in, the Tax Legislation
which has been or will be effected; or
(B) any Administrative Action under or in connection with the Tax
Legislation or any amendment to, clarification of, or change in, any
such Administrative Action,
being in each case by any legislative body, court, government authority or
regulatory body (irrespective of the manner in which such amendment,
clarification, change or Administrative Action is announced) on or after the
Issue Date (but which the Issuer did not expect at the Issue Date); and
(i) there is a material risk that the Issuer would be exposed to a more
than de minimis adverse tax consequence in relation to the
Subordinated Instruments; or
(ii) the Issuer determines that any interest payable on the Subordinated
Instruments is not, or may not be, allowed as a deduction for the
purposes of Australian income tax; or
(iii) the Issuer has or will become obliged to pay Additional Amounts in
accordance with Condition 10.1;
139
“Early Redemption Amount (Adverse Tax Event)” means, in respect of the
Subordinated Instruments, their Outstanding Principal Amount, together with accrued
but unpaid interest (if any) thereon, to, but excluding, the Early Redemption Date
(Adverse Tax Event); and
“Early Redemption Date (Adverse Tax Event)” means the next Interest Payment
Date following an Adverse Tax Event or such other date as is specified in the Pricing
Supplement.
(c) The Issuer may give a notice under Condition 8.4(a) only if:
(i) the Issuer has received the prior written approval of APRA (approval is at the
discretion of APRA and may or may not be given and Holders should not expect
that APRA’s approval will be given); and
(ii) before or concurrently with redemption, the Issuer:
(a) replaces the Subordinated Instruments with a capital instrument
which is of the same or better quality (for the purposes of the
Prudential Standards) than Subordinated Instruments and the
replacement of the Subordinated Instruments is done under
conditions that are sustainable for the income capacity of the Issuer
(for the purposes of the Prudential Standards); or
(b) obtains confirmation from APRA that APRA is satisfied, having
regard to the capital position of the Issuer and the Westpac Group,
that the Issuer does not have to replace the Subordinated
Instruments.
Early redemption for regulatory events
8.5
(a) If this Condition 8.5 is specified in the Pricing Supplement as being applicable to the
Subordinated Instruments of any Series and if, in respect of the Subordinated
Instruments of any Series and subject to Conditions 4.3 and 8.5(c), the Issuer
determines (supported, in the case of an event described in paragraph (i) of the
definition of “Regulatory Event” below, by an opinion as to such determination from
advisers of recognised standing in Australia) that a Regulatory Event has occurred,
then the Issuer having given notice in accordance with Condition 8.7 may redeem in
whole (but not, unless and to the extent that the Pricing Supplement specifies
otherwise, in part) the Subordinated Instruments of such Series on the Early
Redemption Date (Regulatory Event) at the Early Redemption Amount (Regulatory
Event).
(b) In this Condition 8:
“Early Redemption Amount (Regulatory Event)” means, in respect of the
Subordinated Instruments, their Outstanding Principal Amount, together with accrued
140
but unpaid interest (if any) thereon to, but excluding, the Early Redemption Date
(Regulatory Event);
“Early Redemption Date (Regulatory Event)” means the next Interest Payment
Date following a Regulatory Event or such other date as is specified in the Pricing
Supplement; and
“Regulatory Event” means that either:
(i) as a result of any amendment to, clarification of or change (including any
announcement of a change that will be introduced) in, any law or regulation of
the Commonwealth of Australia or the Prudential Standards, or any official
administrative pronouncement or action or judicial decision interpreting or
applying such law, regulation or Prudential Standards, which amendment,
clarification or change is effective, or pronouncement, action or decision is
announced, on or after the Issue Date; or
(ii) written confirmation is received from APRA after the Issue Date that,
the Issuer is not or will not be entitled to treat all of the Subordinated Instruments of a
Series as Tier 2 Capital in whole, provided that, in each case, the Issuer did not expect
at the Issue Date that the matter giving rise to the Regulatory Event would occur.
(c) The Issuer may give a notice under Condition 8.5(a) only if:
(i) the Issuer has received the prior written approval of APRA (approval is at the
discretion of APRA and may or may not be given and Holders should not expect
that APRA’s approval will be given); and
(ii) before or concurrently with redemption, the Issuer:
(a) replaces the Subordinated Instruments with a capital instrument
which is of the same or better quality (for the purposes of the
Prudential Standards) than the Subordinated Instruments and the
replacement of the Subordinated Instruments is done under
conditions that are sustainable for the income capacity of the Issuer
(for the purposes of the Prudential Standards); or
(b) obtains confirmation from APRA that APRA is satisfied, having
regard to the capital position of the Issuer and the Westpac Group,
that the Issuer does not have to replace the Subordinated
Instruments.
Partial redemption
8.6 If the Subordinated Instruments are to be redeemed in part only on any date in accordance
with Conditions 8.3, 8.4 or 8.5:
(a) in the case of Subordinated Instruments (other than a Temporary Global Instrument
141
or a Permanent Global Instrument) the Subordinated Instruments to be redeemed
shall be selected by the drawing of lots in such European city as the Fiscal Agent
approves and in such manner as the Fiscal Agent considers appropriate;
(b) in the case of a Temporary Global Instrument or a Permanent Global Instrument, the
Subordinated Instruments to be redeemed shall be selected in accordance with the
rules of Euroclear and/or Clearstream, Luxembourg and/or the CMU Service and/or
any other relevant clearing system; and
(c) in the case of Registered Subordinated Instruments, the Subordinated Instruments
shall be redeemed (so far as may be practicable) pro rata to their Outstanding
Principal Amount, provided always that the amount redeemed in respect of each
Subordinated Instrument shall be equal to the minimum denomination thereof or an
integral multiple thereof,
subject always to compliance with applicable law and the rules of each listing authority and/or
stock exchange on or by which the Subordinated Instruments are then listed and/or traded
and the notice to Holders referred to in Conditions 8.3, 8.4 or 8.5 (as applicable) shall specify
the serial numbers of the Subordinated Instruments so to be redeemed. If any Maximum
Redemption Amount or Minimum Redemption Amount is specified in the Pricing Supplement,
then the Early Redemption Amount (Call) shall in no event be greater than the Maximum
Redemption Amount or be less than the Minimum Redemption Amount so specified.
In the case of the redemption of part only of a Registered Subordinated Instrument, a new
Registered Subordinated Instrument in respect of the unredeemed balance shall be issued in
accordance with Conditions 3.4 to 3.9 which shall apply as in the case of a transfer of
Registered Subordinated Instruments as if such new Registered Subordinated Instrument
were in respect of the untransferred balance.
Notice of redemption
8.7 Any notice of redemption given by the Issuer under this Condition 8 must be given in
accordance with Condition 16 (Notices) not more than 45 or less than 15 days (or such other
period as may be specified in the Pricing Supplement) before the relevant redemption date,
and shall specify:
(a) the Series of Subordinated Instruments subject to redemption;
(b) the Early Redemption Date (Call), Early Redemption Date (Adverse Tax Event) or
Early Redemption Date (Regulatory Event), as the case may be;
(c) the Early Redemption Amount (Call), Early Redemption Amount (Adverse Tax Event)
or Early Redemption Amount (Regulatory Event), as the case may be, at which such
Subordinated Instruments are to be redeemed;
(d) whether or not accrued interest is to be paid upon redemption and, if so, the amount
thereof or the basis or method of calculation thereof, all as provided in the Pricing
Supplement; and
142
(e) subject to the Pricing Supplement specifying that a partial redemption is permissible,
whether such Series is to be redeemed in whole or in part only and, if in part only, the
aggregate principal amount of the Subordinated Instruments of the relevant Series
which are to be redeemed. In the case of a partial redemption, the Subordinated
Instruments to be redeemed will be selected in accordance with the provisions of
Condition 8.6, and the notice will also specify the Subordinated Instruments selected
for redemption.
Except where Subordinated Instruments the subject of a notice of redemption are required to
be Converted or Written-off pursuant to Condition 5.1(c), a notice of redemption is irrevocable
and subject to Condition 4.3, obliges the Issuer to redeem the Subordinated Instruments at
the time and in the manner specified in the notice.
Cancellation
8.8 All Subordinated Instruments so redeemed, and all unmatured Coupons attached to or
surrendered with them, shall be cancelled and may not be reissued or resold, and all
Subordinated Instruments so purchased by the Issuer or any of its Related Entities and all
unmatured Coupons attached to or surrendered with them may, at the option of the Issuer, be
cancelled, held, reissued or resold.
9. Payments
9A. Payments — Bearer Subordinated Instruments
9A.1 This Condition 9A is applicable in relation to Subordinated Instruments in bearer form.
Principal
9A.2 Payments of principal and any applicable Additional Amounts due in respect of Subordinated
Instruments shall be made in cash only against presentation and (provided that payment is
made in full) surrender of the relevant Subordinated Instruments at the Specified Office of any
Paying Agent outside the United States, by cheque drawn in the currency in which the payment
is due on, or by transfer to an account outside the United States denominated in that currency
or to which such currency may be transferred and maintained by the payee with, a bank in the
Principal Financial Centre of that currency. Notwithstanding the above, in the case of any
payment in Renminbi, payment shall be made by transfer to a Renminbi account maintained
by or on behalf of the Holder with a bank in Hong Kong.
Interest
9A.3 Payment of amounts in respect of interest on Subordinated Instruments will be made:
(a) in the case of a Temporary Global Instrument or Permanent Global Instrument, in
cash against presentation of the relevant Temporary Global Instrument or Permanent
Global Instrument at the Specified Office of any of the Paying Agents outside Australia
and (unless Condition 9A.4 applies) the United States and, in the case of a Temporary
Global Instrument, upon due certification as required therein, by cheque drawn in the
currency in which the payment is due on, or by transfer to an account outside the
143
United States denominated in that currency (or, if that currency is euro, any other
account to which euro may be credited or transferred) and maintained by the payee
with, a bank in the Principal Financial Centre of that currency;
(b) in the case of Definitive Subordinated Instruments without Coupons attached thereto
at the time of their initial delivery, against presentation of the relevant Definitive
Subordinated Instruments at the Specified Office of any of the Paying Agents outside
Australia and (unless Condition 9A.4 applies) the United States by cheque drawn in
the currency in which the payment is due on, or by transfer to an account outside the
United States denominated in that currency (or, if that currency is euro, any other
account to which euro may be credited or transferred) and maintained by the payee
with, a bank in the Principal Financial Centre of that currency; and
(c) in the case of Definitive Subordinated Instruments delivered with Coupons attached
thereto at the time of their initial delivery, against surrender of the relevant Coupons
or, in the case of interest due otherwise than on a scheduled date for the payment of
interest, against presentation of the relevant Definitive Subordinated Instruments, in
either case at the Specified Office of any of the Paying Agents outside Australia and
(unless Condition 9A.4 applies) the United States by cheque drawn in the currency in
which the payment is due on, or by transfer to an account outside the United States
denominated in that currency (or, if that currency is euro, any other account to which
euro may be credited or transferred) and maintained by the payee with, a bank in the
Principal Financial Centre of that currency.
Payments in New York City
9A.4 Payments of principal and interest and any Additional Amounts on the Subordinated
Instruments and exchanges of Talons for Coupon Sheets in accordance with Condition 9A.8
may be made at the Specified Office of a Paying Agent in New York City if (i) the Issuer has
appointed Paying Agents outside the United States with the reasonable expectation that such
Paying Agents will be able to make payment of the full amount of the interest on the
Subordinated Instruments in United States dollars, (ii) payment of the full amount of such
interest at the offices of all such Paying Agents is illegal or effectively precluded by exchange
controls or other similar restrictions on the full payment or receipt of interest in United States
dollars and (iii) payment is permitted by applicable United States law.
Payments on business days
9A.5 If the due date for payment of any amount in respect of any Subordinated Instrument or
Coupon is not a Business Day in the place of presentation, the Holder shall not be entitled to
payment in such place of the amount due until the next succeeding Business Day in such
place and shall not be entitled to any further interest or other payment in respect of any such
delay. This Condition 9A.5 does not apply to the payment referred to in Condition 6.1(b).
9A.6 Each Definitive Subordinated Instrument initially delivered with Coupons or Talons attached
thereto shall be presented and, save in the case of partial payment of the Redemption Amount,
surrendered for final redemption together with all unmatured Coupons and Talons relating
thereto, failing which:
144
(a) if the Pricing Supplement specifies that this paragraph (a) of Condition 9A.6 is
applicable (and, in the absence of specification this paragraph (a) shall apply to
Definitive Subordinated Instruments which bear interest at a fixed rate or rates or in
fixed amounts) and subject as hereinafter provided, the amount of any missing
unmatured Coupons (or, in the case of a payment not being made in full, that portion
of the amount of such missing Coupon which the Redemption Amount paid bears to
the total Redemption Amount due) (excluding, for this purpose, but without prejudice
to paragraph (c) below, Talons) will be deducted from the amount otherwise payable
on such final redemption, the amount so deducted being payable against surrender
of the relevant Coupon at the Specified Office of any of the Paying Agents at any time
within ten years of the Relevant Date applicable to payment of such Redemption
Amount;
(b) if the Pricing Supplement specifies that this paragraph (b) of Condition 9A.6 is
applicable (and, in the absence of specification, this paragraph (b) shall apply to
Subordinated Instruments which bear interest at a floating rate or rates or in variable
amounts) all unmatured Coupons (excluding, for this purpose, but without prejudice
to paragraph (c) below, Talons) relating to such Definitive Subordinated Instruments
(whether or not surrendered therewith) shall become void and no payment shall be
made thereafter in respect of them; and
(c) in the case of Definitive Subordinated Instruments initially delivered with Talons
attached thereto, all unmatured Talons (whether or not surrendered therewith) shall
become void and no exchange for Coupons shall be made thereafter in respect of
them.
The provisions of paragraph (a) of this Condition 9A.6 notwithstanding, if any Definitive
Subordinated Instruments are issued with a maturity date and an Interest Rate or Rates such
that, on the presentation for payment of any such Definitive Subordinated Instrument without
any unmatured Coupons attached thereto or surrendered therewith, the amount required by
paragraph (a) to be deducted would be greater than the Redemption Amount otherwise due
for payment, then, upon the due date for redemption of any such Definitive Subordinated
Instrument, such unmatured Coupons (whether or not attached) shall become void (and no
payment shall be made in respect thereof as shall be required so that, upon application of the
provisions of paragraph (a) in respect of such Coupons as have not so become void, the
amount required by paragraph (a) to be deducted would not be greater than the Redemption
Amount otherwise due for payment). Where the application of the foregoing sentence requires
some but not all of the unmatured Coupons relating to a Definitive Subordinated Instrument to
become void, the relevant Paying Agent shall determine which unmatured Coupons are to
become void, and shall select for such purpose Coupons maturing on later dates in preference
to Coupons maturing on earlier dates.
Exchange of Talons
9A.7 In relation to Definitive Subordinated Instruments initially delivered with Talons attached
thereto, on or after the due date for the payment of interest on which the final Coupon
comprised in any Coupon Sheet matures, the Talon comprised in the Coupon Sheet may be
surrendered at the Specified Office of any Paying Agent outside (unless Condition 9A.4
applies) the United States in exchange for a further Coupon Sheet (including any appropriate
145
further Talon), subject to the provisions of Condition 12 (Prescription) below. Each Talon shall,
for the purpose of these Terms and Conditions, be deemed to mature on the Interest Payment
Date on which the final Coupon comprised in the relative Coupon Sheet matures.
Payments other than in respect of matured Coupons
9A.8 Payments of interest other than in respect of matured Coupons shall be made only against
presentation of the relevant Subordinated Instruments at the Specified Office of any Paying
Agent outside the United States (or in New York City if permitted by Condition 9A.4).
Partial payments
9A.9 If a Paying Agent makes a partial payment in respect of any Subordinated Instrument or
Coupon presented to it for payment, such Paying Agent will endorse thereon a statement
indicating the amount and date of such payment.
9B. Payments – Registered Subordinated Instruments
9B.1 This Condition 9B is applicable in relation to Registered Subordinated Instruments.
9B.2 Payment of the Redemption Amount and any applicable Additional Amounts due in respect of
Registered Subordinated Instruments (together with accrued interest thereon (if any)) will be
made against presentation and, save in the case of partial payment of the Redemption Amount,
surrender of the relevant Registered Subordinated Instruments at the Specified Office of the
Registrar.
9B.3 If the due date for payment of the Redemption Amount of any Registered Subordinated
Instrument is not a Business Day then the Holder thereof will not be entitled to payment thereof
until the next Business Day and thereafter will be entitled to receive payment by cheque on
any local banking day, and will be entitled to payment by transfer to a designated account on
any day which is a local banking day, a Business Day and a day on which commercial banks
and foreign exchange markets settle payments in the relevant currency in the place where the
relevant designated account is located and no further payment on account of interest or
otherwise shall be due in respect of such postponed payment unless there is a subsequent
failure to pay in accordance with these Terms and Conditions in which event interest shall
continue to accrue as provided in Condition 7 (Interest) as appropriate. This Condition 9B.3
does not apply to the payment referred to in Condition 6.1(b).
9B.4 Payment of amounts (whether principal, interest or otherwise) due (other than the Redemption
Amount) in respect of Registered Subordinated Instruments will be paid to the Holder thereof
(or, in the case of joint Holders, the first-named) as appearing in the register kept by the
Registrar as at the close of business (local time in the place of the Specified Office of the
Registrar) on the clearing system business day immediately prior to the date for payment,
where for the purposes of this Condition 9B.4 “clearing system business day” means Monday
to Friday inclusive except 25 December and 1 January in the case of any payment made in a
currency other than Renminbi or, in the case of any payment made in Renminbi, on the fifth
Relevant Banking Day (as defined in Condition 3.6) before the due date for such payment
(either such date being the “Record Date”).
146
9B.5 Payment of amounts (whether principal, interest or otherwise) due (other than the Redemption
Amount) in respect of Registered Subordinated Instruments will be made in the currency
(other than Renminbi) in which such amount is due by cheque to the Holder thereof (or, in the
case of joint Holders, the first-named) on the Relevant Banking Day (as defined in Condition
3.6) not later than the relevant due date for payment unless prior to the relevant Record Date
the Holder thereof (or, in the case of joint Holders, the first- named) has applied to the Registrar
and the Registrar has acknowledged such application for payment to be made to a designated
account denominated in the relevant currency in which case payment shall be made on the
relevant due date for payment by transfer to such account. Payment of amounts (whether
principal, interest or otherwise) due (other than the Redemption Amount) in respect of
Registered Subordinated Instruments to be made in Renminbi will be made by transfer to the
registered account of the Holder thereof (or, in the case of joint Holders, the first-named) on
the Relevant Banking Day (as defined in Condition 3.6) not later than the relevant due date
for payment. In the case of payment by transfer to an account, if the due date for any such
payment is not a Business Day, then the Holder thereof will not be entitled to payment thereof
until the first day thereafter which is a Business Day and a day on which commercial banks
and foreign exchange markets settle payments in the relevant currency in the place where the
relevant designated account is located and no further payment on account of interest or
otherwise shall be due in respect of such postponed payment unless there is a subsequent
failure to pay in accordance with these Terms and Conditions in which event interest shall
continue to accrue as provided in Condition 7 (Interest), as appropriate.
For the purposes of this Condition 9B.5, “registered account” means the Renminbi account
maintained by or on behalf of the Holder with a bank in Hong Kong, details of which appear in
the Register at the close of business on the Record Date (as defined in Condition 9B.4 above).
9C. Payments — General Provisions
9C.1 Save as otherwise specified in these Terms and Conditions, this Condition 9C is applicable in
relation to both Bearer Subordinated Instruments and Registered Subordinated Instruments.
9C.2 Payments will, without prejudice to the provisions of Condition 10.1 (unless Condition 10.1 is
specified in the Pricing Supplement as being not applicable), be subject in all cases to any
applicable fiscal or other laws and any other directives, agreements and administrative
practices and procedures of fiscal and other authorities in relation to tax, anti-money
laundering and other requirements which may apply to the payment of amounts due (whether
in respect of principal, Redemption Amount, Interest Amount or otherwise or upon or with
respect to the issuance of any Ordinary Shares upon any Conversion in respect of the
Subordinated Instruments (including, without limitation, any withholding or deduction arising
under or in connection with, or in order to ensure compliance with, FATCA)). No Commissions
or expense shall be charged to the Holder(s) of the Subordinated Instruments or the Coupons
in respect of such payments.
If any withholding or deduction arises under or in connection with, or in order to ensure
compliance with, FATCA, the Issuer will not be required to pay any Additional Amount under
Condition 10.1, on account of such withholding or deduction and, accordingly, the Issuer shall
be acquitted and discharged of so much money as is represented by any such withholding or
deduction as if such sum had been actually paid to the Holder(s) of the Subordinated
Instruments or the Coupons.
147
Except to the extent that the Issuer is required to pay any Additional Amount under Condition
10.1 (unless Condition 10.1 is specified in the Pricing Supplement as being not applicable) on
account of a withholding or deduction, the Issuer will not be required to pay any Additional
Amount to Holders on account of a withholding or deduction for any taxes, duties,
assessments or governmental charges of whatsoever nature required by law. If any such
withholding or deduction is required, then the Issuer shall pay the amounts payable net of, and
after deducting the applicable amount of, such withholding or deduction and shall account to
the appropriate tax authority for the amount required to be withheld or deducted and,
accordingly, the Issuer shall be acquitted and discharged of so much money as is represented
by any such withholding or deduction as if such sum had been actually paid to the Holder(s)
of the Subordinated Instruments or the Coupons.
9D. Payments – Inconvertibility, Non-transferability or Illiquidity
Notwithstanding any other provision in these Terms and Conditions, if by reason of
Inconvertibility, Non-transferability or Illiquidity (each a “Renminbi Disruption Event”) as
determined by the Issuer acting in good faith and in a commercially reasonable manner, the
Issuer is not able, or it would be impracticable for it, to satisfy (in whole or in part) any payment
due under the Subordinated Instruments or the Coupons in Renminbi in Hong Kong, the Issuer
may, in its sole and absolute discretion:
a) postpone payment of such amounts to two Business Days after the date on which the
Renminbi Disruption Event ceases to exist or, if such payment would not be possible or it
would be impracticable (as determined by the Issuer acting in good faith and in a
commercially reasonable manner), as soon as reasonably practicable thereafter, unless
the Renminbi Disruption Event continues to exist for 14 consecutive calendar days from
the original date that, but for the occurrence of the Renminbi Disruption Event, would have
been the date of such payments;
b) (if the Renminbi Disruption Event continues to exist for 14 consecutive calendar days from
the original date that, but for the occurrence of the Renminbi Disruption Event, would have
been the date of such payments) on giving not less than five days’ irrevocable notice to
the Holders, settle any such payment (in whole or in part) in U.S. dollars on the date that
is three Business Days after the expiration of the aforementioned 14 calendar day period
at the U.S. Dollar Equivalent of any such Renminbi denominated amount or, if such
payment would not be possible or it would be impracticable (as determined by the Issuer
acting in good faith and in a commercially reasonable manner), as soon as reasonably
practicable thereafter; and/or
c) on giving not less than five and not more than 30 days’ irrevocable notice to the Holders
prior to the due date for the relevant payment, settle any such payment (in whole or in
part) in U.S. dollars on the due date at the U.S. Dollar Equivalent of the relevant Renminbi
denominated amount.
Upon the occurrence of a Renminbi Disruption Event, the Issuer shall give notice as soon as
reasonably practicable to the Holders in accordance with Condition 16 (Notices) stating the
occurrence of the Renminbi Disruption Event, giving details thereof and the action proposed
to be taken in relation thereto.
148
Holders will not be entitled to further interest or other payment in respect of any such
postponement of the payment of any such amounts.
Any such payment of the U.S. Dollar Equivalent of the relevant amounts due under the
Subordinated Instruments, the Receipts or the Coupons shall be made in accordance with
Condition 9A (Payments – Bearer Subordinated Instruments) or Condition 9B (Payments –
Registered Subordinated Instruments).
Any payment made under such circumstances in U.S. dollars will constitute valid payment and
will not constitute a default in respect of the Subordinated Instruments.
In this Condition 9D:
“Governmental Authority” means any de facto or de jure government (or any agency or
instrumentality thereof), court, tribunal, administrative or other governmental authority or any
other entity (private or public) charged with the regulation of the financial markets (including
the central bank) of the PRC or Hong Kong (including the Hong Kong Monetary Authority);
“Illiquidity” means the general Renminbi exchange market in Hong Kong becomes illiquid as
a result of which the Issuer cannot obtain sufficient Renminbi in order to satisfy (in whole or in
part) its obligation to make any payment due under the Subordinated Instruments or the
Coupons, as determined by the Issuer acting in good faith and in a commercially reasonably
manner following consultation (if practicable) with two Renminbi Dealers;
“Inconvertibility” means the occurrence of any event that makes it impossible for the Issuer
to convert any amount due in respect of the Subordinated Instruments or the Coupons in the
general Renminbi exchange market in Hong Kong, other than where such impossibility is due
solely to the failure of the Issuer to comply with any law, rule or regulation enacted by any
Governmental Authority (unless such law, rule or regulation is enacted after the date on which
agreement is reached to issue the first Tranche of Subordinated Instruments and it is
impossible for the Issuer, due to an event beyond its control, to comply with such law, rule or
regulation);
“Non-transferability” means the occurrence of any event that makes it impossible for the
Issuer to deliver Renminbi between accounts inside Hong Kong or from an account inside
Hong Kong to an account outside Hong Kong or from an account outside Hong Kong to an
account inside Hong Kong (including where the Renminbi clearing and settlement system for
participating banks in Hong Kong is disrupted or suspended), other than where such
impossibility is due solely to the failure of the Issuer to comply with any law, rule or regulation
enacted by any Governmental Authority (unless such law, rule or regulation is enacted after
the date on which agreement is reached to issue the first Tranche of Subordinated Instruments
and it is impossible for the Issuer, due to an event beyond its control, to comply with such law,
rule or regulation);
“PRC” means the People’s Republic of China, excluding Hong Kong Special Administrative
Region of the People’s Republic of China, Macau Special Administrative Region of the
People’s Republic of China and Taiwan;
“Rate Calculation Business Day” means a day (other than a Saturday or Sunday) on which
149
commercial banks are open for business (including dealings in foreign exchange) in Hong
Kong, Sydney, London, Beijing and New York City;
“Rate Calculation Date” means the day which is two Rate Calculation Business Days before
the due date for any payment of the relevant amount under these Terms and Conditions;
“Renminbi” means the lawful currency of the PRC;
“Renminbi Dealer” means an independent foreign exchange dealer of international repute
active in the Renminbi exchange market in Hong Kong;
“U.S. Dollar Equivalent” means the Renminbi amount converted into U.S. dollars using the
Spot Rate for the relevant Rate Calculation Date; and
“Spot Rate”, for a Rate Calculation Date, means the spot rate between Renminbi and U.S.
dollars as determined by the Calculation Agent at or around 11.00 a.m. (Hong Kong time) on
such date in good faith and in a reasonable commercial manner; and if a spot rate is not readily
available, the Issuer or Independent Adviser appointed by the Issuer may determine the rate
taking into consideration all available information which the Issuer or Independent Adviser
appointed by the Issuer deems relevant, including pricing information obtained from the
Renminbi non-deliverable exchange market in Hong Kong or elsewhere and the PRC
domestic foreign exchange market.
10. Taxation
Gross up
10.1 All payments of principal and interest in respect of the Subordinated Instruments and the
Coupons or upon or with respect to the issuance of any Ordinary Shares upon any Conversion
of Subordinated Instruments by or on behalf of the Issuer shall be made free and clear of, and
without withholding or deduction for, any taxes, duties, assessments or governmental charges
of whatsoever nature imposed, levied, collected, withheld or assessed by or on behalf of
Australia or any political subdivision or any authority thereof or therein having power to tax
(“Withholding Taxes”), unless such withholding or deduction is required by law. In that event,
unless Condition 10.1 is specified in the Pricing Supplement as being not applicable, the Issuer
shall pay such additional amounts (“Additional Amounts”) as will result in the receipt by the
Holders of such amounts as would have been received by them if no such withholding or
deduction had been required, except that no such Additional Amounts shall be payable:
(a) in respect of any Subordinated Instrument or Coupon presented for payment or held
by, or by a third party on behalf of, a Holder, or any beneficial owner of any interest
in, or rights in respect of, such Subordinated Instrument or Coupon held by a Holder,
who is liable to Withholding Taxes in respect of such Subordinated Instrument or
Coupon by reason of the Holder or beneficial owner having some connection (whether
past or present) with Australia or any political subdivision therein or thereof other than
(a) the mere holding of such Subordinated Instrument or Coupon or (b) the receipt of
principal, interest or other amount in respect of such Subordinated Instrument or
Coupon; or
150
(b) in respect of any Subordinated Instrument or Coupon presented for payment or held
by, or by a third party on behalf of, a Holder, or any beneficial owner of any interest
in, or rights in respect of, such Subordinated Instrument or Coupon held by a Holder,
who could lawfully avoid (but has not so avoided) such withholding or deduction by
complying with any statutory requirements in force at the present time or in the future
or by making a declaration of non-residence or other claim or filing for exemption; or
(c) in respect of any Subordinated Instrument or Coupon presented for payment more
than 30 days after the Relevant Date, except to the extent that the relevant Holder
would have been entitled to such Additional Amounts if it had presented such
Subordinated Instrument or Coupon on the last day of such period of 30 days; or
(d) in respect of any Subordinated Instrument or Coupon on account of taxes which are
payable by reason of the Holder of such Subordinated Instrument or Coupon or
beneficial owner of any interest therein or rights in respect thereof being an associate
of the Issuer for the purposes of Section 128F(9) of the Tax Legislation; or
(e) on account of taxes which are payable by reason of the Holder of such Subordinated
Instrument or Coupon or beneficial owner or any interest therein or rights in respect
thereof being party to or participating in a scheme to avoid tax; or
(f) to, or to a third party on behalf of, a Holder, or any beneficial owner of any interest in,
or rights in respect of, such Subordinated Instruments, upon, with respect to, or by
reason of, such person being issued Ordinary Shares; or
(g) in respect of any Subordinated Instrument or Coupon presented for payment or held
by, or by a third party on behalf of, a Holder who is a resident of Australia or a non-
resident who is engaged in carrying on business in Australia at or through a
permanent establishment of that non-resident in Australia (the expressions “resident
of Australia”, “non-resident” and “permanent establishment” having the meanings
given to them by the Tax Legislation) if, and to the extent that, Section 126 of the Tax
Legislation (or any equivalent provision) requires the Issuer to pay income tax in
respect of interest payable on such Subordinated Instrument or Coupon and the
income tax would not be payable were the Holder not a “resident of Australia” or a
“non-resident” so engaged in carrying on business; or
(h) in respect of any Subordinated Instrument or Coupon on account of Australian interest
withholding tax imposed as a result of a determination by the Commissioner of
Taxation of the Commonwealth of Australia that such tax is payable under the Tax
Legislation in circumstances where the Holder, or a third person on behalf of the
Holder, is party to or participated in a scheme to avoid such tax which the Issuer was
neither a party to nor participated in; or
(i) in respect of any Subordinated Instrument or Coupon presented for payment by or on
behalf of a Holder who would have been able to avoid such withholding or deduction
by presenting the relevant Subordinated Instrument or Coupon to another Paying
Agent; or
(j) in respect of any FATCA Withholding.
151
Taxing jurisdiction
10.2 If at any time the home jurisdiction for tax purposes of the Issuer is not Australia, references
to Australia in Condition 8.4 and Condition 10.1 (unless Condition 10.1 is specified in the
Pricing Supplement as being not applicable) shall be read and construed as including
references to such other home jurisdiction for tax purposes of the Issuer.
11. Events of Default
11.1 The following events or circumstances as modified by, and/or such other events as may be
specified in, the Pricing Supplement (each an “Event of Default”) shall be events giving rise
to the limited remedies set out in Condition 11.2 below:
(a) (i) the Issuer fails to pay any Outstanding Principal Amount in respect of the
Subordinated Instruments of the relevant Series or any of them due within
seven days of the Maturity Date; or
(ii) the Issuer fails to pay any amount of interest in respect of the Subordinated
Instruments of the relevant Series or any of them within 14 days of the due
date for payment thereof,
unless, prior to the commencement of a Winding-Up in Australia, the failure to pay is as a
consequence of the Solvency Condition not being satisfied; or
(b) a Winding-Up in Australia.
11.2 (a) In the event of the occurrence of either of the Events of Default set out above at
Condition 11.1(a), the Holder of any Subordinated Instruments of the relevant Series
may bring proceedings:
(i) to recover any amount then due and payable but unpaid on its Subordinated
Instruments (subject to the Issuer being able to make the payment and
remain Solvent);
(ii) to obtain an order for specific performance of any other obligation in respect
of its Subordinated Instrument; or
(iii) for a winding-up of the Issuer in Australia.
(b) In the event of the occurrence of the Event of Default set out above at Condition 11.1(b):
(i) the Subordinated Instruments of the relevant Series will, subject to Condition
11.2(b)(ii), without further action, become immediately due and payable,
unless they have been Converted or Written-off and the Holder of any
Subordinated Instruments of the relevant Series may, subject to Condition
4.2, prove or claim in the Winding-Up for the Outstanding Principal Amount
of each Subordinated Note it holds (together with all interest accrued but
unpaid to the date of payment); and
152
(ii) no remedy against the Issuer (including, without limitation, any right to sue
for a sum of damages which has the same economic effect as an acceleration
of the Issuer’s payment obligations), other than the institution of proceedings
for a winding-up of the Issuer or, subject to Condition 4.2, for proving or
claiming in any Winding-Up, shall be available to the Holders of any
Subordinated Instruments for the recovery of amounts owing in respect of
the Subordinated Instruments or in respect of any breach by the Issuer of
any obligation, condition or provision binding on it under the terms of the
Subordinated Instruments.
A Holder will have no right to accelerate payment or exercise any other remedies
(including any right to sue for damages) as a consequence of any default other than
as specifically described herein. In the event of a Winding-Up in Australia (but not in
any other jurisdiction), the Subordinated Instruments will become immediately due
and payable, unless they have been Converted or Written-off. This will be the only
circumstance in which the payment of principal on the Subordinated Instruments may
be accelerated.
However, it is unlikely a Winding-Up will occur without a Non-Viability Trigger Event
having occurred first and the Subordinated Instruments being Converted or Written-
off. In that event:
if the Subordinated Instruments have Converted into Ordinary Shares, Holders
will rank equally with existing holders of Ordinary Shares; and
if the Subordinated Instruments are Written-off, all rights in relation to the
Subordinated Instruments will be terminated, and Holders will not have their
Outstanding Principal Amount repaid or receive any outstanding interest or
accrued interest, or have the right to have the Subordinated Instruments
Converted into Ordinary Shares. In such an event, a Holder’s investment in the
Subordinated Instruments will lose all of its value and such Holder will not receive
any compensation.
11.3 If any Subordinated Instrument becomes due and payable pursuant to this Condition 11, it
shall be paid at its early termination amount (the “Early Termination Amount”) (which
shall be its Outstanding Principal Amount or such other Early Termination Amount as may
be specified in or determined in accordance with the Pricing Supplement) together with all
interest (if any) accrued but unpaid thereon.
12. Prescription
12.1 Claims against the Issuer for payment of principal and interest in respect of Subordinated
Instruments will be prescribed and become void unless made, in the case of principal, within
ten years or, in the case of interest, five years after the Relevant Date for payment thereof.
12.2 In relation to Definitive Subordinated Instruments initially delivered with Talons attached
thereto, there shall not be included in any Coupon Sheet issued upon exchange of a Talon
any Coupon which would be void upon issue pursuant to Condition 9A.7 or the due date for
the payment of which would fall after the due date for the redemption of the relevant
Subordinated Instrument or which would be void pursuant to this Condition 12 or any Talon
the maturity date of which would fall after the due date for redemption of the relevant
153
Subordinated Instrument.
13. The Paying Agents, the Registrars and the Calculation Agent
13.1 The initial Paying Agents and Registrars and their respective initial Specified Offices are
specified below. The Calculation Agent in respect of any Subordinated Instruments shall be
specified in the Pricing Supplement. The Issuer reserves the right at any time to vary or
terminate the appointment of any Paying Agent (including the Fiscal Agent) or any Registrar
or the Calculation Agent and to appoint additional or other Paying Agents or another
Calculation Agent provided that it will at all times maintain (i) a Fiscal Agent, (ii) in the case of
Registered Subordinated Instruments, a Registrar, (iii) a Paying Agent (which may be the
Fiscal Agent) with a Specified Office in a continental European city, (iv) so long as the
Subordinated Instruments are listed on or admitted to trading by a competent listing authority
and/or stock exchange, a Paying Agent (which may be the Fiscal Agent) and a Registrar each
with a Specified Office in such place as may be required by such competent listing authority
and/or stock exchange, (v) in the circumstances described in Condition 9A.4, a Paying Agent
with a Specified Office in New York City, (vi) a Calculation Agent where required by these
Terms and Conditions applicable to any Subordinated Instruments (in the case of (i), (ii), (iii)
and (iv) with a Specified Office located in such place (if any) as may be required by these
Terms and Conditions) and (vii) so long as any Subordinated Instruments are represented by
a Temporary Global Instrument or a Permanent Global Instrument which is held in the CMU
Service, a Paying Agent with a Specified Office in Hong Kong. The Paying Agents, the
Registrars and the Calculation Agent reserve the right at any time to change their respective
Specified Offices to some other specified office in the same city. Notice of all changes in the
identities or Specified Offices of any Paying Agent, the Registrars or the Calculation Agent will
be given promptly by the Issuer to the Holders in accordance with Condition 16 (Notices).
13.2 The Paying Agents, the Registrars and the Calculation Agent act solely as agents of the Issuer
and, save as provided in the Issue and Paying Agency Agreement or any other agreement
entered into with respect to its appointment, do not assume any obligations towards or
relationship of agency or trust for any Holder of any Subordinated Instrument or Coupon and
each of them shall only be responsible for the performance of the duties and obligations
expressly imposed upon it in the Issue and Paying Agency Agreement or other agreement
entered into with respect to its appointment or incidental thereto.
14. Replacement of Subordinated Instruments
If any Subordinated Instrument or Coupon is lost, stolen, mutilated, defaced or destroyed, it
may be replaced at the Specified Office of the Fiscal Agent or such Paying Agent or Paying
Agents as may be specified for such purpose in the Pricing Supplement (in the case of Bearer
Subordinated Instruments and Coupons) or of the Registrar (in the case of Registered
Subordinated Instruments) (“Replacement Agent”) subject to all applicable laws and the
requirements of any stock exchange and/or competent listing authority on or by which the
Subordinated Instruments are listed and/or traded upon payment by the claimant of all
expenses incurred in connection with such replacement and upon such terms as to evidence,
security, indemnity and otherwise as the Issuer and the Replacement Agent may require.
Mutilated or defaced Subordinated Instruments and Coupons must be surrendered before
replacements will be delivered therefor.
154
15. Meetings of Holders and Modification
The Issue and Paying Agency Agreement contains provisions (which shall have effect as if
incorporated herein) for convening meetings of the Holders of Subordinated Instruments of
any Series to consider any matter affecting their interest, including (without limitation) the
modification by Extraordinary Resolution of these Terms and Conditions and the Deed of
Covenant insofar as the same may apply to such Subordinated Instruments. Such a meeting
(which need not be a physical meeting and instead may be by way of conference call, including
by use of a videoconference platform) may be convened by the Issuer and shall be convened
upon a request in writing by Holders of Subordinated Instruments holding not less than one-
tenth of the Outstanding Principal Amount of the Subordinated Instruments for the time being
outstanding of any Series. An Extraordinary Resolution passed at any meeting of the Holders
of Subordinated Instruments of any Series will be binding on all Holders of the Subordinated
Instruments of such Series, whether or not they are present at the meeting, and on all Holders
of Coupons relating to Subordinated Instruments of such Series.
Alternatively, Holders of any particular Series of Subordinated Instruments may duly pass in
writing either an Ordinary Resolution or an Extraordinary Resolution provided that such written
resolution is signed by or on behalf of such Holders holding, in the case of an Ordinary
Resolution, not less than a simple majority or, in the case of an Extraordinary Resolution, not
less than three-fourths of the aggregate Outstanding Principal Amount of the relevant
Subordinated Instruments.
The Issuer may, with the consent of the Fiscal Agent, but without the consent of the Holders
of the Subordinated Instruments of any Series or Coupons, amend these Terms and
Conditions, the Pricing Supplement and the Deed of Covenant insofar as they may apply to
such Subordinated Instruments to correct a manifest or a proven error or to give effect to any
successor rate or alternative rate for the BBSW Rate as provided in Condition 7.4(f) as
determined by the Issuer (acting in good faith and in a commercially reasonable manner).
Subject as aforesaid and to Condition 6.14 and Condition 7.5, no other modification may be
made to these Terms and Conditions, or the Deed of Covenant except with the sanction of an
Extraordinary Resolution.
The prior written approval of APRA is required:
(a) to modify the terms of any series of Subordinated Instruments; and
(b) for the exercise by Holders of the rights or powers given to them under the Agency
Agreement,
where such modification or exercise of rights or powers may affect the eligibility of such
Subordinated Instruments as Tier 2 Capital. See also Condition 4.8.
16. Notices
16.1 Notices to Holders will, save where another means of effective communication has been
specified herein or in the Pricing Supplement, be deemed to be validly given if:
(a) published in a leading daily newspaper having general circulation in London (which is
155
expected to be the Financial Times); or
(b) if such publication is not practicable, published in a leading English language daily
newspaper having general circulation in Europe; or
(c) if permitted by the rules of the relevant competent listing authority and/or stock
exchange, in the case of Subordinated Instruments represented by a Temporary
Global Instrument or Permanent Global Instrument, delivered to Euroclear and/or
Clearstream, Luxembourg and/or any other relevant clearing system for
communication by them to the persons shown in their respective records as having
interests therein; or
(d) in the case of Subordinated Instruments represented by a Temporary Global
Instrument or a Permanent Global Instrument which is held in the CMU Service, given
to the persons shown in a “CMU Subordinated Instrument Position Report” issued by
the CMU Service on the Business Day immediately before the preceding Interest
Payment Date, or (in the case of notices given pursuant to Condition 8.3) on the
Business Day immediately before the date on which such notices are given, or any
other date as agreed between the Hong Kong Paying Agent or Lodging Agent and the
CMU Service holding interests in the relevant Temporary Global Instrument or
Permanent Global Instrument, as the case may be.
The Issuer shall also ensure that notices are duly published in compliance with the
requirements of each competent listing authority and/or stock exchange on or by which the
Subordinated Instruments are listed and/or traded. Any notice so given will be deemed to have
been validly given: (a) on the date of first such publication (or, if required to be published in
more than one newspaper, on the first date on which publication shall have been made in all
the required newspapers) or (b) unless it has been specified otherwise in the Pricing
Supplement on the date of such delivery to Euroclear and/or Clearstream, Luxembourg and/or
such other clearing system or the persons shown in the “CMU Subordinated Instrument
Position Report”. Holders of Coupons will be deemed for all purposes to have notice of the
contents of any notice given to Holders of Subordinated Instruments in accordance with this
Condition 16.1. A copy of each notice given pursuant to this Condition will in any event be
delivered to Euroclear, Clearstream, Luxembourg, the CMU Service and/or any other relevant
clearing system.
To Holders of Registered Subordinated Instruments
16.2 Notices to Holders of Registered Subordinated Instruments will be deemed to be validly given
if sent by first class mail (or equivalent) or (if posted to an overseas address) by airmail to
them (or, in the case of joint Holders, to the first-named in the register kept by the Registrar)
at their respective addresses as recorded in the register kept by the Registrar, and will be
deemed to have been validly given on the fourth weekday after the date of such mailing or, if
posted from another country, on the fifth such day.
17. Further Issues
The Issuer may from time to time, without the consent of the Holders of any Subordinated
Instruments or Coupons, create and issue (x) further instruments, bonds or debentures having
156
the same terms and conditions as such Subordinated Instruments in all respects (or in all
respects except for the first payment of interest, if any, on them and/or the denomination or
the issue price thereof) so as to be consolidated to form a single series with the Subordinated
Instruments of any particular Series (provided that the requirements of APRA for the
Subordinated Instruments to be eligible to be treated as Tier 2 Capital are met), or (y) any
securities ranking equally with Subordinated Instruments (on the same terms or otherwise) or
ranking in priority or junior to Subordinated Instruments.
18. Currency Indemnity
The currency or currencies in which the Subordinated Instruments are payable from time to
time, as specified in these Terms and Conditions or the Pricing Supplement (each a
“Contractual Currency” and together the “Contractual Currencies”), is the only currency or
are the only currencies of account and payment for applicable sums payable by the Issuer in
respect of the Subordinated Instruments, including damages. Any amount received or
recovered in a currency other than the Contractual Currency applicable to the payment to
which such amount is referable (whether as a result of, or of the enforcement of, a judgment
or order of a court of any jurisdiction or otherwise) by any Holder of a Subordinated Instrument
or Coupon in respect of any sum expressed to be due to it from the Issuer in such Contractual
Currency shall only constitute a discharge to the Issuer to the extent of the amount in such
Contractual Currency which such Holder is able to purchase with the amount so received or
recovered in that other currency on the date of that receipt or recovery (or, if it is not practicable
to make that purchase on that date, on the first date on which it is practicable to do so). If that
amount is less than the amount in the applicable Contractual Currency expressed to be due
to any Holder of a Subordinated Instrument or Coupon in respect of such Subordinated
Instrument or Coupon the Issuer shall indemnify such Holder against any loss sustained by
such Holder as a result. In any event, the Issuer shall indemnify each such Holder against any
cost of making such purchase which is reasonably incurred. These indemnities constitute
separate and independent obligations from the Issuer’s other obligations, shall give rise to a
separate and independent cause of action, shall apply irrespective of any indulgence granted
by any Holder of a Subordinated Instrument or Coupon and shall continue in full force and
effect despite any judgment, order, claim or proof for a liquidated amount in respect of any
sum due in respect of the Subordinated Instruments or Coupons or any judgment or order.
Any such loss aforesaid shall be deemed to constitute a loss suffered by the relevant Holder
of a Subordinated Instrument or Coupon and no proof or evidence of any actual loss will be
required by the Issuer.
19. Waiver and Remedies
No failure to exercise, and no delay in exercising, on the part of the Holder of any Subordinated
Instrument, any right hereunder shall operate as a waiver thereof nor shall any single or partial
exercise thereof preclude any other or future exercise thereof or the exercise of any other right.
Rights hereunder shall be in addition to all other rights provided by law. No notice or demand
given in any case shall constitute a waiver of rights to take other action in the same, similar or
other instances without such notice or demand.
20. Law and Jurisdiction
20.1 Subject as provided in Condition 20.2, the Subordinated Instruments, the Issue and Paying
157
Agency Agreement and the Deed of Covenant are governed by, and shall be construed in
accordance with, English law. Any matter, claim or dispute arising out of or in connection with
the Subordinated Instruments, the Issue and Paying Agency Agreement and the Deed of
Covenant, whether contractual or non-contractual, is governed by, and shall be determined in
accordance with, English law.
20.2 The provisions of Conditions 4 (Status of the Subordinated Instruments - General), 5 (Non-
Viability, Conversion and Write-off) and 6 (Procedures for Conversion) (and the defined terms
when used in those Conditions) shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the
laws of New South Wales, Australia.
20.3 Subject as provided in Condition 20.5, the courts of England and Wales have jurisdiction to
settle any dispute (a “Dispute”) arising from or connected with the Subordinated Instruments.
20.4 The Issuer agrees that the courts of England and Wales are the most appropriate and
convenient courts to settle any Dispute and, accordingly, that it will not argue to the contrary.
20.5 Condition 20.3 is for the benefit of the Holders of the Subordinated Instruments only. As a
result, nothing in this Condition 20 shall prevent any Holder of the Subordinated Instruments
from taking proceedings relating to a Dispute (“Proceedings”) in any other courts with
jurisdiction. To the extent allowed by law, Holders of the Subordinated Instruments may take
concurrent Proceedings in any number of jurisdictions.
20.6 The Issuer agrees that if at any time it ceases to be registered under Part 34 of the Companies
Act 2006 it will appoint a person with a registered office in London as its agent to accept
service of process in the United Kingdom on its behalf in respect of any Proceedings.
21. Third Parties
No person shall have any right to enforce any term or condition of any Subordinated
Instrument under the Contracts (Rights of Third Parties) Act 1999 but this shall not affect
any right or remedy of a third party which exists or is available apart from that Act.
158
PRO FORMA PRICING SUPPLEMENT
Set out below is the form of Pricing Supplement which will be completed for each Tranche of
Subordinated Instruments issued under the Programme, amended (if necessary) and completed to
reflect the particular terms of the relevant Subordinated Instruments and their issue. Text in this section
appearing in italics does not form part of the form of the Pricing Supplement but is included as
directions for completing the Pricing Supplement.
PROHIBITION OF SALES TO EEA RETAIL INVESTORS – The Subordinated Instruments are not
intended to be offered, sold or otherwise made available to and should not be offered, sold or otherwise
made available to any retail investor in the European Economic Area (the “EEA”). For these purposes,
a retail investor means a person who is one (or more) of: (i) a retail client as defined in point (11) of
Article 4(1) of Directive 2014/65/EU (as amended, “MiFID II”); or (ii) a customer within the meaning of
Directive (EU) 2016/97, where that customer would not qualify as a professional client as defined in
point (10) of Article 4(1) of MiFID II. Consequently no key information document required by Regulation
(EU) No 1286/2014 (as amended, the “EU PRIIPs Regulation”) for offering or selling the Subordinated
Instruments or otherwise making them available to retail investors in the EEA has been prepared and
therefore offering or selling the Subordinated Instruments or otherwise making them available to any
retail investor in the EEA may be unlawful under the EU PRIIPs Regulation.
PROHIBITION OF SALES TO UK RETAIL INVESTORS: The Subordinated Instruments are not
intended to be offered, sold or otherwise made available to and should not be offered, sold or otherwise
made available to any retail investor in the United Kingdom (the “UK”). For these purposes, a retail
investor means a person who is one (or more) of: (i) a retail client, as defined in point (8) of Article 2 of
Regulation (EU) No 2017/565 as it forms part of domestic law in the UK by virtue of the European
Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018, as amended by the European Union (Withdrawal Agreement) Act 2020
(the “EUWA”); or (ii) a customer within the meaning of the provisions of the UK’s Financial Services
and Markets Act 2000, as amended (the “FSMA”) and any rules or regulations made under the FSMA
to implement Directive (EU) 2016/97 in the UK, where that customer would not qualify as a professional
client, as defined in point (8) of Article 2(1) of Regulation (EU) No 600/2014 as it forms part of domestic
law in the UK by virtue of the EUWA. Consequently, no key information document required by
Regulation (EU) No 1286/2014 as it forms part of domestic law in the UK by virtue of the EUWA (the
“UK PRIIPs Regulation”) for offering or selling the Subordinated Instruments or otherwise making
them available to retail investors in the UK has been prepared and therefore offering or selling the
Subordinated Instruments or otherwise making them available to any retail investor in the UK may be
unlawful under the UK PRIIPs Regulation.
[MIFID II PRODUCT GOVERNANCE / PROFESSIONAL INVESTORS AND ELIGIBLE
COUNTERPARTIES ONLY TARGET MARKET: Solely for the purposes of [the/each] manufacturer’s
product approval process, the target market assessment in respect of the Subordinated Instruments
has led to the conclusion that: (i) the target market for the Subordinated Instruments is eligible
counterparties and professional clients only, each as defined in MiFID II; and (ii) all channels for
distribution of the Subordinated Instruments to eligible counterparties and professional clients are
appropriate. [Consider any negative target market.] Any person subsequently offering, selling or
recommending the Subordinated Instruments (a “distributor”) should take into consideration the
manufacturer[’s/s’] target market assessment; however, a distributor subject to MiFID II is responsible
for undertaking its own target market assessment in respect of the Subordinated Instruments (by either
adopting or refining the manufacturer[’s/s’] target market assessment) and determining appropriate
159
distribution channels.]
1
[UK MIFIR PRODUCT GOVERNANCE / PROFESSIONAL INVESTORS AND ELIGIBLE
COUNTERPARTIES ONLY TARGET MARKET: Solely for the purposes of [the/each] manufacturer’s
product approval process, the target market assessment in respect of the Subordinated Instruments
has led to the conclusion that: (i) the target market for the Subordinated Instruments is only eligible
counterparties, as defined in the FCA Handbook Conduct of Business Sourcebook (“COBS”), and
professional clients, as defined in Regulation (EU) No 600/2014 as it forms part of domestic law in the
UK by virtue of the EUWA (“UK MiFIR”); and (ii) all channels for distribution of the Subordinated
Instruments to eligible counterparties and professional clients are appropriate. [Consider any negative
target market.] Any person subsequently offering, selling or recommending the Subordinated
Instruments (a “UK distributor”) should take into consideration the manufacturer[’s/s’] target market
assessment; however, a UK distributor subject to the FCA Handbook Product Intervention and Product
Governance Sourcebook (the “UK MiFIR Product Governance Rules”) is responsible for undertaking
its own target market assessment in respect of the Subordinated Instruments (by either adopting or
refining the manufacturer[’s/s’] target market assessment) and determining appropriate distribution
channels.]
2
[NOTIFICATION UNDER SECTION 309B(1) OF THE SECURITIES AND FUTURES ACT, CHAPTER
289 OF SINGAPORE, AS MODIFIED OR AMENDED FROM TIME TO TIME [(THE “SFA”)] – The
Subordinated Instruments are prescribed capital markets products (as defined in the Securities and
Futures (Capital Markets Products) Regulations 2018) and Excluded Investment Products (as defined
in MAS Notice SFA 04-N12: Notice on the Sale of Investment Products and MAS Notice FAA-N16:
Notice on Recommendations on Investment Products).]
3
THIS PRICING SUPPLEMENT HAS BEEN ISSUED IN RESPECT OF INSTRUMENTS WHICH ARE
NOT ADMITTED TO THE OFFICIAL LIST OF THE UK FINANCIAL CONDUCT AUTHORITY OR TO
ANY EUROPEAN ECONOMIC AREA REGULATED MARKET, OR OFFERED TO THE PUBLIC IN
THE EUROPEAN ECONOMIC AREA FOR THE PURPOSES OF REGULATION (EU) 2017/1129 (AS
AMENDED) (THE “EU PROSPECTUS REGULATION”) OR IN THE UK FOR THE PURPOSES OF
THE FSMA. THIS PRICING SUPPLEMENT HAS NOT BEEN REVIEWED OR APPROVED BY THE
UK FINANCIAL CONDUCT AUTHORITY AND DOES NOT CONSITUTE A BASE PROSPECTUS FOR
THE PURPOSES OF THE EU PROSPECTUS REGULATION OR REGULATION (EU) 2017/1129 AS
IT FORMS PART OF THE DOMESTIC LAW IN THE UK BY VIRTUE OF THE EUWA.
PRICING SUPPLEMENT
Series No.: [ ]
Tranche No.: [ ]
1
Legend to be included where the Issuer and/or the Dealer(s) are Manufacturers for MiFID II purposes.
2
Legend to be included where the Issuer and/or the Dealer(s) are Manufacturers for UK MiFIR purposes.
3
Issuer to determine whether the Subordinated Instruments remain as prescribed capital markets products at each
drawdown. Legend for prescribed capital markets products should be used unless Issuer determines otherwise.
160
WESTPAC BANKING CORPORATION ABN 33 007 457 141
Programme for the Issuance of Debt Instruments
Issue of
[Aggregate Principal Amount of Tranche]
[Title of Subordinated Instruments]
by Westpac Banking Corporation
Legal Entity Identifier (LEI): EN5TNI6CI43VEPAMHL14
This document constitutes the Pricing Supplement relating to the issue of Subordinated Instruments
described herein. Terms used herein shall be deemed to be defined as such for the purposes of the
Terms and Conditions (the “Terms and Conditions”) set forth in the Information Memorandum dated
8 November 2021 [and the supplement to the Information Memorandum dated [●]] ([together,] the
“Information Memorandum”). This Pricing Supplement must be read in conjunction with the
Information Memorandum.
Full information on the Issuer and the Subordinated Instruments described herein is only available on
the basis of a combination of this Pricing Supplement and the Information Memorandum. The
Information Memorandum is available for viewing at Camomile Court, 23 Camomile Street, London
EC3A 7LL, United Kingdom and copies may be obtained from the Specified Offices of the Paying
Agents.
Part A: Contractual Terms
The Subordinated Instruments being purchased have the following terms:
1 Issuer : Westpac Banking Corporation,
acting through its head office
2 Date of Board Approval of the Issuer : [Specify]
3 Status : Subordinated
[The primary method of loss absorption
is [Conversion, subject to possible Write-
off in accordance with Condition 5.3 /
Write-off without Conversion in
accordance with Condition 5.3]
[Insert where the primary method of loss
absorption is Conversion, subject to
possible Write-off in accordance with
161
Condition 5.3] [For the purposes of:
Condition 6.1, the formula to be
used for calculating the
Conversion Number, P is [insert
number, which will usually be
0.99 but may be another number
which is greater than or less than
1.00]; and
Condition 6.10(b), the Clearing
System Cut-off Date is [10]
Business Days prior to the Non-
Viability Trigger Event Date.]
4 Specified Currency:
(i) of denomination
(ii) of payment
:
:
[Specify]
[Specify]
5 Aggregate Principal Amount of Tranche : [Specify]
6 Aggregate Principal Amount of Series : [Specify]
7 If interchangeable with existing Series, Series
No.
: [Specify]
8 Issue Date : [Specify]
9 Interest Commencement Date : [Specify]
10 Issue Price : [Specify]
11 Maturity Date : [Specify]
4
12 Total Expenses [related to admission to
trading]
: [Specify]
13 Form of Subordinated Instruments: : [Bearer/Registered]
(i) Initially represented by a Temporary
Global Instrument or Permanent Global
Instrument
: [Temporary Global
Instrument]/[Permanent Global
Instrument]
4
The Maturity Date must be at least five years from the Issue Date
162
(ii) Temporary Global Instrument
exchangeable for a Permanent Global
Instrument or for Definitive Subordinated
Instruments
: [Yes/No]
[The Exchange Date shall be [•]]
(iii) Specify date (if any) from which
exchanges for Registered Subordinated
Instruments will be made
: [•]/[Exchanges may be made at any
time]
(iv) Permanent Global Instrument
exchangeable at the option of the bearer
for Definitive Subordinated Instruments
: [No. Permanent Global Instruments are
only exchangeable for Definitive
Subordinated Instruments in the limited
circumstances set out in Conditions
2.5(a) and (b)]
(v) Talons for future Coupons to be attached
to Definitive Subordinated Instruments
: [Yes/No] [As the Subordinated
Instruments have more than 27
Coupons, Talons may be required if, on
exchange into definitive form, more than
27 Coupon payments are still to be
made]
14 If issued in registered form: [Regulation S Global Note (U.S.$/€
nominal amount) registered in the name
of a nominee for [DTC/a common
depositary for Euroclear and
Clearstream, Luxembourg/the Central
Moneymarkets Unit Service operated by
the Hong Kong Monetary Authority] / Not
applicable]
15 Denomination : [Specify amount and currency]
[[•] and integral multiples of [•] in excess
thereof up to and including [•]. [No
Definitive Subordinated Instruments will
be issued with a denomination above [•]]]
16 Calculation Amount : [•]
17 Type of Subordinated Instrument(s) : [Fixed Rate / Floating Rate / Fixed Rate
Reset / Fixed to Floating / Specify other]
18 Interest : [[•] per cent. Fixed Rate]
[[•] month
[EURIBOR/SONIA/SOFR/SONIA
Index/SOFR Index/BBSW/BA-
CDOR/BKBM/CNH
HIBOR/HIBOR/NIBOR/SORA] [•]]+/- [•]
163
per cent. Floating Rate]
[[•] per cent. Fixed Rate to [[•] month
[EURIBOR/SONIA/SOFR/SONIA
Index/SOFR Index/BBSW/BA-
CDOR/BKBM/CNH
HIBOR/HIBOR/NIBOR/SORA] [•]]+/– [•]
per cent. Floating Rate]
[Specify other]
19 Change of interest basis : [Applicable. The Subordinated
Instruments are Fixed to Floating Rate
Subordinated Instruments. Further
details on the applicable Interest Rate
are specified in paragraphs 20 and 22 of
this Pricing Supplement below.] / [Not
Applicable]
20 Fixed Rate Subordinated Instruments : [Applicable / Not Applicable]
(i) Fixed Coupon Amount : [[•] per Calculation Amount/Not
Applicable]
(N.B. The Fixed Coupon Amount will not
apply if the Outstanding Principal
Amount of each Subordinated
Instrument has been adjusted in
accordance with paragraph (c) of the
definition of Outstanding Principal
Amount and the amount of interest
payable in respect of each Subordinated
Instrument for such Interest Accrual
Period shall be calculated in accordance
with Condition 7.2(d))
(ii) Interest Rate : [Specify]
(iii) Interest Commencement Date (if not
Issue Date)
: [Specify]
(iv) Interest Payment Date(s) : [Specify]
(v) Interest Period End Date(s) : [Specify]
(vi) Day Count Fraction : [Specify] [if none specified, the Day Count
Fraction
[TRUNCATED]
Data sourced from publicly available filings. Our datasets may not be complete. Automated analysis can produce errors. If you believe any data on this page is incorrect, please contact us at hello@nzxplorer.co.nz. For informational purposes only. Not investment advice.