Page 194 - ACCESS BANK ANNUAL REPORTS_eBook

3.16 Provisions

A provision is recognised if, as a result of a past event, the Group has a present legal or constructive obligation
that can be estimated reliably, and it is probable that an outflow of economic benefits will be required to settle
the obligation. Provisions are determined by discounting the expected future cash flows at a pre-tax rate that
reflects current market assessments of the time value of money and, where appropriate, the risks specific to the
liability. The increase in the provision due to passage of time is recognised as interest expenses.

(a) Restructuring
A provision for restructuring is recognised when the Group has approved a detailed and formal re-
structuring plan, and the restructuring either has commenced or has been announced publicly. Future
operating costs are not provided for.

3.17 Financial guarantees

Financial guarantees which includes Letters of credit are contracts that require the Group to make specified
payments to reimburse the holder for a loss it incurs because a specified debtor fails to make payment when
due in accordance with the terms of a debt instrument. Financial guarantee liabilities are initially recognised at
their fair value, and the initial fair value is amortised over the life of the financial guarantee. The guarantee liability
is subsequently carried at the higher of this amortised amount and the present value of any expected payment
(when a payment under the guarantee has become probable).

Letters of credits which have been guaranteed by Access bank but funded by the customer is included in other
liabilities while those guaranteed and funded by the Bank is included in Deposit from financial institutions.

3.18 employee benefits

(a) Defined contribution plans
A defined contribution plan is a post employment benefit plan under which an entity pays fixed
contributions into a separate entity and will have no legal or constructive obliagtion to pay further
amounts. Obligations for contributions to defined contribution pension plans are recognised as an
expense in the income statement when they are due in respect of service rendered before the end of
the reporting year. Prepaid contributions are recognised as an asset to the extent that a cash refund
or a reduction in future payments is available. Contributions to a defined contribution plan that are due
more than 12 months after the end of the reporting year in which the employees render the service are
discounted to their present value at the reporting date.

The Bank operates a funded, defined contribution pension scheme for employees. Employees and the
Bank contribute 8% and 10% respectively of the qualifying staff salary in line with the provisions of the
Pension Reforms Act 2014.

(b) termination benefits
Termination benefits are payable when employment is terminated by the group before the normal re-
tirement date, or whenever an employee accepts voluntary redundancy in exchange for these benefits.
The group recognises termination benefits at the earlier of the following dates: (a) when the group can
no longer withdraw the offer of those benefits; and (b) when the entity recognises costs for a restruc-
turing that is within the scope of IAS 37 and involves the payment of termination benefits. In the case
of an offer made to encourage voluntary redundancy, the termination benefits are measured based on
the number of employees expected to accept the offer. Benefits falling due more than 12 months after
the end of the reporting year are discounted to their present value.

(c) Long-term Incentive Plan
The Bank has a non-contributory, un-funded lump sum defined benefit plan for top executive man-
agement of the Bank from General Manager and above based on the number of years spent in these
positions.

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Annual Report & Accounts 2017