33 Fair value measurement

Measurement guidelines and classification in the fair value hierarchy

The fair value represents a market-based measurement and not an entity-specific valuation. It is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date on the principal market or the most advantageous market.

Various techniques and models are employed to determine the fair value. As far as possible, the LLB Group uses observable input factors from active markets accessible to the company on the measurement date. The fewer the number of observable input factors that can be employed, the more assumptions and estimates have to be utilised to enable an exit price on the measurement date to be determined from the perspective of the market participant. Such assumptions and estimates contain uncertainties, which at a later date can lead to substantial changes in the fair value of financial and non-financial assets and liabilities.

All financial and non-financial assets and liabilities, which possess a fair value, are assigned to one of the following three levels of fair value hierarchy. It is possible that the input factors, which are used to measure the fair value of individual financial and non-financial assets and liabilities, fall into different levels of the fair value hierarchy. The classification of the financial or non-financial asset or liability in the fair value hierarchy is made to the lowest level, to which one of the significant input factors is assigned.

Level 1

Financial and non-financial assets and liabilities, whose prices are quoted for identical assets and liabilities on active markets and which were not calculated on the basis of valuation techniques or models for the determination of fair value.

Level 2

If no market price quotes are available, or if they cannot be extrapolated from active markets, the fair value is determined by means of valuation methods or models which are based on assumptions made on the basis of observable market prices and other market quotes.

Level 3

Input factors are considered in the valuation methods and models to determine the fair value, which are not observable because they are not based on market prices.

Valuation methods

Valuation methods and models are employed to determine the fair value of financial and non-financial assets and liabilities if no market prices quoted on an active market are available. The LLB Group employs standardised and generally recognised valuation methods and models.

The LLB Group employs the market-based approach to determine the fair value of investment funds and shares, which are not traded on an active market or which are not listed.

The income-based approach is used if payment streams or expenses and revenues with financial assets and liabilities form the basis for the fair value measurement. The present or cash value method is used to determine the fair value by discounting the payment streams to the present value on the reporting date. Interest rate curves appropriate for the term and / or foreign currency curves, as well as spot prices form the main basis for this purpose. Forward pricing models are used in the case of futures contracts.

To determine the fair value of financial and non-financial assets and liabilities, which are classified as Level 3 positions, the LLB Group takes over the fair value determined by third parties (estimates made by experts).

The following table shows the most important valuation methods and models together with the key input factors:

Measurement of assets and liabilities, classified as Level 3

The measurement process to determine the fair value of recurring and non-recurring Level 3 assets and liabilities, especially the non-observable input factors, as shown in the previous table, are explained in the following. No explanation of the interrelationships between observable and non-observable inputs is provided because these have no material influence on the measurement of the fair value.

Financial investments measured at fair value through other comprehensive income

These financial investments largely relate to non-listed shares in companies having an infrastructure nature, which offer the services necessary or advantageous for the operation of a bank. The largest proportion of the portfolio consists of shares in the SIX Swiss Exchange and in the Pfandbriefbank Schweizerischer Hypothekarinstitute (Swiss Mortgage Institutes). The financial investments are periodically revalued on the basis of current company data, or with the aid of external valuation models.

Investment property

These properties are periodically valued by external experts. The assessments take into consideration such circumstances as the location and condition of the property, as well as the costs and revenues expected in connection with it.

Measurement of fair values through active markets or valuation techniques

The following table shows the classification of financial and non-financial assets and liabilities of the LLB Group within the fair value hierarchy and their fair value.

Positions measured at fair value are recognised on a recurring basis in the balance sheet at fair value. As at 31 December 2021, the LLB Group had no assets or liabilities which were measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis in the balance sheet. In the 2021 financial year, there were no significant transfers between Level 1, Level 2 and Level 3 financial instruments.

Reconciliation of assets and liabilities classified as Level 3

All Level 3 positions are measured by third parties and, due to their amount, are not material. The reconciliation is not therefore shown in tabular form.

The financial investments measured at fair value through other comprehensive income rose by CHF 0.8 million in the 2021 business year (previous year: CHF 2.0 million). The increase was attributable solely to a change in the fair value due to higher market prices.

The change in investment property was due to the acquisition of a property, which is now classified as investment property.

Financial investments not measured at fair value

The fair value hierarchy also includes details of financial assets and liabilities which are not measured on a fair value basis, but for which a fair value does exist. In addition to their inclusion in the fair value hierarchy, basically a comparison between the fair value and the carrying value of the individual categories of financial assets and liabilities is to be presented.

The following table shows this comparison only for positions which were not measured at fair value, since for positions measured at fair value the carrying value corresponds to the fair value. On account of the maturity being more than one year, for specific positions a present value was calculated taking as a basis SARON interest rates appropriate for the duration of the term. In the case of all other positions, the carrying value represents a reasonable approximation of the fair value.