Annual Report • Dec 1, 2010
Annual Report
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December 1, 2010
| FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS | 3 |
|---|---|
| INFORMATION INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE | 4 |
| CORPORATE STRUCTURE Name, Address and Incorporation Intercorporate Relationships |
4 4 4 |
| DESCRIPTION OF THE BUSINESS The CIBC Organization Competitive Conditions Social and Environmental Policies Risk Factors |
5 5 5 6 6 |
| GENERAL DEVELOPMENT OF THE BUSINESS Three Year History |
6 6 |
| DIVIDENDS | 8 |
| CAPITAL STRUCTURE Ratings |
8 8 |
| MARKET FOR SECURITIES Prior sales Trading Prices and Volume |
8 9 10 |
| DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS Directors and Board Committees Executive Officers Shareholdings of Directors and Executive Officers Corporate Cease Trade Orders or Bankruptcies Penalties or Sanctions Personal Bankruptcies Conflicts of Interest |
11 11 11 12 12 14 14 14 |
| LEGAL PROCEEDINGS AND REGULATORY ACTIONS Legal Proceedings Regulatory Actions |
14 14 14 |
| INTEREST OF MANAGEMENT AND OTHERS IN MATERIAL TRANSACTIONS | 14 |
| TRANSFER AGENT AND REGISTRAR | 14 |
| EXPERTS | 14 |
| AUDIT COMMITTEE | 15 |
| PRE-APPROVAL POLICIES AND PROCEDURES | 16 |
| FEES FOR SERVICES PROVIDED BY SHAREHOLDERS' AUDITORS | 16 |
| ADDITIONAL INFORMATION | 16 |
| Appendix A Rating Definitions Appendix B Audit Committee Mandate Appendix C Policy on the Scope of Services of the Shareholders' Auditors … |
18 20 28 |
From time to time, we make written or oral forward-looking statements within the meaning of certain securities laws, including in this Annual Information Form, in other filings with Canadian securities regulators or the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and in other communications. These statements include, but are not limited to, statements made about our operations, business lines, financial condition, risk management, priorities, targets, ongoing objectives, strategies and outlook for 2011 and subsequent periods. Forward-looking statements are typically identified by the words "believe", "expect", "anticipate", "intend", "estimate" and other similar expressions or future or conditional verbs such as "will", "should", "would" and "could". By their nature, these statements require us to make assumptions and are subject to inherent risks and uncertainties that may be general or specific. A variety of factors, many of which are beyond our control, affect our operations, performance and results, and could cause actual results to differ materially from the expectations expressed in any of our forward-looking statements. These factors include: credit, market, liquidity, strategic, operational, reputation and legal, regulatory and environmental risk; legislative or regulatory developments in the jurisdictions where we operate, amendments to, and interpretations of, risk-based capital guidelines and reporting instructions; the resolution of legal proceedings and related matters; the effect of changes to accounting standards, rules and interpretations; changes in our estimates of reserves and allowances; changes in tax laws; changes to our credit ratings; political conditions and developments; the possible effect on our business of international conflicts and the war on terror; natural disasters, public health emergencies, disruptions to public infrastructure and other catastrophic events; reliance on third parties to provide components of our business infrastructure; the accuracy and completeness of information provided to us by clients and counterparties; the failure of third parties to comply with their obligations to us and our affiliates; intensifying competition from established competitors and new entrants in the financial services industry; technological change; global capital market activity; changes in monetary and economic policy; currency value fluctuations; general business and economic conditions worldwide, as well as in Canada, the U.S. and other countries where we have operations; changes in market rates and prices which may adversely affect the value of financial products; our success in developing and introducing new products and services, expanding existing distribution channels, developing new distribution channels and realizing increased revenue from these channels; changes in client spending and saving habits; our ability to attract and retain key employees and executives; and our ability to anticipate and manage the risks associated with these factors. This list is not exhaustive of the factors that may affect any of our forward-looking statements. These and other factors should be considered carefully and readers should not place undue reliance on our forward-looking statements. We do not undertake to update any forward-looking statement that is contained in this Annual Information Form or in other communications except as required by law.
Certain disclosure in this Annual Information Form (AIF) is derived and incorporated by reference from CIBC's 2010 Annual Report for the year ended October 31, 2010 (2010 AR). The table below identifies pages from the 2010 AR which are incorporated by reference into this AIF.
| AIF Item | 2010 AR – Page Reference |
|---|---|
| CORPORATE STRUCTURE Intercorporate Relationships |
180 |
| NARRATIVE DESCRIPTION OF THE BUSINESS The CIBC Organization |
31-95 |
| Environmental Risk | 85 |
| Risk Factors | 66-85 |
| DIVIDENDS | 147-150 |
| CAPITAL STRUCTURE | 146-151 |
| DIRECTORS AND BOARD COMMITTEES | 22-24 |
| LEGAL PROCEEDINGS | 164 |
| TRANSFER AGENT AND REGISTRAR | 188 |
| AUDIT COMMITTEE Fees for Services provided by Shareholders' Auditors |
103 |
Unless otherwise specified, this AIF presents information as at October 31, 2010.
Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (CIBC) is a diversified financial institution governed by the Bank Act (Canada) (Bank Act). CIBC was formed through the amalgamation of The Canadian Bank of Commerce and Imperial Bank of Canada in 1961. The Canadian Bank of Commerce was originally incorporated as Bank of Canada by special act of the legislature of the Province of Canada in 1858. Subsequently, the name was changed to The Canadian Bank of Commerce and it opened for business under that name in 1867. Imperial Bank of Canada was incorporated in 1875 by special act of the Parliament of Canada and commenced operations in that year. The address of the registered and head office of CIBC is Commerce Court, Toronto, Ontario, Canada, M5L 1A2.
Information about the intercorporate relationships among CIBC and its principal subsidiaries is provided on page 180 of the 2010 AR.
CIBC is a leading Canadian-based, global financial institution. CIBC serves its clients through two distinct strategic business units: CIBC Retail Markets and Wholesale Banking.
CIBC Retail Markets comprises CIBC's personal banking, business banking and wealth management businesses. It provides a full range of financial products and services to personal, business and wealth management clients in Canada and the Caribbean, as well as investment management services to retail and institutional clients in Hong Kong, Singapore and the Caribbean.
Wholesale Banking provides a wide range of credit, capital markets, investment banking, merchant banking and research products and services to government, institutional, corporate and retail clients in Canada and in key markets around the world. Wholesale Banking also conducts treasury execution activities. The mandate of Wholesale Banking is to be a premier client-focused, Canadian-based wholesale bank.
CIBC's two major operating groups are supported by five functional groups: Technology and Operations; Corporate Development; Finance (including Treasury); Administration; and Risk Management. Information about CIBC's business lines and functional groups is provided in CIBC's Management Discussion and Analysis for the year ended October 31, 2010 included on pages 31-95 of the 2010 AR.
A more complete description of services provided by CIBC Retail Markets and Wholesale Banking can be found in the 2010 AR on pages 44-48.
CIBC was the fifth largest Canadian chartered bank in terms of market capitalization as of October 31, 2010.
In 2010, CIBC and its main competitors benefited from an improving business climate as low interest rates and government stimulus helped the domestic economy to recover at a moderate pace from the prior years' recession.
With fairly similar distribution networks, products and services offered by CIBC's major competitors, price competition in more traditional bank businesses such as deposit-taking and lending, together with historically low levels of interest rates, has limited net interest margin growth. Revenue growth has been supported by higher fee-based business, as the major banks have expanded their wealth management and wholesale operations over the past decade.
In recent years, federal regulations have fostered increased competition by allowing subsidiaries of foreign banks and non-bank financial institutions to offer traditional banking services. Advances in technology have also opened up the market to new types of competitors and expanded the reach of existing non-bank competitors by allowing the delivery of limited financial services and products without the presence of a physical branch network. Several global investment banks are active participants in the Canadian capital markets.
The challenging market and economic conditions of the past several years have resulted in some foreign competitors retrenching from the Canadian market in certain retail and wholesale businesses. While economic conditions have started to improve, the economic downturn and proposals for new global capital standards have prompted financial institutions worldwide to reassess the business lines and jurisdictions within which they operate. This could prompt some international financial institutions to decide that certain Canadian businesses no longer fit within their strategic priorities.
Over the last several years, given limited domestic growth opportunities and relatively high price-to-earnings valuations for Canadian banks, there has been an increasing commitment to international expansion by many of the other Canadian banks to provide scale, presence and operational leverage. In 2010, the Canadian banks announced a number of small acquisitions as management remained cautious in deploying capital due to continued regulatory uncertainties.
Finally, while Canadian banks remain relatively well capitalized compared to global peers, there are numerous regulatory proposals being considered domestically and internationally to strengthen the global financial system. The proposed regulatory changes have not been finalized but guidance from the Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions on how the new global capital standards will apply to Canadian banks is expected in 2011.
Additional information about our environmental policies and environmental risks can be found under "Management of Risk – Environmental Risk" on page 85 of our 2010 AR.
A discussion of risk factors related to CIBC and its business, and the steps taken to manage those risks appears throughout the 2010 MD&A and in particular under the heading "Management of Risks" on pages 66 to 85 of the 2010 AR.
CIBC has a strategic imperative to deliver consistent and sustainable performance over the long term. At the end of 2009, CIBC identified three key priorities to support this imperative:
CIBC measures progress against these priorities using four key operating objectives:
Minimum Tier 1 and total capital ratios of 8.5% and 11.5% respectively
CIBC made progress against each of these objectives in 2010.
In 2010, CIBC reported fully diluted cash EPS1 of \$5.95, compared with \$2.73 in 2009 and a loss of \$(5.80) in 2008. Results in each of these years were impacted by losses in the structured credit run-off business and economic conditions. Diluted EPS for 2010 was \$5.87 in 2010 compared to \$2.65 in 2009 and a loss of \$(5.89) in 2008.
In 2010 CIBC's loan loss ratio (defined as specific provision for credit losses as a percentage of loans and bankers' acceptances, measured on a managed basis1 ) improved to 56 basis points compared to 70 basis points in 2009 and 38 basis points in 2008. The improvement in 2010 compared to 2009 was supported primarily by lower write-offs in the cards and personal lending businesses. The higher loss rate in 2009 compared to 2008 was primarily the result of higher losses in the cards and unsecured personal lending businesses, higher losses in leveraged loans, other run-off and U.S. real estate finance businesses.
CIBC's cash efficiency ratio (TEB) (defined as non-interest expenses as a percentage of revenue, measured on a cash and taxable-equivalent basis1 ) was 57.6% in 2010 compared to 66.4% in 2009 (2008 results are not meaningful due to losses in the structured credit run-off businesses). The improvement in 2010 is primarily supported by revenue growth. Based on the most recent publicly reported results of the industry peer group, CIBC has maintained its efficiency ratio at the industry median in 2010. CIBC's efficiency ratio was 58.1% in 2010 compared to 67.1% in 2009.
Return on equity in 2010 is 19.4% compared to 9.4% in 2009 and (19.4%) in 2008. The improvement in 2010 and 2009 is driven by higher earnings growth that more than offset higher average shareholders equity.
CIBC's 2010 dividend payout ratio was 59.1% compared to 131.3% in 2009 (CIBC reported a net loss in 2008). The payout ratio improved as a result of higher earnings (with the dividend remaining constant).
CIBC's rolling 5 year total shareholder return in 2010 was 36.6% compared to 50.2% for the S&P/TSX Composite Banks Index. In 2009, CIBC's rolling 5 year total shareholder return was 4.5% compared to 47.4% for the index. In 2008 CIBC's rolling 5 year total shareholder return was 11.4% compared to 43.7% for the index.
CIBC's Tier 1 and Total capital ratios were 13.9% and 17.8% at the end of 2010. This is up from 12.1% and 16.1% at the end of 2009. Capital ratios in 2010 benefitted from lower risk weighted assets and an increase in both Tier 1 and Total regulatory capital. Tier 1 and Total capital ratios were 10.5% and 15.4% respectively in 2008. The increase in capital ratios in 2009 compared to 2008 was primarily the result of the issue of Tier 1 Notes by CIBC Capital Trust and the issuance of preferred shares, offset in part by structured credit charges during the year.
1 Non GAAP Measure – refer to pages 42-43 of CIBC's 2010 Annual Report.
At the end of 2010, 74% of economic capital1 was represented by retail businesses up from 69% in 2009 and 64% in 2008.
CIBC has a common share dividend policy of maintaining a balance between the distribution of profits to shareholders and the need to retain earnings consistent with capital strength and supporting growth in its businesses. In the context of this overall policy, CIBC has a medium term objective for a dividend payout ratio of 40-50% of earnings attributable to common shareholders and seeks to create a pattern of stable growth in dividends per common share as appropriate.
The cash dividends declared and paid per share for each class of CIBC shares and restrictions on the payment of dividends can be found on pages 147 to 150 of the 2010 AR.
A description of CIBC's capital structure is provided on pages 146 to 151 of the 2010 AR.
Credit ratings are important to CIBC's borrowing costs and ability to raise funds in the wholesale debt markets. CIBC's credit ratings are discussed on page 83 of the 2010 MD&A under the heading "Management of Risk – Liquidity Risk". Credit ratings should not be construed as a recommendation to buy, sell, or hold CIBC securities. Ratings may be revised or withdrawn at any time by the respective rating agencies.
Definitions of the categories of each rating as at October 31, 2010 have been obtained from the respective rating agencies' websites and are outlined in Appendix A. A more detailed explanation of the various ratings categories may be obtained from the ratings agencies.
CIBC maintains a listing of its common shares on the Toronto Stock Exchange and the New York Stock Exchange. CIBC maintains a listing of its preferred shares, other than the unlisted Series 28 Preferred Shares, on the Toronto Stock Exchange.
The following subordinated debt securities issued by CIBC are listed on the London Stock Exchange:
1 Non GAAP Measure – refer to pages 42-43 of CIBC's 2010 Annual Report.
2 From time to time securities of CIBC may be listed on other stock exchanges or quotation systems by investors, brokers or others without the consent or involvement of CIBC. This section does not include debt instruments that are classified as deposits.
CIBC sold one issue of subordinated debt securities during the year ended October 31, 2010. The issue is not listed or quoted on an exchange:
\$1.1 billion 4.11% Debentures due April 30, 2020 (Subordinated Indebtedness) were issued on April 30, 2010, at a price of 100%.
CIBC sold one issue of subordinated debt securities that closed subsequent to October 31, 2010. The issue is not listed or quoted on an exchange:
\$1.5 billion 3.15% Debentures due November 2, 2020 (Subordinated Indebtedness) were issued on November 2, 2010, at a price of 99.789%.
| Nov 09 |
Dec 09 |
Jan 10 |
Feb 10 |
Mar 10 |
Apr 10 |
May 10 |
Jun 10 |
Jul 10 |
Aug 10 |
Sep 10 |
Oct 10 |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Common Shares High Low Vol ('000) |
\$70.08 \$61.05 28080 |
\$71.48 \$66.77 26908 |
\$68.69 \$63.25 21338 |
\$70.10 \$62.60 19578 |
\$77.38 \$70.00 31043 |
\$77.25 \$72.04 26029 |
\$76.18 \$67.67 30481 |
\$75.73 \$66.12 31011 |
\$71.37 \$65.05 31815 |
\$73.23 \$66.23 30671 |
\$75.25 \$72.69 35098 |
\$79.63 \$73.84 26683 |
| Pref. Series 18 High Low Vol ('000) |
\$23.45 \$22.77 197 |
\$24.19 \$23.35 154 |
\$24.05 \$23.63 99 |
\$23.90 \$23.11 97 |
\$23.79 \$21.90 187 |
\$22.42 \$21.42 239 |
\$22.50 \$21.75 189 |
\$23.69 \$22.45 145 |
\$24.25 \$23.10 199 |
\$24.75 \$24.00 179 |
\$25.24 \$24.56 210 |
\$25.58 \$24.91 132 |
| Pref. Series 19 High Low Vol ('000) |
\$26.45 \$26.27 34 |
\$26.72 \$25.95 216 |
\$26.44 \$25.93 180 |
\$26.15 \$25.76 20 |
\$26.00 \$25.75 394 |
\$25.85 \$25.50 32 |
\$26.00 \$25.41 45 |
\$26.10 \$25.66 56 |
\$26.09 \$25.60 16 |
\$26.19 \$25.54 18 |
\$26.47 \$25.42 13 |
\$25.50 \$25.40 221 |
| Pref. Series 23 High Low Vol ('000) |
\$26.68 \$26.00 196 |
\$26.95 \$26.15 73 |
\$26.95 \$26.25 276 |
\$26.35 \$25.95 225 |
\$26.06 \$25.35 295 |
\$25.70 \$25.35 330 |
\$25.70 \$25.46 138 |
\$25.69 \$25.19 129 |
\$25.76 \$25.13 215 |
\$25.78 \$25.26 148 |
\$25.50 \$24.95 547 |
\$25.00 \$24.97 1033 |
| Pref. Series 26 High Low Vol ('000) |
\$24.49 \$24.19 306 |
\$25.30 \$24.50 210 |
\$25.25 \$24.41 233 |
\$24.95 \$24.61 94 |
\$24.89 \$23.17 144 |
\$23.37 \$22.50 304 |
\$23.90 \$22.53 176 |
\$24.49 \$23.24 163 |
\$25.09 \$24.12 166 |
\$25.25 \$24.88 482 |
\$26.00 \$25.07 271 |
\$25.80 \$25.10 148 |
| Pref. Series 27 High Low Vol ('000) |
\$23.94 \$23.30 114 |
\$24.45 \$23.70 276 |
\$24.48 \$23.84 122 |
\$24.18 \$23.70 134 |
\$24.06 \$22.66 158 |
\$22.77 \$22.09 166 |
\$22.94 \$22.00 206 |
\$23.83 \$22.75 198 |
\$24.29 \$23.37 193 |
\$24.90 \$24.06 211 |
\$25.45 \$24.70 204 |
\$25.52 \$24.77 313 |
| Pref. Series 29 High Low Vol ('000) |
\$23.23 \$22.42 196 |
\$23.59 \$22.84 153 |
\$23.54 \$23.00 91 |
\$23.40 \$22.99 153 |
\$23.21 \$21.52 335 |
\$21.98 \$21.12 291 |
\$21.97 \$20.90 305 |
\$23.04 \$21.70 275 |
\$23.39 \$22.65 211 |
\$24.15 \$23.16 212 |
\$24.98 \$23.94 412 |
\$25.20 \$24.15 313 |
| Pref. Series 30 High Low Vol ('000) |
\$20.89 \$19.95 281 |
\$21.10 \$20.47 294 |
\$21.24 \$20.67 338 |
\$21.05 \$20.46 295 |
\$20.77 \$19.34 378 |
\$19.64 \$18.77 381 |
\$19.39 \$18.75 402 |
\$20.36 \$19.32 492 |
\$20.85 \$20.07 419 |
\$21.77 \$20.57 603 |
\$22.98 \$21.57 532 |
\$23.00 \$22.00 329 |
| Pref. Series 31 High Low Vol ('000) |
\$20.40 \$19.58 382 |
\$20.81 \$20.10 423 |
\$20.90 \$20.28 286 |
\$20.70 \$20.01 440 |
\$20.31 \$18.91 588 |
\$19.36 \$18.41 479 |
\$19.08 \$18.47 304 |
\$19.98 \$19.03 473 |
\$20.49 \$19.68 391 |
\$21.36 \$20.31 474 |
\$22.58 \$21.22 742 |
\$22.65 \$21.54 646 |
| Pref. Series 32 High Low Vol ('000) |
\$19.69 \$18.64 270 |
\$19.90 \$19.18 268 |
\$20.25 \$19.49 331 |
\$20.05 \$19.55 303 |
\$19.77 \$18.32 349 |
\$18.51 \$17.77 438 |
\$18.30 \$17.81 306 |
\$19.21 \$18.20 656 |
\$19.69 \$18.87 288 |
\$20.63 \$19.49 286 |
\$21.95 \$20.45 357 |
\$21.95 \$21.37 536 |
| Pref. Series 33 High Low Vol ('000) |
\$26.85 \$26.02 208 |
\$27.25 \$26.51 274 |
\$27.10 \$26.65 140 |
\$26.90 \$26.25 328 |
\$27.24 \$26.48 366 |
\$26.85 \$25.51 225 |
\$26.46 \$25.80 126 |
\$26.99 \$26.10 278 |
\$27.60 \$26.30 257 |
\$27.25 \$26.75 75 |
\$27.83 \$26.55 436 |
\$27.59 \$26.45 489 |
| Pref. Series 35 High Low Vol ('000) |
\$28.00 \$27.42 674 |
\$28.48 \$27.81 589 |
\$28.15 \$27.64 531 |
\$28.04 \$27.75 274 |
\$28.60 \$27.96 873 |
\$28.18 \$26.50 857 |
\$27.38 \$26.62 325 |
\$27.78 \$27.05 428 |
\$28.25 \$27.50 270 |
\$28.38 \$27.70 233 |
\$28.57 \$27.70 538 |
\$28.50 \$27.71 252 |
| Pref. Series 37 High Low Vol ('000) |
\$27.98 \$27.45 322 |
\$28.49 \$27.82 219 |
\$28.60 \$27.71 351 |
\$28.45 \$27.76 306 |
\$28.59 \$27.95 368 |
\$28.19 \$26.60 607 |
\$27.44 \$26.35 467 |
\$28.00 \$27.19 286 |
\$28.20 \$27.42 207 |
\$28.50 \$27.80 211 |
\$28.69 \$27.91 342 |
\$28.49 \$27.78 174 |
Information concerning the directors and board committees of CIBC is found on pages 22 to 24 of the 2010 AR.
All of the directors have held their business affiliations indicated on page 24 of the 2010 AR for the past five years with the exception of the following:
Directors are elected annually. Under the Bank Act and CIBC's By-laws, a director's term expires at the close of the next annual meeting of common shareholders, which is scheduled on April 28, 2011.
The following are CIBC's executive officers, their titles and their municipalities of residence, as at December 1, 2010:
| Name | Title | Municipality of Residence |
|---|---|---|
| McCaughey, G.T. (Gerry) | President and Chief Executive Officer, CIBC | Toronto |
| Baxendale, S. A. (Sonia) | Senior Executive Vice-President, CIBC and President, CIBC Retail Markets |
Toronto |
| Capatides, M.G. (Mike) | Senior Executive Vice-President, Chief Administrative Officer and General Counsel |
Morristown, NJ |
| Lalonde, R.A. (Ron) | Senior Executive Vice-President, CIBC | Toronto |
| Nesbitt, R.W. (Richard) | Senior Executive Vice-President, CIBC; and Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, CIBC World Markets Inc. |
Toronto |
| Venn, R.E. (Richard) | Senior Executive Vice-President, CIBC and Advisor to the Chief Executive Officer's Office |
Toronto |
| Williamson, J.D. (David) | Senior Executive Vice-President and Chief Financial Officer | Toronto |
| Woods, T.D. (Tom) | Senior Executive Vice-President and Chief Risk Officer | Toronto |
All of the executive officers have held their present business affiliations for more than five years except for Richard Nesbitt who was Chief Executive Officer from 2004 to 2008 and President from 2001 to 2004 at the Toronto Stock Exchange Group; and David Williamson who was President and Chief Executive Officer at Atlas Cold Storage from 2004 to 2006 and Senior Vice-President, Strategic Planning and Business Development at Canada Life Financial Corporation from 2002 to 2003.
To the knowledge of CIBC, as at October 31, 2010, the directors and executive officers of CIBC as a group, beneficially owned, directly or indirectly, or exercised control or direction over less than 1% of the outstanding common shares of CIBC and FirstCaribbean International Bank.
Except as set out below, to the knowledge of CIBC, in the last ten years, no director or executive officer of CIBC is or has been a director, chief executive officer or chief financial officer of an issuer that, while that person was acting in that capacity, (a) was subject to a cease trade order or similar order, or an order that denied the issuer access to any exemption under securities legislation, for a period of more than 30 consecutive days or (b) was the subject of an event that resulted, after that person ceased to be a director or chief executive officer or chief financial officer, in the issuer being the subject of a cease trade order or similar order or an order that denied the issuer access to any exemption under securities legislation, for a period of more than 30 consecutive days. Except as set out below, to the knowledge of CIBC, in the last ten years, no director or executive officer of CIBC is or has been a director or executive officer of an issuer that, while that person was acting in that capacity or within a year of that person ceasing to act in that capacity, became bankrupt, made a proposal under any legislation relating to bankruptcy or insolvency or was subject to or instituted any proceedings, arrangement or compromise with creditors or had a receiver, receiver manager or trustee appointed to hold its assets.
(i) Mrs. Jalynn H. Bennett, a director of CIBC, was a director of Nortel Networks Corporation and Nortel Networks Limited (collectively, the Nortel Companies), when the Nortel Companies announced on March 10, 2006 the need to restate certain of their previously reported financial results and the resulting delay in the filing of certain 2005 financial statements by the required filing dates. The Ontario Securities Commission (OSC) issued a final management cease trade order on April 10, 2006 prohibiting all of the directors, officers and certain current and former employees, including Mrs. Bennett, from trading in securities of the Nortel Companies until two business days following the receipt by the OSC of all of the filings the Nortel Companies were required to make under Ontario securities laws. The British Columbia Securities Commission (BCSC) and the Quebec Securities Commission (QSC) also issued similar orders. Mrs. Bennett was not subject to the orders issued by the BCSC and the QSC. The OSC lifted the cease trade order effective June 8, 2006. The BCSC and the QSC also lifted their cease trade orders shortly thereafter;
Mrs. Bennett was a director of the Nortel Companies when the Nortel Companies and certain other Canadian subsidiaries initiated creditor protection proceedings under the Companies' Creditors Arrangement Act (CCAA) in Canada on January 14, 2009. Certain U.S. subsidiaries filed voluntary petitions in the United States under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code, and certain Europe, Middle East and Africa subsidiaries made consequential filings in Europe and the Middle East. These proceedings are ongoing. Mrs. Bennett remains a director of the Nortel Companies;
(ii) Mr. Gordon D. Giffin, a director of CIBC, was a director of AbitibiBowater Inc. from October 29, 2007 until his resignation on January 22, 2009. In April 2009, AbitibiBowater Inc. and certain of its U.S. and Canadian subsidiaries filed voluntary petitions in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware for relief under the provisions of Chapter 11 and Chapter 15 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code, as amended, and sought creditor protection under the CCAA with the Superior Court of Quebec in Canada;
(iii) Mr. John P. Manley, a director of CIBC, was a director of the Nortel Companies, when the OSC made final an order prohibiting all trading by directors, officers and certain current and former employees of the Nortel Companies on May 31, 2004, by reason of the Nortel Companies having announced the need to restate certain of their previously reported financial results and the resulting delays in filing their interim and annual financial statements for certain periods by the required filing dates under Ontario securities laws. This order was revoked by the OSC on June 21, 2005;
Mr. Manley was also a director of the Nortel Companies when the Nortel Companies announced on March 10, 2006 the need to restate certain of their previously reported financial results and the resulting delay in the filing of certain 2005 financial statements by the required filing dates. The OSC issued a final management cease trade order on April 10, 2006 prohibiting all of the directors, officers and certain current and former employees, including Mr. Manley, from trading in securities of the Nortel Companies until two business days following the receipt by the OSC of all of the filings the Nortel Companies were required to make under Ontario securities laws. The BCSC and QSC also issued similar orders. The OSC lifted the cease trade order effective June 8, 2006. The BCSC and the QSC also lifted their cease trade orders shortly thereafter;
Mr. Manley was a director of the Nortel Companies when the Nortel Companies and certain other Canadian subsidiaries initiated creditor protection proceedings under the CCAA in Canada on January 14, 2009. Certain U.S. subsidiaries filed voluntary petitions in the United States under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code, and certain Europe, Middle East and Africa subsidiaries made consequential filings in Europe and the Middle East. These proceedings are ongoing. Mr. Manley resigned as a director of the Nortel Companies on August 10, 2009;
To the knowledge of CIBC, no director or executive officer of CIBC, (i) has been subject to any penalties or sanctions imposed by a court relating to securities legislation or by a securities regulatory authority or has entered into a settlement agreement with a securities regulatory authority, or (ii) has been subject to any other penalties or sanctions imposed by a court or regulatory body that would likely be considered important to a reasonable investor in making an investment decision.
To the knowledge of CIBC, in the last ten years, no director or executive officer has become bankrupt, made a proposal under any legislation relating to bankruptcy or insolvency, or was subject to or instituted any proceedings, arrangement or compromise with creditors, or had a receiver, receiver manager or trustee appointed to hold the assets of the director or executive officer.
To the knowledge of CIBC, no director or executive officer of CIBC has an existing or potential material conflict of interest with CIBC or any of its subsidiaries.
A description of significant legal proceedings to which CIBC is a party is provided under the heading "Contingent Liabilities" on page 164 of the 2010 AR.
The Canadian Securities Administrators require issuers to disclose any settlements, whether or not material, entered into by an issuer or its subsidiaries with a Canadian securities regulatory authority during its most recent fiscal year. In December 2009, CIBC and CIBC World Markets Inc. reached a settlement with the Ontario Securities Commission relating to our participation in the Canadian asset-backed commercial paper market in an amount equal to \$21.7 million plus \$300,000 in costs. CIBC does not consider this matter to be material.
To the knowledge of CIBC, no director or executive officer of CIBC, or any of their associates has any material interest, directly or indirectly, in any transaction within the three most recently completed financial years that has materially affected or will materially affect CIBC.
The addresses for CIBC's transfer agent and registrar are provided on page 188 of the 2010 AR.
Ernst & Young LLP, Chartered Accountants, Toronto, Ontario, is the external auditor who prepared the Independent Auditors' Reports to Shareholders - Report on Financial Statements and Report on Internal Controls over Financial Reporting. Ernst & Young LLP is independent with respect to CIBC within the meaning of the Rules of Professional Conduct of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Ontario, United States federal securities laws and the rules and regulations thereunder, including the independence rules adopted by the United States Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002; and applicable independence requirements of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States).
The Audit Committee Mandate as approved by the Board is included in Appendix B. The members of the Audit Committee are listed below. Each member of the Audit Committee is independent and financially literate as defined by Canadian securities laws. Each Audit Committee member has been designated by the Board as an "audit committee financial expert" as defined by the rules of the United States Securities and Exchange Commission.
This section describes the education and experience of CIBC's Audit Committee members that is relevant to the performance of their responsibilities in that role.
Each member of the Audit Committee currently is, or has previously been, in charge of, or an advisor or a consultant to, a significant business operation, often as president, chief executive officer or chief financial officer of a large public company and in the case of Mr. John Manley, the Minister of Finance for the Government of Canada. Given the breadth and complexity of a financial institution's accounting issues, the Audit Committee members participate from time to time in internal or external sessions related to accounting matters or developments. Travel and attendance costs are paid by CIBC. Further detail on the education and experience of each Audit Committee member is set out below.
Mrs. Bennett was President of Jalynn H. Bennett and Associates Ltd., a Toronto-based consulting firm specializing in strategic planning and organizational development from 1989 to 2010. She is a past director of the Bank of Canada, a former commissioner of the Ontario Securities Commission, and was a member of the Canadian Institute of Chartered Accountants 2000 Toronto Stock Exchange Committee on Corporate Governance. Before setting up her own consulting firm, Mrs. Bennett was associated for nearly 25 years with The Manufacturers Life Insurance Company. Mrs. Bennett is a director and member of the audit committee of Nortel Networks Corporation and Nortel Networks Limited. She is also a director of Teck Resources Limited and The Cadillac Fairview Corporation Limited. In 2008 Mrs. Bennett was appointed by the Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat as an external member of the Departmental Audit Committee of Human Resources and Social Development Canada. Mrs. Bennett received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics from the University of Toronto.
Mr. Manley is President and Chief Executive Officer of the Canadian Council of Chief Executives (CCCE). Prior to joining the CCCE, Mr. Manley was Counsel, McCarthy Tétrault LLP. Throughout more than 15 years of public service, Mr. Manley held several senior portfolios in the Canadian federal government. He was appointed to Cabinet in November 1993. Mr. Manley was appointed Deputy Prime Minister of Canada in January 2002 and also served as Finance Minister from June 2002 to December 2003. Mr. Manley is a director of CAE Inc. and a director and member of the audit committee of Canadian Pacific Railway Limited. He is also a member of the Board of Governors of the University of Waterloo, The Conference Board of Canada, the Board of Directors of the Institute for Research on Public Policy, and the Advisory Board of Canada 2020. Mr. Manley is also Chair of the Advisory Board of the University of Toronto Munk School of Global Affairs. Mr. Manley received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Carleton University and a law degree from the University of Ottawa.
Ms. Peverett was President and Chief Executive Officer of British Columbia Transmission Corporation (BCTC) from 2005 to 2009. From 2003 to 2005 Ms. Peverett was Chief Financial Officer of BCTC. Prior to joining BCTC, Ms. Peverett was with Westcoast Energy where she held progressively senior finance and regulatory affairs roles until her appointment in 2001 as President and Chief Executive Officer of Union Gas Limited. Ms. Peverett is a fellow of the Society of Management Accountants and was named by RaderEnergy as one of the 50 Key Women in Energy on a Global Basis in 2004. Ms. Peverett is a director and Chair of British Columbia Ferry Authority, a director and chair of the audit committee of EnCana Corporation, a director and member of the audit committee of Northwest Natural Gas Company and a director of Associated Electric & Gas Insurance Services Limited. In 2005 Ms. Peverett received a PEAK award honouring women's excellence in the field of finance and in 2009 was named one of the Influential Women in Business in Vancouver. Ms. Peverett received a Bachelor of Commerce degree from McMaster University and an MBA from Queen's University. She is a Certified Management Accountant and was made a fellow of the Society of Management Accountants in 2003.
Mr. Steacy is a retired Chief Financial Officer of Torstar Corporation, a major Canadian media company, with over 20 years of senior financial officer experience. Mr. Steacy was Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Torstar Corporation from 2002 to 2005, Vice President Finance from 1989 to 2002, and Director, Finance from 1983 to 1988. He has served on the boards of Torstar subsidiaries, investments and also on a number of not-forprofit boards including University of Toronto Press where he was chair of the human resources committee and a member of the audit committee. Mr. Steacy is a director of OCP Holdings Corporation and Postmedia Network Inc. and is a director and chair of the audit committees of Cineplex Galaxy Income Fund and Domtar Corporation. Mr. Steacy received an honours Bachelor of Commerce from Queen's University and is a Chartered Accountant.
Mr. Tysoe was a Senior Advisor with Perella Weinberg Partners LP from October 2006 to October 2007. Mr. Tysoe was Vice-Chair of Macy's Inc. (formerly Federated Department Stores, Inc.) from 1990 until October 2006 and served as Chief Financial Officer of Federated Department Stores, Inc. from 1990 to 1997. Mr. Tysoe is a director and member of the audit committees of Pzena Investment Management, Inc. and Taubman Centers, Inc., and he is a director and chair of the audit committees of Scripps Networks Interactive Inc and Cintas Corporation. Mr. Tysoe received both Bachelor of Commerce and Bachelor of Law degrees from the University of British Columbia.
The Audit Committee has adopted a policy for the engagement of the shareholders' auditors. The text of the policy is included in Appendix C.
The information on professional service fees by Shareholders' Auditors is provided on page 103 of the 2010 AR.
Additional information with respect to CIBC, including directors' and officers' remuneration and indebtedness, principal holders of CIBC's securities and securities authorized for issuance under equity compensation plans, where applicable, is contained in CIBC's management proxy circular for its most recent annual meeting of shareholders that involved the election of directors. Additional financial information is provided in CIBC's financial statements and Management's Discussion and Analysis for its most recently completed financial year. These documents, as well as additional information relating to CIBC, are available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com.
Short-Term Debt Rating: R-1 (high)
Short-term debt ratings indicate the risk that a borrower will not be able to meet its shortterm debt obligations in a timely manner. Short-term debt rated R-1 (high) is of the highest credit quality, indicative of an entity with an exceptionally high capacity to be able to repay short term financial liabilities as they become due. R-1 is the highest of six shortterm debt ratings categories.
Senior Debt Rating: AA Subordinated Debt Rating: AA (low)
Long-term debt ratings provide an assessment of the risk that the issuer will not be able to meet its obligations under the terms of the issue. Long-term debt rated AA is ranked in the second highest of 10 categories. It is considered to be of superior credit quality, with capacity for payment considered to be high. Entities rated AA are unlikely to be significantly susceptible to future events.
Preferred Shares Rating: Pfd-1(low)
Preferred share ratings provide an assessment of the risk that the issuer will not be able to meet its dividend and principal obligations in a timely manner. A Pfd-1 rating is the highest of 6 categories for preferred shares. Preferred shares rated Pfd-1 are of superior credit quality; supported by entities with strong earnings and balance sheet attributes.
(Each DBRS rating category may be denoted by the subcategories "high" or "low". The absence of a "high" or "low" designation indicates the rating is in the middle of the category.)
Short-Term Debt Rating: P-1
Short-term debt ratings are assessments of an issuer's ability to repay short-term obligations. There are four categories of ratings with P-1 being rated the highest. Issuers rated P-1 have a superior ability to repay short-term debt obligations.
Senior Debt Rating: Aa2 Subordinated Debt Rating: Aa3
Long term debt ratings reflect an assessment of whether or not financial obligations with an original maturity of 1 year or more will not be met. The Aa rating category includes debt judged to be of high quality and very low credit risk and it is the second highest of 9 categories.
Preferred shares Rating: Baa1
A Baa rating is the fourth highest of nine categories used by Moody's. The obligation is subject to moderate credit risk. These are medium grade obligations that may have certain speculative attributes.
(The modifiers 1, 2 and 3 may be used to indicate that the obligation ranks in the high, midrange or lower end of the rating category respectively.)
Short-Term Debt Rating: A-1
A short-term borrowing rated A-1 is rated in the highest of ten categories used by S&P. The borrower's capacity to meet its financial obligations with respect to the debt is strong.
Senior Debt Rating: A+ Subordinated Debt Rating: A
The A rating is the third highest of ten categories used to assess the ability of the borrower to meet its financial obligations as they become due. Although the borrower's ability to meet its financial commitment on the obligation is strong, obligations rated A are somewhat more vulnerable to the negative effects of changes in circumstances and economic conditions than obligations in higher rated categories. A "+" or "-" grade may be used to denote the relative standing of a rating within the major rating categories.
Preferred Shares Canadian Rating: P-1(Low)
Global Rating: A-
The P-1 rating is the highest of the eight categories used by S&P in its Canadian preferred share rating scales. CIBC's rating of P-1 (Low) on the Canadian scale corresponds to a rating of A- on S&P's global scale, which is in the second highest category on that scale. "High" and "Low" (for the Canadian scale) and "+" and "-" (for the global scale) grades may be used to indicate the relative standing of a credit within a particular rating category.
Short-Term Debt Rating: F1+
This rating indicates the highest credit quality and the strongest capacity for timely payment of short term financial commitments. The F1 rating is in the highest of seven ratings categories.
Senior Debt Rating: AA-
AA is the second highest rating category of ten ratings categories and indicates an assessment of very high credit quality and very low credit risk. This rating indicates a very strong capacity for timely payment of financial obligations that is not significantly vulnerable to foreseeable events.
Subordinated Debt Rating: A+ Preferred Shares Rating: A
The A rating is in the third highest category and indicates an assessment of high credit quality and low credit risk. The capacity for payment of obligations is considered strong, but may however, be more susceptible to changes in circumstances or in economic conditions than that of higher ratings.
(The signs "+" (plus) or "-" (minus) denote relative position within major ratings categories.)
(1) The primary functions of the Audit Committee are to: fulfill its responsibilities for reviewing the integrity of CIBC's financial statements, financial disclosures and internal control over financial reporting; monitor the system of internal control; monitor CIBC's compliance with legal and regulatory requirements; select the external auditors for shareholder approval; review the qualifications, independence and performance of the external auditors; review the qualifications, independence and performance of CIBC's internal auditors; and act as the Audit Committee for certain federally regulated subsidiaries.
The Audit Committee shall have the accountabilities and responsibilities set out below as well as any other accountabilities that are specifically delegated to the Audit Committee by the Board. In addition to these functions and responsibilities, the Audit Committee shall perform the duties required of an audit committee by the Bank Act (Canada), requirements of the stock exchanges on which the securities of CIBC are listed and all other applicable laws.
(vii) review any material changes in accounting policies and practices and their impact on the financial statements as presented by management or the external auditors;
(viii) review management's and the external auditors' reports on the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting;
(f) Evaluation and Rotation of Lead Partner At least annually, the Audit Committee shall review the qualifications and performance of the external auditors. The Audit Committee shall obtain a report from the external auditors annually confirming that they are in compliance with all audit firm and regulatory requirements relating to partner rotation and that the engagement team collectively possesses the experience and competence to perform an appropriate audit.
(g) Pre-Approval of Audit and Non-Audit Services The Audit Committee shall preapprove any retainer of the external auditors for any audit and non-audit service to CIBC or its subsidiaries in accordance with applicable law and Board approved policies and procedures. The Audit Committee may delegate pre-approval authority to a member of the Audit Committee. The decisions of any member of the Audit Committee to whom this authority has been delegated must be presented to the full Audit Committee at its next scheduled Audit Committee meeting.
(b) Establishment, Review and Approval The Audit Committee shall require management to implement and maintain appropriate policies and systems of internal control in accordance with applicable laws, regulations and guidance, including internal control over financial reporting and disclosure and to review, evaluate and approve these procedures. At least annually, the Audit Committee shall consider and review with management, the external auditors, the Chief Auditor, the Executive Vice-President, Controls and Deputy General Counsel, and the Chief Compliance Officer:
(i) the effectiveness of, or weaknesses or deficiencies in: the design or operation of CIBC's internal controls (including computerized information system controls and security); the overall control environment for managing business risks; and accounting, financial and disclosure controls (including, without limitation, controls over financial reporting), operational controls, and legal and regulatory controls (including with respect to money laundering and terrorist financing) and the impact of any identified weaknesses in internal controls on management's conclusions;
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(1) The Chair shall report to the Board, as required by applicable law or as deemed necessary by the Audit Committee or as requested by the Board, on matters arising at Audit Committee meetings and, where applicable, shall present the Audit Committee's recommendation to the Board for its approval.
(1) This mandate was last revised and approved by the Board on May 26, 2010.
The following words used above have the following meanings:
This policy is designed to provide a consistent approach for the engagement of the shareholders' auditors; it also establishes the roles and responsibilities of those involved in external audit engagements and must be followed by all employees responsible for the engagement of shareholders' auditors.
The purpose of this policy is to set parameters for the engagement of the shareholders' auditors by CIBC consistent with CIBC corporate governance expectations and applicable law, including the U.S. Sarbanes-Oxley Act and SEC Rules. Failure to comply with this policy may result in the disqualification of CIBC's appointed shareholders' auditors to conduct the financial statement and internal control audits for CIBC.
This Policy covers all work that might be performed by the shareholders' auditors through engagements with CIBC or its subsidiaries.
The term shareholders' auditors refers to the firm of accountants that is appointed to perform the audit of the consolidated financial statements of CIBC and its subsidiaries. The current shareholders' auditors are Ernst & Young LLP, including any Ernst & Young International, Ltd. or Ernst & Young Global Limited member or affiliated firm of Ernst & Young.
4.1.2 In the event that a non-audit service is provided by the shareholders' auditors that was not recognized at the time of the engagement to be a non-audit service, such service must be brought to the attention of the Audit Committee or its delegate for approval.
4.1.3 The shareholders' auditors will only perform audit, audit-related and tax work. Examples of "audit", "audit-related" and "tax work" are included in the Appendix.
The EVP Finance Shared Services is accountable for the management of this Policy and providing interpretations on its application.
This policy is effective from the date of approval by the Audit Committee of CIBC, December 1, 2010 and applies to all subsequent engagements.
This policy will be reviewed at least annually and will be submitted to the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors for review and approval. Material changes will be submitted to the CIBC Governance and Control Committee for approval prior to submission to the Audit Committee. Any significant updates will be communicated on CIBC Today.
• Procedures for Implementing the Scope of Services Policy
| Proxy Fee Disclosure Category |
Service | Limit Per Engagement Letter or Contract |
Aggregate Annual Pre Approval Cost Limits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Audit \$'000 |
Core Audit Fees (A-1) Prospectus / Regulatory Filings (A-2) Additional Audit Fees (A-3) Other services requiring specific pre-approval |
Note 1 75 100 0 |
Note 1 900 1,500 0 |
| Audit Related \$'000 |
Employee benefit plan audits (AR-1) Due diligence services in connection with mergers, acquisitions, divestitures and restructuring (AR-2) Interpretation of accounting, tax and reporting standards (AR-3) Attest services not required by Statute or regulation (AR-4) Information technology review and advisory services (AR-5) Translation services (AR-6) Agreed upon procedures reports or statutory compliance (AR-7) Other services requiring specific pre-approval |
150 100 100 100 100 125 100 0 |
400 100 400 200 675 300 400 0 |
| Tax \$'000 |
Tax compliance services (T-1) Assistance with tax audits and appeals to regulatory agencies (T-2) Tax advice or assistance regarding statutory, regulatory or administrative developments (T-3) Review of financial statement implications (T-4) General tax planning and advice relating to mergers and acquisitions and financing structures (T-5) Other tax consultations (T-6) Other services requiring specific pre-approval |
100 100 100 100 100 200 0 |
350 100 200 100 100 250 0 |
| Other \$'000 |
Consulting and other advisory services (O-1) Other services requiring specific pre-approval |
25 0 |
100 0 |
| Proxy Fee Disclosure Category |
Service | Limit Per Engagement Letter or Contract |
Aggregate Annual Pre Approval Cost Limits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Prohibited \$'000 |
Bookkeeping or other services related to the • accounting records or Financial Statements of CIBC • Financial information systems design and implementation • Appraisal or valuation services, fairness opinions, or contributions-in-kind reports • Actuarial services • Internal audit outsourcing services • Management functions or human resources • Broker or dealer, investment advisor, or investment banking services • Legal services • Corporate recovery services paid directly by CIBC or for a corporate credit customer of CIBC where CIBC is able to direct the choice of financial advisors or consultants by virtue of its credit position with the client • Expert services unrelated to the audit Any other services that the Public Accounting • Oversight Board in the US determines, by regulation, is impermissible |
Prohibited |
Note 1 Core audit fees are approved by the Audit Committee of the CIBC Board of Directors at the annual CIBC Board Meeting
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